Chapter 79.1
The invitation that arrived at the grand duke’s place was sent out to the n.o.bles in the capital like Wade said.
The n.o.bles who received the invitation were happy to see a ball hosted by a high n.o.ble for the first time in a while, and the tailors were busy making designer clothes to send.
Canillia was observing the busy world while sitting on the bench at Saint Mateo’s park. There was a young couple pushing a stroller; old men playing chess; and a child who had come out early to deliver newspapers was wandering because he had nothing to do.
“Long time ago, your mother was framed and kicked out. I’m sorry…. So you don’t have to feel guilty to me. Resent me all you want.”
For some reason, she wasn’t surprised. Maybe she subconsciously knew about it. She must have started to doubt the past as the Marchioness’s behavior worsened over time.
So even though she wasn’t shocked, a name crossed her mind.
Betty.
Was Betty being nice to her so she could alleviate some of her guilt? If that was so, she truly left nothing at Cosoar. Everyone lied to her and that lie grew and grew to destroy someone’s life.
Canillia rubbed her face with her hands, pulling herself out of her thoughts. What was the point of mulling over? It was past and she was only repaying her debt. She was half expecting in antic.i.p.ation of how much more truth would come out.
“I should eat something sweet at times like this.”
She mumbled quite seriously and glanced a little far. Ivan, with a hat on, was following Lia inconspicuously. As she got up, Ivan also moved with his newspaper. She chuckled at such natural movement.
Lia b.u.t.toned her coat and started walking. The place she was headed was the candy store where Claude gifted her.
There weren’t as many customers as then, but she saw children coming out of the store with faces of mirth and jars full of candy.
She looked at the sign that said ‘All new this year!’ and was about to walk in.
“You still like sweets?”
Lia froze. It was familiar yet unfamiliar. Voice that she longed a little. Maybe the first friend she made…
Then the man lowered his body towards her ear and whispered, “My lady.”
Ian…?
As she remembered the owner of the voice and slowly turned around, Ian took his hands out of his pockets, smiled brightly and opened his arms.
“Canillia.”
“Ian.”
She took a step back in surprise and Ian came closer. The moment he was about to hug her, a sheath with Duke’s symbol on it came between them.
“She’s a d.u.c.h.ess Ihar to be. Please show respect.
Ian was wearing Geore uniform. He coldly stared at Ivan, who stopped him even though he was well aware of who Ian was, then clicked his tongue. “It’s the Grand Duke’s hound,” he muttered.
“Ivan Hamilton.”
“Yes, that name.” Ian nodded. He leisurely pushed Ivan’s sheath.
When he saw someone over Canillia’s shoulder, he scoffed.
“It’s been a while, Grand Duke Ihar.”
***
Rosina saw Canillia, who was pacing around in front of her, and put the necklace down.
“You think they might duel? Canillia, can I ask why you’re like this?”
Canillia sat across from her, hesitant as she bit her lips.
“Canillia.”
Rosina called her name seriously on purpose. Canillia finally started speaking.
“To tell you the truth, I received a marriage proposal before from Ian,” Lia coughed, “from Grand Duke Sergio.”
Rosina’s eyes widened and her lips opened slightly.
“What? A proposal? When!”
“Three years ago. He knew I was a lady, and he was always joking around so I thought it was a joke… But he officially proposed to my father,” replied Canillia.
“Ha!” Rosina closed her eyes. To receive a proposal from a prince of a country. Not just any prince, but Ian Sergio, who’s now the Grand Duke of Geore. “Yes, that can happen. Yes. But can’t you just reject it,” Rosina paused and exhaled heavily. “Perhaps, the Marquis didn’t reject it?”
Lia nodded with her fist clenched. The war started before she was able to reject it and Ian left before anything could be resolved. What worried her the most was…
“Does Claude know?”
Yes, it was him. Grand Duke Ihar, the man who wouldn’t take his eyes off of her.
“Yes. Possibly.”
Rosina finally realized how serious the situation was and dismissed the maids. The moment they were alone, Rosina and Canillia both sighed.
“Claude isn’t someone to request for a duel or fight. Maybe… They went for a drink?” asked Rosina, forcing to be hopeful.
“But the mood…”
“Believe in my brother. There is no one better than Wade at arbitration.”
Canillia nodded in agreement. If it was Prince Wade, alcohol would be involved in their conversation. Like in the past.
“Canillia, just take a look at this.”
Rosina got up smiling brightly as if to change the mood and opened the door personally. Instead of a closet full of dresses, there was only one dress in pearl color.
“What is this?” Canillia asked.
“I’m thinking about using the Marchioness Vale’s ball as an opportunity,” replied Rosina.
Canillia squinted her eyes. She finally noticed the jewelry box and the diamonds inside it on the table. The dress was so fancy that it seemed a bit too much. The sleeve decoration was puffy and the shoulders were revealing, and out of everything, the material was quite unique. It was like a mother-of-pearl that was emitting thousands of light.