Chapter 24

Milena considered for a time whether or not Lancelot had a spouse.

Almost immediately after remembering that he was the most valued single man in the kingdom of Montevio, she inquired.

“I’m simply curious; did you really conduct a covert wedding?”

“Following the conclusion of my father’s four-day wake, we want to arrange a brief and intimate wedding”

‘Get married immediately after the wake. I don’t know how many times the Duke of Edenbahir has astonished me today.’

“It’s cause for celebration. If it’s not impolite, may I inquire what kind of woman you plan to marry?”

“Anita Volloni.”

However, no occurrence will be similar to his previous comments.

The Duke of Edenbahir, who is due to perform a succession ceremony, is the blood bride of the country’s monarch. (T/N: Lancelot’s standing is important to the Royal family)

Vincent Volloni was ordained a knight, however knighthood is not the same as standing as a knight. It was nothing compared to the family of Duke Edenbahir.

‘Regardless of how many investment management rights you own. Does it make sense to take a girl from an untitled household and make her a duchess?’

Is he selling his daughter?

Lancelot added a narrative with his eyes, indicating that he was aware of her misgivings.

“The Queen has assured me of her support.”

The countess’s eyes widened.

‘He was assured of the queen’s backing, despite her high demands. What the heck were you trying to negotiate?’

“The Lady will make you uncomfortable if you leave me with the Duchess. Are you okay?”

In the primary social circle including Hicksen, the capital of the Kingdom of Montevio, and Chavalon, the metropolis, attitudes towards the Countess of Milena are mostly divided into two groups.

The liberated woman or godmother of a civilization in its infancy.

Milena, countess, adored the art, both psychologically and physically.

There were several artists at home and abroad who earned a career from her passion.

Hundreds of artists, including those from theater companies, art schools, salons, and orchestras that have invested for more than a decade, as well as composers, painters, and poets supported by them, belonged to these organizations.

She will do anything for brilliant artists in exchange for a job and money. Drugs, land, booze, women, men… 

Some detested her irresponsibility, while others coveted her carefree lifestyle.

From the perspective of a Matriarch who scrupulously respects formality and heritage, she had no option but to portray a person who was doomed to be reviled and misunderstood.

As long as the Countess approves, there is no issue.

‘Oh.’

But is this not the new Duke?

Perhaps this is an opening.

‘A chance for my personality.’

An opportunity to irrigate the matriarch who treated her like a filthy mess.

“I must speak with you in great detail. Sir, may I come to your residence after returning from Edenbhir?”

Anita Volloni, who will provide her with this invaluable chance.

What kind of woman is she? The Countess began to become fascinated.

—

The reporters were profoundly affected by Anita’s words.

So many questions were asked that she became disoriented. As a result of the polarities adhering to the situation, it became more difficult for the slaves to move.

‘Will Lancelot talk to me?’

Actually, Anita’s first objective was to clarify her emotions towards Lancelot.

However, she arrived at the duke’s mansion at a pace comparable to Lancelot’s, and that was without having much thought for her. She thought that was rather amusing.

The wagon of the Grandmother was impeded by the throng and could not proceed freely.

Anita, who made it to the duke’s residence’s front door, waited for the door to open.

However, behind the high-rising barrier resembles a grate. A recognizable silhouette stood.

“Lancelot.”

Squeak.

The barrier that separated them rapidly vanished. Meanwhile, Anita stared blankly at the face of the guy standing next to her.

Anita was able to regain her composure only when he cautiously extended his hand.

“Are you awaiting my arrival?”

Instead of responding, the extended hand drew Anita away. As though in anticipation, flashes erupted everywhere.

‘In this situation—’

Anita stared at the reporters who were prevented from entering by the attendants and said in a low voice.

“I am very sorry. Our marriage was initially disclosed to the media by me.”

The gaze that had been staring at her tenderly extended beyond the unlocked boundary of the house.

The wagon of the Duchess Dowager (T/N: I’ll use this title for the grandmother from now on) was ready to enter.

“You did something that you’re not usually doing.”

“Sorry.”

“Don’t apologize. As I said on the train, the noisier our relationship, the better. And if you let me—”

At first sight, it seemed like the hand holding her had acquired strength. “I’m going to make it even rowdier, if you don’t mind.” Anita had difficulty quickly comprehending Lancelot’s statements.

‘Making it louder? Is he gonna propose here? How—’

“What do you intend to do? I could care less either way—”

“Miss Anita Volloni.”

The call was low-key.

The call did not include two voices chatting so quietly that only they could hear each other. It was larger and more distinct than that.

It was so loud that even reporters stationed near the entrance could hear it.

“Lancelot?”

The hand guiding her went away.

The warmth that had dissipated along with the breeze remained in front of Anita. The instant Lancelot kneels before her, her green emerald’s locked on to his gaze of golden hue.

“I love you. Please be my lifelong companion.”

Anita received from Lancelot a tiny package containing a diamond ring.

‘Oh my god.

Oh my God, this is impossible!’

Anita lacked the ability to speak. The electric current, rising from her toes, delivered a powerful blow to her chest and head. At this time, nothing except Lancelot was visible.

‘I was proposed to by him.’

“I—”

‘To me, he—’

[The noisier our union, the better.]

No, no.

This is not true.

This was not genuine, really.

This was a display.

Similar to a circus group using fire to draw spectators.

Therefore, it should not be misconstrued. Anita must laugh. Anita must accept his proposal with the happiest expression on your face.

The visage of Lancelot surfaced. A placid face devoid of even the smallest emotion.

Anita responded with a stronger hand clasp than when she accepted the marriage proposal.

“Yes… I will embrace your affections.”

She seemed to be dazzled by the flash’s continuous flashing.

Anita grasped the ring with shaky fingers. Both terrified and happy at the same moment.

‘Am I smiling right now?’

‘Am I really smiling?’

Does she look content? Does she have an odd contorted face?

As Lancelot rose to his feet, the sensation of time seemed to move extremely slowly.

He placed the ring on Anita’s left ring finger and spoke in a very quiet voice.

“Close your eyes.”

Long, white fingers wrapped themselves around her waist.

The descent of Lancelot’s lips, which was neither rapid nor sluggish, halted just before they met her breath.

“This will feel unpleasant… just think of this as a play.”

Anita, unable to endure this euphoric feeling any longer, closed her eyes firmly.

Her heart was pleasantly touched by Lancelot’s concern, but she also felt a feeling of humiliation.

Unpleasant? A play?

Isn’t that what she’s saying to herself?

The question was never spoken. It was a strangely gentle touch that she had never before experienced.

It was not the lips, it’s near her mouth.

Lancelot’s lips brushed lightly on Anita’s tiny corners.

The warmth that engulfed her was really pleasant, but the eyes looking at Anita through their golden eyelashes were icy.

Why?

[Don’t anticipate it, Anita Volloni.]

‘Like magic. My past interactions with him resurfaced.

[I don’t feel like I love you. It always has been and always will be.]

His attitude, which was seemingly taken for granted, was not to be repeated.

[As you are aware, close your thoughts. Because I don’t want to lose an old friend whose emotions I cannot understand.]

His expression suggested that there was no other option.

[Can you do it?]

[Yes.]

She shook her head violently, terrified by the lever.

It is not challenging. Because it is not that profound. Easily… She can resolve the issue.

It has been two years since she cursed that much.

Anita’s thinking remained unsettled.

The following day dawned.

The kingdom of Montevio, encompassing Chavalon, was rocked by a rare scandal.

The headline was as follows.

[Before his father’s body had cooled, Lancelot Edenbahir picked up an Unqualified Duchess.]

It was the response that Lancelow had anticipated.