Episode 17. Persistent Gaze
“If our designer had seen it, she would have been begging to use you as a muse.”
Olivia fiddled with her fingers in embarrassment, then suddenly remembered Noah's black gloves.
“Could I possibly wear gloves too?”
"Of course. I've prepared it. And you'll also be carrying a small bag."
Jane put the sky blue silk gloves the staff offered onto Olivia's hands and held out a blue clutch.
"Today's banquet isn't dancing. Everyone, please bring a clutch."
Olivia, who always carried a large leather bag, looked at the sturdy, shiny clutch and asked.
“What do you put in here?”
Jane chuckled and waved her hand.
“It’s just for decoration. You don’t have to put anything in it.”
While Jane and the staff were tidying up the messy items, Olivia hesitated for a moment and then took a flashlight out of her bag.
Carrying an empty bag seemed utterly out of place, so she decided to pack something in it. Luckily, the thin flashlight fit snugly in her clutch.
As Olivia clicked the clutch shut, the door opened with a knock, and Margot came in.
“Are you ready? Oh, Olivia.”
Margot's eyes widened at Olivia's familiar yet unfamiliar appearance, then she chuckled. Olivia, seeing her expression, which seemed cynical no matter what she did, awkwardly fiddled with the hem of her skirt.
“Is this strange, Professor?”
Actually, it was a little strange. The smooth gloves that covered her fingertips, the cute bag that held a flashlight, this pretty dress—everything.
The awkwardness of wearing something that wasn't hers and the strange excitement kept pushing her away.
Margot strode over to Olivia, tapped the pin in her hair, and looked down at her.
“No way. Isn’t that uncomfortable?”
“It would be a lie to say it’s comfortable, but it’s still nice to wear it like this for a day or so.”
Margot nodded vaguely and then turned around elegantly.
“Then shall we go and enjoy Herod’s last night?”
Olivia chuckled and quickly followed her.
Isabelle Seymour. The distinguished daughter of the Count of Seymour, she was a young lady accustomed to all manner of splendor and beauty.
The world has always been kind to her, and she has never felt sorry for anything in her life.
She, who had been like that, recently suffered from a fever.
Noah Astrid.
A man with an imposing and perfect appearance that no one dares approach, and an aura that seemed as if it would shatter if touched.
Throughout the banquet, Isabelle's gaze had been fixed on him. Halfway through, when he danced with a commoner in strange attire, her heart sank. But when she heard that the woman was a royal guest, she felt pity for the Prince.
And after the banquet, after thinking about him alone for a long time, Isabelle thought of the wounded beast.
Until today, Isabelle had drawn him every night. She had lost count of how many new dresses she had ordered because they were beautiful, but when she actually tried them on, she felt like something was missing.
And today, she finally arrived at the palace wearing a green dress similar to the color of Noah's eyes.
The colorful feast of flowers and lanterns, the sweet scent of roses lingering in her nostrils, held no meaning for Isabelle. She continued to roll her eyes, searching for him.
“Ohhohohoho, my goodness, Miss Seymour. The Count boasts so much about his daughter, and I can't help but think there must be a reason for it.”
"Oh, and him too. Anyway, thank you for the compliment, Madame Berotto. Isabelle, what are you doing? You haven't even thanked me."
Only after Mrs. Seymour gently tapped Isabelle on the arm did she quickly say hello.
“Who are you looking for?”
When Madame Berotto asked slyly, Isabelle quickly shook her head.
“No. I was just wondering if anyone knew.”
The ladies were busy exchanging pleasantries and asking each other how they were doing. How long had this been going on?
“Oh my, Princess Marguerite has arrived.”
The smiles disappeared from the ladies' faces as one man muttered while looking at the entrance to the garden.
“The royal commoner guest has also arrived.”
Isabelle also turned her gaze at the voice, mixed with a subtle sneer.
“..."
Not only them, but everyone in the garden was focused on her. Those who had expected her to arrive wearing clothes completely inappropriate for the banquet were shocked when Astrid's guest entered, shattering their expectations.
Isabelle's gaze slowly slid down from top to bottom.
The small flower bud stuck to one side of her head stood out.
For some reason, it felt like she had swallowed a lump of lead.
Silence fell among the ladies, as if she weren't alone. Madame Berotto, who had been blinking blankly, quickly opened her fan to cover her mouth and spoke.
“Oh my... It seems like the royal guest wants to take advantage of this opportunity to become a noble.”
“Leave it. It looks like she wants to have a dream for one night.”
“Or maybe she has some truly ambitious dreams in this secret garden. Don't she?”
The ladies threw out vulgar taunts in elegant voices.
“Oh, by the way, there’s a young lady here, so everyone, please be careful.”
When Madame Berotto, who had brought up the topic first, smiled and waved her hand, the other ladies closed their eyes and smiled sweetly.
“Olivia, don’t even look in those women’s direction.”
Margot glanced at the ladies laughing at them from one side and whispered to Olivia.
Olivia, whose eyes had been captivated by the fantastic garden, finally glanced at the ladies. Even if they had told her to leave, she had no desire to do so.
“Yes, I will.”
Then, Margot glanced at a group of noble ladies and gave them another warning.
“It’s the same around that group.”
But no matter where or how she looked, no place looked safe.
“That side too.”
“Those people, too.”
“That group, too.”
Olivia, who had been nodding to Margot's words for a while, eventually frowned.
“Then I just have to stand here.”
“You might as well do that.”
“Ah, Professor... You said to enjoy Herod’s last night.”
Olivia complained about the professor's gentle arrangement, which was scary and strict.
Just as Margot was muttering about when the Queen would arrive and turning her gaze away, the royal family entered.
Olivia's gaze turned to the entrance.
As expected of royalty, the moment they entered, a sense of pressure washed over them, as if an invisible wave was rushing in.
Behind the King and Queen, holding hands, the Crown Prince and Prince Noah appeared. Olivia's gaze lingered on the tips of their shiny black shoes, then cautiously looked upward.
He was great today, too, the first time she saw him in a few days.
The clothes, attitude, and expression seemed to be perfectly measured with a ruler, without the slightest gap.
Suddenly, her heart started pounding.
“Let’s go, Olivia.”
If Margot hadn't taken her arm and led her, she would have frozen and committed the same rudeness as when they first met.
As she looked down, she saw the hem of her dress swaying gently. Just like that day, she saw shoes that didn't quite fit. Even though they weren't disappearing repeatedly, why did she want to run away so badly?
Other people's hearts, which had been dug deep and forgotten for a while, became a concern again.
The road that she wished would never end has ended, and Margot stops.
“Thank you so much for inviting me to this beautiful banquet.”
Olivia, who had been staring at the Princess's elegant greeting, slowly raised her head. This sight thrilled her, but at the same time, she felt awkward and wanted to hide.
Especially in front of these people.
It was a strange feeling that was hard to put into words.
The Queen found Lucy's hairpin, delicately tucked into Olivia's ear, as she was tense. Both Lucy, who had given it to her, and Olivia, who had brought it to the banquet, were lovely.
So she took a step closer than ever before and gently took Olivia's hand. Her hand was trembling slightly, causing the Queen to widen her eyes and smile a little more.
“Olivia, do you like my gift?”
The noble ladies who had been mocking Olivia's attire fell silent in response to the Queen's question.
“It suits you very well.”
The warm pressure radiating from her fingertips eased the tension that had been building. Olivia slowly caught her breath and forced a smile.
“Yes, Your Majesty. Thank you.”
"It was truly a pleasure to meet you. Enjoy the banquet to your heart's content."
As the Queen let go of her hand and stepped back, Leonard, who had been quiet until then, also laughed heartily and said.
“I wish you could stay a few more days, but anyway, enjoy yourself, Olivia.”
The King, who was not much different from Margot in being cold to others, greeted her with such a lively manner that not only the nobles but even Usher was secretly surprised.
Noah, look at that. My father calls her Olivia.
Usher's eyes narrowed as he reflexively turned to his brother on his left.
“...”
Noah's gaze was directed over the Queen's shoulder.
His expression was just as cool as ever, just as indulgent, just as relaxed. But why did he seem different?
Is it because his green eyes, which seem unusually dark today, are focused on one spot without the slightest deviation?
Usher slowly followed his gaze.
Olivia Liberty, with her hair down and her dress on, resembled a newly bloomed flower. Even Usher, accustomed to beautiful things, found himself captivated, enough to return to his gaze again and again.
Usher looked at Noah again.
"Ha..."
He was still looking at her.
The urge to return to the commotion in the carriage came to him.
Wounded beast.
What an apt metaphor for Noah Astrid.
Isabelle looked at him with a dazed look, as if she were possessed.
The dark, crimson rose garden felt like a stage set for him. The shadows cast by the lanterns accentuated his sunken eyes and high nose.
What about the Crown Prince standing next to Noah? In the same space, wearing similar clothes, and even looking similar, the Crown Prince exuded a completely different aura.
Usher, who exuded a gentle and affectionate feeling, looked completely flawless.
Noah, on the other hand, was perfect, yet imperfect. The word "perfection" hardly suited him.
It felt like that contradictory gap was his identity.
A strange desire to fill something surged up.
Isabelle's eyes fluttered slightly.
She really wants that perfect yet imperfect Prince.
“If our designer had seen it, she would have been begging to use you as a muse.”
Olivia fiddled with her fingers in embarrassment, then suddenly remembered Noah's black gloves.
“Could I possibly wear gloves too?”
"Of course. I've prepared it. And you'll also be carrying a small bag."
Jane put the sky blue silk gloves the staff offered onto Olivia's hands and held out a blue clutch.
"Today's banquet isn't dancing. Everyone, please bring a clutch."
Olivia, who always carried a large leather bag, looked at the sturdy, shiny clutch and asked.
“What do you put in here?”
Jane chuckled and waved her hand.
“It’s just for decoration. You don’t have to put anything in it.”
While Jane and the staff were tidying up the messy items, Olivia hesitated for a moment and then took a flashlight out of her bag.
Carrying an empty bag seemed utterly out of place, so she decided to pack something in it. Luckily, the thin flashlight fit snugly in her clutch.
As Olivia clicked the clutch shut, the door opened with a knock, and Margot came in.
“Are you ready? Oh, Olivia.”
Margot's eyes widened at Olivia's familiar yet unfamiliar appearance, then she chuckled. Olivia, seeing her expression, which seemed cynical no matter what she did, awkwardly fiddled with the hem of her skirt.
“Is this strange, Professor?”
Actually, it was a little strange. The smooth gloves that covered her fingertips, the cute bag that held a flashlight, this pretty dress—everything.
The awkwardness of wearing something that wasn't hers and the strange excitement kept pushing her away.
Margot strode over to Olivia, tapped the pin in her hair, and looked down at her.
“No way. Isn’t that uncomfortable?”
“It would be a lie to say it’s comfortable, but it’s still nice to wear it like this for a day or so.”
Margot nodded vaguely and then turned around elegantly.
“Then shall we go and enjoy Herod’s last night?”
Olivia chuckled and quickly followed her.
Isabelle Seymour. The distinguished daughter of the Count of Seymour, she was a young lady accustomed to all manner of splendor and beauty.
The world has always been kind to her, and she has never felt sorry for anything in her life.
She, who had been like that, recently suffered from a fever.
Noah Astrid.
A man with an imposing and perfect appearance that no one dares approach, and an aura that seemed as if it would shatter if touched.
Throughout the banquet, Isabelle's gaze had been fixed on him. Halfway through, when he danced with a commoner in strange attire, her heart sank. But when she heard that the woman was a royal guest, she felt pity for the Prince.
And after the banquet, after thinking about him alone for a long time, Isabelle thought of the wounded beast.
Until today, Isabelle had drawn him every night. She had lost count of how many new dresses she had ordered because they were beautiful, but when she actually tried them on, she felt like something was missing.
And today, she finally arrived at the palace wearing a green dress similar to the color of Noah's eyes.
The colorful feast of flowers and lanterns, the sweet scent of roses lingering in her nostrils, held no meaning for Isabelle. She continued to roll her eyes, searching for him.
“Ohhohohoho, my goodness, Miss Seymour. The Count boasts so much about his daughter, and I can't help but think there must be a reason for it.”
"Oh, and him too. Anyway, thank you for the compliment, Madame Berotto. Isabelle, what are you doing? You haven't even thanked me."
Only after Mrs. Seymour gently tapped Isabelle on the arm did she quickly say hello.
“Who are you looking for?”
When Madame Berotto asked slyly, Isabelle quickly shook her head.
“No. I was just wondering if anyone knew.”
The ladies were busy exchanging pleasantries and asking each other how they were doing. How long had this been going on?
“Oh my, Princess Marguerite has arrived.”
The smiles disappeared from the ladies' faces as one man muttered while looking at the entrance to the garden.
“The royal commoner guest has also arrived.”
Isabelle also turned her gaze at the voice, mixed with a subtle sneer.
“..."
Not only them, but everyone in the garden was focused on her. Those who had expected her to arrive wearing clothes completely inappropriate for the banquet were shocked when Astrid's guest entered, shattering their expectations.
Isabelle's gaze slowly slid down from top to bottom.
The small flower bud stuck to one side of her head stood out.
For some reason, it felt like she had swallowed a lump of lead.
Silence fell among the ladies, as if she weren't alone. Madame Berotto, who had been blinking blankly, quickly opened her fan to cover her mouth and spoke.
“Oh my... It seems like the royal guest wants to take advantage of this opportunity to become a noble.”
“Leave it. It looks like she wants to have a dream for one night.”
“Or maybe she has some truly ambitious dreams in this secret garden. Don't she?”
The ladies threw out vulgar taunts in elegant voices.
“Oh, by the way, there’s a young lady here, so everyone, please be careful.”
When Madame Berotto, who had brought up the topic first, smiled and waved her hand, the other ladies closed their eyes and smiled sweetly.
“Olivia, don’t even look in those women’s direction.”
Margot glanced at the ladies laughing at them from one side and whispered to Olivia.
Olivia, whose eyes had been captivated by the fantastic garden, finally glanced at the ladies. Even if they had told her to leave, she had no desire to do so.
“Yes, I will.”
Then, Margot glanced at a group of noble ladies and gave them another warning.
“It’s the same around that group.”
But no matter where or how she looked, no place looked safe.
“That side too.”
“Those people, too.”
“That group, too.”
Olivia, who had been nodding to Margot's words for a while, eventually frowned.
“Then I just have to stand here.”
“You might as well do that.”
“Ah, Professor... You said to enjoy Herod’s last night.”
Olivia complained about the professor's gentle arrangement, which was scary and strict.
Just as Margot was muttering about when the Queen would arrive and turning her gaze away, the royal family entered.
Olivia's gaze turned to the entrance.
As expected of royalty, the moment they entered, a sense of pressure washed over them, as if an invisible wave was rushing in.
Behind the King and Queen, holding hands, the Crown Prince and Prince Noah appeared. Olivia's gaze lingered on the tips of their shiny black shoes, then cautiously looked upward.
He was great today, too, the first time she saw him in a few days.
The clothes, attitude, and expression seemed to be perfectly measured with a ruler, without the slightest gap.
Suddenly, her heart started pounding.
“Let’s go, Olivia.”
If Margot hadn't taken her arm and led her, she would have frozen and committed the same rudeness as when they first met.
As she looked down, she saw the hem of her dress swaying gently. Just like that day, she saw shoes that didn't quite fit. Even though they weren't disappearing repeatedly, why did she want to run away so badly?
Other people's hearts, which had been dug deep and forgotten for a while, became a concern again.
The road that she wished would never end has ended, and Margot stops.
“Thank you so much for inviting me to this beautiful banquet.”
Olivia, who had been staring at the Princess's elegant greeting, slowly raised her head. This sight thrilled her, but at the same time, she felt awkward and wanted to hide.
Especially in front of these people.
It was a strange feeling that was hard to put into words.
The Queen found Lucy's hairpin, delicately tucked into Olivia's ear, as she was tense. Both Lucy, who had given it to her, and Olivia, who had brought it to the banquet, were lovely.
So she took a step closer than ever before and gently took Olivia's hand. Her hand was trembling slightly, causing the Queen to widen her eyes and smile a little more.
“Olivia, do you like my gift?”
The noble ladies who had been mocking Olivia's attire fell silent in response to the Queen's question.
“It suits you very well.”
The warm pressure radiating from her fingertips eased the tension that had been building. Olivia slowly caught her breath and forced a smile.
“Yes, Your Majesty. Thank you.”
"It was truly a pleasure to meet you. Enjoy the banquet to your heart's content."
As the Queen let go of her hand and stepped back, Leonard, who had been quiet until then, also laughed heartily and said.
“I wish you could stay a few more days, but anyway, enjoy yourself, Olivia.”
The King, who was not much different from Margot in being cold to others, greeted her with such a lively manner that not only the nobles but even Usher was secretly surprised.
Noah, look at that. My father calls her Olivia.
Usher's eyes narrowed as he reflexively turned to his brother on his left.
“...”
Noah's gaze was directed over the Queen's shoulder.
His expression was just as cool as ever, just as indulgent, just as relaxed. But why did he seem different?
Is it because his green eyes, which seem unusually dark today, are focused on one spot without the slightest deviation?
Usher slowly followed his gaze.
Olivia Liberty, with her hair down and her dress on, resembled a newly bloomed flower. Even Usher, accustomed to beautiful things, found himself captivated, enough to return to his gaze again and again.
Usher looked at Noah again.
"Ha..."
He was still looking at her.
The urge to return to the commotion in the carriage came to him.
***
Wounded beast.
What an apt metaphor for Noah Astrid.
Isabelle looked at him with a dazed look, as if she were possessed.
The dark, crimson rose garden felt like a stage set for him. The shadows cast by the lanterns accentuated his sunken eyes and high nose.
What about the Crown Prince standing next to Noah? In the same space, wearing similar clothes, and even looking similar, the Crown Prince exuded a completely different aura.
Usher, who exuded a gentle and affectionate feeling, looked completely flawless.
Noah, on the other hand, was perfect, yet imperfect. The word "perfection" hardly suited him.
It felt like that contradictory gap was his identity.
A strange desire to fill something surged up.
Isabelle's eyes fluttered slightly.
She really wants that perfect yet imperfect Prince.
Comments
Post a Comment