The clicking sound of high heels echoed in the place where only that sound remained.

Nobles stared in disbelief at those who walked into the party venue.

A man with a beautiful white face, jet-black hair, and vivid red eyes, creating a stark contrast. Yet, standing right beside him was a woman who, despite the imposing presence of the war hero, was in no way overshadowed.

On the last day of the Victory Celebration, Olivia Madelaine captured everyone’s attention within the party venue.
The beauty at that moment must have been a coincidence. Those who had been showering praises for the lady found themselves unable to say anything, as if they had applied wax to their lips.

The lady standing next to the grand duke was breathtakingly beautiful. Unlike the delicate and ephemeral innocence that had been present before, the lady before them now overflowed with vitality.

Beneath the tightly woven hair, a slender neck was delicately revealed. Strands of silver hair loosely flowed down near the collarbone.

The sparkling sapphire necklace around her neck and modestly placed jewels exuded an enchanting aura, reminiscent of the queen of captivating fairies.

Mysterious green eyes flickered within her glamorous and elegant face.

Only then did the nobles, who had momentarily forgotten to breathe, look at the lady. The lady’s sudden appearance had imprinted in the minds of the nobles who the true host of the party was.

No one uttered a word, but everyone understood.

The host of the party.

While receiving everyone’s attention, Olivia scanned the party venue.

Among the nobles staring blankly at her, there were faces that stood out distinctly.

The Madelaine Duke and Conrad near the terrace. Jade, a bit further away.

And Maria Ethel and the prince glaring at her as if in shock.

Although emotions that had been suppressed were rekindled like embers, Olivia turned her head. It didn’t bother her as much as she had worried about in the carriage.

Now, it was someone else’s concern.

Instead, Olivia felt the attention directed at her in this quiet party venue. Unlike the hostility that filled the previous gatherings, these were peculiar gazes.

In a whisper only audible to Edwin, Olivia said, “It seems everyone was surprised when I was introduced as ‘Olivia.'”

Where did her confidence from the carriage go? However, Edwin, without bothering to correct her, casually responded with an amused tone.

“It’s an official occasion, so they might have been surprised. Are you okay? When everyone calls Olivia, they will probably want to call you by your name.”

Of course, he had no intention of leaving it that way.

Edwin asked, hiding his true feelings. Olivia felt the gazes focused on her in the quiet party venue.

She lightly whispered to Edwin, “I don’t plan to allow those I see in this party venue today to address me by my name.”

Confidence she had earlier discussed with Edwin seemed to have vanished. However, Edwin chose not to correct her and asked in a nonchalant tone.

“If, by any chance, you have to engage in social activities on behalf of Bikanader, that would be a year later.”

She perfectly applied lipstick, and her lips momentarily blossomed.

“…After marriage, I’ll become the Grand Duchess.”

At that time, the Grand Duchess of Bikanader. Or the title of Grand Duchess would replace her. Olivia murmured the words “Grand Duchess” silently to herself.

It was still unfamiliar but strangely felt like a word she wanted to reach.

“…You know that, right?”

“What are you talking about?”
Her face, blinking as if she knows nothing, avoiding eye contact, was insanely beautiful. She was even more beautiful than before, as if it couldn’t get any prettier. Now, it felt dizzying, as if one couldn’t regain composure.

Edwin let out a sigh, making a groaning sound.

“…I want to go back to Bikanader now.”

He wanted to be alone in a space untouched by anyone’s gaze.

Olivia chuckled slightly, as if his sincere words sounded like a joke.

Anyway, Edwin couldn’t surpass Olivia in any moment. All he could do now was to escort her excellently.

Faint jingling sounds were heard each time the Duke and Olivia walked.

However, soon, they were drowned under the melodies created by the musicians who had suddenly regained their composure and started playing again.

And frozen, amid the people moving toward Olivia, one person stood out, walking briskly as if running.

At the moment when familiar yet unfamiliar handsome face and eyes met hers.

“Olivia, Liv!”

Olivia’s expression froze coldly. The name that no one in the party could call casually resonated loudly, proclaimed by the least wanted person.

When Olivia, in her fairy-like beauty, met eyes with Leopold, he felt a thrill passing through his entire body.

The sweet gaze that dropped as if it would be regrettable to take his eyes off felt like a mixture of regret and satisfaction.

It would have been better if this had happened earlier.

The fact that Olivia attended this party meant she wanted to show herself to him again.

Despite being annoyed due to the lack of contact until now, Leopold generously felt like forgiving her after seeing her in that state today.

“Leo,”

For a moment, he felt a touch on his arm, but Leopold, without enthusiasm, shrugged off Maria Ethel. He could feel a piercing gaze on the back of his head, but he knew Maria would sweet-talk him later.

Feeling that everything was easily falling into place, Leopold called Olivia before anyone else at the party.

“Olivia. Liv!”

Calling her name was a privilege given only to him. Because Olivia loved him.

However.

When Olivia’s small face looked at Leopold, a sensitive instinct strangely touched his nerves.

“…Greetings to the Empire’s little sun.”

At the flawless and elegant greeting, Leopold blinked for a moment.

Olivia’s face, which used to smile like a puppy every time he called her name, remained stiff. It was impossible.

No matter how strange the last greeting was, her attitude, not the one shown to a fiancé she met after a long time, was not expected.

Whether it was because of Olivia’s strange mood making the greeting or because of the Duke flaunting his presence right next to her as if protecting her, it was indistinguishable.
A sudden thought that something was wrong flashed through Leopold’s mind. His heart began to beat irregularly.

At that moment, Olivia calmly spoke.

“I apologize, but I would appreciate it if you refrain from using endearments when addressing me in the future.”

Leopold’s upturned lip stiffened.

The situation in front of him seemed unbelievable. Leopold silently stared at Olivia. However, her direct gaze reminded him that this situation was indeed real.

A massive ripple passed over the sky-blue irises of her eyes, distorted in an expression that seemed to say it was unbelievable.