The Villainess's Secret Bedroom Service
Chapter 115: Yours Truly

Chapter 115: Yours Truly

"Please, remember this, tonight, your identity shall be that of Lilith Alred, a former teacher at one of the orphanages. Currently, you serve as my trusted assistant, understood?"

Rosalie drew in a deep breath, seeking a measure of calm, and gently shut her eyes.

’This is merely a name plucked from the pages of a novel I once read. Let’s hope it doesn’t correspond to an actual living soul in our world.’

She turned her gaze toward Laith, who responded with a solemn, unwavering tone,

"Understood, My Lady."

"Excellent."

Lady Ashter wore a pleased smile as she gracefully took a step back, casting a discerning gaze upon Laith.

"Well, I daresay it has turned out rather splendid, wouldn’t you concur, Aurora?"

Aurora stood by her lady’s side, her demeanor resembling that of a seasoned stylist meticulously appraising her handiwork.

"Yes, My Lady. And the dress complements her beautifully!"

Encouraged by their initial success in concealing Laith’s scar, Rosalie resolved to procure additional concealing liquid from the cosmetics boutique. With Aurora’s audacious and experimental nature by her side, they embarked on a journey to fine-tune the perfect shade to match the girl’s delicate complexion.

Given Laith’s absence of objections to attending the Imperial banquet and unveiling her countenance to the world, she, along with the assistance of Aurora’s deft hands, embarked on the transformation for her first-ever venture beyond the confines of Damien’s estate.

Laith continued to gaze at her reflection, a profound sense of wonderment overtaking her. Her eyes welled with unfamiliar, weighty emotions, and she eventually found her voice, albeit with a hint of timidity,

"I used to harbor a vehement aversion to my own reflection, striving to obscure my face whenever possible. There came a point when I felt as though my very identity eluded me, shrouded in utter mystery. But now... For the first time in many years, I can truly perceive myself anew, as someone... a genuine individual, a woman above all else. I am deeply grateful to you, Lady Rosalie, for aiding me in rediscovering my true self."

Rosalie playfully fanned her face with her hands, seeking to quell the surge of emotions. She rolled her eyes in a jesting manner, as if compelling her tears to retreat into her eye sockets.

"Well, Laith, it seems neither of us can afford to shed tears, or poor Aurora will find herself redoing our makeup!"

This quip elicited hearty laughter from all three, effectively dispelling the somber atmosphere that had permeated the room. Once the tumultuous emotions had settled, Lady Rosalie graced them with a smile and a nod as she continued,

"Very well, it’s time to make our way. The long and tiring evening is about to begin."

***

Grand Duchess Rosalie Dio made her regal entrance at the Imperial Palace, accompanied by her faithful retinue, comprising Felix Howyer, Lilith Alred, and Sir Logan Vold, the latter serving as her personal escort for the evening.

As their footsteps traversed the palace grounds, they were promptly escorted into the primary event hall, their arrival announced with resounding pomp and circumstance, ensuring all in attendance were duly informed.

The grandeur of the event hall proved simultaneously breathtaking and underwhelming. Accustomed to the lavish interiors of noble estates and seasoned by her frequent visits to the Swan Palace, Rosalie found herself unimpressed by the ostentatious decorations and the opulence of the guests’ attire.

The resplendent profusion of decorations and the throng of people seemed curiously ordinary, leaving Lady Rosalie feeling both disoriented and perplexed.

’Nothing opulent or extravagant can astonish me these days... The irony of it all.’

Halfway through their promenade across the hall, Lady Ashter halted and pivoted to address Felix and Laith, who had, until then, appeared somewhat awkwardly paired.

"Felix, kindly escort Laith to a more comfortable setting and savor the evening. I shall seek you out if necessity arises."

"Very well, My Lady."

Felix nodded understandingly, extending a subtle smile to Laith as he guided her away from the burgeoning crowd.

’They make a handsome pair. Perhaps this evening will offer them an opportunity to grow closer.’

Rosalie, her lips adorned with a warm smile, tapped Logan lightly on the arm and added,

"Shall we proceed, Sir Logan? It appears I must parade myself tonight."

As they advanced through the expansive event hall, the lady could not help but discern the inquisitive, and at times, judgmental gazes cast upon her by nearly every guest fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of her presence.

Initially perturbed, she came to realize that there was little recourse but to acquiesce to such treatment, particularly if she aspired for this evening to conclude on a positive note.

’It is not difficult to guess what they are thinking about—going from an obscure figure to the exalted Grand Duchess of the Empire... and now, the Emperor himself bestows upon me a banquet in my honor. Gaze all you will, but I have earned this... Rosalie Ashter has earned this.’

Upon arriving at a table laden with appetizers and drinks, Rosalie paused once more, turning toward the knight.

"Sir Logan, do take pleasure in your evening. I intend to indulge in a drink and engage with fellow guests. Should I require your assistance, rest assured, I shall summon you."

Though somewhat reluctantly, the knight concurred with a knowing nod and proceeded to leave the lady, fading into the ever-shifting crowd of mingling guests.

As Rosalie clutched a tall glass brimming with champagne, her anticipation of quenching her thirst was momentarily thwarted by the hushed chatter emanating from a cluster of gentlemen behind her.

"Grand Duchess Dio, eh? Do you suppose the Grand Duke succumbed solely to her looks?"

"Undoubtedly! He never displayed any interest in women before. I suspect the Emperor coerced him into choosing a bride, and he settled for the most exquisite one."

"I had thought Princess Angelica might be his choice, but it appears her ailing health turned out to be a blessing in disguise."

"To contemplate that she condemned her own brother to execution and left her father rotting in prison... A beauty with a cruel streak, indeed! And now, she lavishly spends her family’s fortune on her capricious pursuits! A charitable foundation? What a brazen ploy to etch one’s name in history!"

Exasperated by the unjust critique and striving to quell the twitching of her eye, Rosalie swiftly drained her champagne glass and executed a graceful yet abrupt turn. She then positioned herself directly in front of the gossiping gentlemen, gracing them with a daring smile that enhanced her resplendent countenance. Her tone, tinged with mockery, resounded with confidence as she addressed them,

"Forgive my intrusion, gentlemen, but I could not help but overhear your conversation, especially given your considerate volume for my benefit!"

The men involuntarily flinched and cleared their throats in eerie unison, their guilty gazes locked onto the poised countenance of the Grand Duchess. As the initial tension dissipated, Baron Taran mustered a smile and took the lead in addressing her.

"Well, Your Grace, you have certainly stirred quite a commotion in the realm of Rische with your recent endeavors. And now, this foray into charity? Admirable and selfless, I must say!"

Rosalie could not help but mock both his smile and his tone as she retorted,

"Well then, if you hold such a high regard for these endeavors, why not consider joining the list of my supporters?"

A subtle wave of stifled scoffs rippled through their company, and Marquess Geriant interjected,

"A list, you say? May I inquire, My Lady, as to who presently graces that list?"

"Yours truly, of course."