chapter 4
chapter 4
Debut
“So you are the young lady of the grand ducal house of Castiya.”
Inside the waiting room filled with mixed scents of perfume, those words carried farther than expected.
Lucia stopped walking and turned her head toward the voice. Across from the window, a lady in a cream-colored dress sat holding a teacup, looking at her.
“I am Isadora of the Marquess Valenti family. I cannot tell you how long I have awaited the day I would meet you.”
Only then did the teacup slowly settle down.
The overly gentle and warm tone made Lucia briefly wonder if she had some forgotten connection with her.
“I am Lucia of Castiya. The honor is mine.”
‘So she’s the one Sophia mentioned.’
After a small nod of greeting, Lucia moved toward the sofa with a slightly strained expression.
Tap— tap—
The sound of her staff resumed.
Whispers spread among the ladies, and it felt as though an invisible wall had formed around Lucia, keeping everyone from approaching.
“Maybe she’s actually kind? She seems gentle.”
As soon as she sat down, Sophia slipped into the seat beside her and muttered quietly. Lucia didn’t respond, recalling the teacup that had just been set down.
Announcing her name before even setting the cup down. Even for someone flexible with etiquette, that seemed excessive for a first meeting.
As Lucia leaned her staff beside the sofa, the frozen atmosphere gradually came back to life.
Voices, fans, and the clinking of glass returned, and feathers from the ladies’ fans drifted lightly in the air.
Lucia slowly scanned the room and removed her hat, placing it on the table. There was no need to hide her face anymore.
Eyes immediately gathered, but Lucia paid no mind, lifting her chin slightly and holding her posture straight as she picked up her cup.
“Wow… Lucia, I’ve never seen you like this before.”
Sophia whispered in surprise, but Lucia ignored her and surveyed the hall.
Then her gaze met a lady surrounded by others. Though it was brief, the lady politely bowed first.
‘Pretty and eye-catching… must be the Este lady.’
Lucia nodded slightly in return.
Click— click—
Footsteps approached, and her view filled with cream.
Isadora sat across from her, smiling.
“If it’s not a bother, may I sit for a moment?”
She had already sat down without waiting for an answer.
Why even ask?
“Lady of Castiya… you must be quite unwell, to bring that item all the way here.”
Isadora’s gaze lingered on Lucia’s staff.
So that’s it. Calling it crude without saying it.
Even though it was her first time meeting someone from the Valenti family, they were certainly skilled at pricking others.
‘Aesthetic theory or not, one swing at that neatly styled hair would probably fix her attitude.’
Lucia pushed the thought aside and gently responded in a weak voice.
“Oh my, Lady Valenti. I didn’t expect you to be so attentive to my condition.”
She exhaled softly, tilting her pale cheek.
“However, without even this unsightly staff, I fear I might collapse onto this cold floor before I can greet Her Highness. Surely you wouldn’t find my humble loyalty inconvenient?”
“….”
Isadora’s smile stiffened slightly.
“Indeed, you are a grand duke’s daughter. Your devotion to Her Highness is quite moving.”
Just then, Sophia cut in brightly.
“Lady Valenti! I didn’t know you were so touched!”
“What?”
“It’s not just moving, it’s amazing! For Lucia to attend in this condition takes great courage. I’m so happy you understand that!”
Sophia clasped her hands sincerely.
“And this staff looks very elegant! Even from your perspective, it’s flawless, right? You must have recognized it instantly!”
As Sophia proudly praised the staff, Isadora’s expression twisted briefly before returning to a smile.
“Sophia, stop. You’re making her uncomfortable.”
“Oh! Was I too much? I was just so happy she praised Lucia…”
Sophia shrugged apologetically.
“Not at all. Your reaction is quite charming.”
Creak—
The door opened.
“Please prepare for entry.”
The room stirred as the ladies lined up.
“I’ll go later, Lucia! See you!”
Sophia disappeared into the crowd.
“Let’s speak again later, Lady Castiya.”
At the very front stood Lucia alone.
‘This is too much pressure.’
“Enter!”
Light flooded in.
Tap— tap—
Her staff echoed as she walked.
The hall was dazzling, chandeliers shining brilliantly, roses cascading down pillars.
Three seats at the front remained empty.
Lucia glanced upward and saw Isabella nod slightly.
Then—
“His Majesty the Emperor, Her Majesty the Empress, and Her Highness the Princess!”
Silence fell.
Lucia stood with her staff.
The doors opened.
And there she was.
Rosaria Cesare.
Their eyes met.
Rosaria’s gaze lingered on Lucia’s staff.
Lucia calmly lowered her gaze.
“Raise your head. The daughter of Castiya, step forward.”
Lucia walked.
Tap— tap—
She bowed perfectly.
“The shield of the northwest, Castiya, greets the radiant sun and proud flame of Cesare.”
The Emperor and Empress spoke kindly.
Then Rosaria.
“It has been a long time, Lady Castiya.”
Her voice was polite, but sharp.
“I didn’t realize your condition was still so pitiful, that you must rely on such a stick even here.”
The air froze.
Lucia smiled softly.
“Your concern honors me, Your Highness. However…”
Her voice rang clearly.
“Thanks to this humble staff, I was able to behold Your Highness’s beautiful visage with my own eyes.”
Rosaria’s brow twitched.
“…I should’ve just stayed quiet and smiled like an idiot. I don’t usually talk back like that.”
Lucia leaned against the terrace railing, tapping her lips.
Rosaria’s gaze lingered in her mind.
Even after all this time…
“I want to leave already.”
Then—
“Where are you going?”
A soft voice behind her.
Lucia turned.
Isadora stood there.
“Ah… Lady Valenti. I feel a bit dizzy.”
“It’s only just begun.”
Lucia smiled, but Isadora didn’t step back.
“You’re not avoiding the princess, are you? After coming all this way to see her.”
She stepped closer.
“I’ve seen enough. I should rest.”
“I’ll support you. I’d hate for you to collapse.”
Too close.
“Lady Lucia, you look so pale.”
“Thank you. Then I’ll…”
Lucia tried to leave.
‘Just faint.’
Should I?
No.
Then—
Creak—
“Found you!”
Sophia burst in.
“Oh! Lady Valenti!”
“I was just keeping her company.”
Lucia stepped toward Sophia.
“Thank you, Lady Valenti.”
Then she left.
“Why were you here?”
“I was dizzy.”
“Liar.”
“Yeah.”