The maid's name was Martha, a woman in her thirties with a calm demeanor but a hint of eagerness. She entered the room wearing a magnificent deep crimson velvet gown.
"Miss Emily, this is the dress that Madam prepared for you for tonight's banquet," Martha carefully placed the dress on the bed. "Madam says tonight's banquet is very important, and you must make a good impression."
Emily gazed at the elaborate Roman-style gown, feeling a complex surge of emotions. As a history major, she had some knowledge of the structure and style of these garments, but it would be her first time wearing one.
"Martha, can you tell me who the important guests will be at tonight's banquet?" Emily asked while having Martha help her put on the dress, trying to gather some information.
"It is said there will be many important figures," Martha whispered as she fastened Emily's luxurious corset, "but the most important is that Duke Montfort will be there."
At the mention of the Duke's name, Emily's heart skipped a beat.
[System Prompt: Edmund de Montfort, 28 years old, one of the most powerful dukes in England. He is handsome, wealthy, and cold, the dream man of all noblewomen. Tonight is the night you are destined to meet.]
"Duke Montfort… what kind of person is he?" Emily asked casually.
Martha's expression grew a bit complicated. "The Duke… he's a very admirable man, but also difficult to approach. It's said that he's always indifferent to women. Many noble families have tried to marry their daughters off to him, but all have been rejected."
"Then why is he attending tonight's banquet?"
"I've heard it's for business. The Duke is here to discuss a wool trade partnership with Master," Martha paused for a moment, "but Miss Emily, why are you asking so many questions?"
Emily realized she had been too inquisitive and quickly explained, "I'm just curious. After all, someone like him is rarely seen."
[System Prompt: Please be cautious with your words and actions. In this era, asking too many questions about a male noble might be misunderstood.]
Emily rolled her eyes inwardly. The system always reminded her of these details at the most critical moments.
After Martha helped her into the beautiful gown, Emily looked at herself in the mirror, almost not believing it was her. The deep crimson velvet gown accentuated her figure, and the golden embroidery shimmered in the candlelight.
"You look stunning, Miss Emily," Martha complimented sincerely. "Tonight, many gentlemen will surely be captivated by your beauty."
Emily touched her face. The original Emily indeed had a beautiful figure, with the typical features of a Roman beauty: a slender body, fair skin, long brown hair, and green eyes.
"Martha, I'd like to ask something," Emily hesitated. "What do people think of me around here?"
Martha seemed a bit confused. "What do you mean, Miss?"
"I mean, what is the impression others have of me?" Emily tried to understand the personality of the original owner.
Martha answered cautiously, "You… you are a kind person, Miss. Though Master and Madam are a bit strict with you, and young Master William often… well, we all know you have a kind heart."
From Martha's words, Emily could tell that the original owner wasn't treated well at home.
[System Prompt: The original Emily Smith has always been unloved by her parents due to her physique and introverted nature. Her younger brother, William, frequently mocks her. In the noble social circles, she is often marginalized.]
"I see," Emily nodded. "Martha, what should I pay attention to at tonight's banquet?"
"Remember to maintain elegance, avoid speaking loudly, and bow appropriately when you meet nobles," Martha advised. "Also, never be alone with any male noble. It will damage your reputation."
Emily smiled wryly. According to the system's task, she was supposed to do exactly what Martha had warned her not to do.
"I'll be careful," she said.
Just then, there was a knock on the door.
"Emily, are you ready?" Mrs. Isabella's voice called out. "The guests will be arriving soon."
"Alright, Mother, I'll be there in a moment," Emily took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself.
[System Prompt: The plan for tonight is as follows: After the banquet starts, you will drink the wine laced with aphrodisiac herbs at the designated time, then leave the banquet hall by yourself. Afterward, you will 'accidentally' enter Duke Montfort's private room.]
"Wait a minute," Emily thought to herself, "who will give me that wine?"
[System Prompt: Someone has arranged it. You don't need to worry about the details. Just follow the plot.]
"I feel like there's something wrong with this plan," Emily furrowed her brow. "If I'm drugged, I won't be able to control my actions."
[System Prompt: This is a necessary plot arrangement. After all, it is under these circumstances that Emily meets the Duke.]
"But I don't know what Emily actually did," Emily said firmly, "I will complete this task my own way."
[System Prompt: Understood. What's your plan?]
"I'll meet the Duke, but not through being drugged," Emily adjusted her gown. "I'll find an opportunity to approach him myself."
[System Prompt: This is a high-risk move. If it fails…]
"It won't fail," Emily said confidently. "Trust me, I have my ways."
She walked to the door, her hand gripping the handle, ready to step out and begin her adventure.
[System Prompt: Remember, no matter what, your ultimate goal is to make Duke Edmund de Montfort fall in love with you and get the world's plot back on track.]
"I know," Emily whispered, "but I'll do it my way."
She pushed open the door and walked towards the waiting Mrs. Isabella. Tonight, she would step into the unfamiliar and dangerous world of medieval nobility as Emily Smith.
The system's voice still echoed in her mind: [Good luck. Remember, your fate and the fate of this world are in your hands.]
Emily didn't respond, but a slight smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
Let the storm come stronger.