Come and Cry at My Funeral - Chapter 94
In the Celestica Empire, the eldest son received all the titles and wealth, as well as the family’s attention. The Deneb Marquisate was no different.
People had just assumed that the easygoing and magically talented second son would grow up just fine. However, at some point, they realized Albireo was gaining popularity in the court with his good looks and charming words.
‘Yet this guy never lets anyone get too close beyond a certain point.’
He sneered at such things as ‘provincial’.
But this was the first time Sadr had seen his brother so concerned about one person in particular.
“If you’re acting like this because of that woman, then you’d better restrain yourself. It’s a serious offense.”
“….”
“Remember, there are eyes everywhere.”
Sadr scolded Albireo sharply, glancing over his shoulder at the back of the ‘bastard duchess’.
Her being a bastard was an issue, but more importantly, she was the Duchess of Arcturus.
Their region wasn’t lenient enough to excuse courtly dalliances. That household’s essence was that of warriors.
“…Do you think I don’t know that? Hah.”
Albireo, wearing a sullen expression, soon shrugged off his older brother’s warning and turned away.
He had his own reasons. To confirm the magical residue he felt when he shook her hand goodbye, it was important to maintain some sort of relationship.
‘We did shake hands and agreed to be friends. I know my boundaries.’
So this was also about helping a friend in trouble.
Gathering a group of unmarried men who usually hung out with him, he headed towards the ladies.
Since noble families knew and interacted with each other from a young age, the ladies didn’t find the men’s intrusion odd.
But as always, after the cheerful banter, the conversation inevitably turned to the topic of marriage.
A man sitting next to Albireo grinned slyly, glancing at everyone.
“By the way, Albireo, when are you planning to settle down?”
“Hmm? What kind soul would want to come to this lowly second son of a marquis…”
At those words, several ladies who secretly wished to be that kind soul flinched involuntarily.
Albireo winked at the one who flinched the most. Usually, a bit of charm would change the topic when it came to family matters.
But as he was the one of marriageable age, the tiresome questions kept coming his way.
‘Let’s think of it as a good thing.’
Thanks to this, the duchess sitting over there could catch her breath.
Even when he joined, her face was pale with tension, and it hadn’t eased as she still looked as white as a sheet. Her hand holding the glass looked precarious, making Albireo feel nervous for her.
‘Is she alright?’
He felt like calling someone, but feared drawing attention. Meanwhile, the man talking about settling down continued to press.
“Albireo, this time, don’t avoid the question and tell us in front of everyone. What’s your type? There’s no harm in sharing, is there?”
“Hmm. With all the lovely ladies here, my eyes have been spoiled…”
While he displayed an open smile to everyone, Albireo sneered inwardly.
‘None of us are going to marry for love anyway, so why ask such pointless questions?’
Love was nice to have in a noble marriage, but it wasn’t essential. Many families managed well with mutual respect and affection, even without love, just like his parents.
But Albireo recalled the time he had tea with the Duchess.
<It’s something only I remember. He doesn’t know anymore. Thank you, Sir Deneb.>
Recalling these words, Albireo thought Izar Arcturus was incredibly lucky.
Despite hurting her, to have someone look at you with such warmth, tenderness, and boundless affection in their eyes.
What would it feel like to have someone look at you that way?
‘Enough. I can just live like this.’
Enjoying the shallow, sweet compliments of the world. Even if they were as thin and light as a sugar coating…
But his lips almost moved unconsciously. His type?
“Someone….”
Someone who could throw stones well, with green eyes…
Crash!
A sharp noise interrupted his unintentional slip. But the sound came from none other than the person who had just crossed his mind.
The glass had slipped from her hand and shattered on the floor.
The pale golden lace of her dress was stained with wine.
The ladies around her quickly stood up, grabbing their skirts, and the mansion’s servants hurried over to help.
“Duchess, are you alright?”
“My… my stomach…”
“If you’re unwell, I’ll escort you to the lounge.”
The pale Duchess nodded quickly, clutching the servant’s arm. Seeing the cold sweat on her forehead, Albireo’s heart sank.
But the Duchess managed to summon enough strength to bow politely.
“…Excuse me, for a moment.”
Leaning heavily on the servant, she exited, leaving people to sit back down and whisper.
“Oh my, she must have drunk the wine too quickly.”
“Is it her first time with something like this?”
“Could she be expecting?”
“Oh, no way.”
People burst into laughter.
Albireo, watching with a stiff expression, looked over at Izar.
The Duke was definitely watching her leave.
…Then he turned his head away.
