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As the maids bustled around, my anticipation swelled once again, like a fluttering sensation in my chest.

What color would suit me well? Since I currently have pink hair, I feel like any bright color would complement it nicely. My skin is fair and clear, so I think any hue would look good. Perhaps even a shade of purple that matches my eye color would be exceptionally beautiful.

As soon as I sat down, the first dress was brought in.

It was a deep blue dress that reached up to the neckline.

“The first dress takes into consideration Her Highness’s usual preferences…”

“Dull!”

“Excuse me?”

Everyone in the room, including Pierre, stared at me with widened eyes in response to my outburst.

I started to worry that I was causing too much commotion, but I couldn’t help it.

It’s just too dull… I really don’t want to wear something like that.

Then, the second dress was brought in.

It was a rich, deep purple dress that dropped heavily.

“Ugh! Why another dull dress? Pierre, why do you only bring me such plain clothes when the ones you wear are so extravagant? Are you trying to outshine me?”

“I, I prepared it according to your usual preferences…”

“You’re saying this is my preference? Then, are the rest of the dresses like this too? Surely not, right?”

Come to think of it, all the clothes in the fitting room were quite similar in style.

Was this really Dahlia’s taste?

Pierre looked embarrassed but instructed the others to bring in the remaining dresses. They were all equally somber and gloomy.

It’s not like I’m going to a funeral… What kind of taste does Dahlia had? It’s so depressing!

My head throbbed. I briefly considered just wearing something and getting it over with, but I quickly shook my head.

In my previous life, I always sought out cheap clothes. I never bought beautiful and vibrant outfits because they would quickly go out of season. Vivid memories of lamenting my lack of financial freedom while shopping for necessities flashed through my mind.

That’s why, now that I had become an Imperial Prince’s Wife, I didn’t want to attend my first party wearing such clothes. It would be an opportunity to show a different side of myself to Etienne as well. It would be better if I made a good impression.

“Listen carefully. My taste has changed as of today. I want something vibrant, dazzling! Bring me something beautiful. I have to be the most stunning person there.”

“B-But, there isn’t much time left for the party, and custom orders are not possible.”

“Are you saying I can’t buy something off the rack?”

“It is possible, but… people who can’t place custom orders like Your Highness Dahlia, the regular nobility, usually make reservations. At this point, there might not be anything available.”

I rolled my eyes. Everything is reserved? That can’t be true. There must be at least one place left.

I smirked.

“Don’t worry. I know a place.”

Everyone looked at me with skeptical expressions. Can’t you believe it? But it’s true.

The upcoming birthday party for the future Empress was a scene from the original story where the protagonist, Sophienne, made her first appearance in high society.

Despite being the nominal heroine, she was initially a princess of a fallen kingdom. No designer wanted to sell her a dress.

She and Versus, who were disguised with different identity, searched for a long time and discovered a dress shop on the outskirts of the city.

The designer’s skill was exceptional, but the shabby interior of the shop kept away the wealthy ladies.

There, she chose the most beautiful dress and became the center of attention at the party.

Afterward, the designer’s dresses became so sought after that they couldn’t be sold anymore.

I will wear the most beautiful dress. If it’s not me, then who else can be the party’s flower? And…

“Penny, do you have any money?”

Penny blinked her eyes a few times and took a step back hesitantly.

Oh, why is she acting like this?

“Don’t do that. Just bring some money. I’ll double it for you. Hurry.”

“I don’t have any.”

She looked apologetic. Money seems to be a sensitive issue for her.

“Oh come on, can’t you trust your sister? I’m being sincere. I guarantee 100% return on investment. How does that sound? No risk involved.”

Penny continued to look at me with suspicion, as if I were a thief.

Considering she was in a precarious situation, on the verge of divorce for stealing her husband’s belongings, it was understandable that she couldn’t trust easily.

“No…!”

“Yeah, hand over everything you have.”

* * *

Etienne stood by a dimly lit window, his muscular physique evident through his unbuttoned shirt. He had a slightly disheveled appearance, which was unlike him.

Outside the window, it was dark. However, with Etienne’s heightened senses, he could clearly see the garden.

And so it was that day.

Dahlia and Versus stood still, right at the spot where they could overlook the window.

From his position, Etienne could only see Versus’ face, but having observed Versus since childhood, he could tell that the way he interacted with Dahlia was far from ordinary.

As if to prove Etienne’s thoughts, the two of them affectionately embraced and then quickly pulled away. It was clear that they had shared a kiss.

Etienne gritted his teeth in frustration. He had never trusted her in the first place, and now he felt deceived once again.

“What is that woman up to?”

She pretended to have lost her memory, putting on such an act. It was evident that there was a hidden motive behind it all.

“Coming to me with such audacity after all that.”

As he held out a crumpled piece of paper and looked up at himself, her face came to mind.

A round, pale face like a lump of dough, with obnoxiously rosy cheeks. She had innocent eyes, like an ignorant cat.

And that annoyingly swaying head of hers.

Etienne rubbed his forehead in frustration.

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