Chapter 146
Translator: Yonnee
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A hair vine with peridot stones, matching the color of my eyes, and a set of small earrings stood out.
"I'll go with these."
"They match your outfit perfectly, Miss."
The maids hurriedly attached the hair vine to my updo. The style slightly cascaded down the back, making a gentle rustling sound.
"My daughter, are you ready?"
At that moment, Mom came into my room.
"Oh my! Rin, you look so beautiful."
Mom's dress, which seemed to be matched with mine, was stunning and suited her perfectly.
"Mom, you look pretty too."
"Fufu, my daughter."
I linked arms with Mom and we walked out to the entrance of the mansion. Dad, David, Ciel, and Aiden had already prepared and were waiting outside.
Among the four men, my gaze first sought out Ciel. Despite wearing a simple black suit, he looked splendid. He didn't take his eyes off me as I approached.
In fact, he seemed unable to look away, staring at me blankly before slowly moving his lips and finally approaching.
Dad also came over with Ciel and offered his arm to Mom.
"My wife, aren't you excessively beautiful today?"
"Our daughter is beautiful, but today, I must escort my dear wife."
"Hehe, yes, that's fine."
Dad and Mom walked ahead, and I turned my gaze back to Ciel. He was still looking at me, mouth slightly agape. Approaching as if to escort me, yet standing there dumbly with his mouth open, I spoke to him.
"How is it? Does this dress seem too revealing?"
"Not at all."
"Then, does it look too formal?"
"Not at all."
"Is that all you can say?"
"No, I mean-"
I reached out my hand to him, who kept saying the same thing. He quickly placed his arm next to mine. As I took a step, he slowly walked, matching my pace.
In the past, I was always busy following him, but now we walk side-by-side together, our gazes meeting. I was content with that.
As I smiled, his mouth opened again. I laughed out loud at his funny expression.
Just before getting into the carriage, he whispered quickly to me.
"You're so beautiful, Rin. Still as ever..."
His words included the past me, which I now chose not to deny. So, I lightly tugged on his cravat and replied,
"You're still quite a sight to see."
* * *
Ciel, alone with Irene in the carriage, couldn't take his eyes off her all the way to the palace.
She was always beautiful, but today, she shone particularly bright, like her name-almost blindingly so. He couldn't look away.
"You'll burn a hole in my face at this rate."
Even her softly spoken words sounded as sweet as a bird's lilting song.
"Huh?"
"Haven't you been staring too much?"
As she finished speaking, the corners of her mouth lifted in a slight smirk, sending his heart pounding heavily.
Ciel, dumbly responding, gazed at her-from her neat forehead, her straight nose, to her cat-like, delicate eyes.
Finally, looking at her gracefully curved lips, he swallowed his saliva for no reason.
"Why are you like this?"
"What did I do?"
"You're staring too blatantly. Stop it."
Irene turned her head away in annoyance. Ciel, momentarily flustered, then noticed her ears had turned a charming shade of red.
At last, he quietly smiled, relaxing and leaning back. His body relaxed as they arrived at the palace.
Unlike the coming-of-age ceremony last time, Irene didn't have to wait and entered the palace immediately, a change he observed through the carriage window with a strange sentiment.
Soon, the carriage stopped and the coachman called out.
"We have arrived, Your Grace."
Ciel hurriedly got out of the vehicle and extended his hand inside. A small hand was naturally raised to his.
He firmly held her delicate hand, using his abilities to help her down more comfortably.
As she descended, her skirt fluttered like waves hitting the ground, causing a stir around them.
"Did you see that? The Duke used his abilities!"
"Huh? He used his abilities?"
"What were you looking at?"
"Nothing..."
He heard the chatter of the male courtiers. Ciel, feeling a sense of displeasure, shielded Irene with his large frame.
They waited for Arthur, Helen, and David, who were getting out of their carriage.
David was the first to approach Irene.
"I didn't get to say it earlier. You look beautiful, little sister."
After a light kiss on her cheek, David looked down at Irene with a proud smile.
"Brother, you look handsome too."
"Well, of course. Whose older brother am I?"
Watching the affectionate siblings, Ciel turned his gaze to the carriage Aiden had arrived in. Just then, Aiden stepped out. When he saw Ciel, he beamed cheerfully.
Ciel felt proud as he watched his once-shy brother now attending social events and making eye contact confidently.
