Half a day spent at Duke Ertman’s residence.

That was Odette’s impression.

‘It’s not for nothing that he’s Ertman.’

Odette was well aware of Ertman’s reputation.

What noble family could maintain their name for several years, almost without any external activities, after having thoroughly angered the emperor?

If not for Ertman.

Duke Ertman’s residence had a separate annex, but it boasted enough grandeur even without looking around it.

Ellie, who had already toured around various parts of the duke’s residence waiting for Odette, excitedly explained the places she had visited.

“[Dash]The ballroom was really amazing! I don’t know what was written on the ceiling, but it glittered like it was sprinkled with gold!”

“[Dash]There was a famous painting by Luergr hanging in the corridor! And it’s not even stored as a treasure, just hung in the corridor!”

“[Dash]One room is as big as our mansion’s living room!”

Ellie seemed to be really enjoying herself.

In retrospect, she seemed to have felt the same way when she first came to the imperial palace.

But thanks to being born and raised in the imperial palace, Odette was somewhat numb to such luxurious extravagance.

‘After all, there are plenty of famous paintings and large halls in the imperial palace.’

To confess, when Odette was a child, she and Lizeina were once caught by the housekeeper playing tag in a room filled with various famous paintings, sculptures, and other works of art.

Lizeina might not know, but it was Odette who reported herself.

‘I was tired because they kept making me “it”…’

Lizeina’s tag game was strictly speaking, a main play of teasing and making fun of “it.”

If “it” caught someone else and escaped the role, cold criticism and scolding poured out.

And of course, “it” was always Odette’s part.

So, things like famous paintings or halls that were so luxurious were nothing more to Odette than reminders of her childhood nostalgia.

What made Odette feel Duke Ertman’s wealth was not such things.

It was the attitude of the servants.

“Would you like to have a meal in the room? Or shall I take you to the dining room?”

“Let’s eat in the dining room. But I would like to meet the owner of the house if possible.”

“I will tell him, but Your Highness may have to wait until the afternoon, as he has appointments. We’ll help you with your makeup so you don’t get bored while waiting after eating.”

Led by Emma, all the maids moved in an orderly manner.

Thanks to that, Odette was guided by the maids’ hands and had to dress up heavily right after finishing her meal.

“How about this dress?”

“This one will suit you too!”

“They are all pretty, but… can I wear this? It seems like it needs to be tailored.”

“Don’t worry about that! We can do it quickly while you bathe!”

Although she didn’t know where they came from, all the dresses the maids offered were in their original state.

It’s common to make the size a little loose when selling if it’s not a custommade dress.

Then, when the buyer actually wears it, the clothes are tailored to fit.

But these dresses had not been adjusted at all.

They were literally just unwrapped from their packaging.

‘Did Duke Ertman buy these dresses for me?’

While jewelry can be borrowed and returned, a dress tailored to Odette’s size would be difficult for someone else to wear.

‘How much do I have to pay to repay all this?’

Without showing any signs of tension, Odette cautiously felt the dress.

The dress, which at first glance seemed to glitter like gold, was layered with multiple veils and lavishly used jewels, creating a subtle yet flashy design.

So, to sum up.

‘…Maybe it’s worth pouring out half a year’s worth of maintenance cost.’

Meaning, it looked like an incredibly expensive dress at first glance.

In the end, Odette chose the simplest of the dresses the maids had offered.
The jewelry was scarcely used, and the dress was highlighted with a deep navy silk and gold thread.

The hem was not inflated in layers but fell neatly, so it seemed that less effort or fabric was required.

“I didn’t ask you to buy a dress… Let’s just wear this one and pay it back.”

It seemed that she could pay it back since she had some money saved up.

And the other dresses… Just close your eyes and pretend not to see.

Odette thought so, finished choosing a dress, and enjoyed a bath while it was being altered.

Only one person was bathing, but there were three attendants.

One person continually added hot water to keep the temperature steady, another massaged her hands and feet, and the last one attended to Odette’s bathing needs.

“What kind of bath additive would you like, Your Highness?”

“I like something refreshing… Let’s go with lime basil.”

“Yes, then I’ll match the other bath products with the same scent.”

They moved efficiently without needing specific instructions, clearly not a skill developed in just a day or two.

Thanks to that, Odette’s complexion had slightly paled.

“I thought I wouldn’t be surprised by something like this no matter where I went….”

Now I understand. It was pure arrogance on my part.