Chapter 6
"While we're here enjoying ourselves, things are gradually getting heated out there."
"That's true. I hope everyone stays safe…"
"Is it realistic to expect the Night Butterflies to prioritize their safety?"
"Well, you have a point."
"Anyway, it's likely that not many people here or there will make it home safely tonight. I wouldn't be surprised if the guest rooms and the casino are bursting at the seams."
Our ledgers will certainly be booming. Hehe. It's Christmas Eve, and it's a wedding reception at the hotel. How many people will end up joining the party today…
"Well then, it's a bit of a pity, but at this point today... I'm going to offer the Duke another hearty congratulations and head off. I still find it a bit hard to believe."
"We all feel the same, actually."
"I wish the honeymoon period could be a bit longer."
The Crown Prince let out a playful sigh and raised his hand in a farewell gesture before giving my shoulder a reassuring squeeze. He added quietly,
"Take care. There are quite a few eyes on you, especially since that snake is not here."
After the Crown Prince's enigmatic parting words, I sat for a moment, sipping the last of my cocktail.
Then, I motioned to a passing staff member and instructed them to bring some food for the police officers stationed outside.
Finally, I started walking toward where Assad and Lethias were exchanging greetings.
"It's quite something. Even today."
“Oh, Ducal Prince.”
"I think it's one of the grandest Christmas banquets I've ever witnessed."
I offered a smile to the somewhat awkwardly approaching siscon Ducal Prince, who continued to speak in a somewhat vague manner.
"Thank you. Since you're saying that, it makes all the effort worth it. I'm pleased that you're here."
"Yeah, of course…"
"Juan? I told you to come over quickly, what are you doing?"
This was the exclamation of Adriana, seated at the bridal table with the other young ladies, and exchanging giggles.
In response to this, Juan didn't immediately move but stood hesitantly by my side, with a hint of uncertainty in his expression.
Is there something he wants to say? Or perhaps this Ducal Prince made a promise to his friend to look after me in his stead?
“Sasha… Sasha should join us as well.”
At just the right time, Alfonsina beckoned us over with a welcoming gesture, and we both walked to the table amicably. This situation feels somewhat odd.
“Sasha, this is my younger sister. You saw her earlier, right?"
"It's a pleasure to meet you, my Lady."
"Nice to meet you, Sasha. I've heard a lot about you from Eonnie. I think you have such a great taste."
“That’s true, especially when everyone saw that tree, they were all amazed. Honestly, I've never seen anything like it in my life.”
“I've heard you studied at Vibrato. How many years have you been here exactly?”
“I heard it was really warm there, but how was it in reality?”
Adriana, who had been whispering something in her younger brother's ear, turned towards me, and in a lively and cheerful atmosphere, questions came at me from all directions.
“Sasha never fails to impress.”
“Ah, thank you for coming, Princess.”
“Well, it's my best friend’s wedding, so it's only natural, right? But where's the Ducal Prince? I thought he was at the ceremony earlier.”
Oh, I know…? It seemed that not just Adriana, but even the other ladies who were eagerly asking questions were waiting for my response with strangely twinkling eyes.
Well, aren't you popular, our snake-eyed Prince?
“The Ducal Prince left his seat briefly to attend to some urgent matters.”
"Ah…"
While they sighed in disappointment, Juan maintained a neutral expression, leaving me unsure whether he was relieved or suspicious.
Adriana, on the other hand, arched her straight, white eyebrows slightly upward.
"I'm not sure what it is, but I can't help but worry that he's away on a day like this."
"I appreciate your concern, but it's nothing major, so no need to worry. He rarely takes breaks, even on holidays…"
"How well do you know him?"
A brief pause enveloped the table as our Miss Heroine's words were delivered with a smile. It was only for a moment’s time.
"It's been my responsibility to look after the Young Masters for quite some time."
Adriana's smile faded slightly in response to my self-deprecating quip. Then, Alfonsina took my hand and affectionately patted the back of it, altering the topic with an uncommonly cheerful tone.
“Now that I think of it, Sasha must have seen the two of them since you were little. By the way, could you tell us what my husband was like as a child?”
“Right, tell us!”
“Tell us!”
What was the young Duke of Flame and Fury like? How was he when he was young? I suppressed a wry smile and lowered my head slightly.
"Well… He doesn't seem to have changed much since then. He was friendly and gentlemanly, you know."
"Ah, come on, that's not much of an answer! Give us some more details! You must have some memorable stories with him."
“Ahaha, I wouldn't want to disappoint the ladies, but…”
“All right, everyone, let's stop. Sasha would be in the same boat. It won't be a pleasant recollection. Right?”
What won’t be a pleasant recollection?
As we all exchanged puzzled glances, the empire's one and only Princess elegantly popped some olives from the snack plate into her mouth and continued in a sympathetic tone.
"I always feel sorry for people like Sasha. We all had nannies who took care of us when we were young, right? Now that we're grown up, I can't help but think their children must have been lonely…”
“Sasha! My valiant protector! Save me!”
Just then, out of nowhere, the groom of the day appeared and clung to me, enveloping me in a bear hug. I was caught off guard and found myself on the verge of suffocation.
Cough, cough.
Oh my goodness, you rascal!
“How cowardly to hide behind a lady! You're a disgrace to your family, Duke!”
“Stay away, you guys! Don't come any closer! Sasha, they're out to get me! They must be assassins!”
It seemed the level of groom-teasing had escalated dangerously.
Indeed, when Lethias, who had been fleeing from the pursuing men with a somewhat wild look in his eyes, finally came to a stop and calmed down, I was practically drained of all energy.
What kind of shield am I? This punk is something else!
“Whoa, seriously, these beastly idiots are treating me so…”
“... I don't think the Duke would really be the one who’ll word it that way...?"
"What? Oh, why not? I was genuinely terrified! Look at me! They nearly tore off my eyepatch!"
Oh my, trying to snatch off the eyepatch of the Duke of Flame and Fury. It's no wonder there's a saying that world domination can be achieved through alcohol and ambiance.
I clicked my tongue and smoothed out Lethias's ruffled hair with a calm demeanor.
"I'm glad you're still enjoying yourself."
"Of course, it's fun! It's my wedding day, after all! Aren't you having fun too?"
"Of course, I am. It's a joyful day."
Absolutely. I had worked so hard for this moment. Hmm. As I smiled with a sense of accomplishment, he returned a bright smile.
"But where's Benya? Why did he suddenly disappear?"
"Oh, something came up briefly, so he said he'll handle it and be back soon."
"What happened? It's quite shameful for him to be doing this on his own brother's wedding day…"
"He did say that you might actually prefer it without him."
"True."
You must be upset. For some reason, beyond Lethias's broad shoulders, even in his heightened state of excitement, I could see a glimpse of Alfonsina and Adriana.
They were sitting side by side, conversing about something, but their expressions didn't seem amicable.
"Yeah, but what I was going to say is..."
Lethias smiled again and was about to say something, when suddenly, Adriana abruptly stood up from her seat and approached us with determined steps. What's going on?
"Duke."
"Ah, Princess."
"Congratulations again. You make quite the picturesque couple."
"Ahaha, thank you."
"Alsie is a very dear friend to me. I'll pray that you two are happy for a long time… Well, can I have a word with Sasha for a moment?"
“Yes, of course…”
With that, Adriana took a firm hold of my hand and led me to a quieter area at the back of the reception hall. Oh my, I think things are about to get serious.
Our Miss Heroine held my hand tightly and remained silent as we walked to a relatively secluded area.
Finally coming to a stop, Adriana turned to me and looked up. Her pink eyes, like glass beads, held a calm and resolute light of unknown origin.
“Please don't take offense, Sasha. I was sincere about what I said earlier, so please keep that in mind.”
Are you really worried about the nanny's children? Or are you implying that I'm overly knowledgeable about these matters?
I tilted my head slightly, pretending to listen to her as Adriana held my hand tightly and whispered sternly.
“I've heard about your relationship with the late Princess Serpente. It's not surprising that you've become close to the late Duke’s remaining children. They've known you since they were little, and their memories of their nanny are filled with affection.”
“…”
"But Alsie is my dear friend, and she has been for as long as I can remember. I don't want her to be unhappy. Do you understand what I mean?"
"Well, I'm not entirely sure I understand."
She narrowed her eyes a bit, looking at me with suspicion as I blinked innocently and tilted my head.
“Sasha might not understand, but... The world of high society is full of conversations and gossip. No matter what the truth is, people will talk and speculate. Of course, I don't believe all the rumors about you, but now that my friend is officially tied to the Duke, I think it's best to clear up any misunderstandings.”
"What do you mean by clearing up misunderstandings?"
Comments
Post a Comment