In Duke Estate..
The grand hall glowed softly under the chandeliers, the air filled with the scent of fresh lilies arranged along the sides.
Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, their glow bouncing off polished marble floors.
The long walls were draped with golden curtains, and every corner of the hall was alive with chatter and the rustle of gowns.
The guests slowly gathered, their chatter echoing against the polished marble walls.
At the far end, Duchess Emma stepped forward with a graceful smile, her gown flowing as she raised her hand to gain everyone's attention.
"Welcome, everyone," she said warmly, her voice carrying clearly through the hall. "It brings me great joy to see all of you gathered here tonight. Your presence honors this house."
The guests bowed their heads politely, some whispering greetings in return.
"I hope you will feel at ease and enjoy yourselves," Emma continued, her eyes meeting each group with care. "This gathering is not only to share food and drink but to strengthen the bonds we hold with one another."
She paused, then added with a softer smile, "Please, think of this place as your own home. Tonight, you are not just guests. You are family."
A wave of approval passed through the hall as people clapped lightly and offered words of thanks.
"Now," Duchess Emma said, raising her hand slightly, "let the evening begin. May it be filled with joy, laughter, and good company."
The hall came alive with movement as servants began to bring in trays of wine and food, while the guests started mingling with lighter hearts under Emma's gracious welcome.
It was an evening where noblewomen from far and wide had gathered. Dresses sparkled with heavy jewels, layered with pearls, diamonds, and ornaments that seemed to weigh down the slender frames of the ladies wearing them.
Their gowns were made in the style of the medieval courts,tight corsets, wide skirts, and long sleeves embroidered with extravagant patterns. Perfume lingered in the air, mixing with the scent of freshly cut roses that decorated the tables.
At the entrance, Duchess Emma herself welcomed each guest. She carried herself with calm grace, her every gesture refined, her smile practiced yet warm enough to make each lady feel valued. At her side stood her daughter, Lady Julia.
Julia, however, looked far from comfortable.
She was tall, taller than most women in the room, standing around one hundred eighty-five centimeters.
The gown she wore was a rich emerald green with a tightly bound corset and wide skirts, but it seemed to hang awkwardly on her long frame. She shifted slightly, tugging at the stiff bodice with discomfort. Her frown gave away her feelings.
Julia had always been a warrior. She trained with weapons, fought in the field, and spent her days moving freely. To her, the gown felt like a cage.
The corset pinched her ribs, the skirts dragged at her steps, and every piece of lace only made her feel more out of place. She didn't like such clothes, and her expression showed it clearly.
"Stand straight, Julia," Duchess Emma whispered softly, without turning her head. "You are my daughter. Tonight you must look the part."
Julia forced her shoulders back, but her unease didn't fade.
The grand hall was alive with greetings.
Laughter rang out as noblewomen exchanged compliments, though most were filled with hidden jealousy or polite insincerity. Fans waved delicately, hands brushed against jeweled necklaces as if to draw attention to them, and every other moment, eyes flicked up and down to judge the gowns of others.
Then, suddenly, the atmosphere shifted.
"Huh…"
"Wow…"
"What is that?"
The murmurs spread like ripples in water. All eyes turned toward the grand staircase at the far end of the hall.
There they spotted Countess Rina.
Unlike the others, her gown was not weighed down with gold threads or heavy ornaments. It was simple yet breathtaking.
The fabric was soft and smooth, falling naturally along her figure without the exaggerated layers common in noble fashion.
The gown exposed her bare shoulders, leaving her collarbones and neck delicately framed.
The skirt flowed gently, not too wide, not too narrow, giving her a graceful presence. She wore only the faintest touch of jewelry—a pair of small pearl earrings and a thin bracelet.
Yet despite its simplicity, the gown seemed to glow under the lights. The design was clean, elegant, and somehow… modern.
Compared to the overly decorated dresses around her, Countess Rina's presence was like a fresh breeze sweeping through the hall.
The noble ladies whispered to one another. Some were shocked, some awed, and others already burned with envy.
Duchess Emma herself walked forward quickly, her eyes widening as she approached Rina. "It is so beautiful," she said honestly, her tone carrying genuine surprise.
Countess Rina smiled and gave a graceful bow. "Thank you, Your Grace."
"Where did you get this gown, Countess Rina?" Duchess Emma asked, her gaze lingering on the fine cut of the dress.
At once, the other noble ladies rushed closer, surrounding them.
"Yes, tell us, Countess. Where did you order such a design?"
"Who could have made something like this? It is unlike anything I have seen."
Their voices overlapped as they pressed forward, eyes hungry with curiosity.
Rina's lips curved into a gentle smile. She lifted her fan and spoke softly. "It was designed by Baron Ethan."
The ladies froze.
"Baron Ethan?"
"Who is he?"
"It cannot be… the new Baron from Blanks?"one of them spoke remembering something.
Their voices were filled with disbelief. A baron was such a low rank that most of the high nobles didn't bother to remember the names of newly appointed ones.
Yet here he was, being mentioned as the creator of something that had stolen the spotlight at a Duchess's banquet.
Julia, standing at her mother's side, paused. Her sharp memory caught the name.
It's him… the man who became the son-in-law of the Blank family.
Her gaze drifted back to Rina's gown. She wasn't someone who liked dresses or fashion.
Yet even she couldn't deny the craftsmanship. The design was meticulous. It didn't look heavy, it didn't restrict movement, and still, it shone with elegance. She had no love for girly clothes, but this piece of art deserved respect.
While some ladies were filled with awe, others couldn't hide their bitterness.
"Bah," one woman spat. "It is too vulgar."
"Yes," another added sharply. "Exposed shoulders… who are you trying to seduce?"
A few nodded in agreement, their jealousy dripping through every word.
Countess Rina didn't respond to the barbed remarks. Instead, she waved to her fan slowly, hiding her smile. Her eyes sparkled as she replied, "There is nothing shameful in looking good."
Her calm confidence silenced many of them.
A few ladies laughed lightly. "She is right. It is lovely."
"I want one," another declared suddenly.
"Yes, please ask him to design one for me too. Money will not be an issue."
Excitement spread like wildfire. Voices rose all around as more and more noblewomen pleaded with Rina to help them acquire a gown like hers. The once cold and jealous remarks were drowned by demands filled with desire.
Countess Rina felt her cheeks warm. She waved her hands quickly. "Please, calm yourselves. I did not mean to cause such a stir. Your Grace, forgive me if I have spoiled the atmosphere."
Duchess Emma's expression shifted. The kind smile she had worn earlier vanished, replaced by a cold, serious look. The air froze for a moment.
"I cannot forgive you," Emma said sternly.
Rina's heart sank.
Her fan lowered as her fingers trembled. She had never seen the Duchess angry before. Emma was known for being gentle and amiable, so her sudden sternness sent a wave of panic through Rina's chest.
She only wanted to show off a little. She had not expected to become the center of the evening.
The room went silent. Every woman watched with held breath, waiting to see what punishment Emma would give.
But then, Emma's lips curved into a smile. She leaned slightly forward and said, "I will only forgive you if you request Baron Blank to provide me with an exclusive gown. One made only for me. If not…" She let her words hang for a moment before giving a small laugh.
Relief flooded through Rina. She let out a slow breath and returned the smile with a bow. "I understand. I will make sure that you are the first to receive his designs."
Laughter filled the hall again, but this time, it was tinted with eagerness. The noblewomen's eyes glimmered, their vanity plain for all to see.
Each of them wanted what Rina wore as they wanted to stand out, even if only for one night.
And in that moment, without even being present, Baron Ethan's name had entered the grand hall of Duchess Emma's manor.