I Seducing the Black-Hearted Duke Wasn't Me - Chapter 47

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 47
“Isabel? Isabel Merciel, the young lady of the house?”
“That’s right. You know her?”
“Who doesn’t? Of course, I’ve never met her in person.”
I answered Leon’s question as though it were the most obvious thing in the world to ask.
There were only two ducal families in the Orden Empire. Isabel was the daughter of one of them—the Merciel Duchy.
And more than that, she was the Emperor’s betrothed.
‘Though I think I heard she’s been recuperating in her family’s estates for health reasons.’
That’s why the marriage had been postponed, and she’d remained his betrothed all this time.
It was peculiar, if anything, that the future Empress had withdrawn from the capital’s High Society for quite some time now.
I wasn’t certain of the exact details, but there were whispers that she’d been frail since childhood and had refrained from public appearances.
I’d heard this story, incidentally, from Silvia and her circle of admirers.
‘Which meant Silvia had been prancing about all the more because of it.’
There were two daughters of the Merciel house, but one had married into a neighboring kingdom’s royal family long ago, and the other had withdrawn from society.
Add to that the fact that I, the sole daughter of a marquess, had no interest in High Society, and naturally the ranking of young ladies fell further down the hierarchy.
The problem was that this became a poison.
Similar people divided themselves by rank and formed factions, and everything became more twisted.
‘Maybe that’s why he was wary of me entering High Society.’
A great stone had rolled into the environment she’d so carefully built, and naturally I appeared to be a thorn in her side.
And now the forgotten Emperor’s betrothed was making an appearance?
‘It’s going to be even more of a mess.’
“If you find it bothersome or don’t want to meet her, you don’t have to.”
“How could I do that? Those are Your Majesty’s words. And you’re preparing a betrothal party for me, after all. Though, of course, I do wonder why we need to hold a betrothal party at all.”
“Then shall we go straight to the wedding? I think that would be the best approach, actually.”
“We should proceed in order. It’s important not just for me, but for you as well, since you’re of the imperial family. There’s already enough talk about how irregularly things started—it’s quite refreshing to be so old-fashioned about it.”
I smiled wryly, saying we should do things step by step and maintain such a timeworn way of thinking, just to see how it worked out.
‘For now, I’ll wait and see.’
To be honest, I didn’t yet trust Leon Obsidian one hundred percent.
Of course, the more I saw of him, the more it seemed unbelievable that he’d be capable of treason, but still.
There existed such a thing as a one-in-a-million possibility, and for now, I intended to watch over him from the position of his betrothed.
And if he proved trustworthy, well, then.
‘I can manage marriage well enough.’
We were already betrothed—what did marriage matter after that?
As everyone said, it was a marriage that would happen regardless. Might as well do it with someone who would benefit me most.
And if it became an asset to Zalerite as well, all the better.
The deliberation had been long in reaching this point, but once the choice was made, acceptance came swiftly.
“Hmm. I suppose they’d look at the right side more, wouldn’t they? This hand might show better…”
……
Deep in thought, I felt a ticklish sensation at my fingertips.
I glanced down and saw Leon’s beautiful hands toying with mine.
This man’s hands were pretty too.
I let out a sigh and looked away.
Though many people were passing through the shop, he paid no mind to their glances whatsoever, continuing to fondle my hand.
We were in a jewelry shop located on Roden Street in Jedo.
It was the shop of a renowned jewelry designer who’d gained considerable fame even in other countries.
Our purpose in visiting was simple enough.
“Do any of these designs appeal to you?”
“Hmm. I’m still undecided.”
“If none of these catch your eye, shall I bring out all the ones in the back as well? There are many other designs available.”
“Yes. Show me everything.”
Leon’s eyes sparkled like the gemstones in the ring I was wearing.
Looking at him, more earnest than I was, I laughed silently at the sight of rings in every color glittering across all five of my fingers.
They were all so heavy and brilliant that they were burdensome to wear.
The problem was that because Leon was taking this far too seriously, I couldn’t say anything about it.
“It doesn’t matter to me—I’m fine with any of them.”
“That won’t do. And don’t forget, Erna. This isn’t a gift for you—it’s my gift. You asked what I wanted to have to commemorate taking on the position of Commander of the Imperial Knights.”
So then he should find a ring to wear on his own finger, not try all of them on mine.
“Wouldn’t it make more sense to find one that suits you instead?”
“Of course I’ll wear one too, but I’d rather have one that pleases you. That way you won’t take it off.”
He smiled with that characteristic radiance, saying he’d choose something so perfectly to my taste that I’d never dream of removing it.
Then he grew serious again, chin propped on his hand, studying my fingers.
I’d given up. At this point, I thought, why not let him do as he pleased.
“Oh, Duke. How lovely to see you here. I trust you’ve been well?”
I kept my head bowed, hoping this moment would pass quickly, when an unfamiliar voice reached my ears.
A handful of acquaintance matrons approached and greeted me warmly.
‘I think we met at that tea party the other day.’
I exchanged pleasantries with them politely.
But their attention had already drifted elsewhere.
To the face of the man seated directly across from me.
Of course it had.
While their lips made small talk with me, their eyes never left Leon for an instant.
Their cheeks had flushed crimson, their ears burned, their shoulders trembled, their hands clenched.
The sheer obviousness of their infatuation was so comical I had to stifle a laugh.
‘How can they be so transparent.’
“And how has Your Highness been keeping, if I may ask…….”
“…….”
“Your Highness?”
“I’ve decided.”
Leon, who’d been lost in thought the entire time regardless of what the others said, suddenly lifted his head.
“This one. It’s the most beautiful, I think.”
He pointed to the ring on his index finger—the one with the pale blue aquamarine—and brought his finger to his lips, kissing it softly.
Paying no mind to the onlookers, he displayed his affection openly, and the spectators flushed red with embarrassment.
“My, it seems you’re on a date. Ho ho, we’ve interrupted you, haven’t we?”
“W-well, we should be going then. Until next time, Duke.”
The matrons who’d been scrambling moments before to catch even a glance from Leon now retreated in flustered confusion.
Goodness.
“Have you found something you like, then?”
“This is it. Can you have it ready right away?”
“Of course. Though I should mention—we’ll need to take measurements for the men’s size. I can assist you inside.”
“Just give me whatever size you have. Any finger it fits on is fine.”
“I beg your pardon?”
The designer’s eyes widened. He’d spent all that time trying different rings on my hand, deliberating carefully, and now he wanted to wear whatever happened to fit?
The designer’s pride as an artisan wouldn’t allow such a thing.
He insisted the ring must fit perfectly so it wouldn’t be lost, and Leon reluctantly acquiesced, rising from his seat.
The sight of him being led away toward the measuring station irritated me more than I could say.
Though I soon understood why.
The moment Leon stood up, the other patrons browsing the shop descended upon him like vultures, greeting him warmly.
‘They really won’t leave him alone for a moment.’
Congratulations on his appointment as captain of the Imperial Knights, how reassuring for His Majesty, endless praise and well-wishes.
Through the flood of compliments, Leon smiled with his characteristic warmth.
But the moment those people turned away, his smile vanished.
He stood with a blank, listless expression.
Ah, there it was. That soulless face.
They’d all become intoxicated by that brief public smile, not realizing what lay beneath.
It was rather amusing, watching the backstage version of what they saw as a brilliant performance.
‘And I suppose I’m finding this situation quite satisfying.’
Perhaps because the recent tumultuous events had finally settled.
I seemed to have regained some peace of mind.
Yes, that must be it.
* * *
“What? Isabel Merciel? That woman is a witch. You must be careful!”
“That’s right. Especially since it’s not just anyone—it’s you, Duke!”
The excited matrons set down their teacups with a clatter, their voices rising.
What in the world was this now.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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