“Lady Ariana!”

As I entered the reception room, three musicians hurriedly stood up.

Master Louis of the Lopez Orchestra, violinist Ruben, and cellist Lorelai.

“Is the practice going well?”

As I sat down, I looked around at the three of them.

“I’m sorry I haven’t been able to pay much attention lately.”

“What are you saying!”

Cellist Lorelai waved her hands.

“We know you’re busy. Above all, you’re in such… ahem, ahem. A passionate love with the Duke.”

Her eyes sparkled as she said this, seeming eager to dig into the details of my relationship with Dante.

“Everything is going smoothly, so please trust us and leave it to us, Lady Ariana.”

Orchestra master Louis said in a solemn tone.

I smiled gently and looked at each of the three.

With the three of them sitting there, the already beautiful reception room of the Duke’s mansion seemed to brighten even more.

Louis, Ruben, Lorelai.

The three were star performers of the Lopez Opera House in the future before I died.

Louis was popular for his tall, cold yet handsome face and unique charisma, Ruben for his angel-like cute pretty boy looks.

Lorelai was especially popular among female fans for her unique loveliness and friendliness.

I twisted the future of these three people with my own hands, pulling them away from the Lopez House where their success was certain.

I will fulfill my responsibility to those whose futures I have changed.

I was determined to bring even greater glory than before to the members who trusted and followed me.

I put on a slight smile and said,

“I’m relieved to hear you say that. But surely there are parts where you need my opinion?”

“Actually, there’s a part in the violin section where we’d like to ask about interpretation…”

Just as Louis cautiously began to speak.

Knock, knock. A polite knocking sound was heard.

“Excuse me, Lady Ariana.”

“What is it?”

The servant who opened the door and entered brought up an unexpected story.

“The Imperial Princess’s carriage is entering now.”

I heard Ruben and Lorelai draw in their breath.

Imperial Princess.

At that word, I let out a small sigh and nodded.

Everyone in the Empire knew how severe a first love fever the Imperial Princess was suffering for Dante.

“Is the Duke…”

“He’s still away. Should we send word to the master for now?”

“Hmm, no.”

I said as I stood up.

“The Imperial Princess is probably here to see me, so there’s no need to trouble the Duke. Um, you three. I’m sorry, but could you wait until I return from meeting the Imperial Princess?”

“Of course, Lady Ariana.”

“O-Of course!”

Ruben nodded quickly with a very tense face. He seemed quite surprised at the mention of the Imperial Princess.

I looked at Ruben with an apologetic smile.

“And Ruben.”

“Yes?”

“Could you join me when I talk with the Imperial Princess? Please.”

“Ye-yes?”

Ruben’s mouth slowly opened.

“M-me? But I don’t know anything and I’m not good at talking, I’ll just ruin the atmosphere…”

Thinking I was asking him to be the Imperial Princess’s conversation partner, Ruben trembled like an aspen. I quickly added an explanation.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t explain properly. Not for conversation… I was hoping you could play the violin.”

Ruben’s eyes widened.

Antique and exquisite interior decorations.

A violinist playing sweet music. An elegant and beautiful hostess to boot.

Everything was quite perfect for a guest room.

Imperial Princess Catharina let out a sharp sneer behind her fan.

Despite the unexpected visit, the guest reception was flawless.

Catharina briefly looked over the woman acting as the hostess.

This woman was Ariana Lopez. The protagonist of that scandal that recently turned the Empire upside down.

Unlike the outrageous content of the scandal, Ariana’s features themselves were delicately beautiful.

Judging by her face alone, she looked like a noble lady from a dignified family who would never be associated with such rumors in her lifetime.

“Welcome, Your Imperial Highness. It’s an honor to meet such an esteemed person.”

“Are you the mistress of this house?”

Instead of answering, Catharina threw a pointed question.

“You’re merely a guest, so why are you sitting there acting as the hostess?”

It was incomprehensible that a woman who until recently was engaged to another man was shamelessly occupying the seat where the duchess of the duchy should be sitting.

‘Because of you, Lord Dante has been embroiled in a fatal scandal.’

Having a history with women and coveting a woman with a fiancé were completely different stories.

Ariana had dragged Dante into the latter realm, tarnishing his honor.

“I know it’s not a position befitting me, but I’ve been given permission to act as the host in the Duke’s absence.”

Catharina’s eyes widened slightly.

One doesn’t hand over such authority to a mere lover.

Not unless they’re engaged to be married.

“Ha, what nonsense. Don’t tell me you’ve made a marriage promise?”

Instead of answering, Ariana gently closed her mouth. As if shy.

At that gesture, which was as good as an affirmation, Catharina let out a sharp laugh.

“Ha…!”

Catharina opened her fan with a snap and fanned herself busily.

‘They’re already engaged?’

Just when did things progress so far?

Ariana Lopez’s very existence was a sudden bolt from the blue.

How surprised she had been when Ariana suddenly appeared, cloaked, and kissed Dante in Paradise.

There were many rumors about Dante having a woman, but he had never shown such a public display before.

She immediately sent people to investigate, but Dante caught on right away, so no follow-up measures could be taken.

To think that in that short time, they had already developed into an engaged couple!

Looking at Catharina, who had gone quiet for a moment in bewilderment, Ariana slowly opened her mouth.

“I know I have many shortcomings. The position of mistress of such an honorable mansion would suit a woman with much higher standards and refinement than myself. Like…”

Ariana gently gestured towards Catharina and lowered her gaze demurely.

“Your Imperial Highness.”

“…”

Catharina was momentarily at a loss for words.

She didn’t expect to be complimented like this all of a sudden.

‘Hmph. A skilled player?’

However, an Imperial Princess who had reigned over social circles since her debut wouldn’t fail to see through such a ploy.

As she was scoffing inwardly, Ariana continued speaking.

Her emerald gaze that gave a refreshing feeling gently touched the Imperial Princess’s dress.

“I apologize if it’s rude to say this, but the dress you’re wearing today is truly beautiful. It seems to perfectly reflect Your Imperial Highness’s refined taste. Especially the pattern is very…”

Ariana suddenly closed her mouth and bit her lower lip.

The most frustrating thing is when someone stops mid-sentence. Catharina couldn’t help but urge her on.

“What is it? Why did you stop talking? Finish what you were saying.”

“Ah. I thought the pattern was so beautiful and sophisticated… I’m sorry. Did I presume too much in evaluating Your Imperial Highness’s attire?”

Ha.

Catharina let out a short scoff and fanned herself more busily.

Complimenting the beauty of a dress was the most basic social skill to gain favor.

It was embarrassing to even call it a skilled move.

…However, there was something special about the dress Catharina was wearing today.

“Just in case, don’t even think about trying to find a similar dress at another atelier.”

Catharina retorted sharply, then lifted her chin slightly and said,

“This is my own dress with patterns I drew myself.”

“…Really?”

Ariana’s mouth opened slightly.

The lady who had been displaying perfect etiquette made such an expression, looking as surprised as her reaction suggested.

Hmph.

Catharina inwardly scoffed.

‘She does have an eye for beauty.’

Well, when you face such a face in the mirror every day, you can’t help but develop high standards.

Catharina was sensitive to beauty.

And she loved it just as much.

Some whispered that Catharina fell for Dante because of his face… While it was absurd to be treated as a woman who only looked at faces, perhaps it wasn’t completely wrong.

“I thought the style looked familiar, but… it really was Your Imperial Highness’s work.”

‘Style?’

Catharina’s eyebrows twitched.

“…Do you know something about my painting style?”

“Huh? Of course.”

Ariana’s eyes widened as if she had heard something obvious.

“I was also deeply impressed by the work you submitted to the last Foundation Day exhibition. I even have Your Imperial Highness’s catalog.”

“Ca-catalog?!”

Catharina’s voice momentarily lost its composure and rose.

Catalog?

That was her graduation project when she attended the Ende Royal Academy of Arts.

Catharina was talented enough to graduate second in her class from the Art Department of Ende Academy.

However, that was only an achievement at the academy; here in the Empire, a woman’s skill in painting was treated as just a somewhat useful accomplishment.

To think that someone in this distant empire would have that catalog!

“Wh-why do you have such an old thing?! Get rid of it immediately!”