Chapter 43
Quinlan’s gaze shifted to Rudice’s hand, which had come to rest on his arm.
“…Understood.”
After a short moment, accompanied by a quiet sigh, the Duke of Daphania began to move.
“Thank you.”
Quinlan issued a few orders to the knights, then proceeded toward the mansion with Rudice at his side.
Once the two disappeared into the mansion and were out of sight, the remaining guests let out long sighs of relief.
“As expected, the Duke of Daphania is as stiff and uptight as the rumors say.”
“Well, he is a knight, after all. You know how it is—his predecessor was suffocatingly rigid, too.”
“Compared to him…”
Count Harper’s gaze followed the two figures disappearing inside.
His eyes were fixed on Rudice, who was walking alongside her husband, whispering something to him.
“Surprisingly, the Duchess might be easier to deal with.”
“She seems to like things as flashy as her appearance.”
“In that case, it’d be better to focus on her.”
“If we do that, we can keep enjoying the privileges we’ve had all this time.”
“Exactly.”
A smile formed on both of their faces.
The two continued talking as they followed the ducal couple inside, hurrying to not fall behind.
“…”
Baron Dan Gilbert, who had been watching them, wore a conflicted expression.
Do they really think the Duchess is that easy to handle?
He couldn’t understand it.
Yes, she’d been escorted down from the carriage, but she never once gave off the impression of being easy to manipulate.
If anything, it was the opposite.
Her movements were just as efficient as the Duke’s. Her presence was strong—like someone who had received knightly training for years.
“That’s why it’s important to have a good eye.”
While lost in thought, someone suddenly spoke beside him. Turning his head, he saw an unfamiliar man smiling brightly.
“Phil Evans. I’m the Duchess’s aide.”
Phil gave a light nod in greeting, and Baron Gilbert returned the gesture with a slight bow.
Then, with a grin, the man asked,
“What do you think? Do you also find our Duchess easy to handle, Baron?”
A faint scoff slipped out before he realized it, and Phil nodded as if he understood.
“Right? She’s not as she appears. If you let your guard down, she’ll strike you from behind before you know it.”
“Why are you telling me this?”
“Well, I don’t know. I just feel like we’ll get along, Baron. And, I have orders from the Duchess as well.”
“Orders from the Duchess?”
“I’ll stop there for now.”
The man who had introduced himself as Phil Evans said nothing more. He simply continued smiling.
It felt like a storm was brewing.
“I look forward to working with you, Baron Gilbert.”
With a slight bow, Phil turned and entered the mansion.
Even though he knew the baron was watching him with a complicated expression, he never once looked back.
“…Ah.”
After a long pause, Dan Gilbert finally spoke.
“Did I even tell him who I was?”
He couldn’t shake the feeling that this ducal couple would stir up a storm in Diahroon.
So much so, it made his once-still heart stir uneasily.
Late into the night, a banquet was held at the Diahroon estate. It was hard to tell when so many people had even been invited—the grand hall was packed with guests.
The chandeliers glowed brightly, and the ornately carved wall sconces burned with fragrant candles. The scene was dazzling, with not a trace of the war’s aftermath in sight.
“Ah, there they are…”
“Finally…!”
The banquet truly began when the ducal couple made their entrance.
When the platinum-blond Duke appeared alongside the glamorous red-haired Duchess, the murmurs reached their peak.
It was their first public appearance in the territory.
Would these people become their lords—or not?
“Now, the ones we’ve waited so long for have finally arrived.”
Through the curious crowd, Count Harper’s voice rang out.
As if he had achieved his life’s greatest wish, he spoke in a trembling voice, on the verge of tears.
With flamboyant praise, he raised his voice in a show of overwhelming emotion that made some guests frown.
“Everyone, please welcome our new lords—the Duke and Duchess of Daphania!”
Applause thundered.
Unlike Quinlan, who remained expressionless, Rudice smiled brightly, clearly enjoying the enthusiastic reception.
Once the formal welcome was over, the traditional first dance of the ducal couple began, and the banquet was in full swing.
“Seems we were worried over nothing.”
Count Harper muttered as he watched Quinlan and Rudice, now surrounded by guests. Baron Boire nodded eagerly to appease him.
“Indeed, Count. We were needlessly concerned. The Duke may be stiff, but the Duchess is easy to talk to. That’s fortunate.”
“We should push forward from here. Let’s throw even more extravagant banquets and completely win her over.”
“Excellent idea.”
Their laughter grew louder.
“We just have to keep doing things the way we always have.”
The louder their laughter grew, the darker Baron Gilbert’s face became.
In fact, the more he watched them, the more convinced he became of his suspicions.
Whatever this is… it’s all part of their plan.
The Duchess, seemingly enjoying the banquet. The Duke, who, though grim-faced, was granting her every request.
There was no doubt—they were both hiding their true intentions.
Well… I suppose it’s only natural. They need to establish their position, weed out whom to eliminate and whom to keep.
Then… which side was he on?
—I swear I’m innocent, my lord.
As Henry had said, it would be a lie to say he didn’t feel wronged. But begging for mercy would only be disgraceful.
With a heavy heart, Dan turned and walked away. Count Harper and Baron Boire were too absorbed in their scheming to notice his departure.
Feeling stifled, Baron Dan Gilbert found his way to an empty balcony.
The cold night breeze hit his face, and he could finally breathe.
He let out the long breath he’d been holding.
“Why aren’t you enjoying the banquet?”
A voice rang out—beautiful, confident, and without a hint of hesitation.
A stunning woman.
That was the impression Rudice gave up close.
Her swept-up red hair had clearly been styled to let a few strands fall, now fluttering in the wind.
Her large tea-colored eyes, and the elegant line from her long neck down her frame, were captivating.
“Duchess.”
Dan bowed respectfully. Rudice accepted his greeting as though it were expected and stood before him.
“Baron Dan Gilbert. Why are you out here alone, not enjoying the banquet?”
“…I just needed some air.”
“Ah, I see. When you’re feeling stifled, getting some fresh air is the best.”
“…”
Rudice casually stood beside him and looked out over the estate.
Her eyes, calm and unshaken, surveyed the elaborately decorated grounds in silence.
After a moment, her beautiful red lips parted.
“Baron.”
“Yes, Duchess?”
“I can overlook a few mistakes. The real issue is what comes next.”
“…”
“To survive… anyone can do what they must. I may not understand every choice, but I do understand your situation.”
“…I don’t understand what you mean.”
“I’m just saying… I get it.”
Rudice smiled gently and said nothing more.
Dan had come outside to clear his head, but now it felt more clouded than ever.
Why had the Duchess said those things to him? What did she want from him?
He had many questions, but the words wouldn’t come.
Some time passed.
“No need to overthink it. Just remember—who is your true lord?”
Her sudden words snapped Dan back to attention.
Rudice was now standing at the door leading inside—he hadn’t even noticed her move.
“Well then, I’m sure we’ll meet again soon.”
With a bright smile, she turned and walked away.
Her posture was straight and unwavering, as if telling him to simply trust her.
But trust… what, exactly?
He had come out here to clear his thoughts, but now they were even more tangled.
Dan Gilbert stared after her retreating figure with an even more conflicted expression.
Standing there, motionless.
