Chapter 55
Encroachment
Wearing a dress made from a high-quality fabric that could only be imported in small quantities, Elaria stood before the full-length mirror and looked at her reflection.
Behind her, Amanda chattered in an excited voice.
“You’ll definitely draw the most attention, Madam. How could it suit you this perfectly?”
The fabric, woven with fine silver threads, had an exceptionally luxurious sheen. The waistline and bodice were finished with a material tinted with pale violet, creating an elegant yet mysterious atmosphere.
Moreover, the silver color symbolized the Asiel Duchy, which made her like it even more.
“How could there be this many amethysts?”
Amanda murmured as she spread out the hem of the skirt. The silver skirt, which might otherwise have looked plain, was densely set with tiny amethyst beads like grains, creating the illusion of purple waves rippling with every movement.
“The necklace and earrings you’re wearing, Madam, were favorites of the former Duchess.”
“I see. I’m grateful that the former Duchess personally sent them.”
“She must still be thinking of you even while she’s at the estate.”
It seemed the former Duke and Duchess were receiving news about Elaria and Lucian to some extent. When they heard she would be attending an official banquet for the first time, the former Duchess had sent the family’s jewelry.
“This isn’t silver, Madam, it’s platinum. It matches the clear diamonds beautifully.”
“Yes, it’s so pretty.”
Elaria smiled happily at her reflection. She also felt a little shy. Perhaps it was because she had never been dressed this properly from head to toe before.
“…Compared to the dresses I wore before the marriage, this feels extremely extravagant.”
“You are now the Duchess of House Asiel, Madam. I think you’re wearing something that suits your position.”
At Amanda’s sweet tone, Elaria burst into laughter without realizing it. The hair ornament set in her elegantly swept-up deep violet hair chimed with a clear sound.
After checking her attire one last time, she left the dressing room at the sound of a low knock. Amanda, who moved faster than her, opened the door.
Lucian entered and stopped in place the moment he saw Elaria walking toward him. He had already been very satisfied simply knowing she was wearing the dress he had ordered, but it suited her so well that he couldn’t take his eyes off her.
“…Ria.”
“Lucian, you’re here?”
“You’re beautiful.”
He quickly closed the distance he had paused over and held out his arm. Elaria found herself stealing glances at him without realizing it, as if it had been a long time since she had seen him dressed so formally in black.
Inside the black jacket, he wore a silver shirt made of a fabric similar to her dress, and the upper pocket of the jacket was decorated with a deep violet handkerchief and the Asiel ducal crest brooch.
“You look handsome too…”
Lucian, who keenly caught her small murmur, smiled softly. He had met her at banquets before, but this was the first time they were attending one together as partners, and he was slightly nervous.
But her words just now eased his tension at once.
The two of them left the residence. Before getting into the carriage, Elaria briefly looked back at the manor. More precisely, at the annex that lay beyond it.
Noticing her gaze, Lucian felt a strange emotion. At the same time, he realized that he would probably have to live with this complicated jealousy for the rest of his life.
This would not have happened if they had not become husband and wife as three instead of two, but he had made his decision long ago. To live as one with Noctis for the rest of his life.
Feelings like these were something he could endure.
“Then, please travel safely.”
At Benjamin’s polite farewell, the carriage door closed. The two did not speak much on the way to the imperial palace. Lucian was naturally a quiet man, and Elaria was somewhat tense.
The ducal manor was very close to the imperial palace. It stood on the most expensive land within the capital.
Even upon arriving at the palace, their carriage moved forward without delay. No one dared to stop a carriage bearing the crest of the Asiel Duchy. Passing the long line of waiting carriages, theirs came to a confident stop near the carriage station by the banquet hall.
A palace attendant who assisted with the banquet approached and quickly opened the carriage door.
“Welcome, Your Graces the Duke and the Duchess.”
Lucian stepped down first and extended his long arm upward. Elaria, forcing her tense expression to relax, took his hand.
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