“Go tell your lover. That you naively handed over the contract because I said I would give up my position as the Duchess. But you never knew it would trap you. Maybe he’ll overlook this mistake too, being blinded by love.”

The voice flowed smoothly, like reciting poetry, with an enunciation that brought her handwriting to mind.

It was a sound so beautiful that a child would think a fairy was casting a spell.

But as the sound persisted, Helena felt increasingly desperate. A slap in the face would have been less painful.

“How, how could you……?”

Helena choked on her words multiple times.

Struggling to utter a sentence among the harsh winds, she finally managed.

“How could I, indeed.”

“I never thought you would do this to us. How could you……?”

For a moment, Chloe frowned.

It was absurd for either Callis or Helena to feel betrayed by her.

So she was supposed to spend her life tormented by them, stupidly shedding tears?

“You should’ve trusted someone trustworthy, Helena.”

No matter, Chloe decided not to think about it. It was only frustrating to try to understand them.

Chloe eventually distanced herself from Helena.

Severely shocked, Helena buried her face in her hands and began to sob.

Her tears shone like gems.

She had heard that another rare mineral had been found in one of Callis’s mines and turned into a ring for Helena.

“Don’t worry too much, Helena. You’re still standing where you wanted to, right?”

“……”

“Congratulations on your wedding, the future bride.”

Chloe was truly looking forward to Helena’s wedding.

“Is the Hero of the Age Truly a Man of Misfortune?”

Reading through piles of newspapers while sipping tea, Chloe felt at peace as the floral scent spread in her mouth and nose.

“How would you like your hair done?”

“Um……whatever?”

After a moment’s hesitation, Chloe answered absentmindedly. Her attention returned to the newspaper.

“Yes, I’ll make it pretty for you!”

The maid swiftly changed the subject, sensing Chloe’s discomfort.

There must be a reason why someone usually not so friendly was visibly anxious.

And the whole nation knew that reason.

Yet contrary to everyone’s expectations, Chloe’s concerns were about something entirely different.

For instance, the public opinion mattered more to her than the wedding of Callis and Helena scheduled for today.

While receiving the maid’s dedicated care, Chloe continued reading the newspaper.
But the newspaper Chloe skimmed was apparently not to her taste, as she moved on to the next one without much interest.

This time, the newspaper she focused on had a more provocative headline.

“The Hero’s Backdoor Deals: Can He Still Be Considered a Hero?”

An expression that seemed quite appealing. Without delay, Chloe began reading through the newspaper.

“Miss, there are some clothes that the Duke has specially gifted. Would you like to wear those?”

Just then, a maid who had finished styling her hair cautiously asked. The maid also looked like she had no other options.

Regrettably, the newspaper would have to be read later. Chloe kindly made her request, as gentle and gracious as always.

“Would you do that for me?”

“Yes, yes. Of course!”

The maid’s complexion brightened as she led Chloe inside.

The maids waiting in the dressing room began fitting Chloe in various garments.

She wore chemises and a petticoat. On top of the petticoat, she even wore panniers to add volume to her dress.

Then, she wore another layer of petticoat. Finally, everything was topped off with a stomacher embroidered with the Duke’s crest.

After a long effort, Chloe’s dressing was complete.

“Is everything to your satisfaction? Any discomfort or adjustments needed?”

“You’ve all done perfectly. It’s fine.”

After examining herself a few times front and back, Chloe gave the final approval. The maids, who had been sweating bullets, finally breathed easy and smiled brightly.

Knock, knock.

Someone knocked just then.

Thinking it was the maid who would guide her to the ceremony, she was surprised to hear Callis’s voice from the other side.

“I have come to escort my wife. Are the preparations complete?”

“Yes, Your Grace. If all goes as planned, the lady’s dressing will soon be complete.”

Upon the head maid’s reply, he walked into the fitting room.

What would have happened if she was still changing? Chloe glanced at him, who had entered without asking for permission.

“You look beautiful. I came to accompany you to the ceremony, Chloe.”

Callis acted as though he were already her husband.

Standing upright, Chloe stepped forward. Instead of a verbal reply, she placed her hand atop his.

“Yes, please guide me, Your Grace.”

At Chloe’s compliant response, Callis looked puzzled for a moment but quickly grasped the hand she extended.