Chapter 030
Lady Millane.
She was the noble lady who had achieved the coveted 1st place. Although Lady Millane had done nothing to gain sudden fame this time around, she was still worth treating with respect.
After all, she was ranked 1st in the Best Bride category.
This meant that all the haughty and proud nobles of this world acknowledged her.
“Rebecca. It seems like we should invite Lady Millane, don’t you think?”
“Well, it’s true… but I’m not sure if Lady Millane would be interested in something like this.”
Rebecca shrugged.
Lady Millane had had connections with Alejandro since she was young. Due to this connection, she had even married Lehan in the novel.
But you don’t know.
How much I… cheered for you. I wished you eternal happiness, but… the two of them ended up completely parting ways when Alejandro gave up his throne.
Of course, Lady Millane, being a person of loyalty, continued to support Lehan until the end.
Anyway, I knew that Lady Millane’s personality wasn’t one to be taken lightly.
“Hmm. Still, having Lady Millane attend would certainly be beneficial, right?”
“Of course. It would prove that our votes have considerable influence.”
“Lady Millane is very particular, Miss.”
However, it wasn’t impossible to persuade Lady Millane. As mentioned, she was particular. Even receiving an invitation wouldn’t guarantee her presence.
But Lady Millane trusted her own judgment. If she saw value and worth and believed it suited her, she would certainly attend.
“So we just need to satisfy her particularity. Don’t we have what it takes?”
“…Lady Millane will likely dislike Viviana.”
Rebecca pointed to Viviana, who was featured on the cover of the next issue of the magazine.
“There are many opera singers and stage actors who enjoy the patronage of nobles and live in luxury. Lady Millane despises such people.”
“Let’s visit her in person. We should be able to make an appointment, right?”
Rebecca hesitated but then nodded. It wasn’t something that would be impossible with Alejandro’s name behind it.
As expected, Rebecca managed to secure an appointment within three hours.
* * *
Carrying a box adorned with the Dear Elizabeth logo, we entered the Millane family residence. I remembered that Lady Millane liked sweets.
“Will this be enough?”
Viviana asked with a very nervous expression.
I nodded.
“She should at least listen to us.”
“I hope so.”
Rebecca replied. Given her long experience with Lady Millane, Rebecca seemed quite skeptical.
We were able to meet Lady Millane in the drawing room. Fortunately, a maid immediately prepared and served the desserts we had brought. Lady Millane was even more beautiful than described in the novel. Moreover, her natural aura and demeanor were unmatched, creating an impression that no one could replicate.
Her beauty was stunning, but it was her inherent grace that made Lady Millane seem even more noble.
“Lady Millane, I’m Evelina Regnis. It is truly an honor to meet you.”
“Please, no need for formality. I’ve heard a lot about you, Lady Regnis. You’re said to be the most famous person in society these days.”
Lady Millane smiled haughtily.
Her eyes, raised like a cat’s, immediately conveyed an air of arrogance.
“Thank you for recognizing me. It seems that my efforts have not been in vain since the esteemed Lady recognized me.”
I placed the newly published 2nd issue of the magazine on the table. Lady Millane glanced at it.
“I am aware of what’s featured in this. To my embarrassment, I was chosen as the best bride.”
“That’s right, Milady. That’s why we came to invite you to the next fashion show.”
“Me?”
Lady Millane tilted her head slightly. Even this gesture looked charming. It seems appearance really is everything.
“Hm. I didn’t even participate in that vote to begin with. And I have no interest in such matters. Moreover—”
Lady Millane picked up the magazine and showed me the cover. With a cold expression, she said:
“Things like this are not to my taste.”
Her gaze briefly shifted to Viviana before returning to me.
“If you’re only here to talk about the fashion show, I would prefer if you left now.”
“But Milady, I’d like to explain why I chose Viviana as the model for my magazine. Could you please hear me out just this once?”
Viviana stood there with pale, trembling hands. It must be difficult to remain composed in front of someone who dislikes you for no apparent reason.
Lady Millane then turned her gaze toward Rebecca.
Acknowledging Rebecca meant she remembered we were guests with Alejandro’s name behind us.
My lovely little one. I’m truly grateful.
“…Speak. Be as concise as possible.”
“Viviana here is more ladylike and noble than anyone else.”
Lady Millane listened attentively to what I had to say. Viviana occasionally added her own comments. By the time we finished, Lady Millane’s expression remained unchanged—stoic and cold.
“Is the discussion over?”
Can she really remain so composed after hearing such a touching story?
“Yes, it is.”
Viviana answered crisply.
“Well then, may I leave now? I understand what you were trying to say.”
This was the only chance to hold Lady Millane’s attention.
“Milady.”
“Speak, Lady Regnis.”
“I can help you, Milady”
For the first time, a crack appeared in Lady Millane’s expression.
“I don’t know what kind of thought process Lehan has in participating in this, but I don’t believe this magazine will be of any help to me.”
I knew Lady Millane’s ultimate goal. She wanted to inherit the Millane Duchy. However, the conservative duke did not trust his daughter and planned to marry her off to pass the title to his son-in-law.
The reason Lady Millane married Lehan was precisely because of this. The crown prince or emperor could not inherit an aristocratic family, but the empress could!
“…The press influences people. And when people are influenced, the duke’s heart will also be moved, Milady.”
“Right now…”
Lady Millane narrowed her eyes. Her gaze was icy as she looked at me.
“How do you know about this?”
Her voice grew sharp, and her cat-like eyes flashed coldly.
Rebecca tugged at my sleeve, signaling me not to provoke the princess. But I was certain. Lady Millane’s heart would be swayed.
“Lady Millane, I will make sure to showcase who you are, what you can do, and what abilities you possess. The magazine has the power to do that.”
“…”
“Then people will talk. They will consider whether Lady Millane is suitable as the next heir or if it’s necessary to bring in a son-in-law to continue the family line. The princess alone is enough. I will keep this going until such discussions arise.”
Lady Millane’s gaze wavered.
“Ability is not exclusive to men. It applies to me, and it applies to you, Lady Millane. And Rebecca and Viviana here have their own strengths as well. They can represent a family, themselves, or a business.”
“Evelina.”
“I can help you obtain the rightful position you deserve.”
Lady Millane bit her lip tightly.
“So please, Milady, support me. Support the Red Carpet.”
Lady Millane stared at me for a long while. Then she let out a long sigh.
“…You really are good with words. I don’t yet believe that Lady Evelina has the power to make such a difference. It might be better to follow the method I am currently considering.”
My heart raced.
In fact, Lady Millane could still inherit the dukedom using her own methods, as shown in the novel.
“But, somehow, I like you. From now on, call me Iliana.”
Lady Millane smiled brightly.
Success!!
