Chapter 13
“I’m sorry, but really, today isn’t—”
“You’d better prepare to attend the Princess’s banquet.”
“…”
At those unexpected words, the confusion spread across Evangeline’s doll-like eyes for the first time. Only then did the corner of his lips twitch with satisfaction, yet the words he spoke remained merciless.
“I can’t very well ruin the precious invitation you went so far as to secretly obtain.”
“But if I go there…”
“It’s better than sleeping with me, isn’t it?”
The end of his rough voice cracked slightly.
There was no way Decarno didn’t understand what it meant for her to attend Princess Bellona’s banquet. In fact, he knew all too well. He was already annoyed just thinking about it, yet he had no intention of changing his mind.
So this woman really thinks I’m nothing more than a beast.
If that was what she believed, then perhaps it wasn’t so bad to live up to her expectations.
The resigned look in her eyes the moment he grabbed her wrist irritated him.
Who knows? If she finally gives me an honest answer now…
“Yes. Then I’ll prepare.”
“…”
With those obedient words, Evangeline became the perfect doll once again.
The smile and expression he had once found convenient—the very qualities that had made her the ideal future Duchess—felt strangely irritating today.
When she politely wished him a good rest before leaving and quietly closed the door behind her, Decarno instinctively reached into his coat for a cigar.
More accurately…
He pulled out the empty cigar case.
He had already smoked every last cigar while waiting in this room today.
◇ ◆ ◇
“If it’s something you’ll have to face at least once in your life, it’s better to face it with a smile—for your own sake and for the other person’s as well.”
Her father had always granted every wish she had.
But there were times when he had been firm.
Like when she refused to board a merchant ship because she hated seasickness.
Or when she had to deal with people who simply refused to listen.
Whenever it was something everyone had to face at least once in life…
He had always said those words.
If he could see her today…
He would probably say the same thing.
“Ha…”
Dressed in a dazzling silver gown, Evangeline stood before the mirror.
Just thinking about attending the Princess’s banquet made her stomach churn.
But this, too, was something she had to get through.
That’s right… It’s only this much.
As the future Duchess of House Theseus, she couldn’t hide forever.
More importantly, she no longer wanted to burden Decarno by asking him for anything.
She hurriedly finished getting ready as the departure time drew near.
Normally, a maid would have helped her dress.
But after her father’s disappearance, she had deliberately kept even the servants at a distance.
The former Duchess had once told her:
“The most dangerous enemy is always inside.”
At a time when everything had already fallen apart, she hated the thought of anyone seeing her weakness.
There was no longer anyone left who could comfort her.
Just then, there was a knock on the door.
As it opened, Evangeline quickly erased the sadness from her face.
“…Come in. I’m almost finished. I just need someone to fasten the buttons on the back—”
“You mean these?”
“Why are you—?!”
Despite trying to remain calm, horror spread across Evangeline’s face.
She had naturally assumed it was a maid.
Startled, she hurriedly pulled up the slipping dress, but the Duke standing behind her remained completely composed.
Even with her bare back fully exposed through the open gown, he looked as calm as if he were reading official documents.
“Turn around. We’ll be late if you keep this up.”
“I-I know. Just… please wait outside for a moment…”
“What’s the problem? It’s not like it’s the first time.”
Though he probably hadn’t intended it, Decarno had thrown back the exact words she had once said to him a few days earlier.
His voice carried a faint trace of mischief.
Unwilling to let it affect her, Evangeline slowly straightened her back.
He was right.
It wasn’t the first time he had seen her body.
After they spent nights together and she was too exhausted to move, he had even tied her robe for her.
“Lift your hair.”
“…”
As Decarno’s warm breath brushed against the back of her neck, her body stiffened.
Her throat suddenly felt dry.
She hurriedly gathered her hair with both hands.
One by one, he fastened each button.
She could feel his fingers moving just barely against her skin.
“Remarkable.”
“So this thing actually fits around your body.”
“I’ve worn it before.”
“You have clothes you wear more than once?”
At his genuinely surprised question, Evangeline gave a faint, powerless smile.
This man, who calculated everything so precisely…
Perhaps he didn’t truly understand how desperate her situation had become.
Unable to answer, she simply smiled.
Meanwhile, his hand reached toward another item.
“This necklace suits you better.”
“…It’s too extravagant. Everyone will already be looking at me.”
“You’ll have to go through this eventually.”
“If that’s the case… then it’s better to blind everyone who’s looking.”
“…”
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
Holding one of the most magnificent diamond necklaces left behind by the former Duchess, Decarno noticed her gaze in the mirror.
It surprised him to see emotion flicker in Evangeline’s eyes.
Even that was better than seeing her act like a lifeless doll.
“Lift your chin.”
“…”
As he slowly fastened the necklace around her neck, his own eyes remained fixed on her reflection.
Somehow…
This moment, standing together before the mirror,
felt far more intimate than any night they had shared in bed.
“…If you have something to say, just say it.”
“There’s nothing.”
“If you don’t want to go, then even now—”
“No.”
“I’ll go.”
She finally looked away from the mirror and turned to face him.
The warmth that had seemed to exist in their reflections disappeared the moment they looked directly at each other.
His expression clearly showed that he wasn’t pleased with her answer.
Feeling awkward, Evangeline absentmindedly touched the necklace.
“I just…”
“I think this necklace is beautiful.”
◇ ◆ ◇
To be honest, Princess Bellona’s balls weren’t particularly popular among high society.
For one thing, nearly every aspect of her banquets was an obvious imitation of House Theseus.
On top of that, it was exhausting trying to please the proud Princess.
Another reason was that the parties were held inside the Imperial Palace.
A proper banquet was meant to be enjoyed with good food, wine, and relaxed spirits.
But with the Emperor present in the palace, everyone had to watch every word and action.
Whenever Princess Bellona announced a banquet, countless nobles racked their brains trying to come up with excuses not to attend.
And yet…
For the first time since she was born,
her banquet became an overwhelming success.
The reason was obvious.
“His Grace Duke Theseus and his fiancée, Lady O’Hara, have arrived!”
“…”
At the chamberlain’s booming announcement, every head in the crowded hall turned toward the entrance.
No one could possibly criticize the appearance of those two.
Envy.
Jealousy.
Admiration.
Awe.
And today…
One more emotion had joined them.
She actually came.
It was Evangeline’s first public appearance since the collapse of the O’Hara Trading Company.
The woman who had fallen overnight from the Queen of High Society to the very bottom had become the center of everyone’s curiosity.
Many men admired her breathtaking beauty, which remained as flawless as a priceless work of art despite her family’s downfall.
Many women quietly glared at her while pulling their husbands or fiancés away.
Even so…
Neither of the two walking forward looked at anyone.
Their expressions were almost detached, as though they had risen above everything around them.
“Are you satisfied now?”
“…”
Stopping near the fountain, Decarno leaned close enough to whisper into her ear.
That tiny movement alone made countless young ladies’ hearts race.
Unfortunately for them,
his words were anything but romantic.
“Straighten your shoulders.”
“You’re the one who insisted on coming.”
“I know.”
“No matter what anyone says, you’re a Theseus now.”
“Act like one.”
There was a sharp edge to his voice.
He had been like this ever since they left the mansion and climbed into the carriage.
She had no idea what had put him in such a foul mood.
Then again…
She wasn’t even sure someone like Decarno could be described as being “in a mood.”
“Don’t worry.”
“I won’t cause House Theseus any more trouble.”
“…Hah.”
At her quiet reply, one of Decarno’s eyebrows rose sharply.
He had started this conversation himself.
Yet somehow, her answer only irritated him further.
His jaw tightened.
Anyone watching would think he was the one being dragged against his will to a party he hated.
“Fine.”
“Let’s see how well you manage.”
“You should go.”
“It looks like they’re waiting for you over there.”
Pretending not to notice his stare, Evangeline pointed toward the gentlemen’s smoking lounge.
Until the Princess arrived, it was tradition at Imperial Palace banquets for the men and women to gather separately and exchange greetings.
But for some reason, Decarno lingered, acting as though he had forgotten the custom.
“…Is there something else you wanted to say to me?”
“Who says there is?”
Leaving behind the slightly puzzled Evangeline, he finally turned away.
As if trying to make up for the time he had hesitated, he strode off with long, decisive steps.
Watching him leave, Evangeline swallowed a bitter smile.
She could already imagine the rumors people would spread after witnessing his behavior.
