I Married the Mad Duke Who Killed My Husband - Chapter 13.2
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“…So we expect the rainfall to be even heavier this year.”
“Hmm. Even last year, the damage to civilians was not small, and if the outlook is worse this year, it might be worth bringing up to His Majesty. I’ll keep it in mind.”
While there were some neutral nobles interested in the Duke’s household and a few supporters of the First Prince at the invitation meeting, as expected, the majority were supporters of the Second Prince.
Therefore, the flow of conversation naturally drifted toward political topics surrounding the Prince. I listened carefully without adding much to their conversation, trying to catch anything related to the original story events.
“Ahem. Still, with the new Duke by His Highness’s side, we feel less worried.”
Cassion, though I couldn’t tell what he was thinking, kept staying by my side, and naturally responded to the occasional words the Prince directed at him. As a result, it seems others saw the two as quite close.
Seeing the nobles’ hearts gradually opening up, I couldn’t hide my joy and looked up at Cassion with a smile. He quickly turned his head away, then sneakily rolled his eyes back to check on me.
“Haha. I didn’t know Your Grace had this side to you. It seems we’ve been misunderstanding all this time.”
“Well, doesn’t everyone become sharp during wartime?”
Everyone burst into laughter at Cassion’s subtle glance, which they all caught. In the warm atmosphere where only one person remained stiff, I noticed the famous musician we had invited for today giving a signal.
“Well then, let’s set aside the serious talk and enjoy tonight’s music and dance.”
“We’ll get to see an even newer side of the Duke, I suppose.”
As it was natural for us, the hosts of the invitation meeting, to open the dance, people stepped back to clear the center of the hall as the prelude began to play. And the attention that had been focused on the Prince shifted to Cassion and me.
I was about to extend my hand first, worried that Cassion might feel embarrassed at the Prince’s words full of mischief and teasing, but Cassion was already leading me. He doesn’t seem as nervous as I thought.
Soon after, our dance began with soft yet joyful music. In this dance with many close movements, as if showing off our newlywed status, Cassion, who seemed rather relieved, spoke to me.
“…I don’t like any of this.”
“Relax your expression. You’re doing well, aren’t you?”
I followed his lead, which was more confident than during practice, chuckling at his sulky appearance. He must be the practical type.
“The talk of politics and ascension to the throne must be annoying, right?”
“That’s not the problem.”
“No? From what I can see, things seem to be going well. Most people seem to like you.”
Just as Pia had said, my hair remained perfectly in place even as we twirled through the dance. When I placed my hand on Cassion’s chest, who was holding my waist firmly, and whispered to him, he made a peculiar expression.
“…True. I admit these are the most favorable gazes I’ve ever received in my life. It’s all thanks to you, Asilia.”
“I’m glad, it seems like my percentage in the contract is going up.”
But at my response, his expression turned grim again, and his hands tightened. Resisting the urge to pinch his nose and tell him to relax his expression, I headed towards the climax of the dance.
I could feel even the people who had been drinking tea in the tea room or looking at sculptures in other rooms coming out to the hall to watch our dance.
Clap clap clap…
“Oh my.”
As the dance ended, someone started clapping as if entranced.
I gently smiled at the open praise, knowing that usually after the hosts’ dance, others would come out to continue dancing with their own partners.
“What a well-matched pair. That was splendid.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
“Would you grant me the opportunity for the next dance?”
As the next song started immediately and a few couples came out onto the floor, the Second Prince extended his hand to me. I let go of Cassion’s hand and took the Prince’s.
“Relax your eyes. It’s only for a very short while.”
The main dance I had practiced was with Cassion, and I was just starting to feel nervous about having to concentrate more to avoid stepping on the Prince’s feet. At that moment, I turned my head at the words I heard.
He stood still as if rooted to the spot, staring intently at us as we began to dance.
“My, so this is what it feels like to be killed by a gaze. You know I have no impure intentions, don’t you, Duchess?”
“Of course. Rather, I’m honored that you asked, Your Highness.”
Fortunately, the second song was easier to dance to and had less physical contact.
“As I said at the wedding, there were many unfavorable rumors about your union that worried me, but seeing you like this, those worries seem foolish. You match very well.”
“Thank you.”
Unlike the first song where I felt everyone’s gaze, I hoped my smile didn’t look awkward as I felt one person’s gaze pouring down on me entirely.
The Prince seemed genuinely satisfied with Cassion and my marriage, not just because his supporting faction would grow, but as a friend. However, I felt somewhat uncomfortable.
“Oh my.”
“…?”
Then the Prince looked at my expression once, then over my shoulder at Cassion, and smiled even more pleasantly.
“It seems neither of you realize it. This will be interesting going forward.”
“Pardon?”
“Please take good care of my friend, Duchess.”
As soon as the short dance ended, Cassion, who had been standing like a statue, strode over. The Prince, who had said something incomprehensible, shrugged and retreated towards where his faction was gathered.
“What were you talking about so much?”
“Nothing… We can’t just dance in silence, can we? He just said we match well, so I thanked him.”
“…Really?”
“More importantly, it’s a bit hot after dancing twice in a row. Let’s go to the library for a moment.”
The library is the room at the very end of the corridor, with no special decorations or refreshments, but left empty for people tired from the hall to rest.
I thought there wouldn’t be anyone there yet since it’s still the beginning of the invitation meeting, so I headed that way, but…
‘So does that mean the Second Prince might not be of legitimate birth?’
‘Shh, your voice is too loud…! It’s just a rumor going around.’
What’s this about now?
