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Chapter 11
After that, she could not feel how time had passed at all. She was sure she had chosen a dress together with Floheta, and after that she came back to the estate… but what had she done after that?
She could not remember at all. No, her mind had grown so unclear that she could not even recall it. She had clearly decided to respect Killian’s life. Wherever he was, whatever he was doing, whoever he was meeting—she had thought she would be fine with it.
As his partner, Yuse had always believed she could do that. She had firmly promised herself that she would.
‘But… but who exactly is that woman?’
The woman with golden hair shining softly as she stood close beside Killian, smiling beautifully. She had pure white skin, slightly pink cheeks, and even a beauty mark that made her more charming. Judging by her dress, she was surely someone of high status.
…Which noble family was she from?
‘Yes, it must be because of work. There’s no way Killian would meet another woman like that. He clearly said I’m the only one for him. Let’s trust Killian.’
Countless thoughts continued to follow one after another in her mind.
“…My lady, Lady Yuse!”
When Yuse finally forced herself out of her thoughts, a familiar maid from the ducal estate was calling her.
“Mm?”
Only then did Yuse blink and come back to her senses.
“You need to open your eyes a little so I can fix your makeup!”
The maid looked at her with a focused expression.
“Ah, right. I’m sorry.”
Yuse quickly nodded and apologized for delaying the maid’s work.
“There’s no need to apologize. It’s all right!”
The maid shook her head quickly and said it was fine, but Yuse’s heart was somewhere else, so her words did not truly reach her. No matter what the maid said, Yuse only forced a smile and nodded.
Inside her head, the scene she tried so hard to erase kept repeating.
It was only for a moment, but that day had shocked her deeply. The blonde woman, smiling brightly, and beside her—Killian—standing so naturally and comfortably with his arm linked with hers.
When Yuse fell into her thoughts again, silence filled the room.
The only sound was the small brush placing glitter over her eyelids. Holding on to that soft sound, Yuse steadied her breathing and tried to calm her restless heart.
‘Yes, don’t try to know everything about Killian. It doesn’t have to be now. One day, he will tell me himself. Don’t be impatient.’
Making that firm decision, Yuse swallowed quietly.
As Killian had said, the engagement ceremony was very “simple.” It was even smaller than Yuse had imagined.
The estate was beautifully decorated, and even the backyard of the ducal mansion where the ceremony was held was filled with grand and beautiful decorations. Yet compared to that, the number of people was noticeably small.
However, even though Yuse did not know much about noble faces, she could tell at a glance that the guests carried great power in their presence.
“First, I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has gathered here today. We will now begin the engagement ceremony. First, Lady Yuse Lil Krantz will enter.”
The entrance ceremony was held in the garden where all the guests had gathered, and with her name being called, the engagement officially began.
Guided by the maids and Beila, Yuse slowly walked forward along the flower-decorated path.
Everyone clapped, smiling brightly and cheering. But for some reason, perhaps because her father, Lord Krantz, was not there, Yuse felt a little sad.
Still, she could not cry on a day she had long waited for. She forced a smile and stood in her place.
“Next, Duke Killian Asher Diet von Siarekatte!”
Loud applause followed, along with the sound of trumpets.
Soon, from the opposite side, Killian appeared, neatly dressed, his bangs lifted cleanly from his forehead, walking straight toward Yuse.
“Yuse.”
Killian called her name softly.
Only then did Yuse realize she had been staring at him.
To her eyes, Killian looked like an angel—no, even more radiant than that.
He wore a black blouse and black trousers that emphasized his long limbs and perfect proportions. Over them, he wore a formal uniform decorated with epaulettes, buttons, and a brooch, all in beautiful harmony.
“Yuse, are you all right?”
She had been so captivated by his appearance that she could not say a word.
“Ah, y-yes. I’m fine.”
Feeling her cheeks grow hot, Yuse quickly nodded and looked away. She was afraid that if their eyes met now, everyone would see her feelings.
“That is a relief.”
Killian’s whisper near her ear was endlessly gentle. And for a moment, she had a shy thought.
If Killian was this gentle, did he even have room in his heart to give such kindness to other women?
“Now, please look at each other.”
The officiant’s voice brought Yuse back to her senses. Killian stepped even closer, shortening the already small distance between them.
His bold step made her gaze tremble.
“Are you shy?”
Killian whispered teasingly, his voice full of laughter.
“A little…”
Yuse smiled back.
“I think I am a little shy as well.”
As he said that, Killian smiled softly.
“And now, please face forward.”
At the officiant’s request, Yuse and Killian turned forward, holding hands and looking at the clapping guests.
“Please sincerely congratulate this couple on their engagement!”
With that shout, the ceremony truly began.
As everyone applauded, Killian gently turned Yuse toward him and placed a short kiss on her before slipping a silver ring with a diamond onto her left ring finger.
“Please take care of me from now on.”
At his words, Yuse held his hand tightly. Could someone’s presence alone make her feel such happiness? Her heart beat fast and trembled.
‘Yes, forget it. Forget everything.’
That was why she decided even more strongly to forget everything she had seen. She did not want to lose herself—the self who was loved by Killian.
Even though it was not an official ceremony, the engagement celebration lasted for a long time. Yuse and Killian walked around greeting guests. When Killian introduced the Crown Prince, “Jerons,” Yuse was so surprised she almost said something foolish.
“My sincere congratulations, Lady.”
Jerons greeted her, his bright blond hair shining.
“Th-Thank you, Your Highness.”
Yuse hurriedly returned his greeting, even more formally.
“Congratulations, Duke.”
“I am the one who is surprised that Your Highness came in person.”
“Of course I had to come. It is my close friend’s engagement, after all. And such a quiet one.”
The conversation between Killian and Jerons sounded slightly meaningful, but Yuse simply smiled. Even after that, though she met many others, she could not fully join most of Killian’s political conversations.
Still, Yuse chose to stand beside Killian and smile. She knew that was the best thing she could do.
Killian was greeting a man who introduced himself as Marquis Kate.
“You are truly beautiful, just as I heard, Lady.”
Marquis Kate said with a smile.
“…Thank you, Marquis.”
Yuse bowed her head politely.
“I hope this good and precious relationship will continue for a long time.”
“I hope so as well.”
Just like the Crown Prince earlier, the words felt somewhat meaningful. Yuse was about to ask what he meant, but Killian naturally took over the reply.
As their political discussion continued, Yuse’s focus drifted. And in that brief moment when she looked away, she saw her.
‘Oh… that woman.’
Standing tall among the groups of people talking was the blonde woman. Had she come here to find Killian? Or had Killian invited her?
The doubt she had tried to push away struck her strongly again. Without even listening to Killian and Marquis Kate’s conversation, Yuse began to walk toward the woman as if she were drawn by something.
