# 14
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In the end, the attempt to exchange kind words failed, and we settled for just sharing appropriate thoughts about flowers.
After finally finishing the turbulent orientation session and first lesson, I was enjoying my tea, using Ian as a beautiful backdrop, when I casually spoke up.
“Oh, right. As you've probably heard, I used a blank check.”
"I know."
“So, do you know what I bought?”
“I heard you went to a clothing store.”
“Yes, I thought I neglected myf for too long. I plan to appear at more social gatherings from now on. I hope you understand?”
I needed to win over as many people as possible if I wanted to help Diana later.
I also wanted to put Zed's Dress Shop on the map.
But in contrast to my light tone, Ian's expression became sharper than before.
'What? 'Is he really upset that I used a blank check just once?'
Well, technically, I used two.
But surely, Ian Cloud was not so petty as to be upset by something like this. However, I couldn't help but watch him cloy.
After being silent for a long time, Ian finally spoke.
“Social gatherings...I thought you lost interest after the wedding.”
“My perspective has changed a bit. I realized that it is important to meet different people. I cannot stay confined to the duchy forever.”
“Different people...”
He muttered reluctantly.
Then he looked up and asked in a sharp tone.
“So, you must have some reason to suddenly return your attention to social gatherings.”
“Well, that's a secret.”
At my answer, Ian frowned deeply.
“…Ah, so you’re planning to meet new people, right?”
“Yes. I plan to take my time looking for them.”
I had to be careful in choosing those who could support Diana.
I answered confidently and put the tea cup down.
'Why does his tone seem strangely sarcastic?'
Maybe this was just my imagination.
“Anyway, in order to make a name for myf in society, I will unfortunately need the support of the Duke’s family. I hope you will cooperate with me, Your Highness.”
No one has stood by a titleholder like the Duchess.
To become a pillar of power for Diana, I had to demonstrate my influence as a duchess and prove my worth.
Ian, who had been listening silently, now asked with a stern expression.
“…So, what you’re saying is that you intend to use your position as Duchess to meet new people?”
“Well, if you want to say it that way, yes.”
I answered lightly, shrugging my shoulders.
'After everything Eloise did as a duchess, this is fair.'
But as he stared at me in disbelief, Ian put down the teacup.
His voice was lower than usual.
“When we got married, you said you wouldn’t be a disgrace to the Duke’s family, right?”
Why did this topic suddenly come up?
Despite my confusion, I nodded obediently.
“Yes, and I have been performing my duties well so far.”
The fact that Eloise was an obedient duchess was evident in that no major problems had arisen at the estate over the past two years.
Ian was watching me quietly, speaking each word carefully and deliberately.
“I would be grateful if you, who are already suffering from rumours, would refrain from doing anything that might stir up more rumours. As I mentioned, you are still part of the Duke’s family.”
Wasn't that obvious?
I was puzzled, but Ian's voice dripped with an icy chill.
“The only reason I agreed to cooperate with this married life you proposed was because of that.”
I tilted my head, unable to understand what he meant. But then, a thought flashed through my mind, and I could barely suppress a conscious sigh.
'Is he telling me to be careful about the people I deal with?'
Ian Cloud has inherited the title of Duke, but as the Emperor's brother and still holds a claim to the throne, he has been put under control by some factions loyal to the Emperor.
If I, the Duchess, mixed freely with such people indiscriminately, Ian's position might become precarious.
'I understood his point.'
'But why did he have to say that with such a gloomy face?'
Anyone would think I was there causing trouble.
'And if we're being honest, eight out of ten of these rumors were his fault.'
For someone so sensitive about reputation, it didn't make sense for him to neglect his wife to the point where she became the subject of rumors.
She looked at Ian displeasedly and let out a soft sigh.
'Well, all of this won't matter in a year anyway.'
Even though I wasn't completely satisfied, I decided to bear with it for the future.
I gave him a bright smile and nodded.
'Okay, I'll be careful about who I meet so as not to harm the Duke's family.'
“At least until they get divorced.”
At that, Ian's expression immediately wrinkled.
❖ ❖ ❖
The first tea party of the weekend ended rather awkwardly.
For some reason, Ian's sullen demeanor continued the entire time we were drinking tea.
However, he seemed sincere about accepting my offer because, without any complaint, he appeared in the garden the next day, waiting for me.
I thought he could be a bit more cooperative, but for now, I was content with him quietly following through on my intentions.
In fact, our second meeting was not very productive either.
I taught Ian how to have a friendly conversation, and every time, he responded with angry comments.
“I see no reason why I should cooperate with this matter.”
“I didn't feel the need.”
“It's a waste of time.”
I won't bother explaining the number of times I've had to hold my head in frustration.
However, when I told him not to ask unnecessary questions, he did not ask a single question.
After conversations like this, I can barely tell whether I'm talking to the male lead or just talking to a cement wall alone.
“Oh my fate...”
I let out a deep sigh as I sat on the balcony attached to my room early in the morning.
“It's not really easy to change someone...”
Of course, I wasn't the female lead, so I expected things not to go smoothly, but this was worse than I expected.
“At least I didn't leave empty-handed.”
Perhaps because I tortured him all weekend, I was successfully able to get him to accompany me to the main building on the second day.
“Even though I practically forced him to.”
As the saying goes, starting is half the battle. She imagined that he would no longer leave people behind and walk alone like in the original story.
“Okay, that's good enough.”
Although Ian's attitude was still somewhat inappropriate, if we took things step by step, these behaviors would eventually become habits, and habits would turn into normal things.
“By the time he meets Diana, he will at least act like a decent person.”
I nodded with a satisfied smile.
At that moment, there was a knock, and Vivi threw her head.
“Ma’am, Mrs. Zedd has arrived.”
“Oh, she's already here.”
I nodded at Vivi's report and got up from my seat.
Today was the day when Mrs. Zedd would bring the promised dress.
In other words, it's been exactly a week since I visited the dress store.
“You can go straight to the main dressing room. Everything is already set up,” she said.
“That's what I like about her, her willingness.”
"Mrs. Zed was even more impressive than I expected. Oh, and I'll finally get to see you try on the dress with my own eyes today!"
Vivi was filled with excitement, as if she had forgotten how nervous she had been on her first visit to the dress store.
I didn't know why she was so excited when I was the one trying on the dress, but that's okay.
Upon entering the main dressing room in the middle of the hallway, I saw Ms. Zed, who had already arrived and had models lined up.
When she heard me enter, she turned and leaned 90 degrees.
“I have arrived, Your Highness!”
At this rate, she'll break her back.