I Never Wanted His Child - Chapter 77
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
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Just as the person who had designated this dress code, Count Iago, laughed and said.
“Everyone should thank me for this amusement.”
He fiddled with his bright red hat.
“You do look quite like a circus ringmaster.”
“Coming from someone who arrived with a red cane. Though, I admit, I quickly made my way into the club as soon as I got out of the carriage, lest anyone see.”
At Count Iago’s words, everyone chuckled.
“What does Marquis Zepeto think? What kind of entrance do you expect from Duke Heinrich, who’s just about to turn the corner and walk in?”
“You all still have much to learn about the Duke.”
Marquis Zepeto set down his newspaper and sipped his mulled wine.
“What you expect is probably less than what’s going to happen. He might just do something that leaves everyone here speechless.”
“Are we expecting him to demolish the club or what?”
“He wouldn’t bother with such a laborious act.”
Marquis Zepeto shrugged, stirring the cinnamon stick in his mulled wine, anticipating the upcoming event.
Soon, a shadow was cast at the club’s entrance. The mouths of the bustling crowd suddenly fell silent as if on cue.
“Seems like you were having an interesting conversation.”
“Thanks to the Duke, I just won 32 gold coins.”
Marquis Zepeto said as Mikhail scanned the members. It was clear bets were placed about him.
“…Duke Heinrich, and that’s… not the Duchess next to you?”
Count Iago nearly dropped the cigar in his hand at the sudden appearance of Emilia.
With her eyes covered, Emilia, who was dressed in a red gown, resembled a single rose, sparking a thought of ‘impossible’.
“This is madness.”
Members scrambled in confusion with muttered curses.
“Given that the dress code was red, I thought to adorn it with a precious rose. Seems like everyone is quite pleased.”
Mikhail nonchalantly made his way to his seat.
“Duke, Duke, have you finally lost your mind?”
“Lost my mind? I’m merely adhering to the absurd dress code.”
He placed Emilia beside him.
“Was today’s discussion about Duke Loren?”
“….Hmm, well. But to discuss that matter…”
“I don’t see why everyone is hesitating. Who else is here besides us?”
Mikhail completely disregarded Emilia. She clenched her fist.
Had she not been wearing gloves, her clenched, pale knuckles would have been visible.
He sighed slightly in regret before shifting his gaze away from her gathered hands to continue.
“I heard someone was trying to reach out to Duke Loren.”
The topic was about her father, yet there was no hesitation.
Marquis Zepeto added to Mikhail’s comment.
“They said he requested to attend his daughter’s wedding, adding that if we were to show mercy, it should be done properly.”
Despite his words, Marquis Zepeto cautiously glanced at Emilia standing beside him. The atmosphere was like thin ice.
Her expression was hidden by the blindfold, but her tightly pursed lips suggested her thoughts clearly.
“Selling his daughter to save his own skin and still being so greedy.”
Mikhail leaned back in his chair, lighting a cigar as he crossed his legs in astonishment.
“And what about the rising opposition against the royal family? Does the Duke know anything about that?”
“I’ve heard. It’s nothing to worry about, so I’m just observing for now.”
“Recently, there’s been talk about investing in a new venture. Baron Vincent even approached me with a proposal. What do you think?”
“It seems like a good investment. I’m cautious to pursue change, but with the potential introduction of trains, considering the future of the Bartsch Kingdom, it holds investment value.”
“Exactly! I knew you’d say that, so I decided to invest, fortunately.”
Count Iago slapped his knee, joining the conversation. Then, Duke Abrilio, who had been listening quietly, chimed in with a frown,
“How selfish to invest on your own. It wouldn’t be a bad idea for the club to sponsor it as a collective effort.”
The topic brought forth by Marquis Zepeto soon had everyone adding their thoughts.
“If the club steps in, how will we handle the profit issue?”
Count Iago asked with a displeased face.
They quickly became engrossed in the investment talk, forgetting Emilia’s presence sooner than expected.
* * *
How long had she been standing there?
Emilia remained rooted to the spot.
How many minutes passed by? It wouldn’t have been enough to make her legs hurt. Blinded, she couldn’t tell how much time had elapsed.
Her legs and feet numbed by the stiffness and uncomfortable shoes.
Mikhail treated her thoroughly as an accessory. The club members, too, seemed to have forgotten about her presence while being engrossed in their discussions.
‘To think my father would request to attend the wedding… unbelievable.’
What was he hoping to gain by saying that?
The cigar smoke burrowing into her lungs made her cough. She wished they would talk a bit more about her father.
