Chapter 196
“Gasp.”
“That person is…”
The same surprised exclamation escaped from nearly everyone. Hundreds of wide-open eyes fixed on the wide-open doors of the hall. The last guest to arrive leisurely was none other than Duke Inverness, whose recent presence had stirred quite a commotion in the capital.
Despite his elegant appearance, his golden eyes held a chilling intensity. His collar buttoned all the way up gave more the impression of a beast with a leash than a neat gentleman.
With a flash of his piercing gaze, he scanned the hall once before sweetly whispering to Sebelia,
“You’re not late.”
“That’s a relief.”
Only then did the crowd realize the man was escorting someone. Startled by Dehart’s fierce aura, they cautiously averted their eyes and swallowed nervously.
“That face…!”
A soft murmur spread rapidly like birdsong. Fans hiding faces fluttered nonstop. The woman linked arm-in-arm with him was the very same who had appeared more than once in newspapers published in the capital.
Ignoring the stares, the two moved forward. Like the sea parting, people naturally made way for them.
A trembling, unlucky staff member who had been tasked with handling the soon-to-be center of the capital’s social scene greeted them, trying to hide his shaking hands.
“Ti-tickets… no, I mean, I’ll confirm your seats.”
Once the frozen staffer managed to fulfill his duty, Dehart personally pulled tickets from his pocket and showed them. The staff barely looked at them and hastily tried to lead them to their seats.
“This way, please.”
“Ah.”
Suddenly, Dehart lifted his head and surveyed the hall. His golden eyes absorbed each face staring at him until they reached the entrance.
Then, pulling the corners of his mouth into a smile, Dehart looked at Sebelia and slowly spoke. At that moment, the staff member shivered with a bad feeling.
“Bella, it seems Mr. Appenz will be late.”
“Oh, sorry. My uncle often forgets like this. My parents always scold him for it.”
Bella exclaimed, her cheeks flushed. Though she looked like an innocent young lady, her voice was steady and clear, ensuring everyone in the hall heard her words.
“We can’t blame Miss Bella for Mr. Appenz’s laziness. So, what can we do?”
Dehart pretended to consider Sebelia’s remark, sighed shortly, and then turned to the staff. The employee, who had been watching the two in a daze, jumped as he flicked his shoulder.
“Let’s go ahead first. Then please escort us to the box seats.”
“Yes, yes!”
“And if someone named Karl Appenz arrives, he’s with my party—send him up to the box seats.”
“Understood.”
Guided by the staff, the two moved forward. Soon after, staff began urging people to take their seats as the opera was about to begin. Only once seated could the crowd finally discuss what they had just witnessed.
“Doesn’t she look exactly like the daughter Marquis Wheddon lost? Could it be Duke Inverness forcibly brought back his wife’s identical sister…!”
“Interesting theory. But I heard she came up to the capital with a man called ‘uncle.’ Doesn’t that disprove the idea she’s the lost daughter of Marquis Wheddon?”
“You never know. Maybe she’s adopted and doesn’t even know it herself.”
People speculated as they waited for the performance to start. Most were entertained by the gossip to pass the time—everyone but Nathan.
“She’s playing a pathetic trick.”
“Don’t take it so seriously, Nathan. She’s sulked like this more than once.”
Nelia waved her fan casually, smiling.
“As usual, if you coax and soothe her, she’ll come around. She’s a good kid. Our only little sister, after all.”
“You’re too trusting.”
“I’m going to be the Empress of this country someday, of course I am.”
Nelia whispered from behind her fan. Nathan frowned briefly but then sighed and relaxed. She was right—after all, it was Sebelia. A clumsy girl who, despite having illusionist abilities, did nothing but run away.
What use was it to be serious with someone like that?
What really matters is what Duke Inverness, who’s with her, is thinking.
Does he keep her close knowing she’s his wife? If so, why? What does he gain? Nathan felt a headache coming on.
As Nathan pondered his troubling thoughts, the curtain rose.
* * *
“So this is what the box seats look like. There’s something on the table—flowers and snacks… Oh, are these opera glasses?”
Sebelia murmured with wonder as she looked around the box seat. At her admiring tone, Dehart pressed his lips tightly.
Since he wasn’t a patron of the grand theater, he wasn’t given a family box and had to reserve a regular one.
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