Chapter 16
“Sorry for being late.”
The Marquis only entered the drawing room after finishing his cup of tea.
It was a display of arrogance. Where did he get such confidence?
“I lost track of time talking with my wife.”
Hearing his shameless words, Daphne almost dropped her teacup.
So this is what satisfaction feels like.
Not only was he acting like a loving husband, but he was also making it clear that he didn’t care about the Marquis at all.
“Ahem….”
The Marquis of Himonas cleared his throat and took a sip of tea before speaking.
“To get straight to the point—”
“I’m already married.”
The Marquis seemed a bit taken aback by the direct statement.
“A noble’s marriage is a matter between families. It should be discussed with the head of the household, Your Grace.”
“That only applies to children who are not yet of age.”
“My daughter is fragile. She hasn’t even made her debut in society yet.”
“But that doesn’t mean she’s underage. She has already reached the legal age of adulthood.”
Theophanes wasn’t wrong.
“A marriage without a father’s consent—this is unacceptable!”
Daphne finally spoke.
“Father, I’m an adult now.”
“Yes, but marriage isn’t something that can be decided solely by individuals. Besides, you are weak, and I want to keep you close.”
The same argument again.
They were just going in circles.
Theophanes reached out and covered her trembling hands with his own, silently telling her to leave it to him.
“If this isn’t just about individuals, then let’s discuss it as heads of our households. And if she’s unwell, wouldn’t the warm climate of Anaxi be better for her than the cold of Himonas?”
The Marquis was momentarily at a loss for words.
Theophanes took the chance to press further.
“The marriage vows have already been exchanged before witnesses and a priest. You understand what that means, don’t you? It can’t be undone.”
He sipped his tea calmly, watching the Marquis, then set the cup down and delivered the final blow.
“And the child will be registered under my name. Since my beloved wife wishes it, of course, I’ll grant her request.”
A clear message that the Marquis would get nothing out of this.
Then Theophanes turned to Daphne, smiling warmly as he gently tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear.
His gaze looked like that of a man truly in love.
Daphne lowered her eyes, feeling a bit embarrassed.
Fortunately, it made her seem like a shy bride.
She needed to practice acting more naturally.
The Marquis scowled in displeasure and leaned back on the sofa, deep in thought.
“I wish to speak with the Duke privately, as one head of a family to another. Would that be acceptable?”
Instead of answering, Theophanes looked at Daphne, giving her the choice.
“You two should talk. I’ll go to my room and start packing.”
As she stood up, Theophanes held her hand and met her gaze.
“I’ll come get you later.”
“Alright.”
As she left the room, Theophanes leaned back on the sofa, crossing his legs like a predator waiting to devour its prey.
“Now, shall we talk, Marquis?”
Daphne quietly looked around her room.
She had said she would pack, but in truth, there was very little she wanted to take.
Or rather, nothing here felt worth keeping.
She opened her jewelry box and carefully selected pieces she could sell if needed.
“…….”
She placed a diary, some jewelry, and a few other small items into her bag.
After closing it, she sat on the bed, gazing out the window.
Knock, knock—
“Come in.”
“My lady.”
“Did your conversation go well?”
“Yes, but there’s a small problem.”
“What is it?”
Theophanes took out a document from his coat— their marriage contract.
“The Marquis agreed to let you go on one condition.”
“What is it?”
“He wants me to personally submit this to the royal palace to prove that I truly love you.”
“What?”
“And he wants you to stay here in the meantime.”
So he wanted to separate them.
“He said it’s so he can spend some final moments with his daughter….”
But what was he planning?
“If I don’t agree, he refuses to provide a dowry.”
A clear declaration that he did not recognize their marriage.
It was a threat— a warning that he could strip Daphne of the Himonas name.
She didn’t care. But things were different with Jacquette in the picture.
The Himonas name held great power. If the Marquis were gone, Jacquette would inherit a prosperous future. Daphne wasn’t ready to let go of that just yet.
“So I’ll have to make the trip.”
But why did he insist on her staying behind?
She had to find out what he was planning.
“As long as the marriage remains valid, I don’t mind.”
“I’ll be back as soon as possible.”
Daphne studied his face.
Theophanes frowned slightly, as if dissatisfied.
She wanted to tell him not to worry— that she wasn’t someone worth such concern.
“Your Grace.”
“I forgot to mention something important.”
His response caught her off guard.
“What is it?”
“Since we’re married now, don’t you think it’s time to stop using such formal titles? I call you ‘my lady,’ but you still call me ‘Your Grace.’”
She hadn’t even thought about it.
This was something she needed to be careful about too.
Daphne quickly nodded and spoke.
“Ah… should I just call you Theophanes?”
“I’d prefer something more intimate, but let’s start with that.”
He gently brushed her hair back as he spoke.
His touch was so natural.
Was it because of his age? He seemed very experienced in handling women.
But that wasn’t something she needed to worry about. She pushed the thought aside.
“Theophanes, I have a favor to ask.”
“What is it?”
“If the Marquis tries to take the child by force, please protect him.”
Theophanes nodded.
“I will.”
His firm response made her feel at ease.
She let out a small, genuine smile.
A brief silence followed.
Daphne had always been good at reading people’s expressions, but Theophanes was different.
He was difficult to understand.
The two stared at each other for a moment before Daphne looked away first.
Theophanes quietly played with a strand of her hair before speaking slowly.
“Why didn’t you ask me to protect you?”
“There’s nothing to ask for.”
His lips twitched slightly.
She had to know what could happen to her if left here alone.
Knock, knock—
They both turned towards the door.
“Your Grace, my lady. It’s Dante.”
Theophanes glanced at her, silently asking for her decision.
Since this was her room, she had the right to refuse.
“Come in.”
The door opened, and Dante, wearing a hood, stepped inside.
“It’s time to depart. Everything is ready outside.”
So he had heard about the trip to the capital.
Even at Dante’s words, Theophanes kept his gaze fixed on Daphne.
“Are you sure you don’t have any requests?”
“Um….”
Daphne clenched her trembling hands together. If someone asked if she was scared, she would say no without hesitation.
But in truth, she wanted to escape this place right now.
“Then…”
She hesitated before finally voicing her true feelings.
“Then… can you come back as soon as possible?”
Theophanes smirked, satisfied.
“I will.”
