Eve noticed Charles’ sudden change in demeanor and thought to herself.

 

This man. No, could His Majesty actually be jealous…?

 

‘Ha, no way.’

 

He probably just meant to be cautious. Eve shook her head to dispel the thought and spoke.

 

“I’ll remain vigilant. But more importantly, I successfully guided Cecilia into considering an engagement.”

 

Charles’ expression softened, and he smiled.

 

“As expected of you, Eve.”

 

“I’m not sure if Arsen will allow it, but Cecilia is the kind of woman who always gets what she wants, so it’ll probably happen.”

 

Charles gently patted her head as she spoke with a slightly bitter tone.

 

“It looks good on you.”

 

“Well, I dyed it for this reason.”

 

“But did you dye your ears, too? Why are they red?”

 

“Oh, really…”

 

Embarrassed, Eve swatted his hand away, and Charles chuckled.

 

He really was annoying.

 

<b>* * *</b>

 

<The Duel Between Lady Girard and Duchess Fontaine?>

 

<What Happened at Yesterday’s Tea Party?>

 

<Tears of Yvonne de Fontaine, Wife of Arsen de Fontaine, the Capital’s Playboy Duke>

 

The next day, Eve frowned as she saw the newspapers filled with yesterday’s events. She directed her anger at the person calmly drinking tea across from her.

 

“So? Do you think now is the time to be drinking tea?”

 

“Hmm?”

 

“I’ve put out the immediate fire. Now, tell me about your plan. Are you really going to make me the Iris?”

 

Charles gracefully set down his teacup and said,

 

“Let’s speak casually, Eve.”

 

“…I’m already halfway there.”

 

“We are equals in this partnership. Besides, what use is an emperor who has lost his throne?”

 

“That’s…”

 

Eve still hesitated, so Charles teased her playfully.

 

“If you don’t speak casually, I won’t tell you the plan.”

 

“Are you joking?”

 

“Oh, you’re already speaking casually.”

 

“…”

 

If he weren’t the emperor, she might have hit him, Eve thought, and then changed her tone.

 

“Fine. Tell me your plan, Charles.”

 

Satisfied, Charles began to explain.

 

“Right now, it’s important to expand your influence in society. This will solidify our cause and gain support from the Laurent faction. They need to believe that supporting us won’t harm them.”

 

“I appreciate your consideration, but… what about your influence? If the infamous playboy becomes emperor, the country will be in an uproar.”

 

Charles responded naturally, as if he had already considered this.

 

“Of course, I will be taking action as well. For now, I want you to leave the estate’s affairs to me.”

 

“…”

 

“Traditionally, managing the estate is my duty, and as my wife, you should handle external social matters. But because Arsen neglected this, you had to take over, leaving no time for society.”

 

Charles’ reasons were true, but that wasn’t the whole account. She also avoided society because she didn’t want to face the scrutiny and gossip.

 

‘But not anymore.’

 

She had learned through experience that avoiding conflict wasn’t the solution. Facing it head-on, she could win.

 

‘I won’t back down anymore.’

 

Eve resolved herself with determination.

 

“Alright. I’ll leave the estate to you for now. I need to indulge in some luxury after a long time.”

 

Charles’ smile widened.

 

“That’s what I hoped for.”

 

Why was he so happy? Eve grumbled inwardly, trying to mask her awkwardness.

 

“For now, I doubt anyone will come if I host a party. I’ll need to attend others’ parties to build connections.”

 

“Yes. Meanwhile, I’ll assess the estate’s situation and provide for the needs of the people. Winning their support is our priority.”

 

Eve nodded, then asked thoughtfully,

 

“Charles, you investigated me before, didn’t you?”

 

“Why do you ask all of a sudden?”

 

“I need a favor from your informants.”

 

“Ah.”

 

Charles smiled confidently.

 

“Just tell me.”

 

“I can handle most things, but this is like finding a needle in a haystack.”

 

Given her position as a duchess and the support of the Laurent faction, Eve could usually obtain the information she needed. But this request was valuable enough for her to set aside her pride and ask for help, Charles assessed.

 

“I need you to find a woman named ‘Bella.’”

 

“Bella? Who is she?”

 

“She will be a great designer for me. She hasn’t been discovered yet…”

 

“I’ll find her.”

 

Before Eve could explain further, Charles answered. Despite losing the throne, he still had the resources of an emperor. His confident response made Eve feel a bit more assured.

 

“Alright. Let’s each get to work. I need to find some parties to attend. Though only minor nobles would invite me now, I need to visit those who are friendly.”

 

“Yes. I’ll get to know the estate’s situation better. It should be easier than ruling a country, but it’s my first time managing a corrupt lord’s estate.”

 

Eve couldn’t help but chuckle at that, then quickly straightened her face. Charles pretended not to notice as he stood up.

 

“See you at dinner.”

 

“…Alright.”

 

Eve cleared her throat as she replied. Charles chuckled and left, closing the door behind him.

 

Almost immediately, Emma entered as if to replace him.

 

“Madam, do you need anything?”

 

“Ah, Emma. I have a favor to ask. It might be difficult, but can you do it? You’re the only one I can trust.”

 

Emma was overjoyed to be needed by Eve.

 

“Of course! Anything you need.”

 

“I need you to find a book for me.”

 

“A book? What kind…?”

 

Eve gestured for Emma to come closer. When Emma approached, Eve whispered in her ear. Emma’s face turned pale at the request.

 

“Madam! Why would you need something like that…?”

 

“I just want to read it.”

 

“Alright… I understand.”

 

“Find the most detailed one.”

 

“…Yes.”

 

Emma replied, unable to hide her concern. Eve smiled reassuringly and continued.

 

“Oh, and bring any party invitations directly to me from now on.”

 

“My, what’s the occasion? You usually dislike parties.”

 

“I’ve decided to start enjoying them.”

 

Eve smiled as she spoke.

 

<b>* * *</b>

 

Eve walked across the garden with a parasol in hand. In the middle of the modestly decorated garden, several noblewomen were gathered, chatting.

 

She greeted them with a slight tension in her voice.

 

“Hello, everyone. Sorry for being late.”

 

“Oh, Duchess Fontaine! I didn’t think you’d come!”

 

The woman in the center stood up in surprise. Under her parasol, Eve smiled and greeted her.

 

“Thank you for inviting me, Lady Galimar.”

 

Eve had realized over the past three days that she was not as popular as she thought. She assumed she’d be invited to parties just for gossip, but she wasn’t. Few nobles, friendly or hostile, bothered to invite her.

 

‘I guess it’s because I’ve refused invitations for years.’

 

However, she discovered that Lady Galimar had been consistently sending invitations. Feeling it was only polite to make an appearance, she was surprised to find Lady Galimar genuinely pleased.

 

‘Have we met before? No, I don’t think so.’

 

As Eve pondered, she saw a familiar face nearby.

 

“Yvonne!”

 

“Estelle…?”

 

Estelle stared at Eve in shock. Why was she looking like that? Lady Galimar seemed to notice and spoke with a smile.

 

“Estelle has been eager to see the Duchess. I didn’t expect you to come. It’s an honor to have you at my modest tea party, Duchess.”

 

Eve quickly responded to Lady Galimar’s modesty.

 

“Modest? I only just learned about your invitations. If I’d known earlier, I would have come sooner. I’m sorry, Lady Galimar.”

 

“Oh, don’t worry. I understand you’re busy. I’m just grateful you came. Please, have some tea. Bring the tea quickly.”

 

“Yes, my lady.”

 

A maid hurried away, and Estelle shouted so loudly that she jumped.

 

“Yvonne, please sit here!”

 

“Well… alright…”

 

Eve reluctantly sat next to Estelle. The other noblewomen, including Lady Galimar, tried to suppress their laughter.

 

“Estelle has always admired the Duchess…”

 

“Oh.”

 

That muse thing again…

 

Eve awkwardly picked up a cookie, feeling Estelle’s intense gaze.

 

“Estelle, enough. You’re making the Duchess uncomfortable.”

 

“Oh, I’m sorry, Duchess.”

 

At Lady Galimar’s rebuke, Estelle looked down, crestfallen, and stammered,

 

“Lady Galimar… I mean, Christine has been my friend since childhood… That’s why I’m here.”