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CHAPTER~05
‘What on earth is happening!’
Elisha’s eyes rolled around in panic.
The Duchess covered her mouth, her face pale, and the Duke quickly rang the bell to summon the guards.
“Your Grace! Are you alright?”
The guards rushed over in a flurry.
They hurriedly restrained the two assassins.
The assassins were dazed until the guards forced them upright.
“I am truly sorry, Your Grace! We will send them to the underground prison immediately.”
As the guards dragged the assassins away, the garden fell silent once more.
Elisha still held the broken pot, her expression dazed.
Then it happened.
“Lady Elisha!”
Felesia grabbed Elisha’s hand firmly.
The Duchess looked overwhelmingly moved.
“You are the savior of our lives! How can we ever repay this favor?”
“Eh?”
“I thought it was strange when Blane first wanted to marry, but now I understand. He was drawn to such a strong opponent.”
“Ehh?!”
The Duke also spoke up beside her.
Elisha’s jaw dropped at their sudden change in attitude.
Felesia held Elisha’s hand even tighter, tears glistening in her eyes.
“Come now, dear. Don’t act like this here.”
“D-dear?”
Their form of address had suddenly changed.
“Yes, Elisha. Our dear.”
Felesia’s voice calling her sounded completely natural.
“We’ll have the top designer from the capital come immediately.”
“Hoho, the budget is ample, so this works out well. It was meant for our dear anyway.”
The Duchess picked up the envelope of money she had solemnly offered earlier.
‘Th-that was originally to get rid of me!’
Elisha opened her mouth but no words came out.
The Duke and Duchess linked their arms with hers, each holding one of hers.
They kept smiling brightly at her.
Then the Duke commanded loudly, “Everyone, greet the young Duchess!”
“Yes, Your Grace!”
The staff quickly lined up and bowed simultaneously.
“Young Duchess! It is an honor to meet you! We will serve you wholeheartedly!”
“W-what? Eh, wait a moment…!”
The Duke and Duchess led Elisha into the mansion, still holding her arms.
Those who had tried to expel her moments ago were now caring for her with moved expressions.
Elisha felt her mind go blank.
‘…What is even happening!’
…
“Elisha!”
Blane returned not long after.
He had been anxious knowing Elisha had arrived at the estate while he lacked confidence.
Upon hearing about the assassins’ intrusion, Blane’s face went pale.
But as he entered the reception room―
“Dear, is there anything you’d like to eat?”
“How shall I decorate your room? Any preferences?”
“Or shall you share the room with Blane?”
“Tomorrow we can go shopping together. There are many things I should show the next Duchess.”
“Um, exc-excuse me…”
In the center of the reception room, the Duke and Duchess bombarded Elisha with questions.
“Y-Your Grace…”
Seeing Blane enter, Elisha finally showed a look of relief.
Though he was still intimidating and unfamiliar, seeing a familiar face calmed her slightly.
Blane approached, exhaling a sigh.
“Ah, Blane is here.”
Only then did the Duke and Duchess turn to their son and nod.
As they stepped back, Blane carefully took Elisha’s arm to help her up.
“Elisha must have been startled, so I’ll take her now.”
“Ah, yes. Of course. Do you need a physician?”
“Of all times, the physician is away with Isaac… I will contact them to return quickly.”
“N-no! I’m fine! Really!”
The Duke rose as if to summon someone, and Elisha flailed her arms in panic.
Blane gently held them down and said, “I’ll take care of this. You two should rest.”
“Alright. If you say so, Blane…”
The Duke and Duchess finally stepped back.
Elisha exhaled in relief, and Blane naturally led her out of the reception room.
His large hand was now tightly holding hers.
“Young Duchess…”
Elisha followed Blane in a dazed, hurried pace.
Soon, they reached the guest room.
“We haven’t prepared a separate room for Elisha yet. Even if humble, you can stay here for now.”
“H-humble…?”
Elisha looked around with her mouth open.
Despite Blane’s modest words, the room was exceedingly luxurious.
The ceiling and walls were richly decorated, and the high-end marble furniture glowed softly.
It could be believed to be a room used by the Emperor himself.
Seeing her silent, Blane asked, “Is there anything you dislike?”
“H-huh? N-no! Of course not! It’s far too much for me!”
Elisha shook her head vigorously, and Blane smiled, relieved.
Elisha snapped back to reality.
“But I should probably go home now…”
“Go home?”
Blane’s expression stiffened momentarily.
Elisha gasped in fear.
But she couldn’t just stay here indefinitely.
“My uncle would probably worry.”
“Do you really think Baron of Burns would worry about you?”
“Um…”
Elisha gave an awkward smile, knowing it was a poor excuse.
Claiming to inherit the goddess’ power might have been more convincing.
“Still, staying without prior notice is impolite… Y-Your Grace?”
Before she could finish, Blane leaned against her.
Blane rested his head against her neck and exhaled deeply.
“Elisha…”
His warm breath brushed her skin, and Elisha froze.
‘W-what is happening…!’
It felt like her head was going to explode.
She had never been this close to a man, let alone Blane.
Her frozen ears heard Blane’s low voice.
“I was very worried. To hear such an incident happened while I was away…”
“H-huh? Uh, th-that…”
“If I had lost you, I probably would have gone mad by now.”
Straightening, Blane carefully held her hand.
The heat of his hand pressed against hers vividly.
‘Ah…’
It must be from the potion as well.
Elisha only opened her mouth slightly, unsure what to do.
Blane pressed his hand a little harder, signaling he would not let her leave.
“Elisha, if you go now, you will become the wife of Marquis Montis.”
“Th-that’s…”
“I found out Baron of Burns promised Marquis Montis fifty million Dery as marriage compensation.”
“…W-what?”
Elisha’s eyes widened, and Blane’s brows twitched slightly.
‘Seems like he’s threatening me.’
She had no choice; otherwise, Elisha might escape to the Baron’s house.
Moreover, others would target her at the State Council, so she must stay under his protection.
Blane stepped closer.
“Or do you truly love Marquis Montis more than me? That’s why you want to marry him and leave me? Is he really that valuable to you?”
“W-what? No! N-no! Absolutely not!”
What a terrifying question! She didn’t even love him; that’s why she bought the potion!
She swallowed the last words and shook her head frantically.
The relentless questioning made her head spin.
Even she, known for being naive, could not tolerate being tied to Marquis Montis.
Blane’s satisfied smile grew at her reaction.
“Then it’s decided.”
“W-what? N-no, I haven’t agreed to stay here yet… Kyaa!”
Her protests were cut off by Blane’s sudden embrace, scattering them into the air.
“Y-Your Grace! W-wait a moment!”
As Elisha reflexively tried to push him away, something popped up over Blane’s shoulder, bouncing into the air.
