A kind of behind-the-scenes gossip session unfolded, even including the original female lead's background.
"Maria had her debutante ball this year, didn't she? A debut at 21? How typical of a country girl—so late. Did she just rely on her looks?"
"If marriage were decided by looks alone, wouldn't Natalie Redfield have gotten married ages ago?"
"She probably filtered out every man who approached her because of her face and ended up not finding anyone. If she had just lowered her standards a bit, she wouldn't still be on the market after five years."
"Or maybe she just wanted to dance with more men. Isn't that why she's still around?"
"Hahaha!"
The lady they were talking to burst out laughing, as if the gossip was truly entertaining. All while completely unaware that Natalie's younger sister was standing right behind them, overhearing everything.
Just then, one of the ladies suddenly turned her head sharply.
"Hey, Dory Redfield. What do you think?"
"Pardon? Me?"
"Don't play dumb. You were listening to us, weren't you?"
"...."
"Don't force that angry face—you're not good at it. Everyone here knows your sister treats you like dirt anyway."
Wow.
I was so taken aback by their brazenness that I couldn't even find the words to respond.
Although one of the other ladies tried to stop her, the one who had addressed me said with a sly smile, "It's fine. Dory's so nice, she won't mind."
She was like a high school bully picking on the quiet kid in class.
With her chin held high, the lady said, "Do you have any fun stories about your sister? I want to be the center of attention at a gathering for once."
"You want me to gossip about Natalie?"
"Why are you so surprised? Since when have you and she ever been close?"
"...."
True, I don't like Natalie. Every time we meet, she always throws some snide remark my way.
But still…
"If you tell me, I'll invite you to a party where some decent men will attend. You're not as pretty as Natalie, but at least you're less intimidating to guys."
I hate these kinds of people even more!
Standing in front of the smug lady, who looked down at me as if she owned the world, I replied firmly, "You seem awfully obsessed with Natalie's looks. Is that the only topic you have?"
"Wait, what? Obsessed? Haha, come on, I was just talking about society gossip!"
"Why do you think you go to social gatherings in the first place? It's because you don't have any other way to get ahead, isn't it? Knowing that, if you keep attacking Natalie for her looks, doesn't that just mean you're fixated on her appearance?"
"Ugh… Hey, why are you snapping at us? You don't even like Natalie either!"
"Don't assume things!"
It's not Natalie's appearance I dislike—it's her personality!
At that very moment, a familiar scent of perfume wafted over.
"Well, well. What interesting conversations you're having here."
All of us slowly turned to look. Standing right next to us now was…
"Natalie?"
The red-haired beauty looked down at us with a smile. Her eyes might have been laughing, but I wouldn't be surprised if she was mentally swearing up a storm.
"Sister, I didn't know you were planning to come to this party."
"I wasn't. I was just going to nap this afternoon, but Mother kept giving me these sharp looks. So, I decided to drop by for a cup of tea."
"How did you get an invitation—"
"Do I really need one? As soon as I said my name, they let me in right away."
Natalie smirked confidently.
Now that I think about it, I once read in an etiquette book that one of the most preferred guests at social gatherings is a witty beauty.
Whether Natalie's considered a witty beauty or a beauty that provokes adrenaline rushes, I can't say for sure.
Soon, Natalie turned her smile toward the two ladies.
"Why did you both go quiet all of a sudden? Acting reserved now won't make you seem thoughtful."
"N-Natalie…"
"We're not close enough for you to use my first name like that. Call me 'Miss Redfield.'"
"...."
"Or, could it be…"
Natalie leaned in so close to their faces that it seemed like their eyelashes might touch.
"Are you mesmerized by my face?"
"Eek! W-What are you saying?!"
The two ladies tried to back away in panic, but Natalie's hands clamped firmly onto their shoulders, pinning them in place under the scrutiny of the surrounding crowd.
It would be strange if people weren't staring—after all, one of the most beautiful women in the world and some loud chatter were bound to draw attention.
The two ladies' faces flushed bright red, clearly embarrassed by the growing audience.
They wanted to escape, but Natalie's grip on the lace adorning their shoulders left them frozen—any attempt to pull away might tear their dresses.
"Let go of us!"
"Shouldn't you be grateful? I've just helped you grab the attention of every man here. Say thank you."
"I-I'm sorry!"
"Thank you is what you should be saying. Why can't you get it, even when I spell it out for you?"
Natalie's voice grew sharper, and the surrounding guests began pretending to avert their eyes, all while sneaking peeks from behind fans or over others' shoulders.
Finally, the ladies squeaked out a reply.
"T-Thank you."
"Good job. Let's meet again sometime, alright?"
Natalie released her grip, and the two scurried away in a flustered panic.
And then it hit me.
Damn it. I should've fled while things were chaotic earlier!
But it was too late. Natalie's gaze turned to me.
Stay calm! I was just defending her from being insulted moments ago, so this shouldn't go badly!
"Dory."
"Yes, sister?"
"I've given up on advising you about dresses. Why don't you just wear pajamas everywhere instead?"
"...."
Of course. She's insufferable.
…But seriously, is my sense of fashion that bad?
I thought I'd picked something safe and neutral.
"Dory, how tall are you?"
"Huh? I'm 162 centimeters."
"That's short."
I'm not short! I'm one centimeter taller than the average height for Korean women!
But towering at what must be at least 170 centimeters, Natalie looked me up and down like I was a puppy before speaking again.
"I see."
"Why are you asking about my height?"
"How old are you?"
"…Twenty-one."
"You're too old to grow any taller. Cut back on the snacks—you don't want your dress to burst."
After tossing out that jab, Natalie swiped the snack I had been eating and strode off without looking back.
What is her problem?
Sure, I appreciated her coming to my rescue, but was it really necessary to take such painstaking care in picking a fight with me?
As her fiery red hair disappeared from view, the tension finally drained from my body, and I collapsed onto the sofa with a heavy thud.
"I'm exhausted."
If only the original male lead, Arthur, would show up already.
Then Natalie will be too busy clinging to Arthur to pay any attention to me.
Tristan, too, will be preoccupied with keeping an eye on Arthur and hovering around Maria, leaving me alone for once.
Hurry up, male lead!
'Please, let me cut ties with these troublesome people already!'
***
I was never interested in clothes. To be precise, I never had the luxury to care about them.
With a limited budget, I always chose simple outfits—plain trousers and neutral-colored shirts became my uniform.
Still, Natalie's constant grimaces at my dresses started to bother me, so I cautiously asked one of the maids.
"Do my dresses look… not very pretty?"
"Well… you do tend to choose clothes from the back corners of the wardrobe. I thought it was on purpose since you seem to dislike standing out."
"...."
The roundabout answer confirmed it for me.
'So they're not pretty.'
To my eyes, they all looked like princess dresses, though.
Honestly, I'm satisfied with what I have now, but I don't want to give Natalie another excuse to nitpick my dresses.
I went to the count's library to find books on fashion from this era. Since the books weren't organized by a decimal system, or even alphabetically, it took me several days just to clean the library and pick out books in the category I wanted.
One day, while we were at the dining table, Father casually mentioned,
"There's an opening event at the botanical garden in a few days. It's hosted by a baron's family, so there won't be any particularly important guests. Feel free to attend if you'd like."
Natalie wouldn't be interested in an event like that at all.
But I immediately sharpened my focus.
Because this event marks the original male lead, Arthur Albion's first appearance in high society!
'The story is finally beginning.'
Rumors about the future northern duke making his debut in society this year had been spreading since the start of the season.
Noble families with daughters were closely monitoring the guest lists of prominent events.
But Arthur, who's more accustomed to armor than formal attire and prefers sparring to escorting, found parties intimidating.
That was why he chose a relatively modest event—the botanical garden opening—for his debut.
It was an outdoor event with a focus on plants, so he probably thought he wouldn't attract too much attention.
Of course, the original male lead is a stunningly handsome man, tall enough to tower over others, and destined to become the biggest sensation in high society the moment he appears!
Well, he's the protagonist—he'll have to deal with it.
On the day of the botanical garden event,
a maid assisting me with my preparations asked,
"My lady, haven't you always disliked outdoor events?"
"I feel like there won't be many chances to enjoy flower viewing anymore. Once the season ends, my future will be decided."
…Of course, that was just an excuse.
The real reason was to check whether the male lead would follow the original storyline.
Unaware of my true intentions, the maid sighed.
"Sigh… If only His Highness would show you flowers or the sea himself."
Her tone was like saying, "If only I won the lottery this week."
Even the maid didn't trust that prince's character. I agree.
"For now, let's just enjoy the present. We shouldn't be… late?"
Just as I was about to leave the room, someone breathless suddenly blocked my path.
It was Natalie.
She scanned me up and down with her deep emerald-green eyes.
"Dory. I heard from Father. Where are you going?"
"The botanical garden opening event he mentioned last time."
"Why would you go to such a dull event?"
"Because I like plants. And the weather's nice today."
"...."
Natalie stopped talking for a moment.
What's this? A person who seems to lack a filter between her frontal lobe and her mouth is hesitating?
She hesitated briefly and then said something I never expected.
"Do you really have to go today? There's a much better party in a few days."
"What? Sister, you know I don't like parties. I'm just going to look at flowers today."
"As if I'd recommend a party with poor floral decorations. I've found a really good one."
What nonsense is she talking about?
Not wanting to waste more time, I finally worked up the courage to speak.
"Please step aside. If you have something to say, I'll hear it later—"
"Ah, your dress alterations aren't done yet!"