Ariadne didn’t know, but the Bauta mask and jewelry that Cesare gifted were products of the Collegioni dressing room.

Isabella, who had climbed into the de Mare family carriage to attend the masquerade, recognized it at once. It was because she had failed to secure the Fleurdelis patterned items this season.

Cesare had placed an order with the Collegioni’s accessory incharge one and a half months ago, and also made it a point to intimidate them not to accept similar orders. Consequently, Isabella, who had inquired about getting a mask from Collegioni, was refused right from the beginning.

“Lady de Mare, I apologize. We cannot accept orders for the same item.”

She pleaded, saying couldn’t they make her a mask, or if not that, at least some jewelry with a Fleurdelis pattern, but Collegioni’s refusal was firm.

“It’s difficult for this season as we have taken a large advance for the production. Please contact us before the Feast of St. Michael next year.”

Therefore, the Fleurdelis bracelet of red ruby and green topaz that made Isabella shudder with greed when she saw it in the catalogue, was shining on Ariadne’s wrist.

Arabella, who couldn’t attend the masquerade due to her young age, looked enviously at her older sisters climbing into the carriage.

“Sisters! You must bring back many interesting stories!”

Ariadne smiled sweetly, but her warm smile was hidden behind the golden Bauta mask that covered her face up to the chin.

Contrarily, Isabella, who wore a silver Colombina mask that left her mouth completely uncovered, pouted without giving any specific answer.

Ariadne waved to Arabella, and the carriage set off soon.

The atmosphere in the carriage with the two sisters was chilly. They glanced at each other but did not exchange a word.

Ariadne admired Isabella. She wore a finely crafted pure silver Colombina mask that only covered her eyes.

Wearing an item that won’t be in fashion for another 23 years, Isabella’s fashion sense was worthy of admiration.

Typically fond of bright clothing, Isabella was nearly resplendent in her pale silver dress of silk organza and pearls for the masquerade. Even from 100 Piedi (around 40 meters) away, she was so dazzling that no one could see anyone but her.

Recently, due to Cardinal de Mare’s austerity measures, obtaining dresses should have been difficult, but it seemed she had already paid in full for this year’s dress with her surplus savings.

Her favorite bright and luxurious clothes, her beautiful and delicate mouth and jawline visible beneath the silver Colombina mask, anyone who saw her would say she was indeed Isabella de Mare.

On the contrary, Ariadne, unlike Isabella who sought to reveal her identity, had an outfit that adhered to the concept of the masquerade, making it impossible to recognize her.

It was not intentional, but the deep golden dress, with a lining and hem of pitchblack velvet, seemed to match the mask.

On the upper part of the mask, she wore a golden headdress received from Queen Marguerite’s favor, so her hair was hardly visible.

Being tall for her age, Ariadne, fully covered like this, didn’t look like a girl at all. Especially since her youthful face was hidden, her unique serene aura made her seem like a highborn lady.

Being in a carriage alone with Isabella could be considered a bed of thorns, but being completely hidden behind a mask provided a subtle sense of security.

Isabella’s trembling hands, her pouty lips, her breathing, her heaving chest, everything was within Ariadne’s field of view.

On the other hand, Ariadne had not even an inch of exposed skin. Her face was perfectly hidden behind a mask, making it impossible for anyone to imagine her expression.

It was indeed an interesting feeling. Along with a sense of deviation, a slight feeling of omnipotence. Ariadne smiled gently behind her mask, unseen by Isabella.

The prestige of the de Mare family was immense, so the royal family lent them the sedan chair normally used daily for the daughters’ masked ball. With the cheerful sound of horse hooves, the two soon arrived at the San Carlo Royal Palace.

With the announcement of their arrival by the palace servant, Isabella stepped down from the archbishop’s silver carriage escorted by servants, and greeted Ariadne with a nod, as if to show she wouldn’t be outdone.

Ariadne thought Isabella was making a pointless effort, but she responded with a sarcastic smile and a nod.

Once Isabella had left, there was no one left at the party who knew her identity.

Ariadne had plans to meet with Julia and her friends at the ball, but before joining them, she decided to walk around the San Carlo Royal Palace where she used to live for a trip down memory lane.

It was rare to have an opportunity to enter the palace, and even rarer to have time alone.

“I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Larissa de Balboa, who greeted him in stuttering Etruscan, was quite different from what Prince Alfonso had imagined.