According to Anna, Lady Hailey of the capital was a dressmaker so in demand that her appointments were booked for years in advance.

“My word, Lady Hailey is actually coming?”

“Is it that good?”

“Absolutely. Lady Hailey is the best. She is the perfect person for you, Miss.”

Upon hearing that she had the opportunity to create a dress for the soon-to-be Crown Princess, who was currently the talk of the town, Lady Hailey dropped everything and headed to the Duke’s mansion.

“If Anna approves, then I approve.”

From the moment she became the object of ridicule for her large size to today… Anna had provided Serena with maternal affection and paternal trust.

“Lady Hailey is famous for making the most suitable dresses for the dress’s owner. You are so beautiful, Miss, your dress will be a masterpiece.”

Although Anna never had a family in her past life, she was the one who taught Serena what familial love meant.

“Is it strange that the Duchess really gave me the entire third floor to use as I please?”

“Yes, I confirmed with Lady Nora. They are also making various preparations for your dress fitting, including tapestries and musicians.”

While she hadn’t hoped for such elaborate preparations, Serena didn’t mind Miranda’s cooperation. Of course, it wasn’t purely out of kindness.

“It seems she’s in a good mood since she managed to snag my etiquette teacher.”

When Serena smirked maliciously, Anna couldn’t help but laugh.

“Lady Abigail has long been retired due to her old age and doesn’t teach any young ladies anymore.”

“Really?”

“Yes. If it weren’t for the relationship she had with the former Empress, you, as the Duchess, wouldn’t have had a chance to meet her in this lifetime.”

Anna was exceedingly kind and warm towards Serena, but not so for everyone else.

Sometimes her rational and cool demeanor even impressed Serena. Especially the way she concealed it behind a gentle smile was truly remarkable.

Had the Duchess known that Anna had been a lady-in-waiting who served the former Duchess of Astel for a long time, she would’ve conducted herself with more respect.

“But, Lady Abigail is known for her discernment, so she will fully dedicate herself to you starting tomorrow.”

“Is that… good or bad? I honestly don’t know.”

“I liked it when you were freely active in Astel. But there are many people like the Duchess in this capital and palace.”

Serena nodded in agreement to Serena’s valid point.

“To avoid giving them any reason to fault you, it’s best to learn whatever you can.”

Anna’s advice was always for Serena’s benefit.

“I understand. I don’t like it, but I think I should learn at least the basics.”

She couldn’t forget the mocking voices from her engagement ceremony.

“I’m already tired of the mockery from people like the Duchess.”

If she showed any inadequacy during the national marriage, the criticism would be worse. There was no reason to refuse something that could be overcome through learning.

“Not everyone is like the Duchess. To me, the Duchess seems to be a person who suffers from a strong inferiority complex.”

“Why? Isn’t the Duchess a leading woman in society?”

“Currently, yes.”

Duke Shroud was among the most powerful nobles in the capital, practically standing in for the often absent Duke of Astel.

“However, the Duchess originally comes from a humble background. Her family had only the title of a minor baron. She skyrocketed to her current status after marrying the Duke’s only heir, and people often talk about it.”

Serena felt she could understand Miranda’s attitude a little better. The nobles who mocked the Crown Prince’s fiancée would undoubtedly be even crueler to Miranda, who came from a minor family.

“The Duchess now… she truly has seized her position through sheer effort alone.”
“Anyway, Miranda now led high society as its most esteemed lady, also tasked with preparing for the royal wedding.”

“Duchess must think I’m pitiable.”

Anna neither agreed nor disagreed. However, in Miranda’s eyes, who reached the peak of social life through strenuous efforts from an ordinary family, Serena, who had everything from the beginning without any effort, must have seemed pitiful.

“But that’s not the right attitude.”

“Yes, Miss. You are correct.”

The six years spent in Astel territory had brought significant growth for Serena.

Those who didn’t know might have thought the young lady who faced humiliation at the engagement ceremony was idly wasting time in the countryside, but that was only the opinion of foolish people who didn’t know how to see inside.

“But correcting the Duchess’s attitude can wait until after fitting the dress.”

“Mm.”

She originally thought fitting dresses and accessories was the most annoying task, but seeing Miranda, who judges people by their appearance, it wasn’t something to ignore.

“Let’s go. The empire’s best dressmaker is waiting.”

Anna grabbed Serena’s hand with an excited voice. She had always found it regrettable that the always slender and beautiful Serena only wore simple dresses. Today, that regret would be alleviated.