ITPMHFN 76

Chapter 76

What did that even mean?

A prince of one nation inviting the duchess of another?

And for some vague, undefined reason that “they seemed to suit each other”? Especially when the duke himself wasn’t even present?

Edith was confused.

‘It doesn’t seem like he has any ulterior motive… does he?’

Or maybe he did. She couldn’t be sure—his smile had been so effortlessly pleasant the whole time.

“Ah… if the chance ever comes, I’d like that as well.”

So Edith simply smiled, intending to end the conversation on a polite note.

“Anyway, shouldn’t we start heading back now?”

She spoke carefully.

It felt like quite some time had passed since they’d left the banquet hall.

Denoq would surely have his hands full managing all the guests alone.

When Edith glanced anxiously toward the hall, Sirien smiled softly.

Then, as she paused to look back, he took a step closer to her—

Rustle.

Suddenly, there was a faint sound of bushes being pushed aside.

Edith turned her head instinctively—and saw a familiar face, breathing hard.

“Denoq?”

“……”

The unexpected intruder was indeed Denoq.

How could he be here? Who was dealing with the guests?

Before Edith could even gather her words in surprise, Denoq, still slightly breathless, walked up to her.

Without hesitation, he slipped an arm around her shoulders, drawing her gently toward him—his gaze fixed squarely on Sirien.

“I had something to discuss with my wife,” he said evenly. “The Duke of Sertia told me she was with Your Highness. If you’ve finished your conversation, may I take her back now?”

Sirien didn’t even look startled.

He simply inclined his head with calm courtesy.

“Oh dear, it seems I’ve kept a busy man for too long.”

He bowed politely to Edith as well.

“Thank you for your time. I think I’ll stroll around the garden a bit longer before returning—please, go on ahead.”

“Yes, of course.”

With that, Denoq turned sharply, drawing a clear line as he led her away.

Caught off guard, Edith followed his lead, glancing up at him as they walked.

Why… did he look so calm, yet somehow not?

“…Are you angry?”

After all, she’d pretended to be his wife for quite a while now.

Even without words, she could feel it—he was definitely upset.

‘But why…?’

Was it because she’d left the banquet for too long?

Maybe it had been too much pressure for him to handle the guests alone.

Edith opened her mouth, ready to apologize the moment he spoke—

But then,

“Rather than angry…”

Denoq’s gaze met hers.

His violet eyes—soft and faint like wild violets blooming in morning mist—wavered ever so slightly.

The eyes that were always calm and composed now rippled strangely, as if something long hidden beneath still waters was finally rising to the surface.

Then, his voice—low and steady—brushed against her like the cool night air.

“It’s jealousy.”

…What?

Edith’s eyes widened.

Her mind went blank for a moment.

Jealousy? As in that kind of jealousy?

Before she could even ask, Denoq suddenly lifted her hand—

The ring he had personally placed on her finger the day before gleamed faintly in the moonlight.

He brought it to his lips and kissed it.

“…!”

The chirping of crickets in the garden grew distant, fading away, until all she could sense was the warmth tingling at her fingertips.

Denoq never looked away from her.

“I don’t want to see my wife standing beside another man.”

Edith’s breath hitched.

It felt as though her heart had dropped straight to the ground.

And then—

“Oh my.”

A small exclamation broke the silence of the garden.

“Pardon us—we didn’t realize anyone was here…”

Startled, Edith turned her head to see a few noble ladies dressed in bright gowns, covering their mouths with flushed faces.

She didn’t need to ask what they were thinking.

Their eyes sparkled like they had just witnessed a scene straight out of a romance novel, glancing back and forth between the two of them with thinly veiled excitement.

Flustered, Edith quickly stepped away from Denoq.

And in that moment, realization hit her.

‘Ah… he was acting because they were watching. Of course. And here I was…’

Just like when he’d fooled the Duke, he really did take his acting seriously.

For a moment there, she had almost fallen for it herself.

After a brief commotion, the ladies excused themselves with polite smiles and left, and Edith finally relaxed, her shoulders easing.

Taking a breath, she looked at Denoq with a bright smile.

“The ladies are gone. We should get back to the banquet now.”

“……”

Denoq inhaled quietly.

Her radiant smile filled his chest with a painful warmth—and then she brushed it off as though none of this meant anything.

‘So she still thinks it’s just an act.’

Even after that kiss, after the flicker of emotion in her eyes, she’d already calmed herself completely.

But Denoq didn’t look away.

For in that fleeting instant, among her surprise and confusion, he had clearly seen it—

Disorientation. Tremor. And faint, but undeniable, conflict.

A small smile curved his lips.

Fine, then. Slowly.

He had only just discovered what he wanted was waiting beyond that wall between them.

All he needed to do now was take it down carefully—so carefully that she wouldn’t even realize—without ever letting her slip away.

As they walked back, his steps made no sound against the grass.

Like a predator quietly closing in on its prey.

Before long, the banquet was drawing to a splendid close.

The grand hall echoed with laughter and the clinking of glasses, nobles flushed with wine and delight.

Everywhere, guests praised the Duke of Luciano’s renewed prestige.

As pairs began to take their leave, Denoq and Edith stood by the entrance, bidding each one farewell with polite grace.

Where there had once been suspicion and curiosity, now only goodwill remained in their eyes.

“It truly was a beautiful evening.”

“Luciano’s reputation has been reaffirmed. I look forward to meeting again in the capital.”

Outside the grand gates, carriages lined up beneath the lanterns.

At last, the Duke of Sertia approached.

With a content smile, he looked between the two of them.

And in that familiar, gentle tone, he said,

“A magnificent banquet, truly. But next time, I hope to receive even happier news.”

Laughter rippled among the nearby nobles at his teasing words—but Edith knew he meant them sincerely.

Then, his smile softened as he addressed her quietly.

“You haven’t forgotten what I told you, have you?”

Though his expression was pleasant, his eyes were cold.

But Edith didn’t waver.

She returned the same calm, composed smile—the one she had inherited from him.

“No, Father. Don’t worry.”

The Duke held her gaze for a long moment before turning to Denoq.

“Your Grace, please take good care of my daughter.”

“Of course,” Denoq replied smoothly. “I’ll make sure she’s happy by my side—always.”

The Duke’s eyes flicked briefly to where Denoq’s hand rested around Edith’s waist—then he nodded, satisfied.