Chapter 26

Unlike the peaceful Adeloff ducal house, the outside world was abuzz.

Every person walking the streets had a word to add about Elena and Maxim.

“The Adeloff family has chosen a new young lady. They say the wedding is right around the corner!”

“Princess Hazel herself has taken on the role of chaperone, I hear?”

“Good heavens, her? She has never accepted any young lady before!”

“That’s exactly why opinions are so divided, isn’t it? Surely that young lady must be capable of something remarkable.”

“But she’s a Joseph, isn’t she? When did the Joseph family fall? And how vulgar her mother is... ahem.”

“Surely Princess Hazel, of all people, would not take in a young lady like that. There must be something else at play.”

And the rumors drifting through social circles and the streets flowed straight into Empress Liena’s ears.

“Kimberly.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Isn’t it remarkable, the…