Episode 25
‘Could this be the perfect moment to boast about my ultimate favorite?’
Having never shared or even discussed my favorite with anyone before, I felt a rush of excitement.
As expected of the female lead, I thought to myself, recognizing her keen eye for people, and then I began to speak.
“I thought so too. Although we only exchanged greetings, there’s a certain aura you can sense, isn’t there?”
“Y-Yes, that’s true.”
“Not only does he have a good impression, but his demeanor is soft and elegant, just like his appearance. I’ve often heard about Duke Rudion’s excellent character, and it seems he truly is a gentle and kind person.”
In truth, I wanted to praise his upright posture, composed stride, and deep, trustworthy voice, but that seemed too out of character for Evgenia, so I stopped.
But had I overdone it even with these moderate compliments? Melissa seemed unusually flustered for some reason.
Still, what did it matter? Boasting about and promoting one’s favorite is the sacred duty and joy of any fan.
Of course, that didn’t mean I wanted Melissa to develop genuine affection for Euclid.
‘Not that it would ever happen anyway.’
While I watched Melissa with a hint of pity, knowing she was likely experiencing the pangs of her forbidden first love, the door opened.
“Ah, you’ve already arrived.”
Just as expected, Duke Basilian, Euclid, and Sionel entered the dining hall together, seemingly after having a private conversation before dinner.
As I started to rise from my seat, I froze in place.
“…?!”
Huh?
My gaze naturally landed on Euclid, but his outfit had changed since earlier.
‘Well, of course, he’d change into attire more suitable for a banquet rather than traveling clothes.’
But I couldn’t help making a conflicted face when I saw his light pastel suit.
Earlier, he was wearing a dark gray suit, which prompted me to choose a dress in the same color scheme, with subtly matching details.
I’d tried to pull off a couple’s look by myself, but it seemed I had failed…
‘But could it be my imagination, or does Euclid look just as startled?’
His new outfit strangely resembled the color of the dress I had been wearing earlier, making me tilt my head in confusion.
Still, such thoughts were fleeting.
‘Ah… the golden boy under the sunlight.’
Though dark tones suited his radiant blond hair beautifully, the bright hues made him appear even more elegant.
Looking at Euclid like this made my heart race and my face flush with heat.
Even after taking a sedative, my excitement hadn’t waned; I could only imagine how much more awkward I must have looked during our initial meeting.
Overwhelmed, I let my gaze wander, observing Euclid’s every detail from head to toe with newfound intensity.
Suddenly, Euclid’s cheeks flushed a bright red.
Startled by this unexpected reaction, I widened my eyes as he abruptly turned his head away and sat down.
‘As if avoiding me will work when I’m sitting right here.’
Thinking like a possessive admirer, I also took my seat. At that moment, the dining table was filled with an array of dishes.
I watched closely, curious to see which dish Euclid would pick first and what he’d eat the most of.
Contrary to the delicate, ethereal image I had of him in my mind, he seemed to have a hearty appetite for meat.
‘Should I cook something for him myself someday?’
Oh, wait. I’ve never cooked before.
Being a noble, I’d never had to cook, but the conflicting desire to serve him something I made with my own hands was strong.
As I mulled over countless thoughts about Euclid, an unexpected sound interrupted.
Cough, cough.
Euclid, who had been dining gracefully, began to slow down, then choked on his water.
“Are you alright?”
“…Yes, I’m fine. I apologize.”
Perhaps he felt embarrassed at failing to maintain proper dining etiquette, especially as a duke raised with noble training from the moment he could walk.
Euclid’s face turned a deep shade of red, like a ripe tomato, as he hurriedly apologized.
Contrary to expectations, Duke Basilian, who might have been expected to scold such behavior, merely waved his hand with concern rather than displeasure.
I had been prepared to intervene on Euclid’s behalf if he were reprimanded, but thankfully, that wasn’t necessary. Wait…
‘Why does the duke keep glancing at me?’
Blinking in confusion, I saw Duke Basilian awkwardly ask, “Evgenia, are you not hungry? Your plate remains untouched.”
Though his tone was full of concern, I understood the subtle implication. I bit my lip.
I’d been so focused on watching Euclid that I hadn’t even picked up my utensils, inadvertently creating an uncomfortable atmosphere for him.
Given my naturally stern expression, I likely appeared to be glaring at him.
The sedative’s calming effect was too strong, leaving me unprepared for these unintended consequences.
“Of course, it’s understandable to be curious when meeting your future husband for the first time,” the duke added.
The Duke, seemingly aware of the atmosphere, forced a laugh and spoke.
“If there’s anything you wish to ask the Duke, go ahead and ask directly.”
“Something I want to ask…”
Hearing those words suddenly made my mind go blank. There was just too much I wanted to ask.
‘If I had to choose, I’d want to know everything about Euclid.’
But I didn’t have the courage to voice that thought directly in front of him, so my lips merely trembled without a word.
An unintended silence followed.
Perhaps misunderstanding the silence as my lack of curiosity about Euclid, the Duke, wearing an awkward expression, cleared his throat and went out of his way to speak on my behalf.
“Haha, it seems they’re a bit shy.”
…That may be accurate.
When I awkwardly lowered my head, Sionel, observing the situation, seemed to try changing the mood by asking,
“Come to think of it, why didn’t your nephews come along?”
At that moment, a flicker of discomfort briefly crossed Euclid’s face.
“Right, I think I heard that you have two young nephews.”
As the Basilian Duke added curiously, Euclid nodded and said, “That’s correct.”
His expression softened gently as if the moment of discomfort had never existed.
It was such a subtle shift that no one but me, who was paying close attention to Euclid, noticed it. Even I blinked, wondering if I’d imagined it.
The Duke spoke again.
“Why didn’t you bring them? Surely the children would have wanted to see their uncle’s wedding.”
Behind his words lay a sense of pity for the children who had lost their parents at a young age, leaving only Euclid as their family.
Euclid, too, seemed to sense this, letting out a bittersweet smile.
“Both children are still young and have never left the North before. Although, thanks to your grace, we were able to travel comfortably in a magic carriage, it still took two days to get here. I decided against bringing them since our stay in the capital would be so brief.”
“Hm. That’s right; you mentioned leaving right after the wedding tomorrow. I was going to bring this up anyway—don’t you think you’re leaving a bit too hastily?”
It was already a settled matter when they exchanged letters of proposal.
I frowned at the Duke, displeased that he was questioning the only condition Euclid had insisted on during the marriage discussions.
“We’ve already packed and prepared to leave tomorrow, and now you want to change the schedule?”
“Even so, if there’s anything urgent or necessary, we can simply get it. After all, even after the wedding, this will still be your home.”
The Duke looked at me with a somewhat forlorn gaze, asking if I’d already packed everything.
Avoiding his eyes, I replied,
“Anyway, there’s no particular reason to stay longer. I was told we just need to finish the ceremony at the temple tomorrow and submit the marriage registration to the imperial court.”
Even that part was to be handled by the Basilian family.
While I agreed to this arrangement partly out of respect for Euclid’s suggestion, I was also excited to leave the capital as soon as the wedding was over. My determination was evident, which made the Duke’s expression darken slightly.
“The wedding was rushed, and now you’re leaving like this…”
• ❁ • ❁ • ❁ •By Esraa• ❁ • ❁ • ❁ •
If you want to support the translation and the translator, you can buy a coffee~
