The Elven Duke Reluctantly Marries The Cursed Lady - Chapter 66
Although she was expecting a cat, Violette had found Hydrangea instead.
The two spent a few moments awkwardly staring at each other.
I have to say something.
While Hydrangea was trying to choose his words carefully, Pomeranian spoke directly into his mind.
(Just meow.)
“Huh?”
(I said just meow.)
(Pomeranian… Why are you able to talk directly into my mind?)
(It’s because I am a great spirit, of course. Rather than that, do you intend to embarrass your wife? She misunderstood and thought you were a cat, so the least you could do is to cutely meow back.)
“Over my dead body!”
“D-dear?”
“!”
Violette was surprised at her husband suddenly raising his voice.
The sudden outburst once again turned the atmosphere awkward between the two of them.
“Um… Dear, what are you doing over there?”
“I did not want to trouble the servants, so I went to the garden instead.”
“What about work?”
“I skipped.”
Violette continued to question him.
“Since when have you been in there?”
“Since earlier.”
“C-could it be that, that you saw me practicing?”
“I-I saw nothing of the sort!”
Violette’s cheeks turned bright red just as he denied it.
The way he had denied it was deliberate, as if he were admitting that he had seen her.
Violette hid her face with a fan in shame, so Verbena spoke to him instead.
“It’s quite rare for you to be home this early, Master. Has something happened at work?”
Thinking that now was the right time to invite her to see the play, Hydrangea stood up to approach Violette and took out a pair of tickets from his pocket.
“My dear wife, Prince Magnolia has ordered me to watch this performance with you today.”
“Huh?”
Violette moved her fan away and peered down at the tickets.
“W-why, isn’t this ‘The Duchess’ struggle to find a groom’?”
She was a huge fan of the original story and had begged her father to take her to see it many times when she was a child. However, it appeared that her father had never once allowed her to do so. Violette was frustrated whenever she learned that the play was being performed.
“Father always told me that we absolutely cannot go and see it because of the huge crowd…”
“Don’t worry. These are tickets to special seating, so the entrance is located at the back where there are a few people.”
“So you are saying it’s okay for me to go?”
“Of course.”
“And will you be accompanying me?”
“That’s what I have been saying.”
Violette took the tickets and suddenly burst into tears.
“Wh-why are you crying?”
“I-I’m so happy…”
Because of the curse, she had been told that she was forbidden from going outside.
It must have been hard for Violette who is very curious by nature.
“I-I’ll cherish this memory for the rest of my life,” Violette said as she held the tickets close to her chest.
“Although this will be the first time you’ll be seeing a play, it certainly won’t be the last.”
“Eh?”
“If possible, I’ll get us special balcony seats every time.”
“Th-thank you very much!”
Violette bent forward and performed a lady’s curtsy as thanks.
Hydrangea, who had never been thanked this way, became embarrassed and looked away.
◇◇◇
That evening, Hydrangea and Violette were decked in formal attire.
Hydrangea’s bangs were brushed up while his long hair was tied up in a braid. He was wearing a black swallowtail tuxedo and was holding a walking stick in one hand.
Meanwhile, Violette’s hair was styled in a braided updo that appeared like a crown adorned with rose hair pins to keep it in place. Her chosen dress was a scarlet gown with an open bosom.
Although Hydrangea had extended his hand intending to escort Violette who was perfectly dressed, he pulled it back as soon as he remembered the curse.
“Aah, apologies.”
“It’s fine.”
If I touch her, Violette will turn into a cat.
I must keep her from turning into a cat. Hydrangea was more careful than usual.
Pomeranian and Snow White were staying at home with Verbena and were wagging their tails as they saw the couple off.
After completing their preparations, they took a carriage to the Étoile Royal Opera House.
Violette peeked out the window like a countryside girl who had not yet made her debut into the social scene.
“The streets of the royal capital have changed so much since I last saw them.”
“Well, yes.”
Hydrangea told her all about the newly built buildings in the past decade as well as the renovations in the royal library. Violette happily listened to his explanations.
“Oh, even the signboard and the facade of the Royal Magic Tool shop has changed!”
“That place has a new owner.”
“I see.”
Hydrangea explained further that the family that had been running the magic tool shop for generations began to plot to make more money, so they cut corners and inferior products began to flow into the market.
Although it was he who had noticed the deterioration in the quality of the magic tools and the rapid increase in sales and exposed the family, he had no desire for any recognition so he kept that part secret.
The Étoile was an ancient temple that had been remodeled and constructed into a theater.
The roof, which was supported by columns so high that one must look up, is carved in the shape of the four elements. It was a relic from the time when people worshiped spirits.
The alabaster building, which was illuminated at night by a huge magic stone lamp, emerged beautifully in the darkness.
“So pretty…”
Violette put her hand on her chest and was overcome with admiration.
She appeared to be satisfied with just the journey to Étoile.
