Ch#123
Chapter 123The news that Edel, the duchess of the exterminated Lancaster Duke family, a spoil of war bestowed upon Laslo Criserus, and a commoner working as steward in House Criserus, had become Countess Criserus, set high society ablaze in an instant.
"Is that really true? They denied having any relationship at all, and now...!"
"Seems there were some political issues. Why, House Canian was trying to take her back. But from Count Criserus's perspective, he knew full well Count Canian had ties to House Winblair—how could he just let her go?"
"Even so, did it have to be marriage of all things?"
"Well, who knows what goes on between the two? Politics might have just given them a convenient excuse."
With no precedent of a count-level great noble holding a surprise wedding, the talk wasn't particularly kind.
It wasn't a bad atmosphere for Dustin as he went around pleading his case.
"I've been telling you all along. His Majesty the Emperor and Count Criserus are oppressing our family! To toy with a parent's longing for their daughter like this!"
Dustin, pounding his chest as if he might die of injustice, was quite the actor. Enough that others could sympathize with his plight.
They had waited for their daughter to return after the sudden pardon, only for Laslo to bind her completely to him during the grace period—what an incident.
One thing that still didn't make sense was why Laslo, of all people, had married Edel.
"He's a mercenary出身, but with that fine appearance, a countship, wealth... If he'd wanted, he could've married a younger, prettier lady."
"Miss Edel is quite the beauty, and they've called her an unmatched bride."
"Even so, she's already been married once. Who pays a premium for used goods?"
Stimulating rumors freely insulted Edel. Once pitied as 'the poor woman bestowed on a mercenary,' she had overnight become 'the widow who lucked into a big shot.'
And among those disparaging Edel was Angela Bliss.
She found both Laslo and Edel utterly detestable.
"See? I told you. 'Capable steward'? Don't make me laugh."
She sneered that Laslo was turning a blind eye, but in truth, she was furious at having lost to Edel.
.
'That old hag better than me? Is Laslo Criserus a pervert?'
She was younger and more beautiful. Even compared to when Edel was a virgin, far more men had courted her.
She was the granddaughter of Count Bliss, albeit a second son's daughter, while Edel was a criminal turned commoner.
'How could he choose that woman over me?!'
The teacup in Angela's hand shattered against the wall.
She now had a better man in Riandro, but had Laslo belatedly accepted her proposal, she would've gladly become his wife.
Above all, Laslo was far more handsome and charming than Riandro.
"He should've been mine."
That single thought drove Angela mad.
She wanted to blemish Edel somehow. To drive Laslo and Edel's marriage to ruin.
Jealousy rooted in superiority bred an ugly scheme.
'Who must hate Edel the most right now? The Lancaster daughters living miserably unlike her, despite being spoils like her.'
Lauren and Daria Lancaster had been bestowed upon knights Yann Antes and Jasper Caber, respectively.
And those men treated Lauren and Daria like playthings, as if fulfilling everyone's wishes for Laslo in their stead.
Not even official mistresses, they were surely suffering all manner of humiliations in the Antes and Caber estates.
'Women with no future. If I toss them something to sink their teeth into, things could get interesting.'
Angela's eyes gleamed with malice as she pondered how to unleash Lauren and Daria before Edel.
"Shall we sleep now?"
"Yes."
Laslo confirmed Edel closing her book and laying her head on the pillow before extinguishing the oil lamp.
Then he climbed into bed himself.
They said nothing until their eyes adjusted to the darkness. The silence was so profound even blinking seemed audible.
Edel and Laslo were newlyweds sharing a bed, yet quite distant. Far enough for another person to lie comfortably between them.
"No incidents today?"
Laslo inwardly chided himself for asking as if she were still steward even after marriage, but he couldn't skip the question if he wanted real talk.
"Just that 14 invitations arrived in my name—nothing else out of the ordinary."
"They're dying of curiosity."
"Of course. Who wouldn't wonder about Count Criserus's secret marriage to me?"
Laslo chuckled softly at Edel's quiet laugh.
Fortunately, she no longer demeaned herself or felt guilty as before. Pre-marriage, she'd have apologized first.
'Edel's resolved firmly.'
He thought House Canian remarkable for hardening such a kind, gentle woman this much.
Then Edel asked Laslo.
"I can hide in the estate to avoid questions, but you're at the palace—everything okay? Everyone must grab you asking."
"A glare keeps them away. Nothing to say anyway."
Laslo enjoyed her calling him by name or 'you,' replying nonchalantly.
Of course, acquaintances sometimes scolded him for not inviting them, but 'circumstances dictated it' ended the talk.
.
"High society must be full of bad rumors. Father won't give up quietly."
"Yeah, but address it when needed. Dustin Canian isn't your father. Better call him 'Count Canian.'
"I'll do that from now on."
Even mentioning Dustin, Edel felt no pain. As Laslo said, like viewing a stranger.
As if all burned to ash.
Did House Canian know that angerless emotion was scarier?
Anyway, high society was in an uproar as Edel predicted.
Dustin raged for annulment, others questioned the unseen wedding—perceptions of their marriage weren't favorable.
Angela painted Edel a man-stealing alley cat; ladies who'd fancied Laslo agreed.
Yet Laslo watched idly for good reason.
"Time to counterattack hasn't come. Need a dramatic scene to flip opinion."
"True. When do you plan?"
"Hm, well... Wish Count Canian or Marquis Winblair would fight dirtier, but they're lukewarm, probably guilty."
Counterattack must be one massive shock. Prolonged talk loses interest, gives foes ammunition.
Thus Laslo endured Edel's insults.
"Not tense or scared? You must re-enter society. Can you smile before those who tore into you?"
"As much as needed."
Unexpected, Laslo turned to her.
But Edel gazed at the dark ceiling.
"That's just how it is. Nothing's changed."
A battlefield of three-inch tongues shredding the hale.
Courtesy overflows outwardly, but peel one layer to reveal envy and jealousy beneath.
'Perfect bride' rumors were vile too—more insults now barely tickled.
Edel turned slowly to Laslo.
"Truth wins in the end. And I've never lost in high society."
Her gentle eyes faintly visible in the dark.
Laslo smiled with her.
But inside, conflicted. Admired her strength amid softness; pitied the hardships forging it.
Thinking her past made her, even praising 'you're strong' felt apologetic.
.
