Home/I confined you, but I have no ill will/ch 36

36.

Rising before dawn, Ibelin was prepared by the maids. She had gone through something similar at the ducal residence, but she still wasn't used to it—having to endure while entirely in others' hands.

Only after that long process could she finally see the dress. The garment box was carried in by attendants, accompanied by an elderly woman.

"Hello—I'm Madame Hery. Please feel free to call me Hery."

"Hello."

The woman smiled warmly and opened the dress box.

"The Archduke of Gracias has sent all the attire for his fiancée."

The dark blue dress embroidered with silver thread looked familiar—clearly matched with Kite's color.

However, since the brown-haired, green-eyed, gentle-faced Ibelin didn't quite suit it, the shade was slightly adjusted.

She had worried about wearing such a dress for the first time—and her concern showed on her face.

"It'll be fine—it will suit you well. You're lovely."

"Thank you?"

It was the first time she had been called pretty by someone outside her family.

"Lord Kite is quite thoughtless, isn't he?"

Hery cautiously asked Ibelin.

"Excuse me?"

What was her intention? Ibelin, who had been relaxing, tensed. But Hery didn't seem to have any ill intent—Ibelin was fairly good at reading people. Perhaps it was because of her seer bloodline.

"When Lord Kite stays at the palace, I manage his quarters—so I was curious."

She was someone who knew Kite.

"I suppose he is."

"Still, he's actually kind once you get to know him."

At that, she could only smile awkwardly. Hery must have heard the rumors about Kite—yet she could still say that. Either she had grown desensitized, or she was being deceived.

It wasn't unreasonable for Ibelin to think so—the rumors about Kite in the capital were harsh enough.

"Shall we look at the second dress now?"

"There's another?"

"Yes—ladies attending such grand banquets usually prepare at least two dresses. You never know what might happen."

Hery showed her the second dress.

"It's beautiful."

At her words, the other maids spoke up.

"It's like a tender leaf—so lovely."

"Yes—it will suit Lady Ibelin perfectly."

Their praise was flattering. She had also had servants while living with her grandfather, but they were mostly older and few in number—perhaps that was why she had been closer to them. They would be adjusting to their new master now.

"Thank you."

Nostalgic, Ibelin replied to the maids.

After seeing three dresses in total, she felt a bit tired.

"It would be best to wear this one first."

Hery recommended the second dress. Compared to the others, it had a shorter hem, paired with low-heeled soft leather boots—clearly intended for easy movement.

When she put on the second dress, another wave of praise came.

"This dress was specially crafted by the tailor. Currently, His Majesty has no companion, and House Barkel's delegation has no ladies—so for now, you are the highest-ranking woman present. Be confident."

"Even though we haven't had an official engagement ceremony yet?"

When she asked in confusion, Hery nodded.

"Lord Kite declared with certainty that you are his future spouse—and he has never been wrong."

He must have been wrong plenty—but she didn't point that out. Because Hery's expression held a hint of nostalgia.

As Ibelin pulled on her lace gloves, Hery brought out a small box. Inside was a ring with a large jewel—the one she had seen in her dream—a blue stone matching Kite's eyes.

How did they know my ring size? Ibelin carefully slipped it onto her fourth finger.

All that preparation finished by lunchtime.

"The banquet begins in the evening."

But the hall would be open before then, allowing guests to mingle—a tradition of the Empire. Of course, attendance wasn't mandatory.

During the day, lower-ranking nobles and merchants would gather. Just before evening, the hall would be refreshed for the higher-ranking nobles and foreign envoys.

From then on, even the order of entry was a competition—too early or too late wouldn't do. Nobles were already on edge.

After Hery left, Seren, who had joined late, explained this to Ibelin.

"I will escort you until you enter the banquet hall today."

"Is that alright?"

You were carrying me around to spread rumors about me being your fiancée just the other day.

"It is—Lord Kite will be escorting His Majesty. But don't worry—the steward will announce you as Lord Kite's fiancée upon entry."

That's embarrassing. She wanted to refuse, but she didn't have the authority. She could only nod with a sullen face.

"Don't worry—Lord Kite will come find you midway."

She doubted it—since an incident would occur at the banquet. With Leonhardt more important, he wouldn't move for her.

"And I will stay by your side."

Should she be grateful he had assigned Seren? Ibelin nodded slowly.

"You don't need to enter the hall yet, but you may look around outside."

"Outside?"

"Yes—Lord Kite said to show you around."

She understood the meaning—look around and report anything suspicious. If she happened to meet the merchant who brought the ceramic, even better. Since Kite couldn't move freely, he was sending someone else—and having Ibelin recognize faces and identities would help.

After all, if she saw someone in her prophecy, she needed to identify them clearly.

So that's why the fitting ended early.

Ibelin understood Kite's intent.

"Shall we start with the central garden?"

"Yes—I'll guide you."

She placed her hand on Seren's offered arm. She had rarely been with men her age, but here she was meeting so many—and she was growing used to being escorted.

They headed to the central garden. The imperial garden was wide and beautifully kept—so lovely that Ibelin stopped to admire it.

There was still time before the banquet, but people were already strolling about—including foreigners in exotic attire. Ibelin discreetly observed them, matching them to the profiles she had memorized.

For her benefactor, she could do at least this much.

As she wandered the garden, she spotted a familiar face—Letan, the merchant who had presented the ceramic. He stood staring blankly at one corner of the garden.

Should she approach?

"Could we go over there?"

As she turned to look at Seren, someone approached Letan. She tried to see who it was—but the person wore a hat and kept their head bowed, so she couldn't see their face.

Was it a bad time to interrupt? As she hesitated, the two conversed and moved further away from her.

Back   Next