Episode 5

In the morning, Olivia had breakfast alone in the grand dining room, where a profound sense of isolation suddenly engulfed her. Consequently, she requested of the butler to dine with the staff in the kitchen for the duration of the duke's absence.

She had practically pleaded, deploying her best doe-eyed plea to secure his agreement.

After much persistence, he relented.

That same morning, the butler had informed her that the fashion designer she had summoned would be visiting in the afternoon.

Olivia spent the entire morning in a monotonous etiquette lesson with Professor Wilson, who painstakingly instructed her on the proper greetings for nobility according to their rank. As the new Duchess of the Forest House, there were scarcely any who ranked above her.

Post-lunch, she meandered through the garden before returning to the mansion for her appointment with the designer, who awaited her in a radiant room bathed in natural light.

With nerves tingling in anticipation for her first foray into purchasing new attire—such indulgence had been a rarity given her father's financial demise—Olivia's awe was palpable as she beheld the array of exquisite gowns arraying the room.

She introduced herself to the designer and her assistant.

"Hello... I'm Olivia."

Upon her entrance, the designer was taken aback but swiftly collected herself, as both women curtsied and gave their names.

"An honor to meet you. I am Designer Margaret Borja."

"I am her assistant, Sofia."

"Thank you for making the effort to come today."

"There's no need for thanks, Duchess. It's an honor to present my work to you."

"Pardon my imposition, Duchess, but may I take your measurements?"

"Of course," Olivia consented.

With a tape measure in hand, the designer meticulously transcribed Olivia's measurements into her notepad.

While Olivia surveyed the selection that Madam Margaret had brought, her dreams now tangible before her, the designer began to describe her creations.

"These dresses are the latest spring trend, each one adorned with gold thread and specially treated diamonds."

Despite their beauty, the dresses' opulence clashed with Olivia's preferences.

"They are indeed splendid, but not to my taste."

Hearing this, Madam Margaret expressed surprise but heeded the explanation for Olivia's disfavor.

"I shy away from overly lavish gowns with grand, ornate frills and superfluous jewels; a simple enhancement here and there suffices."

"Ah... My apologies for not researching your tastes sufficiently; please forgive me."

"It's quite alright; it's just personal preference."

"Perhaps then, the new designs I am working on might be more to your liking."

Margaret unveiled a selection of elegant trousers and tunics, mixing beautiful colors with intricate embroidery—a bold departure from typical noble attire, yet their comfort and simplicity immediately appealed to Olivia.

"These designs are striking and unconventional; I would like to order several sets."

"I am delighted they please you, Duchess."

"I shall expedite their completion for you, Duchess."

"Much obliged, Madam Margaret."

After gathering her belongings, the designer hastened away to fulfill the order.

Despite societal norms, Olivia had never fancied the restrictive and voluminous dresses of nobility. At her father's home, she favored the servants' more comfortable attire.

Within a week, Madam Margaret dispatched the ensembles, surpassing even their sketches in magnificence. However, the butler nearly fainted upon seeing trousers instead of gowns, and he insisted Olivia procure a few dresses for the duke's return.

Since Olivia began her kitchen meals with the staff, an initial discomfort gave way to easy camaraderie, and everyone grew accustomed to her presence.

As weeks advanced, Olivia settled into mansion life, mastering even the most tedious etiquette lessons with Professor Wilson.

In the duke's prolonged absence—without word from the northern border and repelling advances from opportunistic nobles—Olivia appreciated the respite from their company.

Time flew, and soon months had elapsed since the duke’s departure without news. Concern gnawed at Olivia, but the butler reassured her the duke often stayed away for work.

Months later, Olivia's academic obligations dwindled, freeing her to pursue other interests, like compelling Layner, the mansion's chef, to share his culinary secrets.

While Olivia had always aspired to cook, her early endeavors in the kitchen provoked the butler's consternation, yet he eventually acclimated to her eccentricities.

Olivia grew so content that the duke slipped from her mind until one morning, a palace servant delivered a letter: the duke would soon conclude his duties and return home.

Comforted by the duke's wellbeing but mindful that her tranquil days were numbered, Olivia faced the imminent change with mixed emotions.

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