# 20
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Episode 20
* * *
She never expected that.
If Ayla wasn't the chosen one, that might be better. This means there is a new opportunity.
"Who is she?"
Ruelia's shoulders shrank from nervousness.
Caelus pointed his chin at her wordlessly.
"What? Me?"
Ruelia's eyes widened in astonishment.
At that moment, Senior entered with servants carrying boxes into the suite.
“The items you requested have arrived, Sir Duke.”
“Put it here.”
The servants started placing the boxes in front of Ruelia.
“What is this all about?”
Ruelia carefully pulled her chair back, as if she sensed a dark aura from the boxes.
“Were you planning to go to the party in just the dress?”
“No? I bought cheap used shoes from the market.”
Kyles raised an eyebrow, with a look of disbelief.
"Where did you spend your salary? You don't pay rent, you don't have debt, right?"
Her previous salary, one thousand gold, was enough to cover an ordinary noble's expenses.
With recurring bonuses and a recent salary increase.
“To marry Melissa, my sister.”
"marriage?"
“Yes. Even though I was a commoner, I joined the academy. The fees were high, so we used up most of my father’s inheritance. Melissa covered the shortfall by working as a maid.”
Then Melissa's illness worsened.
She never blamed or hated her, but rather felt sorry for her inability to provide good clothes for herf among the nobles and the rich.
"Understood."
“I also save to invest in the future.”
Caelus listened silently, his mouth closed.
Ruelia rolled her eyes nervously.
'He didn't find out why I was saving, did he?'
She was preparing for the worst. If the Duke's love fails and he shows signs of betrayal, she will flee to her hometown and live in hiding.
“So… wouldn’t it be better to return this? The dress is really expensive.”
“Is the gift from me burdensome for you?”
"Not so. What if rumors spread that I'm your mistress?"
Ayla might misunderstand.
What about the tongues of social circles?
They will think that the single Duke has a commoner mistress, disguised as an assistant.
“Does it matter?”
“Yes, it matters! What about my future marriage?”
Kyle's head tilted as she objected.
“Marriage? Didn’t you say you wouldn’t get married because it might hurt me?”
“Who reported that?”
It reached his ears quickly.
“I meant it figuratively.”
Ruelia sighed deeply.
“Isn't it just a matter of choosing the right man?”
"Is this easy? People's dispositions may change. Someone who I think is just may be destined to be evil."
"Then, I'll choose for you. I know who won't hurt me."
Caelus spoke confidently, and Ruelia listened unwillingly.
"from?"
“Someone who knows me well, will not betray me, and will not be threatened by money or power because of his wealth and power.”
Caelus knows someone like this, the only one in the empire.
His shoulders and chest widened slightly.
He smiled comfortably, but Ruelia shook her head.
“No, I will live alone in peace.”
Cayce's temple twitched, and he sighed lightly.
“Anyway, this is…”
“Accept it. Miss Emil would like it.”
"she?"
“You don’t want to spoil her work, do you? When I ordered your dress, she recommended that I decorate you with these accessories.”
Ruelia realized her stupidity.
This was Ayla's first order from the Duke.
Ruining the ball will damage Ayla's reputation, while her success will increase the Duke's admiration.
“Then… I will accept it with gratitude. I will return the favor one day.”
“How beautiful? Don’t worry about the rumours. I will share with the prince that it is a reward for distinguished assistance.”
"Good."
“Open it now.”
Ruelia, finally reassured, began to open the boxes.
Shiny silver shoes, a transparent yellow topaz brooch that contrasts with the blue dress, an elegant pearl necklace and earrings, a brightly colored fan, and soft silk gloves.
With each box, Ruelia's eyes widened, and she uttered exclamations that pleased the Duke.
Her joy seemed to forget any burden, and Caelus sank into a strange contemplation.
-If you like a woman, put her on the Duchess throne immediately.
He still believes that Ruelia is most suitable for the position of Duchess.
But not because it's romantic.
With her, he will feel safe even if an incompetent assistant comes.
“Wow, she's amazing!”
But upon seeing her smile, he began to feel confused.
Who is the most beautiful?
This confusion is due to Galleon's nonsense, of course.
- Don't you think it's strange?
He remembered the missus' rude question, and felt upset.
Is he really a good master of Ruelia? Is there another reason he thinks she's fit for the position of duchess?
The most difficult question in his life appeared.
* * *
The day of Countess Bellona's party came. Ruelia was summoned to the Duke's Palace since the morning, and went through every possible experience.
A bathroom with suffocating smells, curling hair with a hot iron, makeup while sitting still, and a dress that she couldn't wear alone.
“Ah, tired!”
“Bear it, Ellie. Today you are the Duke’s attendant, the face of the Duke’s Palace.”
The Duke allowed Melissa to participate in the decorating to calm Ruelia.
“Me? The face of the Duke’s Palace?”
She's just a help.
“I should have left the escort to Miss Emil, and gone in normal clothes to wait.”
Ruelia continued to complain.
She had been exhausted since the morning, and now that time was approaching, she felt stressed.
She has been silent since last night for fear that the dress won't fit her, she is exhausted.
“Stop complaining. Don’t you see that everyone here envies you?”
Melissa was right.
How many times will a commoner have the opportunity to attend a noble's ceremony in this outfit?
“Okay, I will go as a representative of the commoners and crush the arrogance of the nobles.”
“Are you going to fight?”
Kyles entered the room.
“Is the preparation finished?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Everyone bowed and stepped back.
Ruelia got up from her chair with a stumbling movement because of the dress.
“Shall we go now?”
I looked at the window. The sun hasn't set yet.
Due to Kyle's insistence, they prepared early.
"No, there's something else. Everyone, get out."
The maids left quickly, even Melissa.
“Is there a secret order?”
“Late information from Bellona.”
"What is it?"
“The party will be a dance party.”
Ruelia laughed inwardly.
The sky is on her side.
shindig! An opportunity for men and women to get closer and feel each other's breath.
'Great! Since I can't dance, I'll give the Duke to Miss Emile.'
They will create a special world in the crowd.
Ruelia's face flushed with excitement.
Kyles smiled contentedly.
“So, we should practice wales.”
"What? training? with me?"
“Yes, let's adapt to each other's bodies...”
Caelis noticed the redness of Ruelia's fingertips, who were holding a fan instead of a pen.
She shook her head, trembling.
“I can't. “I will embarrass you if you dance with me.”
Ruelia took a big step back, frightened beforehand, putting on the shoes he had given her.
At that moment, a strange feeling surged.
“Ruelia.”
His voice dropped.
He extended his hand, his eyes shining like a monster.
“Don’t back down from me again.”
She couldn't run away from him like this.