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Chapter 12
Three Weeks Later
“Of course, my taste in choosing dresses never fails. Tonight, at the banquet, we’ll make everyone truly remember your elegant image, my lady.”
Line, Blair’s instructor, looked at her with a satisfied smile as Blair finished her final preparations.
Before her sat not the lively local apothecary from the village, but a noblewoman of unmistakable elegance, timid yet poised.
“No matter how much your back hurts, you must never lose your posture. Walk with grace, always at ease. Just follow what you’ve learned. It’s your first banquet, so people will be watching you closely.”
“I’ve got it memorized. You saw me perfectly execute everything in the last final test, right? I’ll do exactly the same tonight.”
Blair had started her preparations at the crack of dawn in order to attend the banquet celebrating the conclusion of the joint knight training.
This banquet was one of the major events of the Bavarian Empire, a large-scale annual event that drew the attention of high society.
‘I never imagined my debut stage would be this grand.’
Even Blair, bold as she was, couldn’t feel at ease in front of the notable counts and barons attending. And surely, there would be those eager to witness the charm of the commoner who had captivated the “Blue-Eyed War Demon, Marquis Cassel.”
“Sigh—”
A war without gunfire might not be any less tense. Blair let out a small, involuntary sigh.
“Even though you’ve practiced, you must be nervous for your debut, right? But don’t worry too much. Stick close to the Marquis, and no one will dare to treat you rudely.”
“Thanks, Line. But I’m not that worried.”
Indeed, she felt a slight pressure but not anxiety. All she needed to do was follow what she had learned and ignore any hostile stares.
It was more a matter of dealing with annoying guests, as usual—though this time, they would all arrive at once. Yet there was one difference.
‘It’s okay. At least this time, the reward will be huge.’
Blair’s crystal-green eyes sparkled. Financial compensation always worked wonders. Since it was a necessary ordeal, she would focus only on the glory ahead.
‘And Cassel…’
“My lady, shall we go down now? The master is waiting for you downstairs.”
Just as Blair was lost in thought, Emma’s voice called from outside the door.
“Yes, I’ll go.”
Blair lightly grasped her dress and stood gracefully.
“Master, it’s almost time to depart.”
Henrik bowed politely to Cassel. The clock struck six exactly.
Henrik, the steward of the Herman household, had served Cassel since the family’s early days. His sharp eyes, neatly combed white hair, dignified voice, and precise efficiency suited his master perfectly.
“I’ll be down shortly. And my wife?”
Cassel straightened his collar as he replied.
“She’s fully ready as well.”
“Understood.”
‘Already feeling tired. I’ll just make a brief appearance today.’
Cassel wondered why everyone loved these meaningless banquets so much as he headed to the lobby.
A repetitive dinner, familiar faces, and those piercing stares and awkward conversations—banquets were nothing but a tiresome obligation for him.
In high society, he was a hot topic. Though of humble lineage and without powerful backing, he held the title of Marquis as a war hero and was an inseparable confidant of the Emperor.
Since Cassel wasn’t particularly sociable, people’s views of him were divided into two categories: those displeased by his indifference, and those attempting to use him for their own gain.
The displeased were easy to ignore. The schemers, however, always caused troublesome incidents, such as trying to make their daughters cling to him.
And now, he had unexpectedly married a commoner. Though not intentional, Blair had become a kind of “knight” on this grand chessboard, stirring up variables wherever she went.
‘Entering the banquet with her tonight will make for some interesting reactions.’
Cassel smirked quietly, imagining showing them all.
“Shall we go?”
Blair’s voice came from above. Looking up, Cassel saw his faux wife descending the stairs like a fresh white rose in bloom.
Tiny beads cascaded naturally from her chest down to her hips, layered beneath a flowing white gown. Her straight neckline, poised shoulders, and narrow waist were fully visible.
‘She looks like a saint descending from a legend.’
No matter how many women he had faced at banquets, he had never seen anything like this. Why was he now feeling this strange rush of emotions?
“Cassel, what are you doing? Let’s go already.”
He had no time to ponder; Blair prompted him, noticing his gaze lingering on her.
“…Apologies. Let’s go.”
Cassel took her hand and guided her to the carriage.
“When we arrive, you’ll see that people’s gazes won’t be entirely welcoming. I’m not exactly celebrated in high society. If it’s too much, stick close to me.”
In the swaying carriage, Blair sat across from him with unusual poise. Cassel spoke quietly.
“Surprising. I thought everyone would freeze when they see you. Your reputation among commoners is huge.”
“My reputation?”
“Rumors about the ‘War Demon’—how a flick of your temper can cut someone down, how your gaze alone can make women faint—it’s quite impressive.”
“And you still decided to marry me after hearing those?”
“Well, I realized you were ‘that Marquis Cassel’ once I arrived at this mansion.”
“You could have backed out before the contract.”
“Ah, once a person decides something, they should carry it through boldly. And from my experience dealing with people, you didn’t seem like someone to back down.”
Cassel’s eyebrows twitched slightly.
Truly a unique woman. Meeting the kidnapper leader and victim for the first time, she immediately suggested a contract marriage—what had she seen in him?
‘Most people would have called me insane.’
His conversations with her were always unpredictable, and yet interesting. Sometimes he felt like peering inside her mind.
“What kind of person did you think I was?”
Cassel’s blue eyes gleamed sharply as he leaned closer, a hint of expectation in his voice.
“Hmm… that is…”
Blair paused, pretending to think while gazing out the window.
“…?”
“A handsome one?”
She tilted her head, smiling mischievously. Cassel felt his strength drain from his body.
Dressed like an ethereal saint, and yet saying something like that. He almost laughed aloud.
‘This banquet with her might not be as dull as I expected.’
His lips curved softly as he glanced out the window, though Blair likely didn’t notice.
“Marquis and Marchioness Herman have arrived!”
The steward’s loud announcement echoed through the banquet hall. Conversations among small groups immediately ceased as all eyes turned toward the entrance.
Squeak—
As the doors opened, Blair entered gracefully, escorted by Cassel
