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~Chapter 30~
Bill led Killian and Aisha to a garden terrace inside the Emerald Castle.
‘Wow… this is exactly the kind of place you’d expect from the Imperial family.’
“This is a private place reserved only for Her Majesty, the Empress Dowager,” Bill explained proudly as they walked down the corridor.
“It’s only used on clear days like today, and only those personally invited by Her Majesty may sit here.”
‘So what? It’s not like I asked to be invited.’
‘Seriously, no one asked.’
…For once, Killian and Aisha shared the exact same thought.
“This way. Please walk straight ahead.”
Following Bill, the two entered the garden. The Emerald Castle itself already felt like another world, but this place was on a whole different level.
The path to the terrace was lined with exotic flowers, plants, sculptures, and ornaments. The space felt deliberately separated from the rest of the castle. It was half open, so while someone could secretly peek in, they wouldn’t be close enough to hear the conversations. That made the atmosphere even more tense.
When they finally reached the terrace…
Roselia and Belmore were already there, along with several noble ladies.
“Ah, the Duke has arrived.”
When her eyes met Killian’s, Roselia smiled radiantly, like the sun. She gestured toward the seats prepared for them.
“It is an honor to be invited,” Killian said politely, and he and Aisha sat. The table was already set with a luxurious tea set for them.
“I know the Duke’s tastes to some degree, but I wasn’t sure about Lady Aisha’s. So, I prepared the most popular tea. I hope it pleases you.”
The most popular tea?
The words seemed harmless, but in the world of romance-fantasy nobility, they carried a sharp meaning.
‘That’s a noble-lady insult. The kind that says: you’re too common for this place.
Nobles and royals enjoyed rare and expensive teas. Ordinary people drank the common blends—popular, easy to drink, without strong flavor. By calling it “popular,” Roselia was saying: Aisha Ashton doesn’t belong here.
And by extension, Killian Winters, who chose her, wasn’t much better.
“Indeed, the most popular things are always the most beloved.”
Killian wasn’t easy to push around.
“Just like our engagement. It too will be blessed by the people, regardless of class. Thank you, Your Majesty, for supporting us with such deep meaning.”
That was such a stretch of logic it could turn a pea into a watermelon. Roselia’s smile stiffened slightly. The nobles glanced at her, waiting for her reaction. The air grew tense.
Then one of Roselia’s close noblewomen quickly spoke up, changing the subject.
“Is it true that you two are already living together?”
‘Roselia’s inner circle.’
“I was shocked to hear it! It’s quite unusual, isn’t it? Especially before the engagement ceremony.”
“But it’s not forbidden by law, is it, Lady Lowen?” another chimed in.
“Ah, Lady Crawford. You’re always so open-minded.”
Wait. Lowen? Crawford?
Aisha suddenly realized she knew these names.
“Of course,” Crawford laughed. “The Winters estate has no one else now. Isn’t it better for Lady Aisha to stay there and help with preparations, rather than the Duke doing everything alone?”
‘The Winters estate has no one’… which meant, Killian killed his brother, his father, and everyone else in his house.
Then came the next blow.
“But Lady Aisha, your dress is beautiful.”
Ah. Now it was Aisha’s turn.
She remembered her conversation that morning with Sien.
“The important thing is not your taste, but wearing something that fits etiquette.”
“So the empire’s etiquette is just a measure of princess syndrome?”
So Sien had insisted on the luxurious gown for a reason.
“And your skin! So flawless. It looks like you’re hardly wearing makeup at all.”
“I’ll only wear the bare minimum. I’m not a show bird.”
“Do as you wish. You’re not wrong.”
‘Even Killian was fine with it—so why are you making a fuss?’
Meanwhile, Roselia only sipped her tea with a quiet, amused smile.
“Duke Killian really does have good taste in women, choosing such a young lady,” one said.
“Not so strange. As Her Majesty mentioned, the Duke has always been at war. His perspective must be… unique.”
So that was their game?
‘You think I’ll just sit here and take it?’
Crawford. Lowen.
Yes—Aisha remembered clearly. They were nobles she had exposed in Sunday’s Exposé!
“Indeed, I admit I have a unique side.” Aisha smiled brightly.
“That’s why I’m so grateful to the Duke. You know the saying—finding a pearl in the mud? I’ve always believed I was that pearl!”
Killian twitched, his expression impossible to read. But Aisha pressed on.
“I only wish I could shine like Baron Crawford, who’s like a diamond—captivating everyone.”
The mention of her son made Crawford’s face stiffen.
“So when will the Baron finally wed? He’s certainly old enough, isn’t he?”
Ah yes. The infamous Crawford family drama.
“The true test of a bride—can you win against the witch-in-law to claim your precious husband?”
“And Lady Crawford, you’re so open-minded. Surely your future daughter-in-law will be lucky. After all, you even support me living with the Duke before marriage.”
“….”
“And I heard a rumor, Lady Crawford. That once your son marries, you plan to leave the household so the couple can be happy. Truly admirable.”
What nonsense! Leave my son? Never!
But before Crawford could explode, Aisha turned smoothly to her next target.
“And above all, I admire Lady Lowen’s trust in her husband.”
“M-Me?”
“Yes! Everyone knows Viscount Lowen is very popular in society.”
“The flower of the season is none other than Viscount Lowen.”
“But doesn’t he have a… reputation? With women?”
“Haha, young lady, you’re too innocent. That’s exactly why he’s popular! People can relax around him. Even married women find him easier.”
“And yet, you trust him fully, don’t you, Lady Lowen?”
‘The married-woman killer, Viscount Lowen—the playboy lover of all.’
“Otherwise, how could he attend every party in the capital so freely? Truly inspiring. The Duke and I always say we want to have that same trust!”
“Attending every party? When?!”
“Oh, I heard he was at Lady Raina’s tea party last week.”
Lady Lowen’s face twisted hideously.
“Yes, your husband’s freedom is thanks to your strong bond. I truly respect you both. If only I had such a mother-in-law myself… But alas, all I have is the Duke.”
“….”
“Ah… Why is everyone so quiet? Did I say something wrong?”
Under the table, Aisha pinched her thigh hard, her eyes welling with fake tears.
Killian, meanwhile, pinched his own thigh—because he was about to burst out laughing like a madman.
