The Murderous Duke's Domestic Affairs - Chapter 71

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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 71
“If you don’t want to go….”
“I don’t have to?”
I caught Aster’s words, my voice light as though I were singing. Leaning against the doorframe, Aster watched me prepare myself, then swept back his golden hair and sighed softly.
I turned from the mirror to face him. My periwinkle eyes met his gaze, shimmering with quiet luminescence.
Though I struggled to present myself before others, I continued forward with unwavering resolve. That’s why you’re strong. Aster murmured words he couldn’t quite voice aloud.
As the owner of the golden rose, I had attended several gatherings already. My lessons with the Imperial Princess continued, and I met frequently with Tila Flagwind and the Empress for business matters.
Still, Aster couldn’t help but worry about me. He couldn’t forget how I’d been when facing Delania, at the ball, when meeting Trace Siaz—and especially that night when I’d suffered alone in secret.
“I’m fine.”
Just as my preparations finished, the attendants left the room. Soon only the two of us remained. I rose and approached him.
Dressed in a gown I rarely wore and adorned beautifully, I captivated his gaze like a spring blossom blooming in the depths of winter. Aster couldn’t tear his eyes away. He forced his gaze downward, focusing on the golden rose adorning the center of my dress.
“I worry you’ve taken on too great a burden at the Winter Gathering.”
His long fingers brushed against the golden rose. Had I not married him, I would never have become a duchess, and I wouldn’t have attended the Winter Gathering at all.
Naturally, I wouldn’t have needed to meet so many people. Even though I had wanted to marry him.
With my help, Aster had grown somewhat accustomed to his duties, but he still fell far short of what a duke should be. His territorial matters improved somewhat, but investments remained difficult, and business was simply exhausting.
That I had to do such things in his stead. If only he were a more capable person. If he’d learned even half of what Blaze knew. Apologetic toward me, yet Aster found himself dwelling on lingering regrets.
“I’m truly fine. I enjoy working.”
I too found it difficult to look away from him. His eyes seemed darker and pained than usual, and I wanted to know what he was thinking. But he said nothing, simply gazing quietly into my eyes.
He took a shallow breath and stepped back. His lips twisted. With that bitter smile, he finally looked like himself again.
“Is it a charity party today?”
“Yes. It’s hosted by House Enbail.”
It was the same place that had sent me an invitation first on the day I received the golden rose at the Winter Gathering. Though I noticed hostile stares and Tila’s reluctance, I decided to attend with good spirits since I had to go anyway. And Tila, anxious about letting me go alone, agreed to accompany me. As always, Garnet would escort me as well.
“I’ll be back soon.”
I smiled brightly at him and passed by. There was nothing to worry about. No matter how anxious Tila’s words made her, no matter how faintly Aster’s eyes trembled, I had nothing to fear. I would meet people as I always had, converse, drink tea—nothing difficult about it. Because Aster had called me strong.
“…Lauren.”
As I passed him and moved toward the door, Aster called my name. I stopped and turned back to him. He hesitated, his lips moving silently before he barely managed to speak, his voice small. It was unlike his usual confidence.
“When you return, let’s have dinner together.”
And this too was something he had never brought up first before.
“Of course.”
I smiled brightly at him. Aster lowered his head and smiled faintly. Somehow, he looked relieved.
* * *
The Enbail Estate was surprisingly vast. Though half was said to be a Forbidden Zone and unusable, the Duke’s Mansion and the Marquis Siaz Estate could fit several times over within it, yet the Enbail Estate surpassed even that.
Ilita Enbail appeared to be a beloved daughter both before and after her marriage. For a mere countess’s family to maintain such an enormous estate was remarkable.
And as if to prove my suspicions correct, flags bearing the crests of House Enbail and House Raielos hung side by side at the entrance to the ballroom.
“Will you be alright?”
Tila approached quietly from behind and asked. Why was she so anxious? I turned to her and smiled reassuringly. What could possibly go wrong? This wasn’t some dangerous illegal auction—merely a charity party hosted by a countess’s family.
“You look beautiful today, Tila.”
“Is this really the time for that?”
“Why not?”
I spoke lightly. Tila gave a wry smile, but I simply shrugged.
“Welcome to the Enbail Estate. Duchess Lilywood, Baroness Flagwind.”
An elderly Butler emerged and bowed to me, Lauren, and Tila. The two of them handed their coats to the Butler and stepped into the Exhibition Hall. However, Garnet, who had tried to follow them, was blocked by the Butler.
“The escort knight cannot enter.”
Garnet’s expressionless eyes furrowed. His sharp gaze turned toward the Butler, but the Butler remained unyielding. He explained that in case of any unforeseen disputes, the Enbail Estate would take responsibility for security, so there was no need to worry—Garnet should wait where the escorts were stationed. Garnet’s crimson eyes flickered as he glanced at me.
If that’s the Estate’s principle, there’s nothing to be done. I nodded quietly in acknowledgment. With his lips pressed thin, Garnet bowed toward me, and the ballroom door shut with a heavy thud before him.
I thought I heard the faint sound of a tongue clicking, but perhaps it was just my imagination. I gazed intently at the Butler’s retreating figure as he led the way to our seats.
“Lauren?”
“It’s nothing, really.”
Tila called my name with a puzzled expression, but I shook my head and followed the Butler.
The interior of the Exhibition Hall was the epitome of extravagance. Coats of arms from the House Raielos and House Enbail, embroidered in gold thread, adorned tables that stretched endlessly. Upon them sat silver platters laden with colorful confections made with generous amounts of sugar and butter, stacked high. At the center stood a fountain where champagne bubbled and flowed. The invited guests, each holding a glass of champagne, were already half-intoxicated before the event had even begun.
So this is a Charity Party.
I let out a hollow laugh. Tila, standing beside me, seemed to share my sentiment. What on earth was this? As I surveyed the surroundings and gathered my thoughts, a figure in an elaborate dress approached.
Over a lustrous black gown, rose lace woven from gold thread interlaced with jewels gleamed brilliantly. A piece I recognized well. Its wearer was Ilita Enbail, who had glared at me with a terrifying gaze at the Winter Gathering. She was the Countess from House Raielos.
Black lace descended delicately from her neck, covering her chest and wrapping around her arms. Bracelets adorned with onyx on several layers of silver chains, and large jeweled rings on her slender white fingers, all glittered dazzlingly. And around her neck—
Among the predominantly black and silver ensemble, one element of a different hue stood out distinctly. A large pendant of gold, resembling a radiating star or perhaps an ice crystal. It seemed the muted gown had been designed precisely to draw the eye to that necklace at first glance.
“Welcome, Duchess Lilywood. And Baroness Flagwind as well.”
Her lustrous silver hair, shimmering brilliantly despite the depths of winter, was adorned with fresh flowers, and tiny diamond studs affixed to her carefully made-up eyes caught the Exhibition Hall’s light, sparkling dazzlingly. The radiant reflection was so intense that one couldn’t even discern her original eye color.
As if to say she’d been watching us all along, the Countess wore a pleased smile. Her pale green eyes curved into crescents.
Whether the redness around her eyes came from such makeup, or whether she too was intoxicated, I suppressed the urge to furrow my brow and smiled at Ilita Enbail. I offered insincere words of gratitude for the invitation.
“How about a glass? It’s champagne we’ve specially prepared for today.”
Her laughter rolled merrily. As she raised her glass and gestured to a servant, the servant bearing a tray offered glasses of champagne with rising bubbles to Tila and me. To refuse such an offer would be impolite in High Society. I suppressed a sigh and accepted the glass.
Even to someone like me, unfamiliar with spirits, the champagne was easy to drink and exquisite. The claim that it had been specially prepared seemed entirely fitting. I detected a subtle sweetness and even a floral fragrance. Fine bubbles burst delicately on my palate as I took a sip.
Beyond the lingering taste of the champagne, I suddenly felt a sharp gaze upon me. When I looked up, my eyes met pale green ones, smiling at the corners. Why was she looking at me that way? Despite the smiling expression, I didn’t sense the same hostility as before, yet her eyes weren’t smiling, which left me feeling uneasy.
This wasn’t the first time I’d received such a gaze, but it was no less unpleasant. In the past, I would have bowed my head. Not anymore. Lauren ‘Lilywood’ Duchess. That name wouldn’t allow me to bow my head.
In fact, it was fortunate. I could only be grateful for the weight of a name I could rely upon. There was nothing to fear. I straightened my posture and met Ilita’s gaze directly.
“…I do hope you’ll enjoy yourself.”
After a long moment, Ilita murmured something under her breath and withdrew. Though her face had been smiling throughout, irritation was evident on her expression as she turned away. What on earth was the problem? I gazed intently at the elaborate dress hem as it receded into the distance.
“I honestly have no idea what she expects us to enjoy.”
It seemed I had been quite tense without realizing it. When I heard Tila’s sharp voice, I found myself exhaling softly. Though I had thought this was nothing serious and that I could overcome it alone, the fact that I had someone on my side here somehow brought me comfort. I smiled toward Tila.
“You know, Tila.”
Tila’s dark chestnut eyes felt oddly warm.
“I’m glad you’re here.”
I had wanted to say it was fine, but it seemed my spirit was lacking. Tila gazed at me with a worried expression.

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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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