Chapter 33.1

The gentle splashing of rain droplets against the exquisitely embroidered tablecloth complemented the loud cello music that emanated from the record player.

Marilyn looked over the rain-covered garden with her legs crossed. She impatiently tapped her foot on the wooden floor while waiting. If her mother saw her right now, shed have a long nagging session regarding the proper etiquette a lady should follow. She put her hot teacup down on the table and called onto an attendant.

Who dressed Sir Canillian? Marilyn finally asked.

The maid that came with him, the attendant quipped.

What about you?

He felt uncomfortable being watched by a lot of people, so everyone left.

Really?

The attendants couldnt help but notice Marilyns sudden drop in mood. They were visibly nervous as they exchanged knowing looks with one another.

Marilyns intuition tells her that something wasnt right and recalled the events that just transpired moments ago. From the exact moment that Canillian Vale arrived and put on the dress, Marilyn felt her gut turn. She could tell something was definitely off. No matter how closely anyone looked, Canillian looked like a real woman. It was unsettling how he didnt feel like a man at all while wearing that dress.

He had a womanly figure with the right curves at the right places that only a woman could have. To top it off she had those big, beaming eyes that can enamour any man. His voice wasnt deep either, as if puberty had spared him from all physiological changes.

Marilyn harbored a great displeasure as she replayed the image of Canillian in her mind.

I cannot believe I am getting jealous and insecure over a man,

she thought to herself.

As she regained her calm and reflected over her seditious thoughts, she realized that it was actually rude for them to set up Duke Claude and Canillian Vale. Despite the truth behind Canillians birth being shrouded in mystery, he was still a child of the Marquis, after all. Moreover, Claude was the succeeding Duke of the widely-respected Ihar Family.

In retrospect, how did she ever think that allowing the two to meet would be a good idea? She mustve been out of her mind at that time. Also, it was an irrefutable fact that Canillian is a man, no matter how beautiful and lady-like he appeared from the outside.

Marilyn focused her attention at the seat that Canillian occupied a while ago. She blinked mindlessly and inwardly scoffed at this seemingly ridiculous plan.

She never expected that a time would come that shed feel inferior to a man. She never even felt a fraction of intimidation towards Rosie nor the princess who were considered the most beautiful ladies in the empire.

Please contact the tailor and ask him to prepare a plain looking dress, as requested by Sir Canllian. And also, next time, dont come out of the room until Sir Canillian has finished dressing up. Do you understand? You should do your best to take care of him since he is a very important guest.

Yes, maam, the attendant nodded in agreement.

Marilyns gaze fell upon the grandiose grandfather clock. She noted the time and realized that they should be at the library by now. Even though she direly wished for them to catch the criminal right now, she knew that was close to impossible and had to wait. She took a deep breath and consciously made an effort to put on a smile, as she tried to shove away her growing impatience to the side.

Men by nature are drawn towards beautiful things and creatures, however, he was an Ihar. The Master of North, is not known to be like most men. He was a free spirit who did as he pleased and explored whatever he wanted.

By the time Marilyn got up, the tea was long cold. The only good thing so far was the long walk in the gallery that was adorned with the rarest art collection. She felt relaxed, even for a short time, while admiring them.

As she reached the window at the end of the hall, overlooking the outside, she noted the carriage had arrived. Beside it stood the attendant from the Marquis House who had travelled a long distance to come there.

Was it Pepe?

she wondered.

You said one attendant alone helped Sir Canillian dress up? Marilyn asked in greater detail.

Yes, one of the attendants promptly replied.

She has good hands. I should compliment her next time, Marilyn said in response.

Marilyn decided to head back after the carriage left the gate and was out of plain sight. She had been exceptionally busy these days, especially since the long monsoon season has arrived. She had so much to prepare as it was time to change everything. Out with the old, in with the new.

Anna, I heard theres a new dressing room. Bring the owner. We should prepare for the monsoon season, Marilyn ordered, determined to get all the work done as soon as possible.

***

The salons door, which was grandiosely decorated with gold and velvet, gradually opened to welcome the visitor in.

The buzzing conversations, which initially filled the room, quickly died down as soon as Claude stepped inside. The police officer took off his hat in respect to the incoming guest, while the royal guards and the Duk