Chapter 50: Dottricia's Radiant Dream part 1
‘Is this a dream or reality?’
Not only was she meeting the Crown Prince at the Imperial Palace, but she had even arrived here by herself. Even the Duchess was surprised as well.
Crown Prince Sillas, following the customary traditions of the debutante ball, was dressed in a dark-toned formal suit. This was to ensure that the young ladies of every noble house would shine as the true protagonists of the night.
Dott, adorned in a dazzling pure white dress, stood beside a chair with a bashful expression.
“My lady, His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived.”
“Have you been well, Duchess?”
“Oh, don’t mind me. Please take good care of my daughter.”
Sillas smiled gently and impeccably, just as he had always done before that fateful day three years ago.
“Understood.”
As Dott rode in the carriage with the Crown Prince, she felt like the happiest woman in the world.
She had just left the main estate building, a place where she had fought countless invisible battles within the Klein Ducal House just to secure her title as a noblewoman. With that as her foundation, her grand ambition of becoming the Crown Princess, and eventually the Empress, was now within reach.
She was well aware of how much Duke Klein had labored to ensure that she would receive the Crown Prince’s escort at this debutante.
How skillfully must he have lobbied to have Sillas personally accompany her with a carriage?
But she felt no guilt.
‘Fufu, this is all an investment for the future. Don’t you think so? When I become Empress, the Klein family will become the Emperor’s in-laws and bask in boundless wealth and honor.’
The immense dowry required for a noblewoman to marry the Imperial Crown Prince was of no concern to Dott. Drunk on the grand notion that the Crown Prince himself was escorting her, she stepped proudly into Arcadenia Hall.
Ah, I don’t want to remember those dreary days when I was miserable for not being able to enter this place. Of course, it’s only natural! That wretched Morgana isn’t even worthy of touching the hem of my dress!
“Presenting His Highness the Crown Prince and Lady Dott Klein, attending this year’s debutante!”
A loud announcement from the palace steward rang through the hall.
Yes, this is wonderful. Everything is just perfect. I have dreamed of this life for so long. Today will be the grand beginning of my legacy!
Dott smiled contentedly, leaning into Sillas’s arm as she took her seat. Two knights from House Klein, who had been standing by, followed closely behind, giving her a sense of unwavering security.
I have won!
“Thank you.”
“No, Lady Klein, congratulations on making your debut this spring.”
Sillas offered a flawlessly refined and courteous tone as he acknowledged the beginning of her new chapter before moving toward the Emperor, who was seated not far away.
Dott relished the moment in her heart.
Fufufu.
Before the performance began, Crown Prince Sillas, following custom, would perform the first dance. And the person he would approach with a ‘May I have this dance?’ would, of course, be none other than me!
Naturally, after our dance, he would be so taken with me that he would stay by my side the entire evening, wouldn’t he?
Dott was absolutely elated.
Yes… This is perfect. Everything is going exactly as planned!
Though she had yet to be formally introduced, many in the hall were already stealing glances at her. Of course, they were – she was a noble lady of the highest order.
Dott sat gracefully with her clear, bright eyes, waiting for the introductions to begin. Since guests were still arriving, she had to wait. She wore a benevolent and regal smile, as if she were already the Empress, surveying all beneath her.
And then—
“…Presenting His Highness Prince Astein and Lady Morgana!”
“Gasp.”
Dott, who had been elegantly lifting her gaze to highlight the delicate makeup on her eyes, let out an involuntary breath.
Did I mishear that? Lady Morgana? There’s no way… Why…?
Her mind rejected the notion, but curiosity got the better of her. Growing impatient, she instinctively rose slightly and turned toward the entrance. And then she saw it.
Prince Astein, his slightly long hair now neatly trimmed, and beside him, a woman clinging to his arm. That fool Morgana, the one she had never wanted to see again and had tried everything to get rid of!
The sight of her infuriating pink hair fluttering at her shoulders was unbearable.
‘D**n it! Of all his many subordinates, did he have to drag her here just to ruin my mood? Why? Why are you always trying to get in my way?!’
For Morgana to be here, she would have needed an official invitation from the Imperial Family. Which meant that the Crown Prince himself had to have permitted it.
But none of that mattered to Dott. She controlled her anger, ensuring that she remained composed. People were watching. They all knew the two of them had come from the same monastery. If she showed any signs of agitation, it would be disastrous.
If Dottricia Karris had been the reckless, hot-tempered type, she would have never made it this far. Though she had a difficult personality, she knew exactly where to draw the line in public. Still, she couldn’t help but fume as she overheard the murmurings around her.
“Prince Astein is attending as well?”
“Yes. I suppose it’s because His Highness the Crown Prince has returned to society. He used to stay by Queen Rania’s side constantly, but now… haha.”
“Oh my! Indeed. Hohoho.”
“To think that he’s escorting Lady Morgana so formally. I remember him as a child, but he’s grown so much.”
“As the Crown Prince’s engagement gets settled, I suppose Prince Astein’s future will be determined as well.”
“Most likely.”
