That day, dozens of hawks took flight from Richmond Ducal Castle. They soared across all of Decan, and two among them headed for the capital, Empire City.
Of the two bound for the capital, one ceased its flight at the Richmond Ducal Mansion in the First Ward. When the butler of the Richmond Ducal Mansion unfolded the letter the hawk had borne and broke into a radiant smile, the head maid inquired cautiously,
"Is there good news, Butler?"
At that, the butler instructed the head maid with a smile.
"Change the manor's flag to yellow at once."
"Yellow?"
"It is word from the Dowager Duchess that His Grace has welcomed the Duchess. Quickly, change the flag!"
"Yes, sir!"
"Ah, and begin cleaning the manor at once."
"Could it be...?"
"Indeed. His Grace, the Duchess, and the Dowager Duchess are coming to the capital!"
"Yes, I shall begin at once!"
Shortly thereafter, as the flag atop the spired roof of the Richmond Ducal Mansion in the First Ward turned yellow, a splendid carriage was crossing the nobles' wall between the Second Ward and the First Ward.
Inside the carriage of the Taylor Ducal Mansion, emblazoned with a wheat sheaf, the exuberant voice of the Duke spilled out.
"Her Majesty the Empress has been eagerly awaiting our arrival! Hahaha!"
"Indeed. Rosy, look at this. Her Majesty says she wished from the very beginning that you would become her nephew's bride. Hmm?"
Despite her parents' excited words, Rosette's expression remained nothing but gloomy.
Grace lingered in one corner of her mind. The more wretched her marriage to Jack Sachsen felt, the more a bitter resentment surged—if only Grace had properly gone through with her marriage that day.
If only the marriage scheduled for that day had been carried out properly, House Taylor would never have faltered.
If only the marriage scheduled for that day had been carried out properly, I would never have had to marry Jack Sachsen!
Seeing Rosette's dark expression, the Duchess carefully took her hand and spoke.
"Rosy. In the end, the one who laughs will be you."