Fernan’s eyes remained cold, but his lips softened into a gentle curve. Somehow, a sense of unease washed over Yulia.
“Why did Your Majesty give me such a beloved lady? I am not worthy.”
His tone was casual, but an icy silence spread through the banquet hall like a frozen pond. Everyone looked at Fernan with surprised expressions.
He continued as if unaffected by the reactions around him.
“If Your Majesty wishes, I can withdraw from this marriage even now.”
His golden eyes met those of Yulia across the room.
“What do you think?”
Yulia lifted her pale face to meet his gaze. Her mind went blank.
What is he saying?
Her suddenly numb hands began to tremble. She couldn’t understand this situation at all.
“…Your Grace, this joke has gone too far.”
The Empress broke the suffocating silence. Among the frozen faces, she maintained the calmest expression.
The Emperor, who had been dumbfounded until now, finally spoke.
“Yes, that joke was inappropriate for the occasion. Surely the Duke didn’t intend any disrespect…”
The Emperor’s lips trembled. He seemed unsure whether to be angry or laugh it off.
Fernan maintained his composed demeanor, displaying a pleasant smile. He didn’t seem like the one who had just thrown a bomb into the cheerful dinner.
“I would never harbor such impure intentions towards Your Majesty. You misunderstand.”
Yulia stared at him in bewilderment. Her heart pounded violently, yet her mind remained quiet.
“I, Your Majesty, have something to discuss regarding the upcoming national affairs…”
Thanks to the Crown Prince’s hurried change of subject, the dinner continued amidst a strange atmosphere.
Throughout the evening, the Empress occasionally engaged the dazed Yulia in conversation, and Yulia responded appropriately.
But after the dinner ended and they left the banquet hall, Yuliaa couldn’t remember at all what she had said.
As she walked back to her chambers, she held her cold hands together.
Fernan, who was walking ahead, was conversing with the Crown Prince.
Her legs faltered, and she stopped momentarily, clutching her dress tightly.
Meanwhile, he continued to move farther away without once looking back.
Yulia stood still, leaning against the wall, her head bowed in silence. The air surrounding her felt bitterly cold.
She stared down the empty hallway where Fernan had disappeared for a long time. She was the only one left in the empty corridor.
—
The next day, Yulia slept through the entire morning, free from any scheduled activities.
Maidens intermittently tried to wake her for meals, but she had no appetite.
However, she had to force herself to wake up in the afternoon for the tea party hosted by the Empress.
“My lady, your complexion looks so pale. Shouldn’t I call for a physician?”
In response to the maid’s concerned question, Yulia nodded weakly, indicating she was fine.
Her pale face devoid of color resembled that of a patient. The maid’s constant worry was not unfounded.
During her three-day stay in the capital, Yulia’s official engagements consisted only of the Empress’s tea party and the evening banquet.
After changing out of her formal attire, she dragged her weary body towards the central palace.
And there, she unexpectedly encountered someone.
“Yulia! How could you come to the capital without letting me know!”
Lady Elodie embraced Yulia enthusiastically upon her arrival. Yulia’s expression gradually stiffened.
Lady Elodie was a regular attendee at the capital’s tea parties, so it was no surprise to see her here, but Yulia was too preoccupied to notice.
Yulia sighed silently and forced herself to speak.
“How have you been, mother?”
“How could I be well without you? The mansion feels so empty without you. You know how lonely your father must be.”
“I…yes.”
“Are you doing well? Any ailments?”
Lady Elodie held Yulia’s hand affectionately. She appeared to be a caring mother, concerned for her daughter’s well-being.
Yulia felt a shiver down her spine witnessing Lady Elodie’s double-sided behavior after a long time. She forced a smile and responded.
“Yes, don’t worry.”
Even to herself, forcing a smile felt chilling. Yulia sat down at the tea table, feeling drained.
The stares of the noblewomen made her uncomfortable. Currently the most influential figure in the Empire as the wife of Duke Caesar, she was enough to attract the attention of many.
“Your Grace, how long will the Duke’s party stay in the capital?”
“We plan to stay for about three days, including today.”
—
“Oh, I thought you would stay until the national festival. It’s a shame you have to leave. The Duke is such a busy man, there’s nothing to be done.”
The ladies showed overtly friendly attitudes towards Yulia to make a good impression.
Although she felt keenly the great power and influence of Fernan, she also felt a tinge of bitterness.
It’s no use trying to impress them.
Yulia half-listened to their words and engaged in ritualistic conversation.
As the tea party was winding down, Yulia quickly got up to leave. But the Baroness stopped her with a gentle voice.
“Yulia, why don’t you come visit my estate before leaving the capital?”
Yulia hesitated to answer, and a meaningful smile spread across the Baroness’s face.
“The Empress told me that apart from tomorrow’s dinner, your schedule is empty.”
“…Yes.”
Yulia reluctantly agreed, and the Baroness beamed, getting up from her seat and putting her arm around Yulia affectionately.
“Bring the Duke along. Alright?”
“I’ll go alone. He has a busy schedule…”
“Yulia.”
The Baroness firmly grasped Yulia’s wrist. She felt a familiar resistance to the strong grip.
“Make sure to bring the Duke. You can manage that much, can’t you?”
Yulia avoided answering, but she soon sighed tiredly.
In any case, she had no strength to resist the Baroness. The Baroness was known to persist until she got the answers she wanted.
“I’ll consider your suggestion.”
“Good, then get ready to bring him.”
The Baroness smiled brightly as if nothing had happened and patted Yulia’s hand.
Yulia stood in front of the door, feeling unsure.
After entering without permission, she was unsure if he would be angry.
Lost in thought, she suddenly heard footsteps approaching.
“Do you know when he will return?”
“I’m not sure. But he left early this morning, so he should be back soon.”
Yulia nodded. It seemed she had chosen the right time to come, even though it seemed impolite to be in an empty room without the owner.
The attendant opened the door with a polite gesture.
Entering hesitantly, Yulia stood awkwardly near the door.
Once inside, she felt helpless. Would he be angry if she entered uninvited?
Lost in her thoughts, a servant entered with a tray.
“Here’s chamomile tea. It has a calming effect. I apologize for the intrusion… but you seemed a bit tired.”
The servant placed the teacup on the table. His small act of kindness made her feel a bit better.
“Thank you. I’ll enjoy it.”
Yulia smiled softly. The servant blushed and quickly excused himself before disappearing.
She sipped the tea and admired the decorations on the wall. Fernan had not yet appeared even after the teacup was empty.
Yulia suddenly looked out the window. It was getting dark outside in the late afternoon.
When will he come?
She was used to sitting quietly, but today felt more exhausting than usual.
At the same time, Fernan was deep in discussion in the Crown Prince’s office.
The Crown Prince wanted Fernan to oversee the capital’s defense during the national festival.
In other words, while the Emperor paraded through the square, Fernan would protect that area.
“Why are they asking me to do this with the Imperial Guard?”
Fernan stared at the Crown Prince with an expressionless face. It was just another cunning move that was plainly visible.
Their intention was to present the war hero, Duke Caesar, showcasing his protection of the Emperor to establish a strong royal image.
