So I Was the Persecuted Grand Duchess Destined to Die? Chapter 75

Chapter 75

“…!”

Startled by even that tiny movement, Xavier quietly withdrew his hand.
As if on cue, Renée turned her back to him and slipped right back into sleep.

“Haa…”

A flicker of disbelief crossed the man’s face—but only for a moment.

Watching that small, delicate back rise and fall,
Xavier forced his loudly pounding heart to calm.

…I’ll have to take my time and approach her slowly.

From Renée’s point of view, it would be strange if he suddenly started acting gentle like a spring breeze.

So for now… I should keep some distance until my heart settles.

Ever since he’d become aware of his feelings, even the hem of Renée’s dress was enough to make his heart race—
it was deeply troubling.

First, he needed to grow accustomed to his own emotions.
Then, he needed to learn something he had never once considered—

a woman’s heart.

After that, it wouldn’t be too late to approach her.

But Xavier didn’t realize it.

That this was, in truth, merely an excuse.

From the moment he became aware of his feelings, the cool-headed, brilliant Grand Duke of Celeste no longer existed—
there was only an awkward adolescent boy experiencing first love for the first time.

The next morning.
An awkward start to the day.

“Cough!”

With the sense that I’d forgotten something important, I jolted awake.

Outside, an unfamiliar bird chirped cheerfully, announcing the new day.

“Huh… when did I fall asleep?”

I hurriedly turned my head—but the space beside me was already empty.

“Xavieeer!”

That jerk?!
So he really didn’t come out until I fell asleep?!

At this point, my original goal of talking things out had vanished, leaving only stubborn pride.

“You think you can avoid me just by running away?”

I’m the Grand Duchess! You’re the Grand Duke!
This game of tag has a predetermined ending!

Trying so hard to escape—it wasn’t very Grand Duke–like at all.

What is his problem, seriously?

While I stewed in frustration, time didn’t wait around.

Knock, knock, knock.

With the sound of knocking came Betty’s bright voice.

“Madam! Did you cough?”

“Ah—yeah.”

“Then please excuse me!”

Betty, Nina, and Dora filed in one after another, each pushing a tray.

At a glance, it was an overwhelming collection of luxurious dresses, jewelry, and countless cosmetics.

“Then we’ll escort you to the bath right away. Even starting now, the schedule’s tight!”

“What? The banquet’s in the evening.”

“Exactly! That’s why we need to start now!”

“Aaagh!”

But there was nothing I could do except surrender myself to the maids.

“At tonight’s banquet, our Madam must shine the brightest.”

“O-Okay…”

Overwhelmed by their fierce determination, I obediently let them slather expensive scented oils all over me.

Just bathing took twice as long as usual.

In return, I got glossy hair and unbelievably soft skin—but…

The real problem was that this was only the beginning.

“Hm, should we tie her hair up?”

“Our Madam has such a beautiful neckline. But I also want everyone to see this shining hair!”

“Then maybe half-up?”

“Just… do whatever.”

Even deciding on a hairstyle had them agonizing.

At this point, I gave up entirely and stared ahead blankly.

Dora, in charge of my hair, skillfully braided the sides and finished with a half-up bun.

Then I changed into my dress, and they applied layer after layer of makeup—

Before I knew it, the sun had set.

We definitely started early in the morning…

Preparing for a romance-fantasy banquet was brutal!

“Kyaaah~ Madam, you’re stunning!”

“I always thought you were just cute, but you even have this sensual charm?!”

“The star of tonight’s banquet is obviously our Madam!”

I half-listened to the now-familiar praise while examining my unfamiliar reflection.

The off-shoulder organza silk dress had a voluminous bell-shaped silhouette.
Crimson mikado silk wrapped around my upper body, spreading downward like curtains,
layered with flowing cream-colored organza that swayed softly.

Gold embroidery scattered throughout shimmered whenever it caught the light.

Around my neck was a choker centered with a large ruby, surrounded by small pearls.

Ugh. Heavy.

It was about the size of a baby’s fist, but with everything else so ornate, it somehow blended perfectly.

“So when I thought I’d dressed up back in the North, that was just an illusion…”

I really thought I’d gone all out back then!

True banquet attire was on a completely different level.

“Do you like it?”

Betty asked, her eyes sparkling.

Everything was extravagant, yet strangely, it all suited me perfectly.
It was obvious that every item had been chosen with my hair and eye color in mind.

That level of thoughtfulness—

In the end, I smiled and nodded.

“Of course! Who do you think dressed me? Tonight’s main character is me~!”

Hehehe!

I pointed my thumb at myself, and applause burst out.

When I struck a few playful poses, the maids nearly fainted.

Just then—

“My goodness, my dear!”

Lady Diana, who had entered without a sound, covered her mouth in amazement.

“You’re so beautiful! Truly—this must be what it means to get your money’s worth. Oh dear, now I want to spend like water every day.”

“Hahaha… Grandmother, you look wonderful too!”

True to her role as chaperone, Lady Diana was radiant herself.

Unlike me, she wore a deep blue silk dress woven just for her—its rich hue made her shine.

“Lady Renée! You’re amazing! I knew it would suit you!”

Katharina soon joined us, wearing a green mermaid-style dress.

The three of us sat in the parlor, chatting briefly.

“Is the palace close from here?”

“Yes. It’s about thirty minutes by carriage. We should leave soon.”

At that moment, Phil quietly approached, carrying masks that matched each of our dresses.

“These were specially commissioned by Lady Diana. Custom-made to perfectly suit Your Grace and Lady Katharina.”

“Oh my goodness, Lady Diana! Thank you!”

“They’re beautiful.”

As we expressed our gratitude, Lady Diana smiled lightly, as if it were nothing.

“There will be many unfamiliar faces for you, my dear, so it may be overwhelming. Be careful not to lose your way.”

“Y-Yes.”

I was getting nervous…

Meanwhile, Katharina looked completely at ease, sipping tea—apparently I was the only one feeling out of place.

Don’t look like a total newbie.

I repeated that to myself over and over when—

“Are you all ready?”

Through the open parlor door, Xavier appeared, dressed in full banquet attire.

“Ghk—”

I almost spat out my tea, barely managing to hold it in.

This stuff was expensive—I couldn’t ruin it before we even left!

But…

That’s obviously a couple outfit…

The Grand Duke wore a black uniform jacket embroidered with gold thread and cream-colored trousers.

The tie at his neck and the drape falling to his ankles were made of the same red silk as my dress.

Wow… this is seriously embarrassing.

Completely abandoning my composure, I stared at him openly.

His broad shoulders and chest didn’t need commentary.

And now that I noticed—his legs were ridiculously long.
Long enough to probably start around my chest.

“Ugh…”

I might be small, but he was also just too big!

Not even a fair comparison!

As if reading my thoughts, Katharina whispered beside me,

“Well, you do look like a very well-matched pair. Though of course, more eyes will be on you, Lady Renée.”

Th-thank you…

“Alright. Let’s go.”

After giving Lady Diana a brief bow, Xavier turned away.

As the tall man moved, his long cloak fluttered elegantly.

Yet he still didn’t spare me a single glance.

Hmph. Acting all cool.

That annoyed me too.

I hadn’t forgotten yesterday’s humiliation, you know!

Outside, Ternox greeted us with a sly smile in front of the carriage.

Lady Diana boarded first, followed by Katharina.

As I took Ternox’s hand to climb in—

“There’ll be a lot of people from the Empress’s faction at the banquet. Looks like we’ll get a good look at some ‘distinguished faces.’”

Ternox murmured quietly—too softly for anyone else to hear.