Ch#125
Spoils of War
Duchess
Written by Lemon Frog
Chapter 125
"How much do you think that dress cost?"
"You're looking at the necklace and still noticing the dress? Look at those diamonds! They're breathtaking!"
"She was already famous for her beauty before, but doesn't she seem even more stunning now than when she was a virgin?"
The bluish dress, perfectly matched to Laslo's deep navy ceremonial attire, exposed Edel's beautiful shoulders. Moreover, crystals embedded in the voluminous skirt sparkled brilliantly with every step she took.
Of course, the diamond necklace around Edel's neck glittered far more dazzlingly than the crystal beads.
"I-I've seen that necklace before. It's definitely from ."
"? If that's their piece, how much do you think it cost?"
"More importantly, the fact that sold something to Count Criserus."
The necklace, made of platinum twisted with densely packed diamonds, seemed to have countless stones that were impossible to count.
And people were shocked that it was from the haughty , whose owner had publicly declared until recently that they didn't sell to 'nobles unworthy of nobility.'
Aware they were being appraised from head to toe, Edel and Laslo smiled brightly and exchanged warm greetings with the Celestine family.
As they finished and stepped into the banquet hall, those close to Laslo approached first to greet them.
"Wow, becoming a newlywed suits you—your face is glowing, Count!"
"Marriage must really be great. I never knew Sir Criserus could smile like this."
It wasn't mere flattery.
Those who knew Laslo had never seen him smile so openly.
"Well, I won't deny it feels good. Oh, let me introduce you, Edel. This is Sir Allen Riban, vice commander of the Imperial Knights Order. And this is..."
As Laslo introduced his acquaintances, Edel curtsied slightly with a gentle smile.
"Pleased to meet you. I'm Edel Criserus. I've heard much about you both."
Her greeting was flawless, straight out of an etiquette textbook.
.
Far from minding the stares, she exuded such poise that people naturally realized she was truly now Countess Criserus.
Those who had criticized her ended up the ones feeling awkward under her attitude, which subtly conveyed her superiority.
"Countess Criserus, it's such a pleasure to meet you. I've wanted to speak with you for so long..."
"You look stunning today, Madam! Do you perhaps remember me?"
Edel returned their sudden fawning smiles with kindness.
"Hello? It's been a while. How have you been?"
Emboldened by her friendly response, they greeted her more eagerly. Just as Edel had predicted.
'They'll turn away the moment someone starts criticizing me again.'
She knew it, but unlike before, impatience didn't rise. People who flipped with rumors held no importance to her anymore.
With relaxed hearts, Edel and Laslo exchanged pleasantries with those around them when a commotion arose from one side, followed by a familiar voice.
"Edel!"
It was Dustin Canian, suppressing his anger.
He was striding toward them with Rudmila and his two sons.
Judging by his momentum, he seemed determined to cause a scene here today.
"Finally, I get to see your face. I've tried to meet you so many times, but someone kept interfering."
Dustin glared up and down at Laslo.
But Edel calmly retorted.
"I refused the requests. I figured you'd just repeat the same things anyway."
"E-Edel! Why are you acting like this? Are you still misunderstanding that we abandoned you?"
"Misunderstanding?"
As Edel asked incredulously, Dustin nodded vigorously as if to say 'of course.'
"Forget that agreement he showed you! I only signed it because I couldn't withstand the threats."
"Threats..."
Laslo scoffed as if it wasn't worth laughing at, but Dustin ignored him.
"Think about it. They said if I didn't abandon you, the traitor's wife, they'd consider me complicit in treason—how could I refuse?"
"Count Canian. You approached first and handed over Lancaster Duke family information."
"Don't talk nonsense! It, it was all under duress!"
"The nonsense is coming from you. His Majesty had no intention of demanding information from House Canian. There was enough evidence of involvement to just crush you outright."
Laslo curled his lip disdainfully.
"Everyone knows you tried to cozy up to the Lancaster Duke family, but we just let you play victim to the end. The Lancaster documents obtained by His Majesty's informants included the marriage contract between the two houses regarding Edel."
"Th-that! That was also under duress from the Lancaster Duke family...!"
"You always make excuses of having no choice. True nobles uphold integrity even in unavoidable situations. Isn't that right?"
Seeing no victory in facts, Dustin turned back to Edel.
"Edel. Yes, Father was wrong. I sacrificed you alone fearing your mother and brothers would die. Give me a chance to make amends?"
He extended his trembling hand to his daughter.
"The whole family misses you so much."
A tear streamed down his cheek, and Rudmila dabbed her eyes behind him, drawing pitying gazes.
But not from Edel.
"How long ago was it that you beat me so mercilessly, and now crocodile tears? Did you think I'd be moved?"
"Edel! That day, you didn't understand Father's heart, so I was hurt. I'm sorry!"
"What to do? My feelings haven't changed at all since then."
.
Repeating the same lines was starting to annoy her, but she had to say it. Loud enough for Dustin and everyone present to hear.
"As I said, I've repaid the debt of being raised to become Duke Lancaster's second wife. You sold me at such a high price when I knelt and begged not to marry him, so you have no right to demand more from me."
"The duchess position is what every woman dreams of! We had no idea the duke would cause such trouble then!"
"You knew. You went to him and talked with his aides multiple times, even after the marriage. Yet you never once visited me."
"Wh-what nonsense is that, Edel!"
"Don't try to cover the sky with your palm. Even if you deny it, many remember those days. It wasn't even years ago."
At Edel's revelation, Dustin glanced around anxiously. His shifty eyes looked utterly vile.
It felt newly unjust that she'd been under such a man's thumb for so long.
"You never cared about my well-being when you could visit, but suddenly you miss me? Must be because I have value again. Somewhere you need connections, curious about my husband's information?"
At Edel's point, people recalled the political stakes around her situation.
As her husband seemed cornered, Rudmila stepped forward desperately.
"Edel! Can't you understand Father struggling to protect our precarious house? Mother understands your resentment. I'm sorry. Truly sorry to you."
"There was a time I longed to hear that. I thought one 'sorry' would melt all my hurt..."
Edel smiled faintly.
"Now, it means nothing to me."
"Y-You're too much! Should we kneel as parents?"
"No need to kneel—just bring Rin back to life. Then I'll forgive you."
"Rin? The d-dead... your sister?"
"Yes. Not your daughter, nor William or Jeffrey's sister—my sister Rin."
For the first time, flames of anger blazed in Edel's calm eyes.
Then Barbara, beside her, grasped Edel's hand and stepped forward in her stead.
.
