I Will Hold Your Hand Gently

Chapter 28: Dresses, Oh, dresses.

As I returned to the estate, the usual routines continued normally. There was no hint that anyone had noticed my absence since the previous night. Part of me wondered if I should feel relieved that I hadn't caused alarm among the staff, but another part couldn't shake off the unsettling feeling of being disregarded. It was a painful reminder of the deep-seated disdain for those of Spheral House lineage. The indifference stung more than I thought it would.

Shaking my head to clear my thoughts, I tried to regain my composure. Deep down, I had always known that my well-being held little importance here. Despite the friendly tones and kindness of the staff members, I understood it was merely out of respect to the one given the title of Duchess Sigma. This was only a political match arranged by the King. Behind their courteous masks, I could sense the undercurrent of resentment and hidden malice, disguised by obligatory respect they couldn't openly defy.

As I reached the door to my room, I gave out a small sigh of disappointment. Despite the polite greetings I received from everyone I passed by, it was nothing more than a greeting to the Duchess of Sigma, not to me. I couldn't help but smile wryly, knowing that expecting acceptance as a part of this family, given that I came from the Spheral House, was asking too much from them. The reality of being an outsider here weighed heavily on my heart. I twisted the doorknob to my room and took a step inside. Not even a moment later, a knock came at the door. 

"My Lady," the voice behind the door spoke, "it is I, the head butler, Peter. May I come in?"

"Enter," I replied.

Peter entered my room with a few maids and manservants behind him, offering me a respectful bow of greeting before proceeding to explain the reason for his visit.

"My lord requests your presence for breakfast," Peter announced, as the maids and manservants behind him began to disperse, each carrying boxes in their hands.

"Breakfast?" I murmured, surprised. 

I had never once shared a meal with Zwei since his return to the estate. Peter nodded with a warm smile, "If that is alright with you?"

Among all the staff members here, Peter and Viola were the only ones who treated me with genuine kindness. They answered my questions sincerely and never made me feel unwelcome. Perhaps it was because they were former assassins adept at concealing their true emotions, but their demeanor always put me at ease. They felt more like mentors keeping a respectful distance.

"Of course, Peter," I replied with a smile. "What time will breakfast be served?"

"Within the hour," Peter replied apologetically. "Forgive me for the sudden notice, my Lady."

"That's quite alright," I assured him, though I suspected Zwei might have anticipated my refusal to choose to have breakfast within the hour, "By the way, what are those boxes for?"

"My lord requested for you to wear one of the five dresses here for breakfast," Peter replied.

The maids and manservants carefully opened each box one by one, revealing the contents inside. The dresses that emerged were undeniably extravagant, yet their taste left much to be desired. Even the servants holding the boxes exchanged skeptical glances, questioning whether these outfits were suitable for breakfast dining. The fabrics used undoubtedly gave out the air of luxury, but their designs were excessive and overdone.

The first dress, extracted from its box, was a garish red gown adorned with numerous bows. The second dress, equally ostentatious, unfolded into a balloon-like green dress. A third dress, a blue dress ensemble excessively lined with intricate lace that bordered on gaudy. Next came a purple ruffled dress, its layers cascading with unnecessary frills. Lastly, a plain white dress with an exaggeratedly long back slit emerged from the final box, completing the peculiar collection of attire laid out before me.