“Despite being an outsider, it’s a great honor to host Iris here,” Lady Galimar said playfully, and Estelle glared at her.

“Why did you say that in front of Lady Yvonne…”

“Alright, alright. I apologize to Lady Yvonne as well.”

Lady Galimar chuckled and winked at Eve, now addressing her as ‘Lady Yvonne.’ Her bright orange hair and lively freckles made her seem cheerful and straightforward.

“But listen to this, Lady Yvonne. Did you know how she became Iris?”

“Yes? Oh, yes, I’ve heard.”

Estelle had mentioned that she attended numerous parties to find Eve and ended up becoming Iris. It was an absurd reason, but Estelle was beautiful and had a great personality, so she deserved to be Iris.

“After all that fuss last year, she didn’t attend a single party this year.”

“Really?”

Eve turned her gaze to Estelle, who lowered her blushing face.

“Parties don’t mean anything to me…”

“But it’s a shame not to enjoy being Iris.”

Eve looked at Estelle’s bright red face, then suddenly asked,

“What do you like so much about me?”

As if waiting for this moment, Estelle enthusiastically replied,

“Everything, absolutely everything. You’re so lovely and beautiful. Your silver hair like it’s made of moonlight, your blue eyes like glass beads, your big eyes, small nose, shining lips, and skin as white as snow… Just looking at you gives me so many creative ideas.”

“Creative ideas? Oh, you mentioned that sewing is your hobby. Can I see your work sometime?”

“Yes?! Of course! If you want, I’ll bring them right now!”

Estelle exclaimed with delight. The elegant figure she had shown at Cecilia’s tea party was gone, replaced by a woman who seemed to have a pure admiration for Eve. Eve was simply bewildered.

‘Count Marseille might get jealous…’

She was curious about Estelle’s husband.

“You don’t have to go now, but please invite me to your home sometime.”

“Really…? Is that alright?”

“Yes. I’ve been too secluded lately, so I’m leaving the estate’s work to my husband and planning to engage in social activities.”

“That rotten man… I mean, the Duke is handling the estate work?”

Estelle clearly started to say “rotten man…” Eve doubted her ears but answered,

“Yes, he wants to do it. He’s changed a lot.”

Lady Galimar leaned forward, her face full of interest.

“Pardon me for saying this, but has the Duke really come to his senses?”

“…Well, sort of.”

Eve’s awkward response made Lady Galimar laugh brightly.

“That’s wonderful news!”

“Pardon?”

“Even though we aren’t close, I’ve always been concerned about you as a fellow noblewoman. Many nobles spoke ill of you.”

“…Oh.”

“But seeing you today, it’s clear you’re not affected by those rumors! It’s impressive how you’ve tamed the notorious playboy.”

“……”

Could she really say she had tamed the emperor…? Eve felt a bit emotional hearing Lady Galimar’s praise.

‘I never expected anyone to care about me this much…’

Although Lady Galimar had been consistently sending party invitations for Estelle, she was the only one. Eve smiled gratefully.

“I’m truly fine now, thanks to you all.”

The nobles, including Lady Galimar, blushed at her smile.

“Oh, it’s nothing.”

“We didn’t do anything significant.”

“No, I can tell now. Unlike other nobles, you never mocked or criticized me. That alone means a lot to me.”

Eve had thought everyone was against her, but that wasn’t entirely true. This realization gave her more strength than she expected.

“Wait a moment.”

Amidst the warm atmosphere, Lady Galimar suddenly stepped forward.

“You said you’re planning to engage in social activities?”

“Yes. But I’ve received very few invitations because I’ve been secluded for so long… It’s quite embarrassing.”

“No, it’s not your fault! It’s all because of Lady Girard.”

“Pardon?”

Lady Girard referred to Cecilia. Eve’s expression sharpened at the unexpected mention.

“What do you mean by that?”

“It’s simple. Since the last tea party, Lady Girard subtly hinted to exclude you from all gatherings.”

“In fact, many nobles wanted to befriend you after that tea party. But how could they go against the soon-to-be Empress’ command?”

So, the reason she hadn’t received any invitations wasn’t her fault, but Cecilia’s doing…?

“Hah.”

Eve gave a bitter laugh, and the nobles’ expressions darkened.

Estelle, observing the situation, raised her hand energetically.

“I’ll take care of it, Yvonne.”

She snorted and continued,

“I’m Iris. I can host a party. I haven’t held one since becoming Iris, so many will come. It won’t be inferior to Lady Girard’s.”

“Thank you, Estelle. Can I ask one more favor?”

“Anything for you, Yvonne!”

Eve laughed and suggested meaningfully,

“Let’s co-host the party.”

<b>* * *</b>

“Co-host a party?”

Charles was signing estate documents and looked up at Eve. She had come straight to him after the tea party, feeling slightly embarrassed to see him swamped with work.

‘We could have talked later, but I was so excited.’

However, unlike her worries, Charles pushed aside the pile of documents and stood up to sit opposite her.

“That’s a clever idea, Eve.”

“…Isn’t it?”

Charles laughed aloud at her response. For some reason, his laughter made Eve feel at ease.

“So? What kind of party are you planning?”

“A ball. Nobles who become Iris usually host a ball. Estelle hasn’t held one yet, so we’re planning something grand.”

“A ball…”

Charles pondered for a moment, then suddenly stood up and extended his hand to Eve.

“Stand up, Eve.”

“…What is this?”

“Your cautious attitude hurts a bit.”

“You… never mind.”

Eve stopped herself from saying more, worried about disrespecting the emperor again, but remained cautious.

Charles sighed lightly and bowed elegantly.

“May I have this dance, my lady?”

“…Pardon?”

“It would be good to practice, wouldn’t it? We’ll need to dance together at the ball. We should practice our steps.”

It had been over five years since she last attended a ball…

Reluctantly, Eve took Charles’ hand and stood up. However, he seemed hesitant and just stood there. Eve glared at him and placed his arm around her waist.

“Are we dancing or not?”

“…Eve, you really… between riding and this…”

“Charles, do you even know how to dance?”

Looking up at him, Eve saw Charles respond proudly.

“Though I avoided women, I was well-taught in noble etiquette. Have you forgotten I am the emperor?”

“That… that’s…”

As Eve faltered, Charles began to lead her gracefully. He waited patiently for her to follow. Eve quickly matched his steps. Gradually, their movements synchronized.

‘My body remembers this.’

It had been so long since she last danced. She hadn’t dreamed of dancing with anyone since her marriage.

‘I thought balls and friends were distant things for me now…’

Feeling a strange sensation, Eve looked up at Charles. Perhaps all these changes started with this man.

She had once hated his face, but now it seemed different. If, just if, the person she was dancing with now was the real Charles…

Recalling the beautiful, golden-haired man she once knew, Eve stumbled.

“Eve…!”

Her vision spun, and she heard a soft thud.

When she opened her eyes again, they were entangled on the sofa. Suddenly, she caught a familiar yet unfamiliar scent.

“Eve.”

She looked up to see Charles right in front of her.

“Are you alright?”

Eve realized she had been holding her breath and finally replied.

“Yes.”

Charles’ hand was supporting her head. Embarrassed, Eve quickly moved aside and sat up.

“Sorry.”

“No, it’s my fault.”

“Why are you apologizing?”

“…”

Charles remained silent. He couldn’t admit that he had entertained indecent thoughts seeing her so vulnerable.

Despite his internal struggle, Charles reached out to her half-loosened hair tie.

“Your hair is a mess.”

“I’ll do it.”

“I’ll do it.”

“…”

“Let me.”