Chapter 3
Translator: nevermoorian
Just as the the slow moving carriage was about to leave the Crescente’s mansion, I took what I had entrusted to Leah and ran after it, ignoring the pain in my body .
“Your Highness! Please wait for a moment!”
He hadn’t gone that far yet, so he could hear my voice .
The carriage gradually stopped . As soon as the prince’s servant opened the carriage’s door, I came closer to it . Leonhart was about to get off .
“What’s the matter, miss?”
Damn, my hair got messed up from running . But I don’t think I look that bad because I have a pretty face .
I brushed my hair with my bare hands, then pull out a neat package .
Before Leonhart could figure out my intention, I quickly said .
“This is the hairpin I was trying to give to the Princess . It doesn’t really suit me— I know this is a rude behavior but I’d like to ask you to pass it on to Her Highness . ”
I pretended I forgot to give it to him earlier .
If Marianne and Sharon saw it, the wouldn’t stay still . They would bring out some expensive jewelry that I couldn’t afford to buy .
I had to be only one who handed the present if I wanted to be specially remembered .
What I prepared was a hairpin made by a famous craftsman, which I received as a birthday present from my brother a few years ago .
Though it’s not an extravagant and luxurious gift, but it’s an exclusive and difficult to find item .
The hairpin, adorned with black crystal, was very presentable in it’s timeless design . It seemed to be more striking and glamorous when it was on the Princess’ silver hair than my dark hair .
I chose this item to give a plausible excuse that it would suit the Princess, for fear of suspicion if I suddenly gave her an unexpected gift .
Fortunately, the hairpin was well-kept so it was in good condition .
Moreover, I was confident that the Princess would appreciate the gift .
The craftsman who made the hairpin was originally well known for making furniture, but he was also famous for producing a small quantities of ornaments when he had great inspiration .
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Because of this, Princess Cynthia loved the craftsmanship made by this creator, but she didn’t have much of it . I’m sure she will like my present .
Years later, the craftsman makes a beautiful necklace full of white diamonds . The princess also covets the necklace, but the funny thing is my brother buys the last necklace one step ahead of her and present it to Ramona .
“—I see . To Cynthia?”
Leonhart and his sister were quite close, so he willingly accepted the box with a pleased look at the word ‘gift’ for his sister .
“I’ll pass on the gift from Lady Adriana to Cynthia . ”
“Thank you, Your Highness . ”
Phew . I sighed in relief . I was thinking that he wouldn’t accept it because it’s suspicious .
I’ve got some plans for entering the high society, but I decided that this method of using the Princess’s favor would be the fastest way to get a foothold in society . It took a long time to build a friendly relationship by attending something such as a tea party hosted by a small family . I didn’t know if it would work out as I thought it would be, but I succeeded in taking the first step .
The carriage started to move again, and when I returned to the place where my stepmother and her daughter were staying, Sharon shot sharply .
“You! What did you do to His Highness?!”
“Well, I’m sorry . His Royal Highness was so beautiful … and wonderful … and I just wanted to see him up close for the last time . ”
The more I acted foolishly, the more happy they would be, and the more they paid me no attention .
I was so close to the carriage door, so they couldn’t see the box .
My stepmother, who looked like she was ready to slap me, smiled as if she liked my answer .
“Listen . What you just did is really stupid and rude . It’s not an act of aristocracy . Do you think he will accept a woman like you as his fiancee? I’m telling you in advance to know your place . ”
“That’s… of course … His Royal Highness … my fiance, I can’t even imagine it . ”
“I’m glad you know . You didn’t show up because you wanted to get my seat, did you?”
“No! I, I didn’t even know His Highness was visiting today… I came out to take a walk because I was in a good mood, and he’s here … I was surprised, too . ”
It was hard to objectively judge my acting skill but they did not seem to doubt me . It may be because I have been obedient until now .
“But by the way, Riana . ”
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“Yes, yes?”
“What happened recently? Why did you suddenly change?” Marianne twitched her eyes .
I expected to be asked this question . I thought it would be best to say that my condition has improved naturally .
“Yes—? Change—?”
“Why are you going out of your room all of a sudden? You talk more than you used to . ”
I’ve been in the room for a long time … It’s true that I practiced my words a little bit . After saying three words a day, I tried to increase the number so suddenly I became more talkative .
My tongue was often twisted and my pronunciation was frequently distorted, so I read a book aloud and had a casual conversation with Leah until I got used to the words now .
Now I can manage to speak plainly, but I’m still stuttering in front of Marianne and Sharon to give myself a feeling of being intimidated .
My sentence was much longer than it used to be, so Marianne seems to have a little bit of doubt .
“That’s all?”
“Yes … why did it— Did I make such a big mistake to His Royal Highness?”
“No, you’re not . Now go inside . ” Marianne said with an unsavory face .
I said goodbye to them and returned to my room .
Because I walked in the garden very proudly on the day of Leonhart’s visit and greeted the prince, now everyone in the mansion knew that my condition had improved .
Therefore I couldn’t eat alone in my room like before, so I had to sit together at the dining room .
Frankly speaking, it was annoying to eat with Marianne and Sharon, but it would be the same case for them .
However, it was very funny to pretend that we didn’t hate each other because of our pride .
Today, as usual, I was eating dessert after finishing my meal .
The butler came in, bowed politely, and announced that an invitation had come from the palace .
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“From the imperial palace? Come on, give it to me . ” Marianne said in a happy tone .
The invitations were sent to each of the family’s member . The butler handed the invitation one by one to Marianne and Sharon, and, finally, to me .
Hiding my joy, I opened the envelope of the invitation . Marianne squinted at the sight .
“It’s not possible for you to get an invitation, Riana . Come on . Give it to Rudy . ”
“No, mother . This is for me . ”
“Don’t lie! How dare you try to steal something from imperial palace?”
“Huh, but my name is clearly written here . And Rudolph is still five years old . ”
I winced as if frightened by Marianne’s sharp gaze .
Rudolph, my half-brother, began to ask if the invitation was his because of what Marianne said .
Sharon snatched the invitation from my hand . After laughing, her eyes opened wide when she saw the name on the envelope .
“Oh, Mom! She really got an invitation!”
Sharon shook her hands and shouted in a shrill voice . Why are you so upset? Can’t I get an invitation?
“Now give it back, Sharon . ” I was timidly muttering and demanding . Sharon glared at me for a moment before dropped the invitation .
The invitation was from Princess Cynthia . Cynthia was fond of social parties and used to host them on regular basis . She picked the person to invite herself and this was the first time I’ve been invited .
I was too young before I was abused by Marianne, and when I was old enough to be invited to a party, the rumors that I was an autistic child were already widespread in the society .
However, to be invited like this, it’s thanks to the gift that I delivered through Leonhart .
“Don’t be so upset, Sharon . Let’s go to the boutique after this . If you want to stand out the most at the party, you’ll have to prepare in advance . ”
Marianne soothed Sharon, ordered the servant to prepare the carriage .
Unlike those who already had enough without buying new dresses or jewelry, I was the one who had to go to the boutique .
All the party dresses I had now had gotten smaller and were discarded or donated, and since then I’ve only bought a simple indoor dress or plain cotton dresses .
“Oh, uh, Mother… I need a dress, too . ”
When I spoke, Marianne frowned .
“Wouldn’t there be a dress in your closet? You can wear anything . Why would you need to buy something?”
“That’s not it . I really don’t have a single dress . ”
If the duke’s young daughter showed up at the Princess’s party with a cotton dress, she’ll be humiliated .
Marianne has been managing her image at meetings and parties by pretending to be concerned about her mentally ill stepdaughter . And if I go to the party in a shabby clothes, the Duchess of Crescente will become a popular subject among the storytellers in society . They would say that she actually discriminating against her stepdaughter .
So I was sure Marianne would get me a dress .
Marianne’s lips drew a soft line after a brief of an uncomfortable expression .
“Yes, I get it . I’ll get your dress ready too . ”
It was the answer that I wanted, but I felt uncomfortable .
When the sun began to settle down, the Duchess’ carriage returned . The dress didn’t come in that day because they had to repair the dress to fit the size . They’ll deliver them directly from the boutique when the repairs are finished .
In the meantime, I have read the basics and some of the liberal books of Lady’s courtesy so I won’t be disgraced for making mistakes at the party . I also read the newspaper that delivered to the mansion in fear of falling behind the topic .
A few days later, the maid came and handed over a box .
“It must be my lady’s dress . ”
Leah spoke with anticipation . But I had a bad feeling about this . I don’t think it’s as fancy as Sharon’s, but I hope it’s halfway there .
Unlocking the lid of the box, I forgot my words for a moment .
Leah couldn’t say anything, but her eyes opened wide .
“What, this weird dress is… . ”
Was it a dress some designer made for a trial?