While dusting a statue, I suddenly rolled up my sleeve to check the bracelet.

Looking at the purple gem, Carl’s annoying eyes, full of mockery, came to mind. I ground my teeth in irritation.

“Should I just sell this thing?”

I glared at the bracelet but shook my head. Knowing Carl, he’d find some way to blame me for it, so I decided to let it be.

But then, a realization hit me. Carl is undoubtedly on Floria’s side, but what does this imply about Prince Kahilrun’s connection with the guild?

“Ah!”

That’s it! Prince Kahilrun, despite his abilities, was defeated too easily by Floria in the original story. His numerous scandals remained unaddressed, leading to his exile. If the guild played a double agent and betrayed the prince, it made perfect sense.

“I’ve got it! That’s the only explanation!”

I swallowed my admiration for my deductive reasoning.

‘I need to be more careful with my words. I could end up dead without anyone knowing, just for talking bad about Floria.’

Just thinking about the icy glare I received earlier sent shivers down my spine.

“Still, he seemed kinder than I thought…”

The way he untangled my hair was more delicate than the maids who brushed it painfully. I had fled the scene awkwardly, not even thinking about returning to the ballroom. Naturally, Floria didn’t take it well.

“I didn’t expect you to leave without saying anything.”

Floria seemed quite upset. Did she want me to make a drunken spectacle of myself?

‘It feels like my efforts to gain her favor have gone to waste.’

I sighed and pulled down my sleeve.

“Reneola Violet.”

Ah, that unwelcome voice. I turned around reluctantly.

Floria’s trio of maids looked down at me smugly. Eileen, with her chin up, spoke disdainfully.

“Lady Floria is looking for you. Hurry up.”

I obediently rose and followed them, hearing them gossiping ahead. Aisha looked back at me, her eyes filled with a hint of guilt.

‘At least she has some conscience.’

After all, they had quickly distanced themselves from me when my family fell into disgrace. If I were the real Reneola, I would probably despise Aisha the most.

“Have you arrived?”

Floria beamed at me as soon as she saw me. What’s her plan today? I eyed her suspiciously.

“I’ve arranged my royal wedding. I wanted you to be the first to know.”

‘Ah, she wants to show off.’

Expecting me to be jealous. But having already shown loyalty, I quickly put on a genuinely happy face.

“Congratulations, Your Highness. It will be a historic and perfect wedding. Prince Eric loves you so much, he won’t overlook a single detail.”

Floria narrowed her eyes, gauging my sincerity. Then she smiled broadly.

“Thank you for the congratulations, sister. I was about to choose a wedding dress today. Will you help me?”

“Of course!”

Floria led me to a table lined with fashion experts, holding portfolios and a thick book of designs.
“The people here are from Matilda Boutique. It’s rumored to be the most talented place in the capital’s social circles these days. The madam has agreed to stay at the palace for a few days to make the dress.”

“Oh, is that so?”

Hearing ‘Matilda Boutique’ reminded me of the cursed catalog and made me instinctively think of the bracelet hidden under my sleeve.

Just then, Matilda from Matilda Boutique signaled her staff. Following her cue, they spread out a catalog on the table.

“These are the wedding dresses we’ve made so far. They might not be up to your standards, Your Highness, but they can help you choose the design and details.”

“Oh no, Madam. These dresses are wonderful. They are so beautiful.”

Floria’s eyes sparkled as she flipped through the catalog, and Matilda approached her with a touched expression.

“Your words are an honor for me. I am delighted that my dress will be part of such an important moment for a beautiful person like you. I will create the most beautiful dress in the world for you, Your Highness.”

“Thank you, Madam.”

I pretended to be deeply interested in the dresses I didn’t care about.

I had to show signs of jealousy while congratulating Floria. She seemed pleased with my reaction, smiling contentedly.

Then someone knocked on the door. When the maids opened it, courtiers entered carrying boxes.

“Her Majesty the Queen sent these.”

“From Her Majesty?”

Floria looked puzzled as the maids in front of her opened the boxes. Inside were various sparkling accessories.

“Oh my!”

Everyone in the room, including Floria, gasped in surprise.

Although it was not unusual for royalty to give cherished jewels to a family member’s future spouse, sending so many at once was rare. Usually, the bride’s family would take care of such things.

“Her Majesty must cherish you very much, Your Highness.”

“Perhaps she’s acting in place of your mother to assist with your royal wedding.”

Knowing why Floria’s biological mother wasn’t there, everyone naturally turned cold glances at me.

Despite Floria’s presence, their eyes were filled with disdain.

‘They all think the Queen sent the jewels out of affection.’

But I thought differently, having read the original story and seen how she treated Floria.

‘It’s just for show, due to public perception.’

Many here would carry the word out of the palace.

The Queen intended to spread the rumor that she was doting on Floria like a mother, especially now when public affection for Prince Eric and the Queen needed a boost. Moreover, with Prince Kahilrun’s victorious return, external image was crucial.

“The Queen said they would be perfect for both the wedding and the reception.”

“How thoughtful.”

“You’re lucky to have such a caring mother, Your Highness.”

“I am truly blessed.”

Floria smiled, but I saw her clutching her dress tightly.

Understandably, the jewels sent by the Queen were all old-fashioned and tacky.

Everyone in the room could see that, but no one could speak the truth in front of a gift from the future mother-in-law.

Now that the gift was given, Floria was bound to wear them for the ceremony and reception.

Yet, neither the wedding dress nor even the evening dress design had been decided.

This meant that instead of choosing accessories to match the dress, we would have to pick a dress to suit these jewels.
“I find it amusing, but the Queen too. As much as she values her jewels, to give such as a gift…”

Being in a position where I’m always at the mercy of Floria, I couldn’t help but find pleasure in her predicament of having to follow the Queen’s wishes.

I could already envision how the fashion-conscious nobility would ridicule her for wearing those jewels at the ceremony.

Enjoying the thought of that was tempting, but I decided to use this situation to my advantage. Given my already tarnished reputation, enduring more criticism here wouldn’t make much difference. Maybe it’s time to play the fool.

“But you haven’t chosen a wedding dress yet, have you?”

My comment drew everyone’s attention.

“While we appreciate Her Majesty’s thoughtful gift, it might be better to choose the dress first, then select matching jewels.”

“How dare a mere maid disrespect Her Majesty the Queen’s gift?” The Queen’s maids reddened with anger.

“No, it’s about the dress being primary. Choosing the jewels later won’t be too late. If the jewels don’t match the dress and aren’t worn, Her Majesty won’t be heartbroken. She’s a generous person. And if that happens, there will be other important occasions to wear them.”

This way, even if the maids relay my words to the Queen, she won’t be able to insist further. I sneaked a glance at Floria. She was trying to hide her satisfied expression.

“Right. It’s customary to pick the dress first, Your Highness. Her Majesty will surely understand.”

Matilda quickly agreed, relieved that her efforts on the wedding dress wouldn’t be wasted by ridicule. The others in the room began nodding.

“But Her Majesty took such care…”

Floria, feigning concern but eventually letting the matter slide, followed everyone’s lead. I smiled, satisfied, seeing her pleased.

Maybe the chance of a ‘pigeon’ ending seems a bit further away now?