Previously
The Basilian family gathers for a rare dinner where the Duke questions Evgenia about Kayden's visit. Evgenia manipulates the narrative, claiming Kayden insulted her by suggesting she become his mistress, which enrages her father and brothers.
I stared at Alexis with a puzzled expression before quickly looking away.
The Duke looked at me with a bewildered expression.
Then, after a brief pause, his expression hardened.
I had expected him to scold me for recklessly laying a hand on a member of the imperial family, no matter how much the Crown Prince provoked me.
Yet instead of a reprimand, I was praised. I was taken aback to realize that Evgenia's seemingly reckless behavior was not entirely unjustified.
“…”
As a pillar of the empire and a prominent supporter of the Emperor, the Duke spoke with firm confidence.
Nevertheless, remembering how the Basilian family ultimately met its downfall because of Evgenia in the novel left a bittersweet taste in my mouth.
‘Well, I suppose that will not happen now,’ I thought resolutely.
Even so, a lingering unease remained. I shook my head, attempting to brush aside the anxiety.
At my words, Sionel clicked his tongue in clear annoyance, as if he were ready to send a formal complaint to the imperial family. Feeling embarrassed, I avoided his gaze and stated the real reason I had sought out the Duke today.
The Duke gazed at me intently, as though measuring my sincerity. Surprisingly, Sionel, who was usually skeptical of my words, nodded in agreement, seemingly still incensed by the Crown Prince's conduct.
The Duke let out a soft sigh upon seeing the determined look in my eyes.
“…!”
Finally!
Had I been holding my breath without realizing it? Suppressing the surge of excitement, I clenched my fists tightly.
Though I wanted to cheer and throw my hands up in celebration, I could not let my emotions show here.
I was certain they had, given the story and circumstances, but I needed to hear the confirmation to put my mind at ease. The Duke let out a dry laugh.
“…”
When it came to his family, his judgment seemed to falter, I thought, shaking my head inwardly while trying to calm my racing heart.
The thought that all that remained was marrying Euclid made my lips feel dry.
Just then, the Duke frowned.
A signature? Did that mean there was a document in this mansion bearing Euclid's own signature?
The unexpected piece of information set my heart racing. Clasping the hem of my dress tightly, I listened as the Duke continued with a faint scowl.
My racing heart slowed for a moment as I swallowed hard.
I, too, had been waiting anxiously for the response to the proposal, only to find out there was a reason behind the delay.
I knew they were struggling financially, but imagining Euclid living under such harsh circumstances filled me with sorrow.
Perhaps my feelings showed on my face, for the Duke hesitated before speaking.
There was no reason to refuse, so I offered a radiant smile and asked cautiously:
Two days was far too long, and I could not bear the thought of Euclid enduring the hardships of a carriage journey. The Duke, realizing he had not considered that, nodded.
Though I had no idea what he was talking about, I nodded instead of displaying my confusion.
The Duke smiled with satisfaction, then suddenly let out a sigh.
His grumbling remarks sent a chill down my spine, but his next statement brought me relief.
I poured all my desire to avoid the Crown Prince into my words, reiterating my stance firmly. The Duke reluctantly masked his disappointment and finally yielded.
I remembered from the novel that Evgenia and Euclid had held a modest ceremony at the Temple. I nodded in agreement, only for someone to shout:
Alexis abruptly interrupted the smooth flow of the conversation, which had been proceeding like a calm stream of water.
His outburst took me and the rest of the family by surprise.
In frustration, Alexis yelled at the top of his lungs.
Ah, Alexis was even lashing out at Sionel like that.
For some reason, I found myself in a good mood and simply observed the scene like a bystander, watching Alexis lose his temper and Sionel lightly shake his head.
Sionel sighed and spoke.
Alexis let out a scoff, completely stunned, and slowly surveyed the dining room.
Unlike him, who was visibly shaken, the faces of the other family members showed not the slightest hint of surprise. Realizing this, Alexis muttered under his breath.
“…”
Sensing the tense atmosphere, Melissa nodded hesitantly under Alexis's persistent questioning.
It dawned on Alexis that even Melissa, who had only recently joined the ducal household, was aware of my marriage. His face flushed, turning a mix of pale and red in an instant.
Gasping for breath, overwhelmed by betrayal, Alexis turned toward me and shouted,
“Even if you hate me, how could you do this?!”