Kite’s words were correct. Regardless of the truth, there was no need to care or be discouraged about something she hadn’t done.
She wouldn’t feel guilty anymore about something she couldn’t remember.
Ignoring those who were eyeing her, Ruela began to explore the ballroom.
Kuran Valsang wasn’t as large as she had thought.
Perhaps because it was originally a Duke’s castle used as it is for the Valsang, it was a simple structure where the main building immediately came into view upon entering through the main gate, without the distinction of exterior and interior.
The ballroom was held in the hall right after entering the main building.
Seeing that they didn’t even check the invitations, it seemed that the security at Kuran Valsang was not as strict as expected.
Alternatively, it could be because the Duke of Kuran was present, and they weren’t concerned about any intrusion.
Ruela observed the sparkling chandeliers and the shimmering floor without much enthusiasm.
In fact, the interior of the castle was less splendid than the Perros Mansion, so there wasn’t much to admire.
After casually inspecting the interior, Ruela raised her head arrogantly, unfolded her fan, and covered her mouth as if to show off.
It was the beginning of her preparations to penetrate the crowd using the weapon Cozette had made for her.
The noblewomen, who had been watching her every move with a critical eye, showed surprised expressions.
“It’s gotten quite hot. It feels like summer is in full swing now, doesn’t it?”
Ruela spoke lightly to a nearby noblewoman as if making a casual greeting.
“Humph.”
Even to Ruela’s greeting, the noblewoman turned her head in disdain.
“Ugh, I really want to say something.”
Amid Hazen’s grumbling anger, Tien’s dissuasive sound was heard.
“No, you can’t. It’s not the time to get involved in this situation. Since the masters are here, let’s quietly look around. How often do we get a chance to enter Valsang?”
“Is that so?”
Seeing Hazen being led away by Tien, Rafael whispered as he watched.
“Those two should have switched roles between brothers. Cousins, and yet they can be so different?”
“Maybe it’s because they’re cousins. Could they not resemble each other at all? I’m going to get something to drink. Ruela, do you prefer alcohol or a light beverage?”
“I prefer a light beverage.”
Observing Mitchell heading towards a table with drinks, Ruela took out a handkerchief from her waistband. After dabbing her forehead with it, she picked up the fan from her hand and handed it over.
Whether she was interested in the fan and handkerchief set, or she was interested in the men behind her, one of the noblewomen approached her.
“Where did you get the fan and handkerchief? You couldn’t have bought them in the dressing room as a declared hostile target.”
While throwing a question about accessories, it seemed she was interested in both. With curiosity approaching and perhaps a desire to criticize, Ruela, who rarely encountered prey, smiled kindly and responded.
“The designer from Elab made it for me. They specialize in creating outfits for Her Majesty, the Queen.”
The eyes of the approaching noblewoman widened.
“If they specialize in outfits for the Queen, could it be Cozette’s dressing room?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“Then, have you received the etiquette book? They say you can only get it there…”
“Of course, I received it. I read it with great interest.”
Luckily, Ruela had read the etiquette book received from Cozette all night before the ball.
Ruela, folding her fan as if to show off, spoke while fastening it to her waist.
“There are various types of fans trending these days. Do you know that there are also many types of gloves? It’s said that you wear them differently depending on the type of gathering.”
Interested in Ruela’s words, another noblewoman subtly approached.
“How is that?”
“At tea parties or gatherings, you wear short gloves up to your wrists, and at balls, you wear long gloves.”
Ruela subtly led the two young ladies who were barehanded.
When Kite and Rafael tried to follow, she gestured to stop them and spoke, keeping enough distance to not hear the conversation.
“Do you know? Elab has a new formality nowadays.”
“What is it?”
One of the young ladies asked in a blunt voice.
Although they followed as Ruela led, their expressions remained stern.
“At balls or private gatherings, it’s improper for an unmarried lady to shake hands with an unmarried gentleman without gloves.”
“Really?”
Seeing the eyes of the young ladies widen in shock, Ruela lowered her voice even more.
“Do you know that some have already bought the etiquette book? Most of those who came wearing gloves today have probably read that book. Even if you haven’t read it, I thought it would be better for you to know somewhat to not fall behind them.”
Ruela’s gentle smile softened the sharp attitude of the young ladies.
“Anything else? Can you tell us?”
After Being Cheated On, She Picked Up a Treasure (Female-dominant)
One-line summary: The husband I married on a whim had been secretly in love with me for a long time.
On the day when Jun Shao finally obtained the imperial decree for her marriage, Lan Qu, the person she had admired for six years, defied the decree and ran away.
Her gentleness and devotion, her promise of a lifetime together, were all disregarded by him. Instead, he dreamed of entering the palace to serve the Emperor’s sister as a sixth-rank attendant.
News of this incident spread throughout the capital, and the alleys in front of and behind the Lan mansion were crowded with people who came to watch the commotion.
Jun Shao should have been embarrassed and angry.
But someone stepped in to protect her dignity.
The figure was in a miserable state, yet still possessed an undeniable elegance and handsomeness.
The young lord struggled to climb the wall of the Lan mansion and shouted to her, “If he won’t marry you, I will!”
So, Jun Shao took advantage of the situation and married the person.
She thought the young lord did it to save the Lan family from the crime of defying the imperial decree, but never imagined that from beginning to end, what he coveted was her.
*
After the wedding, Jun Shao felt like she was living in a dream.
Her Wife-master was as beautiful as a fairy in a painting, skilled in the six arts, well-versed in poetry and literature, capable of being gentle and attentive, and also grand and dignified. Most importantly, she was the only one in his heart and eyes.
Jun Shao didn’t know how Lan Shiwu, as a illegitimate son without a father and blessed with beauty, had managed to preserve his purity, recklessly escape, and use his last ounce of strength to ruin his own reputation, all because of his love for her, just to stand before her.
She could only see him gazing at her with eyes full of love, and when she bestowed a name upon him, his eyes shone like stars.
“You have come to me like a weary bird perching on a branch. I shall call you A Qi.”
