ALL NOVEL Chapter 82
Not only just that. How commendable it is that Rosalli established her position in the social circles as Lady Glen to secure a substantial amount of private funds. Would her father turn coldly against a competent adopted daughter just because his own flesh and blood appeared?
Well…
However, Rosalli’s course of action had remained unchanged for the past eight years.
Gather as much money as possible and leave for Laten. Buy a mansion in a scenic location, and with the remaining money, purchase a title and perhaps add a charming man to her life. The problem was that her long-standing plan couldn’t even start because she was busy playing the role of a decoy to ensure the crown princess selection proceeded without Selleana.
We’ll have to wait and see. How Glen will react… Whether Rosi can escape as she wishes or not.
So far, most of the events from their original story had occurred, and so soon, the real lady whom Rosalli was impersonating would also appear.
The star of the banquet left the venue shortly. To the guests, he was first and foremost the newly announced fifth prince before being the tower master. Since it was his first time attending a social event outside the imperial palace, the curiosity about him was immense.
Agreeing with the host’s judgment that mingling too much with the crowd would benefit neither, Elards had planned his early departure. It was after the majority of the dishes had been cleared and everyone had their share of desserts.
“I shall take my leave now. Enjoy the rest of your evening.”
Disappointment crossed the faces of those who had hoped to speak with him further.
“If the Master of Tower stays away from the tower for too long, it wouldn’t be good.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
“No need for thanks. It was an honor that you accepted this sudden invitation so graciously.”
The duke and his heir took it upon themselves to see off their guest. Selleana felt especially elated by this overt display of goodwill.
It seems like my father and brothers’ reactions have truly changed their tune towards him after that incident.
Even Peredo, who had been almost hostile at the hunting competition, was well-behaved today. Had it been before, he might have nudged her under the table with a mocking glance.
Doli’s orchestrated public opinion worked out well.
Meeting the eyes of Doloret, who was nearby, she smiled at her, and Selleana responded by raising her glass.
The banquet continued for quite sometime after that. Despite being a hastily arranged event, the attendees felt a strong sense of belonging to Elard, which made the atmosphere pleasant. The admiration for Elard grew even more since Elard had formed a connection with the fifth prince.
“Doli, thank you for your hard work.”
“My pleasure.”
“Rosi, you also did well among the gentlemen.”
“Well, a banquet without men hitting on me is comfortable in its own way.”
The ladies departed earlier than the gentlemen. Selleana hugged each of her friends tightly in front of the Glen’s and Benichi’s carriages, which were waiting outside the entrance.
“See, everything goes well when we’re together, right?”
“Of course.”
“Why state the obvious?”
“I feel we made significant progress today.”
“Yeah. Let’s hope this eases any surveillance on the tower master. Hopefully, I can quickly make my escape to Laten in peace soon.”
“Was it okay earlier? Did it show?”
“What show? When you pretend to give a gift while making a move?”
“
Ah
…!”
Selleana had been so careful not to let others notice, but had they seen it all…? At that moment, her eyes trembled slightly, and Rosalli burst into laughter.
“Just kidding. We knew, so we noticed, but the gentlemen just looked on fondly.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
At Selleana’s pitiful gaze, Doloret nodded willingly. With Doloret’s always correct confirmation, the tension finally left Selleana’s face.
After seeing her friends off, Selleana decided not to return to the banquet but to retire to her quarters. Michi hadn’t attended the banquet, and she too wanted to rest. And more importantly…
“Did it go well?”
“Doli said it was perfect.”
“
Ooh
.”
“I’ll take some time for myself so you can enjoy this with others in the parlor.”
“Oh my, you even brought out the good stuff…!”
After giving Michi two bottles of wine from the banquet to enjoy with the maids in the parlor, Selleana headed straight to the balcony. Such a day deserved no less than her full attention.
Click,
shortly after unlocking the locket,
“…”
The man who appeared on the terrace looked somewhat disgruntled, still in his banquet attire.
“Didn’t expect it, yet you’re here, not even changed. Why that face? Especially when you were waiting in those clothes.”
“As you say…” Sighing as if resigned, he stretched his arms wide, removing his silk hat.
“Goodness. Whoever chose this has good taste, right?”
“…”
“Wasn’t it comfortable? Perfect fit? Brother Peri only gets his formal wear from here. They’re known for their mobility.
Hmm
, the lapels, shoulders, all perfectly angled.”
Selleana casually touched the attire, from the collar to the shoulder lines, biceps, and cuffs. Rakrensius was the only one flustered by the contact.
“This, well…” Unable to endure it any longer, he slipped off his coat, finding an excuse. “The night air is getting chilly. And you’re exposing your shoulders like that…”
His gaze briefly touched Selleana’s sleeveless halterneck dress. The translucent organza silk barely hid her skin beneath, prompting him to quickly turn away and lean against the railing. Naturally, his ears were burning bright red.
He always tries to keep his distance from me.
Selleana couldn’t help but notice how tense he got whenever she got close.
How adorable.
She deliberately leaned closer.
“Oh my, where did you learn this? You just made my heart skip a beat. But when it’s cold, a human heater is the best.”
When she wrapped her arms tightly around his, Rakrensius was visibly startled. The sudden closeness was too much.
“This, Lady, this…”
“Why? No one’s watching.”
“Didn’t you say there are three watching shadows…?”
“Those people? They should be fine by now.”
Unable to respond to her leaning on him, Rakrensius acquiesced to their close proximity. Today’s goodwill from Elard towards him made it clear that nothing would likely come between them. Yet…
He gently helped Selleana readjust his coat, draping half-off her. “I’m not sure if I’m okay with this…”
“
Hmm
…”
His indifferent tone and casual demeanor belied the tenderness in every touch. Yet, the way he became so adorably flustered with any close contact showed how much he liked her. There was nothing about his reaction she found unsatisfying.
“See?” Selleana’s eyes sparkled with triumph. “It’s been almost ten days since Master of Tower told me that, and nothing has happened. The imperial family is quiet too.”
“…”
“Since it’s been fine so far, let’s consider today a step further. With Elard showing such favor, I wonder if they’ll object or how they’ll react.”
“Lady…”
“Today, we successfully swayed public opinion. Master of Tower found me out of loyalty to the imperial family. At least everyone here today won’t suspect anything, right?” Selleana shrugged.
Rakrensius knew she was right. Elard’s influence had made this sudden gathering during the harvest festival possible, inviting everyone who then prioritized attending. Yet the worry didn’t leave his face.
Selleana reached out, smoothing his furrowed brow with tender strokes. “It’s okay. There hasn’t been any trouble so far, and nothing will happen in the future. Besides, no one even noticed our connection.”
“Even my friends confirmed it,” added her with a chuckle. “So, don’t worry, okay?”
“…”
Continuing this conversation would only be disadvantageous for Rakrensius. He couldn’t reveal the whole truth, and Selleana couldn’t even begin to imagine the truth he held. So, he changed the subject.
“…Did you enjoy the boating?”
“Well, it wasn’t exactly for enjoyment.” Selleana pouted, her lips pursed. “Thanks to someone, I could pretend not to have aquaphobia and enjoy the boat ride.”
“Was it effective?”
“Are you asking as a consumer like last time or as someone courting you, Master of Tower?”
“Courting… you say… every time, really…” Rakrensius finally turned his head away, his ears unmistakably red at her teasing.
Enjoying the signs of his affection for her, Selleana felt she could overlook a few days of longing with these occasional meetings, even if they couldn’t meet openly.
Wait.
Why can’t they meet outside? There was no reason they couldn’t do it, right?
It’s actually the perfect time.
Excited by the sudden idea, Selleana brightened and tightly grasped Rakrensius’s arm. “Master of Tower, have you ever been to the night market during the harvest festival?”
“…I haven’t had the chance.”
“Would you like to go with me?”
“To the night market? With you, Lady?”
“Yes. I’ve always wanted to go.”
Selleana smiled cunningly. Her eyes sparkled with a light he couldn’t possibly resist.
“This… It’s like asking for a date.”
Selleana’s finger lightly poked Rakrensius’s side, causing him to stiffen beyond his shirt.
“Shouldn’t you accept this kind of request?”