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Rashta grumbled out a complaint as she set down a sketchbook of designs.

“These clothes are all pretty, too. Why is everyone so talented?”

It was almost the day of the debutante ball, and she still hadn’t selected Rivetti’s dress. Viscount Roteschu demanded it in two days, but Rashta had difficulty choosing.

“The dress can’t be pretty, but Rashta can’t look careless either...”

She flipped through another sketchbook. However, the designers who came to Rashta were all famous for their work, and the debutante ball was known for its beauty and splendor. It was difficult to find anything that wasn’t beautiful.

“Or should I just pick something safe that anyone can wear?”

It would be a sight to see people in similar dresses in a group together.

‘Similar dress?’

Rashta was struck with a sudden idea. She remembered the commotion it caused when she and the Empress wore the same dress, and a plan began to form in her head.

‘What if I dress Rivetti in the same clothes as me?‘

Then, people will talk. They had restrained themselves the last time it happened because of the Empress’ high status, but Rivetti was vulnerable. Rashta was the star of society, while Rivetti was only from a small estate. If their dresses were the same, Rivetti would be the one accused of copying. Neither her nor Viscount Roteschu could say that they had blackmailed Rashta into giving them a dress.

The corners of Rashta’s mouth lifted, and she called for the maid.

“Do you have the dress I chose?”

“Yes, Miss Rashta.”

“Have another one made in a smaller size. Here are the measurements.”

Rashta held out a piece of paper with Rivetti’s body measurements on it, given to her by Viscount Roteschu. The maid didn’t know that Rashta was being blackmailed, and was surprised to learn that Rashta was choosing someone else’s debutante dress.

“You’re going to give someone else the same dress?”

“Yes. She doesn’t know what to choose for herself.”

“But...wouldn’t it be noticeable if the dresses were the same?”

“But no matter how you think about it, Rashta’s dress is the prettiest. I don’t want to give her something less pretty.”

“Miss Rashta...how are you so nice?”

The maid gave a heartfelt sigh.

A faint smile graced Rashta’s lips, just like the Empress’.

***

It was the day of the debutante ball. The ball itself was not as splendid as the one on New Year’s, but the atmosphere itself was lively with the many new faces formally entering society. Looking at all the lavish and colorful costumes had become a source of entertainment itself.

“I’m going to dress like that in all the balls from now on.”

“The amount of lace and jewels is sure to lessen after a year or two, though.”

Even my ladies-waiting giggled among themselves and pointed at various guests. The mood was lighter than usual, as Emperor Sovieshu found himself too busy to attend.

“Lady Rivetti is over there.”

Because of their familiarity now, Laura happily pointed to Rivetti. The young lady was mingling with other newly debuted young men and women. She was as cute as a hen’s chick with her short curly hair and yellow dress. I casually waved at her, and her eyes widened and she blushed.

“She really likes you, Your Majesty.”

Countess Eliza spoke with a warm smile. I nodded despite the guilt for having done a background check on a young lady who admired me.

The music began, and the guests began to pair up to dance. I watched the hall as the song drifted in the air. Most of the attendees to the ball were the debutantes, their relatives and acquaintances, and others in the social circles who wanted to look at the fresh new faces. Duke Elgy, well-known for being a socialite and womanizer, did not come. The debutantes were probably too young for him.

However, what was surprising was that Rashta was nowhere to be seen either.

‘Did she not come because of Rivetti?’

I wondered to myself as I took a small bite of cake that a servant brought to me, and savored the taste of sweet whipped cream and peanuts on my tongue.

As I was working on my dessert, I heard the buzz of conversation rise in the room. I looked up and saw the late arrival of Rashta. The dress she was wearing...

My eyes shot back to Rivetti. She was wearing the same dress Rashta was. Rivetti was blissfully dancing with another young man, ignorant of what was happening.

“That again—!”

Laura ground her teeth.

“That woman is making Rivetti look like a copycat this time!”

It was only after the music ended that Rivetti spotted the dress Rashta was wearing. Rivetti’s eyes widened. Her face turned red in shame as she heard the guests gossip with each other. I felt terrible for her. Despise Rashta’s own look of surprise, I knew it had to be intentional.

Rivetti looked ready to burst into tears while the nobles continued to stare and murmur at her. Unable to watch this anymore, I stood up and approached her, and the guests parted with surprise on their faces. I took off my cape to place it on Rivetti’s shoulders, and she stared at me with large eyes.

“I suppose this type of dress is in fashion. Will this help make it look a little different?”

I smiled at her, and Rivetti’s eyes rounded even more. She gasped out her relief and praise, and I patted her shoulder and took her to the table where I was sitting.

I looked back at Rashta. What was she thinking wearing the same dress again? I wondered what was going on in that woman’s head.

Surprisingly, Rashta wasn’t looking at Rivetti. She was looking at me instead, and busily writing something down in a small notebook.