# 20
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The Duke of Brilloz's estate was about thirty minutes by car from the Grand Duke's residence. Naturally, there was no conversation between Ian and I, so a familiar silence filled the carriage.
'I have to make him change this by the time Diana arrives.'
I briefly considered teaching him how to start a conversation, but gave up.
Our discussion this morning has already left me exhausted. Instead, she decided to ignore Ian and focus on the upcoming party.
'If I think about it, this would be like my reintroduction to high society.'
This event will determine my first impression. The way I conduct myf at this party will strengthen my position and ensure that I become a strong ally for Diana when she returns.
'Let's do what's right, okay?'
I turned my gaze from the scenery outside the window to Ian, who was sitting in front of me. He was sitting with his arms crossed and his eyes closed.
Is he really asleep now?
He felt my gaze and slowly opened his eyes.
“...Do you need anything?”
“I was wondering if you've ever been to any of Duke Brillose's parties before?”
“I came once, during my time as prince.”
“Oh, right.”
I had forgotten that this man was a prince. After clearing my throat, I asked
“I'm a little nervous because it's an event where nobles I don't see often are present. As the Grand Duchess, is there anything in particular I should pay attention to? I will take it seriously and act accordingly.”
In other words, why don't you give me some helpful advice if you're not going to be helpful otherwise?
Ian's dark blue eyes narrowed slightly.
“I don’t understand the point of your question. Don’t you know that better than me? At that time, you were the one who attracted the attention of society.”
Oh, so you knew about it, and yet you managed to completely ruin Eloise's reputation?
“…My attitude has changed a lot since then, and I haven’t attended any social events since our marriage.”
"Do what you always do. You have your own motives, don't you?"
His answer was completely uncooperative.
'So, you're saying that you're not willing to provide any further assistance beyond what's necessary?'
His blunt attitude made me laugh.
“Sure. But regardless, I would appreciate it if you could escort me to the entrance in a polite and charming way.”
His gaze remained on me, heavier than usual.
Why do I feel like he's subtly picking a fight with me?
“…Understood.”
"Our goal is to show people that we are a harmonious couple, right? We don't have to be together all the time. If you accompany me to the entrance, that should be enough to create the right impression."
Ian's eyes narrowed again before returning to their usual indifferent state.
“Oh, and don't bother coming out to meet me when it's time to leave. I'll manage on my own. Besides, you're probably busy.”
"Good."
It's not even a token offer to meet me, is it?
I turned my head toward the window again, signaling the end of the conversation. By this time, the carriage had reached the front of the estate of the Duchy of Brilloz.
As the carriage bearing the Grand Duke's coat of arms passed through the gates, I noticed the knights standing on guard straighten and salute with a renewed sense of formality.
‘They show great respect once they see the carriage.’
At first, I thought Ms. Zed's exaggerated bow was dramatic, but now I realize that this level of respect was standard across the board.
'All of this should really be for Diana.'
I couldn't help but feel a twinge of remorse. It was unfair for me to keep occupying her rightful place. If it weren't for that stupid Ian, Diana would be happily living as a Grand Duchess now.
“…why are you looking at me like that?”
Ian asked with an annoyed expression, clearly uncomfortable under my fiery gaze.
"nothing."
I just want to punch you.
The minute we make out, I swear I'm going to hit him. Even a sword master couldn't dodge a sudden attack. At worst, I'll ask him to take one hit for me.
While I was doing this, the carriage stopped in front of the entrance leading to the glass balcony where the season's party was being held.
The sounds of soft music and lively conversations were spreading through the air, indicating that many guests had already arrived.
While I was adjusting my clothes, Ian was the first one out of the carriage. He turned to face me.
“Please, come down.”
His white gloved hand extended towards me.
Despite all the reminders I gave him before we left, his posture was impeccable, flawless.
"Thank you."
I took his hand, got out of the carriage, and the gentle spring breeze caressed my cheek. The air was thick with the scent of flowers, perhaps due to the nearby greenhouse and the blooming flowers surrounding us.
At the same time, I felt the gazes of several people nearby turning towards us.
“Oh my God...”
“Is this…the Grand Duchess and the Grand Duke?”
“Am I seeing this correctly?”
“They're wearing matching pins? Oh my god...”
Their whispering voices reached my ears like sweet music. Inwardly, I smiled with relief.
Everything is going according to plan.
As I watched the onlookers, I leaned over and said softly, "Do you remember what I said earlier? Be polite and charming. Make sure you are aware of everyone's eyes on us and escort me properly to the glass balcony. It's not far."
Instead of speaking, Ian responded with impeccable calm, gently guiding me forward.
As we passed the entrance and headed inside, the number of eyes following us multiplied exponentially.
Most of them looked shocked and couldn't contain their astonishment, while some of them whispered among themves as they watched us.
Unlike me, who managed to keep my eyes focused straight ahead, Ian didn't seem bothered by the attention at all as he made his way through the crowd.
“…You seem used to this level of attention.”
“This level is not enough to be a distraction.”
His response was exactly what you would expect from a male hero.
How much attention should someone get to stop annoying them?
While I was amazed at his indifference, I pointed my chin to where the entrance to the glass balcony appeared on the horizon.
"Just take me there. That should be enough for everyone who needs to see us."
"concept."
Ian, who responded briefly, fixed his gaze on the glass balcony in front of him. There was silence between us for a while until Ian suddenly spoke up.
“…You mentioned that you would attend social gatherings to meet new people.”
"Yes, this is correct."
“Do you think a party like this would be enough?”
His tone was ambiguous, which made me confused.
Without looking at me, Ian continued talking indifferently.
“This primarily happened to noble women, young ladies and their attendants, right?”
“H…that’s true…?”
“Doesn't this seem somewhat inconsistent with your purpose?”
Although Ian wasn't looking at me yet, his voice was subtlely sharp. At the same time, I still couldn't understand his intention, and my mind was full of questions.
'What is he even talking about?'
Wasn't he cutting out too much context?
I quickened my steps to keep up with him, and tilted my head in thought.
In fact, such parties were mostly for personal networking, meaning that noblewomen and young women attended more often than key imperial figures.
For business-oriented relationships, royal banquets or similar major events would be more appropriate.
Ian seemed to be referring to this because I had hinted at wanting to recruit people.
I looked at him, then raised my eyebrows and pursed my lips.
“But I'm here for a different job.”
There was no way this man could understand my great ambitions.
“While the Grand Duke is not wrong, there is someone I definitely want to meet today.”
Stop for a moment.
“...someone you want to meet?”
“Yes, actually, I came here mostly because of him.”
Imperial Princess. Throughout the original story, she was a constant thorn in Diana's side, criticizing and meddling over every little thing.
However, despite her annoying nature, she had a keen eye, as it was she who discovered Lady Zedd.
I planned to see her today – if possible, to convince her in a way that would benefit Diana.
As we walked towards the glass balcony, Ian, who had been facing forward the whole time, finally turned his head to look at me. The filtering sunlight cast a faint shadow on his face.
“…Didn’t you say last time that you weren’t thinking about anyone?”
"Hmm? Yes, I said that."
“Has anyone caught your eye since then?”
“Huh?”
'What is he talking about now?'