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Chapter 19
Music with an elegant melody flowed even into the imperial palace garden. The rustling of tree branches swayed by the summer breeze seemed to enhance the rhythm of the performance. Even the high-hanging moon shone brighter than usual, as if celebrating the night.
What on earth is he thinking?
Turning her head, the most eye-catching figure even from outside the banquet hall was undeniably Winston. Unlike at the temple, he wasn’t wearing a mask. The chandelier’s light seemed to shine on him alone.
Wasn’t Winston supposed to be a man who hated attention more than anyone? In the original story, he rarely showed his face at imperial banquets or festivals.
So what is this—he looks annoyed out of his mind, but is he secretly enjoying the attention?
Adelina walked slowly, continuing to observe the hall. No one inside could take their eyes off Winston.
—
“Stripping it off would’ve been more advantageous.”
—
Was that related to what the duke said during the victory ceremony—that it would be better to remove the mask? Of course, whether he wore it or not was entirely Winston’s decision.
Whatever that man does, it’s none of my concern.
Only after hearing Count Hamel call her name did Adelina finally tear her gaze away from him.
“Lady Adelina. I should have met you earlier, but I’ve been busy, so I’m only greeting you now.”
“I’ve been busy too.”
“A capable man is always busy.”
“I’m capable too, so I’m busy as well.”
“A first date at an imperial banquet—how romantic.”
A date? Seriously? Adelina let out a small scoff toward Count Hamel, who wasn’t even listening to her.
“Men should always devote themselves to their work.”
“Women do too.”
Adelina gave a brief, indifferent reply. The count ignored her answer and kept talking as if she hadn’t spoken, smiling to himself.
“I heard your precious daughter runs a small but popular shop.”
“It’s not small. You seem to have heard wrong.”
Blueciel Atelier was located in one of the best spots in the capital. It wasn’t small at all—it had a two-story building, a café section, and a spacious yard.
“When young, it’s good to try these little hobbies. They become nice memories.”
“I have no intention of turning it into a memory.”
“Then I’ll buy everything you have so it can become a good memory. It’s not much, after all.”
“Oh my. Thank you very much, valued customer.”
Adelina responded with a polite, formulaic smile.
“The items are a bit crude, but seeing how much your daughters like them, they must be decent enough.”
It was the tone of someone dismissing something as insignificant. Though Count Hamel spoke politely, his eyes carried subtle contempt.
Adelina straightened her wrinkled nose and stopped walking.
“Count Hamel, don’t you think we’ve been having a very unnecessary conversation for a while now?”
“Is that so?”
“Yes.”
“Isn’t that what dates are supposed to be? My daughters told me so. You must not have met many men yet, Lady Adelina.”
“I think you and I should talk about how badly mistaken my parents are.”
“Oh, right. Your father-in-law said he’ll come to the capital soon.”
Father-in-law? What a shameless man. Anyone could see Count Hamel looked older than the Marquess of Primrose’s parents.
Adelina was on the verge of exploding from holding back everything she wanted to say.
“Lady Adelina seems quite shy, as your mother-in-law said.”
“My mother doesn’t actually know much about me.”
“I’ve heard your mother and daughter have a close relationship.”
“Not at all. You seem very comfortable saying things she would hate.”
The more Count Hamel moved closer, the more suffocating it became. But he was also a customer who brought in valuable business.
“Count Hamel.”
“Don’t be shy. Speak freely. I have patience.”
Yes. Just endure a little more. A customer like this—one who spends big—couldn’t be lost. As Adelina suppressed her frustration, a thick hand suddenly grabbed her and pulled her in.
“Don’t be so stiff. Why don’t we dance? Don’t you know dancing is essential for falling in love?”
What a disgusting man.
Adelina tried to push him away, but he grabbed her again. He only became excited as he forced their steps together.
“Count Hamel, being shy and being uncomfortable are different things.”
Thud!
She stepped hard on his foot again.
“Is there anything to be uncomfortable about between us?”
“Yes. Of course.”
“We’ve only just met, but we’re going to be married. It’s only natural for a man to forgive his bride’s cute mistakes. Don’t worry about it.”
He rubbed his foot, then straightened up and smiled as if nothing had happened.
“Talking about marriage when we’ve just met is exactly what makes this uncomfortable.”
“You must have already received letters from your parents, so we already have enough familiarity.”
“Not at all. You and I are completely strangers.”
“I had hoped to marry next year since I wasn’t in a rush, but your father-in-law insisted on this autumn.”
“Then you should marry the person who’s in such a hurry—my father.”
“I didn’t expect you to be such a witty bride.”
“Do you see my eyes? This is my serious expression.”
“You’re exactly the kind of bride I wanted. I quite enjoy this situation.”
Adelina felt a strange sensation, as if something was crawling across the back of her hand.
“If only your personality were as soft as your hand…”
His grin, his cheek rubbing against her hand—her patience was starting to run out.
Mana flowed into her hand as she pushed him away.
“You’re quite strong.”
He didn’t even seem to notice her magic.
“Then I’ll say it clearly. I will not marry you.”
“How adorable, even when being rude.”
“Let’s not waste each other’s time. You’re always welcome as a customer, though.”
“Businesswomen tend to be a bit rough, but at my age, I find that charming too.”
At this point, Adelina clenched her fist in frustration.
While she was thinking, the count suddenly grabbed her hand again.
“Lady Adelina, enough of the rudeness. Calling everything ‘cute’ will get old eventually.”
Just as she tried to use magic again—
Her strength suddenly drained away.
“…!”
A thin, circular metal bracelet was on her wrist. A mana suppression restraint.
“I’ve already heard you can use magic. I prepare thoroughly. You should know the importance of preparation as a businesswoman.”
“Count Hamel!”
“If you’re a capable man, you prepare for everything. And I am a capable man.”
“It’s illegal to use restraints like this in the imperial palace without authorization!”
“If I claim I was attacked with magic first, it becomes self-defense.”
“When did I ever attack you? You won’t even have proof!”
“Since when have people cared about truth? They care about who speaks.”
It wasn’t entirely wrong. Even if Count Hamel had a poor reputation, he had lived in the capital his whole life and had powerful connections.
“Women should be obedient.”
“Stop saying nonsense.”
“Since the engagement is already decided, it would be better if you behaved. If you want to continue receiving good treatment.”
He ignored her completely and kept touching her hand.
“When your father-in-law comes, we’ll sign the marriage contract immediately.”
“Count Hamel.”
“Why don’t you move into my house beforehand? The mistress’s room happens to be—”
Thud!
A heavy sound rang out, and Count Hamel was knocked backward.
So what if she couldn’t use mana—no one said she couldn’t use her fists.
He collapsed, clutching his nose.
“You, you dare lay hands on me!”
“You’re the one who touched me first.”
“You insolent woman!”
“If you knew I was insolent, you should’ve been careful.”
The count rose, raising his hand as if to strike.
Then a dark shadow fell over Adelina.
“Ugh—!”
A chilling presence pressed down, and Count Hamel let out a strangled scream.
