41. You Must Be Happy, Your Highness.
“It’s been a while, Your Highness. I’m Madame de Farr.”
There was no time for extended thoughts.
Before I could do anything, the designer Leofric mentioned barged in.
And not just any designer, but the most famous one in the Empire—whom I had met quite often before the marriage.
“It has indeed been a while, Madame. I heard you’ve been very busy. Thank you for making the effort to come.”
“When it’s for Your Highness, I must make time no matter how busy I am. His Highness the Crown Prince even contacted me personally.”
“His Highness?”
At her words, I turned my gaze to Leofric, who had entered with her and was now seated beside me.
Looking slightly sheepish, he cleared his throat.
“The palace designers are certainly skilled, but I thought it would be better to bring someone you frequently visited before the wedding.”
“How considerate of His Highness. He told me not to worry about anything else and to design the most beautiful dress in the Empire, one that suits Your Highness best.”
Madame added gently to her earlier words.
She said it wasn’t uncommon for husbands to accompany their wives to fittings, but it was rare for them to personally contact the designer and offer special instructions. Her eyes sparkled.
“I hear you’ll be attending the Marchioness of Ferje’s party? Despite her age, she’s a highly regarded figure in society. I’ll make you a masterpiece that will surely catch her eye.”
“I appreciate the thought, but let’s not go overboard.”
She looked a bit too enthusiastic.
This time, I wasn’t going to simply attend as a spectator, but to establish my presence as the Crown Princess.
I smiled awkwardly and waved my hand dismissively.
But that was only my wish.
Judging by the way these two were acting, their intentions were quite different from mine.
“What do you mean! A Crown Princess must exude dignity wherever she goes!”
“I agree, Amelia. Regardless of others’ opinions, you should wear what suits you best.”
A standoff of sorts unfolded from both sides.
Honestly, I didn’t need to do anything extravagant.
Looking troubled, I glanced between the two of them.
“It’s just a political party. No need to put in too much effort.”
“Don’t say that, Your Highness. What would that make of me, Madame de Farr?”
“Madame is right, Amelia. Whether the party has political purpose or not, what matters is that you’re the one attending.”
Even Leofric chimed in, making things more complicated.
Unable to find a proper response, I just opened and closed my mouth silently.
Seeing this, Leofric seized the moment and gestured to Madame.
“Well then, Madame. Show her what you’ve brought.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Didn’t you say you brought not only a dress for the banquet but other outfits befitting a Crown Princess? I assume they all suit Amelia?”
“Of course, Your Highness! After all, Your Highness has been my muse even before your marriage! Everything I brought today was made with you in mind.”
“Oh, this woman…”
Prompted by Leofric, Madame came alive like a fish in water and began laying out the fabrics she brought.
“This fabric, for instance, is silk from the far East! It’s as soft as traditional silk but more durable, and not as delicate to craft.”
“It’s a color that suits you well. You have good taste, Madame.”
“But of course, Your Highness! From the moment this fabric entered my boutique, I knew it was meant for Your Highness.”
“I feel like applauding your taste. How long will it take to finish a dress made from this fabric?”
“It’s nearly complete, actually. I brought it today. We only need Your Highness to try it on for final adjustments. I’m sure it’ll fit well.”
“Perfect. Then perhaps you can wear it to the banquet? What do you think, Amelia?”
Had they planned this beforehand?
Seeing how smoothly they matched each other’s rhythm, I couldn’t help but feel suspicious.
It was almost like they had a script.
I glanced at Leofric with narrowed eyes, and he quickly averted his gaze, turning back to Madame.
“It would be perfect to show off to the Marchioness of Ferje. She’s fond of beautiful things, after all.”
“That’s probably why she likes Your Highness. You’re beautiful!”
“The Marchioness has an excellent eye.”
A forced laugh echoed awkwardly through the room.
Just what kind of plotting had these two done to be so desperate to dress me up?
I looked at the pair and let out a soft sigh.
“Bring me the dress made of that silk from earlier.”
“Ha, haha… Yes, Your Highness? You’ll try it on?”
“Yes. You said it just needs fitting after I wear it, right? I’ll wear it for now, and you can send the rest to the detached palace. The head maid will guide you.”
Whatever they had planned, I should at least go along with it a little.
I stood and looked at the delighted Madame.
“Do you have more of that fabric? I’d like His Highness to wear something matching, if possible.”
“O-of course, Your Highness! I’ll hurry and bring it right away!”
Madame jumped in place and began moving quickly.
She barked orders at her assistants and began searching frantically through the piles of fabric.
As I watched her bustle around, I turned my gaze to Leofric, seated beside me.
“You seem to be enjoying yourself, Your Highness.”
His face, unmistakably joyful, gave him away.
Looking a bit tired, I said that, and he gently ran his hand over his face, looked at me, and smiled.
“Is it that obvious?”
“Yes. Very much so.”
“Oh dear. I’ve been caught.”
Leofric laughed, unable to hide his overflowing joy.
He looked just like a mischievous boy, and I couldn’t help but smile softly at the sight.
“Just for today, Your Highness. No more of this luxury after this.”
“If you wish, all the wealth of the Empire is yours. How could you call this luxury?”
Leofric shook his head, as if I were being absurd.
His expression was just as incredulous.
Seriously, what authority did I have for him to say something so ridiculous like the Empire’s wealth belonged to me?
Now I was the one feeling absurd.
Even the current Emperor and Empress rarely indulged in luxury, so who was I to do so?
“You’re being ridiculous, Your Highness. Shouldn’t members of the royal family be the most frugal of all?”
“But a little extravagance won’t hurt. And having many beautiful dresses and jewels is not a bad thing for someone who must attend many events.”
He didn’t budge an inch.
With that mischievous smile still on his lips, he simply repeated that it was fine.
“You’re allowed to desire a little more.”
Because you’re worth it.
That final line, added softly, was far too subtle.
Despite the rush, the mystery surrounding the Eastern epidemic was unexpectedly solved quickly.
And from the most unexpected source.
“Ah! To think I’d see the Empire’s little sun here in person! I never imagined!”
“I thought the invitation was because you missed me. Was that not the case?”
“No, no! Of course it was, Your Highness! I invited you because I wished to see you!”
It was at the Marquis of Ferje’s ball, which had been scheduled for some time.
As we entered, everyone’s attention focused on us.
We greeted the Marquess and Marchioness of Ferje, fully aware of all the eyes on us.
While exchanging pleasantries, I could feel the piercing gazes from around us.
It was understandable.
I glanced down at our outfits and thought to myself.
My dress, in the soft hue of dawn reminiscent of the night sky, was embroidered with constellations—all real star patterns.
It had been meticulously crafted. Of course it would stand out.
Leofric had several outfits tailored for me by Madame de Farr, not just this one.
Ordering more than one custom outfit from the most influential designer in high society surely sparked rumors.
But this much?
Madame de Farr was not only the most popular designer in the Empire but also the greatest trendsetter.
She discreetly marked every one of her creations with her unique signature.
The mark was subtle, never disrupting the design, and easily recognizable—making it impossible not to know her work when you saw it.
So, it was no surprise that the people around us were practically salivating to approach.
Smiling as if painted on my lips, I greeted the Marchioness.
“Thank you for inviting us today, Marchioness.”
“The pleasure is mine, Your Highness. I’m honored you could attend.”
Even as we exchanged polite greetings, I could feel her eyes scanning my dress.
I acted oblivious and commented on the ballroom decorations while surveying the guests.
“Everyone always speaks so highly of your balls. I was looking forward to this one, and of course, you didn’t disappoint.”
“You flatter me, Your Highness. I’m sure any ball hosted by you would be far more elegant and refined.”
“If I want to live up to such expectations, I’ll have to listen closely to the conversations tonight. It looks like most of the capital’s nobility is here, after all.”
As I scanned the room, the Marchioness shook her head with a small laugh.
“No, Your Highness. Less than half of the capital’s nobles are here tonight. And not a single noble from the East attended.”
“Oh my. I heard Eastern nobles are quite fond of parties. Isn’t Count Bardel the type to attend nearly every social event in the capital?”
None of the Eastern nobles attended, huh…
I tried not to show my reaction as I mentioned one of the East’s most well-known socialites.
The Count who built a lavish townhouse in the capital and reportedly never missed a party during social season.
But even then, the Marchioness simply shook her head.
