Internally, I smiled, but externally, I furrowed my brows in feigned concern.

“Do we really have to go to such lengths? Miss Aris likes this dress.”

“You really don’t understand!” exclaimed the steward, raising his voice slightly, as if struggling to contain his frustration.

I pretended to be scared and closed my mouth.

“Okay, but what was Count thinking?”

The steward’s questioning gaze turned towards Hubert.

“Is this dress so important?”

Hubert’s face reddened, caught between embarrassment and anger.

The royal steward is different from the stewards of other noble families. Coming from a lineage that has been serving as counts and close to the king for generations, he wields more power than most nobles.

Unperturbed by Hubert’s displeasure, the steward continued, “You seem to take a woman’s dress lightly. But remember, it’s a gift from the royal family. Proper attire is necessary for important occasions, like today.”

Hubert remained silent.

Despite his quick wit, Hubert, as the steward pointed out, had regarded the dress as just an outfit.

‘Hubert must be the most embarrassed here.’

In the social circles, I’m known as a former maid, crudely elevated to nobility. Even if I make mistakes, my reputation can’t fall any lower. But it’s different for Hubert and Aris.

I stole a glance at the two blushing faces.

Maybe it’s time to intervene.

“I apologize, steward. I thought it suited Miss Aris well…”

“Your excessive kindness has backfired,” the steward looked at me with disdain.

“Everyone should take care of their own business.”

Aris, facing the threat of losing the dress she adored, quickly interjected, “The original dress makes it difficult for me to breathe. It doesn’t suit my water element. It’s harmful to my body.”

Her large eyes trembled pitifully. Normally, considering her status as a priestess, her words might have been heeded.

But not today. The main focus was on the prince from the empire.

‘We can’t have any discrepancies in welcoming the guest.’

“Then don’t wear it.”

“What?”

The steward bluntly responded, “It’s unfortunate that the dress doesn’t fit. If desired, we can lend you a dress from the palace. As for that dress,” he pointed at the one Aris was wearing, “take it off immediately.”

“…”

“It doesn’t suit you anyway.”

Aris, not used to being treated this way, glared back, “Then what should I wear?”

“There are plenty of dresses in the palace.”

“But those spare dresses won’t suit me!”

“Then there’s nothing we can do. You’ll have to return.”

“What?”

Aris looked dumbfounded.

“You don’t need to attend the banquet, Miss Dolencia. It’s regrettable, but it’s unavoidable,” he said in an emotionless tone.

Aris’s eyes trembled, and tears filled her eyes. Seeing her distress, Hubert stepped in.

“Steward, this young lady has been looking forward to the banquet more than anyone. It’s too harsh to change her dress.”

“…”

“Besides, as a water priestess, surely the palace has other suitable dresses for her. Perhaps one fitting for Eigrain.”

“Count,” the steward interrupted coldly, “I didn’t realize you lacked such discernment.”

“What do you mean?”

“This banquet is more for the imperial prince and his delegation, not the priestess. The one to welcome them should be Miss Eigrain.”

The steward looked down at Aris with dismissive eyes.
“The dress Miss Aris is wearing is a creation of Mobella Dress Shop, a piece that cannot be bought with money alone. I personally acquired it in the name of the royal family for today’s occasion.”

His gaze shifted back to Hubert.

“I ask you, who should be wearing that dress? Miss Aris Dolencia or Miss Eigrain Lorent?”

The steward, who was unpleasant to me, was equally disagreeable to Hubert.

Hubert responded with a stiff voice under the steward’s scrutinizing gaze, “Eigrain.”

“You know it well,” acknowledged the steward.

Aris looked at Hubert with a sense of betrayal. His usually gentle face now bore a look of discomfort.

“Hurry along now. We’ve wasted enough time due to this unforeseen issue.”

I maintained a troubled expression, but promptly headed to the powder room without delay.

I struggled to suppress a smirk.

The palace powder room was refreshing, filled with a crisp scent.

After a short wait, palace maids brought in the dress.

They would have also provided Aris with a dress.

What expression did she wear while taking off the dress she so desired?

The mere thought brought an involuntary smile to my face.

‘That’s what I told you, there’s no need for me to worry.’

“Hurry and get changed,” urged the maids.

I changed into a dress that shimmered like a clear blue sky, airy and with a long hem.

The smooth fabric clung to my body, subtly accentuating my curves.

Unlike Aris’s vibrant dress adorned with sparkling jewels, this one exuded elegance and dignity.

‘You can’t wear this one.’

The steward nodded approvingly at my new attire.

“Much better.”

“I’m relieved.”

“No, honestly, it’s more than that. You wear that dress exceptionally well.”