Erin’s eyes curved into a happy crescent shape at Aiden’s playful appearance.
Aiden lightly placed his hand on the hand she offered and the two of them affectionately moved along.
As they made their way towards the stage prepared in the center of the ballroom, the nobles around them instinctively stepped back, clearing a path for them.
Aiden firmly wrapped his arm around Erin’s waist. Erin, in turn, embraced Aiden’s back and moved in sync with the music. As they danced, any presence of other people vanished from Erin’s mind.
Furthermore, Aiden had been solely focused on Erin from the beginning.
“He’s only looking at me,” Erin realized, feeling accustomed to Aiden never once averting his gaze.
Come to think of it, Aiden had always been like this. “As if other people’s attention didn’t matter, he looked only at me, only thought about me.”
A smile formed on Erin’s lips. It felt good, indeed. This realization never grew tiresome, no matter how many times she had it. Before she knew it, Erin was also only looking at Aiden.
The two of them didn’t take their eyes off each other. They behaved as if they were the only ones in the vast ballroom. Watching their demeanor, the nobles all felt various emotions, but one thing was common: they fully understood Erin’s intention at this party.
The divorce of the Duke and Duchess of Lienster is non-existent. They are showing it to everyone. When Erin and Aiden came down from the stage after the song ended, the atmosphere of the party was becoming tense, and unwelcoming guests had arrived.
Erin and Aiden’s gazes turned towards the elders. “Duke of Lienster. Duchess. We are a little late.”
“As the party is not over yet, you have come at the right time. Please, enjoy the party.”
Erin put on a kind mask on her face and spoke politely, “Of course. It’s been a long time, and seeing your relationship looking so good, we should enjoy it even more.”
“It’s so pleasant to see, why was there talk of divorce?” It was inevitable that this issue would be brought up.
The determination not to miss an opportunity to make trouble for Erin was evident on their faces. Right now, the party was still ongoing.
It was initially thought that the other nobles would only exchange greetings between Erin and Aiden, and the elders.
However, if the conversation dragged on too long and voices were to rise, people would start to feel suspicious. It was necessary to move to a more appropriate place.
But the elders, as if deliberately avoiding the disturbance, continued with a firm look on their faces.
“No matter how well the issue has been resolved, the thoughtless and provocative actions of the Lienster house have tarnished its reputation in people’s minds,” said Diarn, and everyone seemed to agree, staring at Erin and Aiden as if pressuring them.
“The tarnishing of the Lienster house’s honor is an enduring issue,” interjected Hurnan, standing beside him.
With renewed vigor, Diarn spoke again, “Just because the two of you are at the center of the family does not mean you can do whatever you please. The family’s reputation has not been built over the years for nothing.” Erin had anticipated what kind of logic the elders would present.
“When did the honor of Lienster house fall? I have no knowledge of such a fact.”
It was when Erin was about to continue speaking, not yielding to them.
“Today is the first official banquet held by the Lienster house in a long time. Causing a disturbance on such a day does not contribute to the family’s reputation.”
Aiden stepped forward, staring fiercely at the elders and softly cautioned, “Let’s go to a quiet place and talk.”
Aiden gestured to Erin as he spoke to them, indicating that he meant for Erin to not be concerned as they would handle it.
Intervening might only complicate matters further, especially if Erin got involved.
The intention was clear that they expected sharp words would be directed at Erin, not Aiden. It was better for Aiden to handle the situation and engage with the elders.
“Erin, I’ll leave the seat for a moment. I’ll be back soon.”
“…Okay, I understand.”
So Erin left it to Aiden and stepped aside. Aiden moved to another seat with the elders. There were many things to attend to at the banquet aside from the elders, so it turned out to be beneficial for Erin.
The elders wanted to assert their influence by meddling in every little matter.
This was a persistent issue with the Lienster family.
“As expected, as long as the elders are around, they will be a hindrance to Aiden.”
Erin watched the retreating figures of the elders, her face filled with concern.
It was when Aiden had vacated his seat with the elders, leaving Erin to handle the nobles.
Following an unwelcome guest, another uninvited guest arrived.
“Oh, isn’t that Lady Zahard over there?”
“Yes, it is. It’s been a while since we’ve seen the Zahard family members. But to think Zahard’s wife and…” The noblewoman stopped mid-sentence, her voice trailing off.
As the nobles who had seen the Zahard family members’ arrival started to whisper, each of them cast knowing glances at Erin Lienster.
However, the fact that she distanced herself from the Zahard family was a well-known story among those in the know.
Throughout the various Lienster family events, Zahard’s attendance could be counted on one hand over the past ten years.
With Helena Zahard at the forefront, even Gael Zahard approached Erin. Momentarily taken aback, Erin greeted the three with a formal demeanor that wasn’t too stiff or overly welcoming, devoid of any hint of consternation or warmth.
“Welcome, Lady Zahard and company.”
“Her voice is kind, but Erin’s eyes were cold.”
Despite Erin’s response, Helena Zahard, wife of Zahard, stopped in front of Erin, smiling brightly.
“Erin, it’s been a while.”
Even in a formal setting where everyone was watching, she treated Erin not as the Duchess of Lienster, but as her own daughter.
It was not just a one-sided display of affection, but also a complete disregard for Erin’s position as Lienster. Gael Zahard was there, smiling without a second thought.
Erin’s expression darkened a little.
“You weren’t invited.”
“It’s a family-hosted event, so of course, we should be here. We don’t need a separate invitation.”
It was her unilateral interpretation. She continued to say what she wanted.
“I’m even happier to hear that the two of you are back together.”
“…”
“I wonder how surprised you must have been this time. Be more careful from now on, so there won’t be any problems. That way, you can be a support to Zahard.”
Helena Zahard’s advice concealed her interference with Erin.
That’s also while ignoring Erin.
At the same time, she spoke as if relegating her as a mere accessory for Zahard.
Moreover, Gael, who was beside her, added to it.
“Erin. It’s been a while since I’ve seen my little sister, but you don’t seem pleased at all.”
“I’m not pleased, that’s why.”
In a mocking tone, Erin responded coolly to him.
“You’re still the same. So arrogant and unlucky-looking.”
Becoming more audacious, he deliberately continued making remarks that ignored Erin.
“Where is the Duchess of Lienster? I should greet her.”
Helena fidgeted around and said.
Every time she spoke, Erin’s face hardened more and more.
And Erin had no intention of answering her question.
“Now that you’re here, please behave and don’t stir up any trouble.”
It was a warning that if she caused any trouble, they wouldn’t let it slide.
Anyway, the reason they attended today was to show off to others.
“Only this remarkable Duchess of Lienster is in a relationship with herself, and so it’s no different than Zahard standing shoulder to shoulder with the Duchess of Lienster.
It was obvious that she wanted to make a show of it.
Though Erin didn’t like her intentions, she couldn’t unilaterally stop her before she inflated the issue by mentioning the Duchess of Lienster’s name.
Turning away, not wanting to continue the conversation, it felt as though her head was throbbing for no reason.
All the unpleasant people had gathered.
It was already irritating. Is this going to be okay?
Will the reception end smoothly?
‘No, of course it will end smoothly.’
The worried look on Erin’s face had disappeared.
Along with her determination, Erin’s eyes were shining brightly.
“Mo-na.”
Erin quietly called her.
“I need you to bring someone here right away.”
For uninvited and unwelcome guests, they must be treated as unexpected guests.
Erin quietly told Mona who she needed to invite.
Immediately, Mona sprang into action.”
I had planned to let things go as they wished until the invited guests arrived.
Upon observing, Gael and Helena were bustling around excitedly.
Erin immediately turned her head in the opposite direction.
Looking around, she saw people gathering and enjoying the reception.
For a moment, it seemed like there wouldn’t be any issue without Erin.
‘Let’s just take a moment to get some fresh air.’
Erin quietly slipped out of the reception hall.
Since it was a reception held at Lienster, she knew the least frequented spots, so Erin headed in that direction.
While walking slowly and organizing her cluttered thoughts, she sensed someone following her from behind.
Erin felt like she might know who was behind her.
However, the other person didn’t call out to Erin, and Erin didn’t stop and just kept walking.
It wasn’t until she reached her initial destination that she turned around.
As expected, the person Erin had anticipated was there.
“Duchess. It’s been a long time.”
A member of the Zahard family, but not by blood, it was Lady Mila Zahard, the wife of a minor branch of the Zahard family.
