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Chapter 25
It was a place unusually crowded with young ladies. I had hoped it wouldn’t be just there—but Ellen’s wish went unfulfilled.
‘This doesn’t feel right…’
Like a queen presiding over her court, a red-haired woman sat arrogantly in the prime seat on the sofa. I immediately recognized her as Carla Marcel. Her golden eyes were full of hostility.
“I wanted to have a conversation. Was I being rude? Lady Anais Rahone.”
Carla didn’t even bother to use the title of Duchess.
Laughter from the young ladies nearby proved this was no mistake—it was deliberate contempt.
Though Ellen wasn’t used to speaking in such a deferential tone, she had no choice but to be formal with Carla.
“Conversation is fine. Let’s hear it then.”
Carla frowned slightly, as if Ellen’s politeness irritated her, but she quickly twisted it into a smirk that seemed mocking.
“You enjoy conversations, don’t you? We should have had a tea party together long ago. Even if I wanted to invite you, you’re always tucked away in a corner, so you’d hardly be seen.”
Since Ellen didn’t know much about how Anais lived her daily life, she had no words to respond. For now, watching quietly was the best option.
Perhaps interpreting her silence as hesitation, the young ladies standing behind Carla looked down on Ellen with sneers.
‘Ugh… Anais was even being ostracized.’
Ellen had no intention of befriending these petty young ladies. For her future plans, she just wanted to maintain a decent reputation.
‘So please, just leave me alone.’
But Carla struck first.
“When I see Lady Rahone, my heart aches. I don’t think life is even life for her.”
Carla’s golden eyes scanned Ellen, then curled one corner of her mouth into a smile.
‘Her expression is infuriating.’
Ellen gripped the armrest of her wheelchair, trying to remain calm—until the young ladies beside Carla chimed in.
“How would she even dance?”
“Lady Rahone has never danced, of course. She doesn’t have a partner.”
“Oh, that’s right.”
They spoke loudly as if to be heard, yet pretended to whisper behind their fans. Perhaps to impress Carla, their insults only got worse.
‘Can’t stand it.’
The young ladies’ words were trivial. It was easy to respond. For example, if they said, “You’re so rude,” one could simply reply with:
“You worry about me so much, and Princess Marcel is so kind. She’s truly courteous.”
Adding a polite smile for good measure, Carla countered with her own radiant smile:
“Don’t be mistaken. I worry about Duke Debesser. My heart aches for the Duke, who was forced to take on Lady Rahone.”
‘You’re nothing but his ex-fiancée. What makes you think you can meddle with a married man, looking like a sly fox.’
Ellen placed her hand over her chest, letting her brows droop as she retorted.
“To still ache over a man who’s gone… It’s pitiful and, in a way, touching. I don’t think I could ever have such lingering love. You must be very fortunate.”
“Who’s pitiful to whom?”
She flapped her mouth, starting trouble again. Fine, let’s see.
“Well, well, no need to hide it. I know you envy me. And thank you for opening your heart about such a difficult subject.”
Ellen smiled, subtly saying, “Now go away,” under a thin veneer of kindness, just like when she played the counseling saint.
“Whenever you have difficulties, speak freely to me. Can’t I listen to a princess’s sappy first love story?”
Cracks appeared in Carla’s smile. Her eyes narrowed, and she looked so fierce that one could almost doubt she was the most beautiful woman in the empire.
“How long do you think that marriage will last?”
Revealing her true colors immediately—amateur. The marriage is contracted, so he’s still mine. Even if Licio cheats, I’ll take alimony and live richly.
“Trust is crucial in a marriage. If that trust is broken, it ends. I’m not attached to the title of duchess like some people.”
Ellen maintained a relaxed smile. Her makeup flawless, her face unchanged, yet Carla’s neck flushed red—ready to erupt.
“Arranged marriage but trust? If you’re not attached to your title, step down immediately.”
Carla’s voice rose. Could she be so naïve that this was all she could endure?
Ellen found Carla’s transparency amusing.
If you’re going to act like a fox, so will I. Time for the mirror tactic.
“I’d like to, but he won’t let go…”
“Is it really that the Duke won’t let go? Lady Rahone isn’t clinging to him, is she?”
Clinging? They already broke off their engagement! Just how bold…
Just as she was about to explode in anger at this noblewoman’s audacity, a large hand covered her shoulder, and a low, ominous voice spoke:
“Who’s clinging?”
Ah, it worked. Ellen gently held the hand on her shoulder.
Hoping he’d keep the promise made in the carriage, she coquettishly spoke:
“Darling, why are you only here now?”
For a moment, she felt Licio’s hand twitch on her shoulder.
Though she was worried about his reaction, Ellen pressed on.
“See how much Princess Marcel worries about me? Ha… It’s kind of sweet, but I’m worried she’ll miss her own chance at love while worrying about me. Should I play matchmaker?”
With a deep sigh, Ellen rested her head lightly on Licio.
But Licio’s body stiffened.
‘Eh… Did I go too far? What if they really are…? He promised to be on my side, he won’t take Carla’s side, right?’
Fearing her anxious thoughts would show, Ellen lowered her gaze.
“Anais.”
Licio leaned forward, approaching her face.
Ellen’s eyes widened, silently shouting, “Why? What?”
With a soft smack, Licio kissed her cheek. Her face burned—here, in front of so many people.
“Adorable.”
He smiled, eyes curling. The surrounding nobles gasped in astonishment.
“Is that really Duke Debesser?”
“Indeed. I’ve never seen him smile like that. How handsome.”
“Unlike the rumors, he really loves his wife.”
Even now, the Duke cared about his reputation. Ellen was impressed.
Licio whispered close to her ear:
“I knew you’d fight well. As expected, my cat.”
His sultry tone and warm breath brushed against her ear.
‘Ugh.’
Ticklish and embarrassed, Ellen covered her ears.
Gently brushing her flushed cheeks, Licio straightened up.
Facing Carla, his expression showed no trace of a smile.
“My wife is Anais Debesser, and she holds a higher rank than any princess. Couldn’t you learn even this simple fact? Or do you consider this a provocation against Debesser?”
“Duke, I…”
Carla’s face crumpled in panic as she hesitated and stepped back.
But this wasn’t enough. Ellen gripped Licio’s hand, shaking it.
“Don’t. I’m scared, darling.”
Licio clenched her hand tightly. The muscle in his jaw twitched slightly.
‘Looks like he’s about to laugh.’
Ellen elbowed him in the abdomen to break his composure.
Finally, Licio cleared his throat and spoke.
“No, this cannot be tolerated. This will be made public, and the Marcel Dukedom will issue an official apology.”
Carla’s face turned pale as she tried belatedly to apologize, but Licio ignored her.
He left the banquet hall unhesitatingly with Ellen.
“Finally, out of that boring hall.”
“Can we just go? What if the emperor gets upset…?”
“Greetings have been made. The only thing left is dancing. We can go back if you want.”
“No. I was just worried it was because of me.”
“We’ve come out earlier plenty of times. No need to worry.”
Instead of heading for the carriage, Licio led her to the garden.
“Where are we going?”
“Try it again.”
“Try what?”
“D.a.r.l.i.n.g.”
He pronounced it syllable by syllable, laughing playfully.
