Chapter 61
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Perhaps it was an act that went beyond what was necessary.
Odelia also became embarrassed and averted her eyes, causing a moment of silence between the two.
It was just as they were awkwardly facing each other.
Castia muttered to herself, looking back and forth between the two.
"...When I first heard the rumors, I thought someone had made up some absurd story."
You've seen right through it.
Castia still looked at the two with that cold gaze, and seemed to come to a conclusion.
"At least it seems to be sincere."
Did it work?
At least their act of being "foolish lovers dying for each other" seemed to have been quite convincing.
Castia's expression, which had been ready to chase them out of the castle immediately, softened slightly.
To be more precise, it was closer to looking like she had a throbbing headache.
But her gaze still held a stubborn judgment as she looked at the two.
"Yes. You probably want to believe that even the fate of a family is useless in the face of words like love and destiny."
Her voice was calm.
But underneath it was a hint of cynicism.
"Love is an invincible emotion when things are good. But when you can't take responsibility, it's more powerless than anything else. And the North is not a territory that can be run on mere emotions."
She shifted her gaze to Odelia.
"You said you were strong yourself? Then prove it. Until then, I will not acknowledge you as the Grand Duchess."
To be precise, she had said she wasn't as weak as she appeared, but.
Castia deliberately twisted that nuance as she continued.
"And... just because the father is strong doesn't mean we can be certain the child will be healthy. I still think it would be better to welcome a flawless, perfect Grand Duchess."
"......"
Odelia glanced at Ludville.
The look in his eyes, which had been full of irritation and annoyance, was slowly subsiding.
His purple eyes were darkening, like the deep night.
'......This is bad.'
Odelia felt cold sweat forming on her forehead.
Never mind the child, the former Grand Duke was now increasing the chances of confining himself.
Castia, oblivious to these signs, continued speaking.
"The North is not a place you can manage with guesswork. Much less for someone who is to become the mistress of this place."
Her tone was quietly emphatic.
Even maintaining polite honorifics and calling her "Princess" to the end was her way of drawing the line.
She turned her gaze and now looked directly at Ludville.
"Ludville. I took you in as my son because I believed you would become a strong shield to protect the North. ...And you know too. It was also a decision to carry on the name of Excepcion more strongly and righteously."
"......"
"If that's you, then you can't treat the responsibility and justification of the family as someone else's business now."
And again, she turned her gaze back to Odelia.
"Whatever the outcome of your choices, it's no longer a private matter. Until I'm convinced you can bear that weight, I cannot accept this marriage."
With those final words, Castia quietly turned to leave.
She made her opposition clear until the end.
'...So that's why she was confined.'
Odelia could now fully understand why she had never seen the former Grand Duke.
Not that it meant he did the right thing, but.
Given Ludville's personality...
"I hope you can endure it. You said you would stay in the western territory after relinquishing the title of Grand Duke. Please send her back there safely after the wedding."
"......"
"Ludville?"
"...I'll try."
Is this even something that requires effort?
Odelia suppressed a sigh as she rubbed her throbbing forehead.
Now there was only one thing to hope for.
Please, just stay quiet until the wedding.
On the eve of the wedding, a grand banquet was held at Excepcion Castle for the distinguished guests.
Drinks, music, conversation, and laughter continued late into the night.
The center of attention was, of course, Odelia, who would soon become the Grand Duchess.
More precisely, it was the story of her fatefully intertwined love with the Grand Duke of Excepcion.
'Nonsense.'
The Purifier had never once left the basement of the Cardel family.
Love?
Gawain Cardell inwardly sneered.
'It seems even the Grand Duke of Excepcion covets the Purifier.'
However, his outward expression remained consistently gentle, and his eyes were soft.
His words and actions also did not deviate from the line of courtesy in the slightest.
'To think that something like a Purifier is standing at the center of noble society.'
Since when has the world become so disorderly?
Gawain moved towards the center of the banquet hall, wearing a calm smile.
He skillfully led conversations while raising his glass high to toast with some nobles.
Soon, attention began to focus on him.
He stopped next to Odelia.
Even while receiving an icy glare, Gawain smiled gracefully.
"You look truly beautiful, Odelia."
"......"
"This brother is so happy to be able to show you off in front of so many people like this. To think such a day would come."
"......"
"Ah, are you upset that Father didn't come? Don't be like that. Father is just feeling hurt. His beloved daughter suddenly getting married."
Odelia did not respond.
Gawain continued speaking lightly with a smile, undeterred by her silence.
"Our Odelia has always quietly done her best in her place. It always pained my heart to see you enduring alone with your frail body. I felt so helpless that there was nothing I could do..."
He smiled bitterly, as if he were truly a caring older brother.
"At least it seems the Grand Duke of Excepcion is making you happy."
His expression was a mix of emotions.
As if he was surprised by his beloved sister's rash actions, but still wishing for her happiness.
'I have to give him credit for his acting skills.'
He's become much more skilled in the meantime.
'He would have been better suited as a theater actor.'
Yet he's trying so hard to play the "savior role" that doesn't even suit him.
Odelia thought calmly to herself as she looked up at him with an expressionless face.
"But Odelia."
Gawain continued with a seemingly regretful face.
"I heard about your 'new ability'. It's truly amazing and admirable that you've manifested such an unprecedented innate ability, but..."
New ability.
In one word, he crushed the power of purification that had continued for hundreds of years.
As if it had no connection to ancient magic, he declared it like a formula in this place.
'So that's how you're going to play it.'
If packaged as an innate ability, it might seem special at first glance.
But the word "new" also meant unproven and unstable.
Still looking at her with worried eyes, he continued gently.
"Your physical condition isn't normal, so the new ability must be a burden on you. Even if it was absolutely necessary, as your brother, I'm worried. Whether the use of the ability is unstable, whether there are side effects..."
He took a step closer and smiled kindly.
"I hope you don't push yourself too hard. My sister, who was immature from birth. I wonder if this harsh North can protect you..."
