If You Conquer Me - Chapter 15
Damn it. Ophelia felt an angry curse rising to her throat.
After she had chosen five sets of earrings, necklaces, and rings, a tiara, three brooches, and two gold waistbands adorned with jewels, the jeweler finally left with a satisfied expression.
“Hah…”
Slumped on the sofa like wilted cabbage, Ophelia stared out the window with a tired gaze. When she first met the jeweler, it had been a little after lunch, but now, the red twilight had already settled outside…..
At least the cobbler and the tailor’s staff had only come to take her measurements and left, or she would have been stuck with people until nightfall. But Ophelia’s ordeal was far from over.
Knock knock.
A short knock echoed, and the maid entered the parlor with a polite greeting.
“Lady Leticia, the Grand Duke requests your presence for dinner.”
“What?”
Ophelia stiffened, her shoulders tense. As if she weren’t tired enough already, now she had to face Hugo’s face. The maid, undeterred, continued with her message.
“I’ll help you with your preparations.”
Of course, Ophelia couldn’t refuse. Her ability to play the role of a mistress determined the lives of her comrades and her own freedom. So, Ophelia forced a bright smile.
“Of course, I’m eager to see the Grand Duke.”
She acted like a lovestruck fool, so blinded by affection that she couldn’t even tell the difference between right and wrong.
Feeling happy to the usurper who had trampled her kingdom… truly happy. So happy it felt almost ridiculous.
* * *
With the help of the maids, Ophelia finished her preparations. The brown dye she had used on her hair had long since been washed out.
Her long, deep blue-black hair cascaded down her back, and she wore the dazzling diamond jewelry she had purchased today.
Around her elegant neck, a sapphire necklace rested, complementing the graceful line of her neck, like a doe. The flowing blue indoor dress she wore was embroidered with fine silver threads, forming delicate snowdrop flowers.
“….”
Ophelia stared intently at her reflection in the mirror. The woman looking back at her seemed so unfamiliar. Even before the fall of Ascanior, she had hardly ever dressed so lavishly.
Ophelia had always hidden in corners where no one could see her, huddling in the darkest shadows. The nickname that had been given to her was…
The Crow Princess.
Now, here she was, dressed so magnificently. And the fact that she was only able to wear such a gown after becoming Grand Duke Morgana’s mistress made her feel… very strange.
“I’ll escort you.”
“Okay.”
Ophelia tried to hide her complex feelings and, guided by the maid, descended to the first floor.
As Ophelia stepped into the dining room, Hugo, who had already arrived, looked her up and down.
“You’re acceptable.”
His tone was almost as if he were appraising an item. Ophelia, who had instinctively bristled, quickly calmed herself.
“Thank you.”
“I mean it, you know.”
“I truly appreciate it.”
“Let’s skip the pleasantries. Sit down.”
Hugo narrowed his eyes slightly and gestured to the chair. Ophelia sat in the chair the servant pulled out for her.
After a short while, luxurious dishes began to appear on the table. However, since it was a meal for just the two of them, it wasn’t a formal multi-course dinner.
Once all the food had been served, Hugo casually flicked his fingers. That was the signal for everyone to leave. The servants quickly took their leave, and the dining room was left with only Ophelia and Hugo.
What is he going to say?
