Because Flowers Aren’t My Taste - Chapter 2
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From her very first year debuting in society, Kylie had always been the center of attention.
The only child of the late Duke Rodian and Princess Alexandra.
The King had brought his niece to the palace after she lost her parents in an unfortunate incident at a young age, and he spared no expense in her education.
A natural beauty, noble birth, and the King’s affection.
Kylie had become the flower of the royal court.
Whenever she appeared at a party, it was a common sight to see men lining up to ask her to dance.
“It is a dazzlingly beautiful evening, Lady Kylie.”
The moment she stepped out of the carriage, a man hurriedly approached her, and Kylie raised an eyebrow.
The sky was covered in heavy clouds, looking as if thunder and lightning might strike at any moment.
“It seems you enjoy unpredictable weather more than I thought, Lord Gordon.”
“With your presence, this palace shines brighter than the stars in the night sky. Tonight, even the moon goddess must have hidden herself, embarrassed by your beauty.”
How could he say such things with a straight face?
Kylie smiled at the young man’s earnest expression.
Geoffrey Gordon was one of Kylie’s most devoted admirers.
He had made his debut in society the previous fall and had since been preoccupied with following Kylie from one party to the next.
It was clear he had been waiting outside for her today as well. As expected, Geoffrey placed one hand over his heart and began reciting his prepared words.
“Upon hearing you would attend the party tonight, I couldn’t sleep for days. If you could sense even a fraction of my longing, would you honor me with the chance to dance with you?”
Kylie allowed herself only one dance per party. Everyone coveted that one opportunity.
When Kylie was born, the doctors had said she wouldn’t live past twenty.
A beautiful and fragile flower of the court.
People whispered that the only reason she was still alive was because of the King’s grace. In truth, Kylie still fell ill from time to time.
“How could I ignore such earnest sincerity?”
Kylie, her lips partially covered by her fan, extended her cream satin-gloved hand.
If it would end these tiresome praises, one dance was a small price to pay.
Geoffrey, as if receiving divine permission, kissed the back of her hand with a face full of emotion.
Kylie’s admirers always vied for her attention, but most of them were content with such small gestures.
Even for families of considerable standing, few could rival the daughter of a ducal house like Kylie.
And the few who might be worthy did not wish to marry a woman expected to die before bearing an heir.
Yet, how many men could ignore such a beautiful creature?
They filled their vanity by dancing or having tea with her.
A lighthearted game with no need for genuine feelings.
Kylie, too, was satisfied with that comfortable distance.
After greeting a crowd of admirers, she finally managed to escape to the powder room.
“Well, look who it is.”
At the sound of a high-pitched, coquettish voice, Kylie’s expression subtly stiffened.
It wasn’t just men who took an interest in Kylie. Women, too, showed a range of feelings toward her.
And the woman before her seemed to lean more toward hatred.
“How lucky I am to run into the esteemed Lady Kylie today.”
The woman’s cat-like eyes glinted mischievously at Kylie.
Amelia, the Night Rose.
She had made her debut at court two years ago as a baroness widow and quickly became the subject of many rumors that swept through society.
Whether it was her husband’s death by poison or her alleged background as a courtesan, the gossip surrounding Amelia was always sinister. Likely due to her countless affairs with noblemen, including the Crown Prince.
“It has been a while, Baroness Dodd.”
Kylie had no choice but to greet Amelia, who was blocking her path.
The woman had acted rudely, obstructing her way and speaking first, but such things meant little to Kylie.
“Your dress is quite unusual. Where did you have it made?”
Tonight, Kylie wore a violet taffeta dress adorned with thin, butterfly-wing-like ribbons from the waist to the chest.
“From Madame Velvere’s boutique.”
Amelia’s light brown eyes narrowed into slits.
“Oh my! They told me they were fully booked and couldn’t take any new orders. It must be nice for you, Lady Kylie. Having His Majesty as your guardian means everyone bows to your slightest whim. It must be wonderful to have a life where you can get anything you want by merely lifting a finger.”
It sounded as if Kylie had somehow used her influence to pressure Madame Velvere.
…To have anything I want, she says.
Madame Velvere and Kylie were tied by a unique arrangement.
The dress costs were charged to the King, and Kylie had no choice but to order from Madame Velvere.
Kylie received an allowance from the King every year, but it could only be spent at certain shops, and her disposable funds were quite limited. Every expense required the King’s approval.
Amelia’s gaze swept over Kylie, a small smile tugging at her lips. “…Honestly, Madame Velvere’s dresses are more suited to immature little girls. They don’t quite fit my taste.”
For reasons unknown, Amelia had held animosity toward Kylie from the beginning. She had tried to avoid Amelia as much as possible, but today, her luck had run out.
Amelia sensually ran her hand over her chest. “What do you think of this dress, Lady Kylie? It was a gift from His Highness Prince Cesar, but it seems a bit tight today. My chest isn’t quite as flat as yours, you see.”
It seemed Amelia was trying to provoke Kylie with jealousy by mentioning Prince Cesar, but the effect was the opposite.
Competing over Cesar was a fight Kylie was more than happy to lose.
“Indeed. It suits you well, madam. You look truly beautiful.”
At Kylie’s sincere compliment, Amelia’s face twisted in displeasure. She shot Kylie a fierce glare, but at that moment…
“There you are.”
A familiar voice interrupted them.
It was the Marchioness of Clifton.
“I’ve been looking everywhere for you, Lady Kylie.”
The marchioness slipped her arm naturally through Kylie’s, pulling her away from Amelia.
“You haven’t forgotten our promise, have you? Everyone’s waiting. Come along now, let’s hurry.”
The marchioness ignored Amelia entirely, striding off with Kylie in tow. Amelia barely managed to pull her foot away just before the marchioness’s shoe could step on it.
“H-Hey!”
Regardless of Amelia’s flushed face, the marchioness led Kylie out of the powder room.
“Don’t bother engaging with that woman. She’s the type who would swallow a young thing like you whole.”
“I thought I was all grown up by now.”
Kylie responded playfully, but the marchioness sighed.
“I’m sorry. Did I sound too much like a teacher? I can’t help it; whenever I see you, I still feel like you’re a child I need to watch over.”
The marchioness had been Kylie’s tutor when she was young.
The warmth of her dark brown eyes reflected her affection for Kylie.
“Thanks to you, I managed to get away. Thank you.”
Reassured by Kylie’s whisper, the marchioness led her into the ballroom. Several noble ladies had already gathered there.
“Welcome, Lady Kylie.”
“You look more beautiful than ever tonight.”
“Is that a new dress from Madame Velvere? It’s absolutely stunning.”
The women gathered here were all influential figures in society, with impeccable backgrounds and family connections. All of them were married, with Kylie being the only unmarried one among them.
“Have you heard, Lady Kylie? The Duke of Decarre is attending the ball tonight.”
A short, plump lady fluttered her fan as she spoke. It was Countess Aslay.
“Yes, though I don’t believe I’ve ever seen him before.”
Kylie wore a faint smile.
As expected, the Duke from the south was the topic of the evening.
A new face in society, and a duke at that.
Naturally, all attention was drawn to him.
The group Kylie was part of was always the first to hear the latest trends and gossip. Maintaining friendships and listening to their stories alone offered many advantages.
Especially Countess Aslay.
It was said that any story that reached her ears would be known to everyone within half a day—she was a notorious gossip.
The countess laughed with a soft hoot. “Most of the young people are probably the same. I’ve only heard of him myself; today will be my first time seeing the duke in person.”
“Why has he never come to court until now?”
The countess shrugged as she replied, “Well, he has spent most of his time on the battlefield. My husband told me they fought in the same campaign.”
Her husband, who served as captain of the Royal Guard, was her pride.
At her words, someone tilted their head.
“The battlefield?”