Ariella scoffed at that inefficiency and foolishness as she opened the package Rose had handed her. Inside the elegantly wrapped gift box was a long and ornate Eastern hair ornament.
“Oh my, it looks quite unique and beautiful. Who is it from?”
Rose asked cautiously, likely to report this to the Duke as well.
“I ordered it from the tailor. I’m planning to give it as a gift to someone I know.”
“Oh, I see. It’s a lovely gift. But the end looks a bit sharp… Is it okay?”
“Yeah, it does look quite sharp, doesn’t it?”
Though it was a worried comment, Ariella smiled brightly, looking very satisfied.
As Rose had said, the tip of the long hair ornament was indeed quite sharp. While it wouldn’t cause a deep wound just by brushing against someone, it could certainly serve as an excellent weapon if wielded with intent.
“Yes, I’m afraid it might be a bit dangerous to give as a gift. If someone gets hurt…”
“Exactly, Rose.”
Her long eyes curved gently. It was a graceful and beautiful smile, like a painting, yet somehow it felt strangely chilling to Rose.
“That’s exactly why I’m giving it as a gift.”
“……What?”
After a long silence, when Rose asked again, Ariella raised her eyebrows as if to say, “Is there a problem?”
“This hair ornament. It’s not just a simple accessory; it can also be used for self-defense in dangerous moments. Although I doubt there will be a time when ladies adorned with knights will need to protect themselves, isn’t it reassuring?”
“……Ah, so that’s its purpose. Yes, thinking about it that way, it seems nice. I think the noble ladies who love unique things will find it very interesting.”
“Right? I’m glad.”
Watching Ariella wrap the gift again with a pleasant smile, Rose let out a quiet sigh of relief.
She thought that the chill she had felt earlier was just her imagination.
***
The next day, in the early afternoon, Ariella rode in the splendid carriage of Bedford towards the imperial palace.
The destination was the Constance Palace, the imperial villa given to Countess Anabelle by the Emperor.
“It’s been a while, Lady Ari. Have you recovered from your cold?”
Countess Anabelle, who was waiting for her in the reception room, was dressed in a very peculiar manner today.
Her sleeves were unusually wide, hanging down and fluttering, and the fabric of her dress was very light and unfamiliar.
Enthralled by the exotic culture of the East, she always adorned herself in such a distinctive way.
It was amusing that the current Emperor was not particularly fond of trade with the East, yet his mistress loved Eastern items so much.
“Yes, thanks to your concern, I recovered quickly.”
“I’m glad to hear that. However, summer colds are known to be the most severe and long-lasting. It’s still too early to let your guard down. It’s unwise to dress so lightly just because the weather is warm.”
It seemed that teaching Ariella was one of Countess Anabelle’s favorite pastimes, as if there were a significant age difference between them.
Until a few months ago, Ariella found this attitude unpleasant, but not anymore. After all, she wouldn’t have to see this woman again.
The overly kind Lizzy had decided to bear this misfortune in her stead, so how fortunate and grateful that was.
“Thank you for your advice, madam. I will be sure to carry a shawl from now on.”
“Yes, a proper lady should do just that. I say this out of concern for you. You understand my feelings, don’t you?”
“Of course. How could I not?”
“Indeed, Lady Ari is different. Nowadays, young ladies often regard the advice of their elders as nothing more than annoying nagging.”
Elders. Ariella smirked.
Countess Anabelle was a person who was somewhat foolish yet not entirely stupid. This meant that every word she casually threw out carried meaning.
‘She’s testing my reaction.’
It seemed she was curious about what attitude the fake Ariella Bedford would show her. And Ariella decided to willingly provide the answer she wanted.
“Nagging? One should never disregard the words of their elders. A proper lady should gratefully listen to advice and put it into practice.”
At that, a satisfied smile spread across Countess Anabelle’s face. She was quite pleased with the sight of the Bedford princess, who always held herself upright, now appearing polite as a fake.
“That’s a good mindset, Lady Ari. Oh my, I just realized I spoke to someone who hasn’t fully recovered without offering tea.”
Countess Anabelle gestured to a maid nearby. The maid hurried over with a steaming cup of tea.
“I had it brewed very warm, considering the princess’s condition.”
A familiar scent tickled Ariella’s nose. It was a heavy, earthy aroma, reminiscent of boiling branches, yet it had a sharp, exotic fragrance.
