MWLCP 20

Chapter 20

“Have a safe trip, Your Grace.”

With her secretary, Jeffrey, seeing him off, Eleanor followed Logan and stepped into first class for the first time.

Compared to the cramped and uncomfortable third-class section Eleanor had previously ridden in, first class was on a whole other level. The wide space between seats, the pleasant fragrance lingering in the air—perhaps from sprayed perfume—and the quiet, peaceful atmosphere were all new to her.

“Sit by the window.”

Unlike before, when she had to match the seat number herself, this time a flight attendant verified the number and guided her. Logan slightly stepped aside so Eleanor could sit by the window.

Eleanor carefully avoided brushing against Logan and settled into her seat. As soon as she sat down, Logan, now in his own seat, unfolded a weekly magazine. Eleanor also picked up the magazine placed before her.

“You should rest,” Logan said, having noticed her reading. He hadn’t forgotten how she’d struggled with Olivia just the day before. Considering she would also have to spend hours at the banquet hall, resting would help her conserve her strength.

“I just thought I should check if there are any hot topics in the capital,” she replied.

“…”

“You haven’t told me anything specific, but I figured I shouldn’t appear ignorant in conversations.”

When Logan didn’t respond, Eleanor blinked nervously.

“If I overstepped—”

It was likely due to her sense of responsibility, as well as the debt she felt from the expensive necklace. Logan easily guessed her thoughts.

“Honestly, Miss Hudson, there’s no need to go that far.”

“Oh, then…”

“But if you do become a perfect partner, I won’t complain. Just do what feels comfortable.”

Logan knew that even if he told her not to, Eleanor would only feel uneasy. The moment he gave her the go-ahead, she smiled and unfolded the magazine.

The news covered troubling political tensions in Louen. The crown prince was openly at odds with the Republicans, who in turn were trying to strip him of his title. Though the topic wasn’t entertaining, Eleanor read each article meticulously until the very moment they arrived.

As soon as Eleanor arrived at the Claven Duke’s townhouse in the capital, she changed into formal clothes. Wearing the ridiculously extravagant necklace made her feel like she was heading into battle.

“Oh my, the Duke of Claven brought a partner with him this time.”

With that mindset, she stepped into Princess Daphne’s wedding venue, not shrinking under people’s gazes but instead thinking boldly, Come at me.

“I thought he’d come with the Marchioness of Persis’s daughter since there were marriage rumors.”

“That’s a new face, isn’t it?”

“Could the Duke have fallen in love?”

People whispered and exchanged knowing looks. Amid the commotion, Logan remained calm and composed, like an island untouched by the tide.

“Miss Hudson, we’re going to meet the King now.”

He said it as casually as if he were going to visit a friend at home. When Eleanor nodded, ready, Logan naturally led her forward.

“We greet the King of Reden.”

“Oh, Duke Claven!”

The King, who had lent the royal hall for his sister’s wedding, greeted Logan with theatrical enthusiasm.

“You rarely visit the capital—it’s been a long time.”

“That’s a sign of peace, isn’t it?”

His words had a double meaning. The King’s smiling lips twitched slightly, revealing his discomfort.

“Indeed. But the lady you’ve brought wasn’t who I expected…”

“She is Miss Eleanor Hudson, daughter of Viscount Hudson.”

“Ah, the Hudson family…”

The King trailed off. Clearly, the house was so forgotten that he didn’t even remember them.

“I am Eleanor Hudson of Kent, Your Majesty.”

Eleanor introduced herself with a graceful bow. Only then did the King’s eyes widen in recognition.

“Yes, yes. The Hudson family. I know them well. How is Viscount Hudson doing?”

“He is well.”

“That’s good to hear. Wonderful.”

The King let out a hearty laugh. Logan noted with interest the satisfaction on his face—Hudson’s low status had evidently eased the King’s annoyance with Logan.

“To think you came all this way for Princess Daphne’s wedding—thank you. Please enjoy the reception comfortably with Miss Hudson.”

With a kindly tone, the King dismissed them. It was a short, perfunctory greeting that mirrored his limited favor toward Logan.

“Have a seat.”

Logan seated Eleanor at their assigned spot. Though they weren’t moving around, people didn’t approach. Everyone took notice of their audience with the King, but it was taboo to steal the spotlight at someone else’s wedding.

The ceremony proceeded with solemn reverence, allowing Eleanor to stay free of intrusive questions or attention.

“She really is beautiful, Eleanor.”

But things changed when the reception began and guests moved around. Everyone was watching for a chance to approach Eleanor and Logan. Just then, Usher—who had only greeted them with a nod earlier—stepped closer, as if to shield them.

“Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it. When did you arrive?”

As Eleanor responded kindly to his warm question, Logan silently observed them.

“Seems like your friend is nowhere to be seen.”

“Of course not. Have you greeted Princess Daphne yet?”

“Not yet, but I will.”

Since she was now married, she could no longer openly flirt with him. And besides, Eleanor was now his partner.

“Lily said the Princess shed tears when she went to greet her.”

“…”

“She said she hopes you get rejected at least once.”

That was quite a curse. Logan furrowed his brows faintly, while Usher laughed.

“Brace yourself.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Eleanor, if the Princess starts talking aggressively, just smile and let it slide. She hasn’t quite recovered from her heartbreak.”

“I will.”

Eleanor responded gently. She had already felt sympathy for Princess Daphne, who had been rejected after falling for Logan and was now entering a political marriage.

“Let’s go, Eleanor.”

Logan offered his arm. Eleanor bowed slightly to Usher and gently placed her hand on Logan’s arm.

It was fine at first, but the closer they got to Princess Daphne, the more tense Eleanor became. The Princess, now in her reception gown, clearly had puffy, red eyes. All attention in the room was focused on them.

“Congratulations on your marriage, Your Highness.”

“…Thank you, Logan.”

Princess Daphne responded begrudgingly after a pause. Her eyes, still moist, glared at Logan.

“You brought quite a lovely young lady.”

“I’m late with introductions. This is my partner, Miss Eleanor Hudson.”

“Nice to meet you, Eleanor.”

But Princess Daphne’s demeanor toward Eleanor was surprisingly calm. She greeted her without issue and even asked a few kind questions.

“So the Duke of Claven does have a heart under that cold exterior.”

“Every human does, Your Highness.”

At Logan’s reply, the Princess made a face as if she’d heard something terrible. Eleanor could only smile awkwardly.

“Do you know you’re good for nothing except your face and body?”

“Quite the honor.”

“Ugh, seriously!”

Princess Daphne ground her teeth. Her new husband, Marquis Felice, looked flustered and patted her slender arm to calm her.

“See that? That’s the kind of man he is. For Eleanor’s mental health, I suggest not getting too involved with him.”

Caught off guard by the blunt words, Eleanor opened her mouth in shock.

“Looks like the music will start soon.”

While Eleanor glanced between Logan and the Princess, unsure how to respond, Marquis Felice gave a nod to signal the band. As Eleanor and Logan turned away, the music began to flow. Logan quickly escorted her to the edge of the floor.

Regardless of feelings, Daphne moved gracefully in her husband’s lead, dancing like a butterfly.

“She dances beautifully,” Eleanor remarked.

Logan gave her a brief glance.

“You were quite skilled yourself, Miss Hudson.”

Startled by the unexpected compliment, Eleanor’s eyes widened.

“It was thanks to Your Grace’s lead.”

Whether or not it was sincere, it was a compliment that pleased him. The corners of her eyes softened sweetly.

“Miss Hudson, may I have this dance?”

“Gladly.”

The main couple’s dance ended. Logan offered his hand to Eleanor, placing his other behind his back. She didn’t hesitate and took it.

As the music neared its end, Eleanor—nervous until now—let out a shy giggle like a schoolgirl. Her cheeks, bathed in the chandelier’s glow, looked as soft and radiant as peaches. It was a beauty more vivid and stunning than even the dazzling necklace around her neck.

And yet, that very beauty pricked at Logan’s heart like a thorn.

It was a complicated feeling.