RP: Haebaragi_syk

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Chapter 17.2

Aresha quickly clenched his hand.

As the carriage door swung open, a woman gracefully emerged. Her waist-length brown hair flowed down, complementing her slender figure accentuated by the fitted white dress she wore. The dress itself was a marvel to behold, embellished with exquisite jewels.

Among them, the diamonds on the waistband shimmered brilliantly, drawing attention to her perfectly cinched waist.

“That dress…!”

It was a limited edition creation by the renowned designer Asol, tailored exclusively for a single individual. The dress’s rarity and exquisite craftsmanship made it an item beyond the reach of ordinary means.

However, that wasn’t the only surprising thing.

“Blue diamond?”

Teyrn muttered with amusement.

“I’m not sure what’s going on, but things have become interesting.”

Aresha burst into laughter at Teyrn’s words.

Leilia was truly different from usual.

“Your sister won.”

No matter how splendidly the other ladies dressed, they couldn’t match Leilia.

˚ ·: * ✧ * :· ˚

Carrying the parasol, Leilia checked her seat.

As expected, her seat was located towards the back. Once she confirmed her seat, she then approached the startled Leshulean, whose mouth was hanging down.

“Greetings, Your Majesty.”

Leilia smiled and lowered her head before raising it again. The Emperor’s lips twitched though his expression didn’t change.

‘Of course.’

Who could have known that she would come dressed like this? In the meanwhile, it was Chancellor Chelias who opened his mouth to her with an intrigued look.

“The blue diamond is beautiful.”

They wanted to know who gave it to her.

Leilia gave the prepared response.

“It was a gift from my uncle.”

As Leshulean’s expression turned cold at her words, Chelias stroked his chin with his hand and nodded.

“He must be a good person.”

“Yes, the imperial family took care of that, but I thought this dress would be more appropriate for the occasion. I believe Your Majesty will understand. On a festive day like this, brighter clothes are more fitting.”

“Of course…”

Leshulean bit his lip at her words.

“Well then, I shall take my leave.”

Returning to her seat, she adorned a smile, causing the gazes that were previously fixed on Carania to shift towards her. It was evident to everyone present that the Emperor’s plan had gone awry.

As she settled back into her seat, Leilia cast a sidelong glance at the person seated in front of her.

‘How blatant.’

Although there were esteemed nobles and dignitaries among the guests, the majority of those invited by the Emperor were young ladies. It was clear that the intention behind this gathering was to present Cassel with a new woman as an alternative since he had refused to divorce.

Seated there, Leilia was approached by her younger sister, Aresha, who had now come of age.

“Sister!”

“Aresha!”

“I came with the Duke.”

Upon her sister’s words, Leilia nodded her head. Judging by the direction she came from, it seemed like Aresha was in the front row.

“Did you hear the news? They say that instead of you, another young lady will give a bouquet to His Highness Cassel!”

“I suppose that must be His Majesty’s intention.”

Still, how would Cassel react? He seemed content with their marriage.

As she thought so, Leilia smiled as she showed the bouquet to Aresha.

“I’ll give him this.”

“You’ve prepared it with great care.”

However, given the current situation, Cassel would have to refuse Carania’s bouquet and seek her in order for her to give him the bouquet.

Would he really do that?

‘Maybe he will accept both.’

She didn’t know if that could be the case. Even if Cassel was a war hero, he couldn’t ignore the Emperor’s intentions.

“The diamond necklace looks good on you.”

“Does it suit me well?”

“Of course. As the wife of the Prince, such things suit you, sister. Besides, let’s go to the front together. There’s some space left since one of the Duke’s family couldn’t make it.” 

Ah, it seemed like this was the main point.

“No.”

Shaking her head, she took Aresha’s hand. 

“That’s going to put your fiancé in trouble.”

“The Duke also gave his permission.”

Duke Hosel, who was engaged to Aresha, was someone with a clear sense of subjectivity, and he seemed to pity Leilia to some extent.

“Aresha, there is someone else who should say these words.”

If Cassel really considered her as his wife, he should have stepped out.

If he wouldn’t step forward, then it would be the end of them.

“You can go for now, I’ll be fine.”

As if understanding her words, Aresha’s shoulder drooped.

Even though she appreciated her sister’s kindness, it was Cassel who should take care of her.

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