I’ll Be the Heroine’s Competent Divorce Partner - Chapter 132

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 132

 

13. Posters and the Noble Council

 

The Stefan Gallery, renowned as one of the largest and most famous in the Empire.

 

The front of the gallery was bustling with visitors from early morning.

 

Countless flower baskets and wreaths were lined up in front of the gallery entrance.

 

At the exhibition entrance, the artist’s biography was prominently displayed.

 

【Henrik Bartsen】

 

– Panara Gallery, ‘Flowers, Blooming’ Solo Exhibition.

 

– Elmaras Gallery, ‘Remembering Falling Wings’ Solo Exhibition.

 

– Vans Art Exhibition Judge.

 

It was a solo exhibition by Marquis Bartsen, a high-ranking noble and member of the imperial family.

 

The visitors were eager to somehow make an impression on the Marquis, putting art appreciation on the back burner.

 

The guest book was densely filled with the names of visiting patrons.

 

Visitors who entered the gallery continuously greeted the Marquis, who wore a leisurely expression.

 

“Good day, Your Lordship.”

 

“How many solo exhibitions has this been now?”

 

“I’m reminded once again of how truly remarkable your talent is.”

 

Countless praises and flattery poured forth.

 

Marquis Bartsen, who had been contentedly receiving all this attention, suddenly brightened and looked toward the entrance.

 

A well-dressed man was just entering through the doorway.

 

“Welcome, Duke Laventess!”

 

The Marquis approached David with large strides and a bright face.

 

David offered an awkward greeting.

 

“Congratulations on your solo exhibition, Your Lordship.”

 

“I’m the one who should be grateful that you came to visit. Please, come this way.”

 

The Marquis warmly welcomed David and soon led him to one side.

 

The gathered nobles acknowledged the two men.

 

“Have you arrived, Your Lordship?”

 

“Why, isn’t that Duke Laventess?”

 

What was peculiar was that all the nobles gathered there were exclusively men.

 

After looking around at the people once, the Marquis smiled broadly.

 

“Thank you so much for taking time from your precious schedules to grace this occasion.”

 

“Not at all. It’s only natural to attend Your Lordship’s solo exhibition.”

 

“Rather, I’m truly delighted to be able to visit such a glorious occasion.”

 

The nobles responded in unison with unanimous agreement.

 

The Marquis chuckled and gazed intently at David.

 

‘Yes, I knew you’d come.’

 

A satisfied smile spread across Marquis Bartsen’s lips.

 

The Marquis mulled over the contents of the letter he had sent.

 

<To my dear Duke Laventess.

 

I hope you are in good health?

 

I understand that recent internal family troubles must have greatly disturbed your peace of mind.

 

In fact, I deeply understand your feelings as well.

 

If one has been expelled from the family, they should naturally reflect and exercise restraint, yet Lady Elodie is instead acting recklessly with the Imperial Family backing her.

 

Personally, I consider this behavior to be disregarding the family head’s decision.

 

The reason I’m sending this letter is because I thought it might be good to arrange a meeting with like-minded people.

 

Isn’t there a Noble Council meeting coming up soon?

 

There must be something we can accomplish if we join forces.>

 

‘David will never be able to refuse this proposal.’

 

And the Marquis’s prediction was exactly right.

 

After all, hadn’t he come here like this?

 

To oppose Joshua and Elodie who blocked his path at every turn, he too needed to build more allies for himself.

 

Duke Laventess would be a great asset going forward.

 

‘Good.’

 

His eyes gleamed sinisterly for just a moment.

 

The Marquis opened his mouth with a benevolent smile.

 

“How about it, do you all have some time? If it’s before mealtime, I’d like to treat you to lunch…”

 

* * *

 

I carefully examined the political section of the newspaper.

 

There was a detailed illustration of the Banquet Hall drawn with delicate brushstrokes.

 

A Lady holding the Crown Prince’s hand was looking this way with a confident expression.

 

【Lady Elodie Receives the Lucerno Marquis Title】

 

Yes, that was me.

 

I never expected to see my name in the political section, not the cultural section.

 

I read through the article’s contents with a somewhat embarrassed expression.

 

<His Highness the Crown Prince bestowed the Lucerno Marquis title upon her for her great contributions to New Continent development.

 

Attention is focused on whether the Marquis will attend the upcoming Noble Council meeting.>

 

Hmm.

 

At the same time, my eyes narrowed.

 

‘The outcome is being watched closely.’

 

In fact, attending the Noble Council meetings is a natural right of family heads.

 

Nevertheless, the reason they’re paying close attention to whether or not I attend the Noble Council meetings is.

 

‘Most female family heads don’t attend, probably?’

 

This was because there’s a social atmosphere that dignified women should focus on domestic matters rather than participating in external affairs.

 

I confidently lit up my eyes.

 

‘That’s all the more reason I should attend.’

 

Now I’m the head of House Lucerno.

 

I had no intention of giving up the rights I could exercise just because I’m a woman.

 

【Furthermore, the dress worn by the Marquis also caused a new sensation in High Society…】

 

As soon as I read the next article, a pleased smile spread across my lips.

 

That’s right.

 

The dress I wore out this time was truly a huge success.

 

Isabel said she received dozens of advance orders just at the celebration, and orders kept coming in non-stop after that.

 

‘I’m really glad we hired more seamstresses in advance.’

 

Otherwise, we wouldn’t have been able to handle all the incoming volume.

 

These days our dress shop is doing so well.

 

I felt full even without eating.

 

As I turned to the next page with a satisfied face, I unconsciously scrunched up my face.

 

‘Ugh.’

 

【Marquis Bartsen’s Solo Exhibition】

 

Well, of course, since Marquis Bartsen’s article was plastered huge across the newspaper’s culture section.

 

Recently, the Marquis’s solo exhibition had been gaining modest fame.

 

However, rather than the artistic merit of the exhibited works, well.

 

It was receiving more attention for the lineup of visitors who attended the exhibition.

 

I heard that several high-ranking nobles attended.

 

<Numerous dignitaries attended the exhibition, gracing the occasion.

 

Among them, Duke Laventess, the Empire’s only Duke, was particularly notable.

 

His Grace attended the exhibition for two days, displaying his friendship with the Marquis…>

 

I suddenly opened my eyes wide.

 

‘Oh, David went too?’

 

I thought their relationship had been cut off after the marriage proposal between me and Marquis Bartsen fell through.

 

I guess they’re still on friendly terms?

 

But then.

 

Knock knock.

 

A short knock echoed.

 

“Yes, please come in.”

 

I sprang up from my seat with a bright face.

 

Beyond the door, the Crown Prince stood with a smiling face.

 

“Marquis Lucerno.”

 

“Welcome, Your Highness.”

 

I quickly ushered the Crown Prince into the reception room.

 

After asking a maid for refreshments and tea.

 

We sat facing each other across the table and exchanged greetings.

 

“Have you been well?”

 

“Of course. How about you, Your Highness?”

 

“I’ve been well too.”

 

With that, silence fell.

 

“…”

 

“…”

 

How should I put it, I felt a little nervous for no reason.

 

Was it because this was our first meeting since becoming lovers?

 

It seemed like we used to interact much more comfortably before.

 

Just as I was fidgeting with my fingers for no reason.

 

The Crown Prince and my eyes met.

 

At the same time, he let out a short laugh.

 

“Ah, this. I’m surprisingly nervous.”

 

“Pardon?”

 

“It’s just… this is our first time since the festival.”

 

The Crown Prince, who looked somewhat embarrassed, quietly averted his gaze.

 

“Thinking that the Marquis is my lover makes me feel… strange.”

 

For a moment, I blinked quietly.

 

I see.

 

That man is just as embarrassed as I am.

 

Feeling mischievous, I asked in a teasing voice.

 

“So you’re saying you’re nervous because I’m in front of you?”

 

Then the Crown Prince looked at me intently, as if I was stating something very obvious.

 

“Isn’t that natural?”

 

Huh?

 

My eyes widened.

 

“I have never once been comfortable in front of the Marquis.”

 

“…”

 

For a moment, I was at a loss for words.

 

‘What, what’s this.’

 

So, that means… I’ve been on your mind all this time? Is that what you’re saying?

 

At the same time, my face flushed bright red.

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