I Was Meant to Be the Evil Wife, But the Cold Marquis Fell for Me - Chapter 12

The butler arrived at Liliana’s room carrying a silver tray stacked with envelopes—luxurious, colorful invitations.

“What is this?”
“Invitations to social gatherings, Madam. I’ve kept only those addressed to ladies.”
“So many…?”

Liliana gasped.

(As expected of the Elsdean household…!)

The sheer number was overwhelming. Even after being “filtered,” the pile was enormous.

(Perhaps Lord Leivis requested only ladies’ gatherings, since I said I feared men. Or maybe he’s simply too busy for couples’ events.)

Either way, social duties fell to her. As marchioness, she couldn’t avoid them. But the sheer volume was daunting.

And with social events came the need for dresses, many dresses. Wearing the same one repeatedly would be noticed. Yet ordering too many would brand her a spendthrift.

(I mustn’t be called a wasteful wife!)

She decided to attend only the most essential gatherings. But which were essential? She asked the butler.

“This one should not be declined,” he said, handing her an envelope.

It was from the Queen.

(This is absolutely mandatory…!)

Her spine chilled. Refusing royal summons was unthinkable. She forced her expression calm.

“Yes. Please prepare accordingly.”

Thus, began preparations for the Queen’s tea party.

Invitations were answered, acceptances and polite refusals. Dresses, carriage, hats, shoes, jewels, cosmetics, and hairstyle were arranged.

Days later, the mirror reflected a perfect lady: elegant, modest, dignified.

“How do you find it, Madam?”
“Wonderful. Perfect.”

She smiled serenely. The attire lent her strength.

(Now I must only avoid missteps at the tea party…)

The dress was placed on a mannequin, covered with a cloth to keep it pristine.

That night, exhausted, she returned to her room. Tomorrow was the Queen’s tea party.

(I can do this. I must.)

She uncovered the dress to check once more and froze.

(What stains?)

Small holes and burns marred the fabric, as if scorched by sparks. The sleeves and hem were torn.

(Nooooooo!!)

Wearing this would disgrace not only herself but the Elsdean name.

She couldn’t order a new dress. It would look like wasteful indulgence.

(That would complete my villainess image!)

There was only one option: repair it herself.

She rang for Anne.

“Madam, do you require something?”
“Do you have needle and thread? I’d like to do some embroidery.”

Anne looked surprised.
“Embroidery, Madam?”
“Yes. It calms me.”
“I’ll fetch it at once.”

She returned with a fine sewing box, filled with exquisite tools and threads.

(Good.)

Alone, Liliana chose matching threads and silver filaments, stitching carefully over each tear. There were many, but she worked tirelessly, inspired by the flowers she had seen in the plant encyclopedia.

Through the night she embroidered, until dawn.

The ruined dress was reborn. Adorned with delicate blossoms, shimmering faintly as if imbued with magic.

Exhausted yet satisfied, she smiled.

(This will do…)

The next morning, the maids entered and gasped at the transformed gown.

“Madam, this embroidery…?” Anne asked.
“I felt like trying it. How is it?”
“It’s magnificent! So delicate, the flowers seem alive.”

Anne’s voice trembled with admiration, her eyes full of respect.

But Elina, standing aside, looked displeased.

“…But it’s unusual for a lady to embroider her own dress. What if you had ruined it?”
“Elina! How dare you!” Anne scolded.

“It’s fine,” Liliana said calmly. “Normally one wouldn’t, but I wished to try. Now, let’s prepare.”