Chapter 93
Trap
As the voice rang out like cheerful music, the ladies’ faces brightened.
“My goodness, Sir Albireo! Come join us.”
“I hardly know where to put myself with such a warm welcome.”
Albireo smiled and greeted them with twinkling eyes, causing several of the ladies to blush slightly.
In the court, as usual for a gentleman, Albireo was a familiar figure to most of the ladies here, flirting casually with many. Yet, unlike other men who would harbor sinister intentions at the slightest opportunity, Albireo’s intentions were clear and light-hearted, much to everyone’s liking.
There were not a few who secretly wished he would cross the line a bit more. Although a second son, his charming presence at the academy where even the Imperial Crown Prince made appearances was highly desirable.
Albireo leaned in slightly to the lady who had spoken of fate, giving her a playful wink.
“Speaking of which, my lady, you’ve been visiting your family and the temple more often these days. At this rate, we’ll forget each other’s faces.”
“Oh, my lord, it is you who are busy, what with the academy. I hear those there bear shadows under their eyes daily.”
“To hear that pains my heart, madam.”
Albireo feigned a pitiable look deliberately. Then, naturally taking his place as if he had always been there, he lightly swirled the wine glass handed to him by a servant.
“Are you suggesting that I’ve become outdated while I was holed up in my nest?”
“Ha! Your brilliance could never be dimmed by the shadows there.”
While Albireo chatted cheerfully, a few more men from the court who matched his style approached. Suddenly, everyone was receiving glasses of wine from passing servants, conversing among themselves with familiar banter.
If someone even glanced at Freesia, whether intentional or not, Albireo’s talk of horse racing, hunting, and betting games distracted everyone completely.
However, Freesia was rather thankful for this indifference.
‘Ah, I’m given a moment to breathe.’
She sipped from the glass before her. The spiced cold wine spread a tart aroma in her mouth.
‘My throat is parched…’
She had exerted herself not to tremble too much while speaking, amidst the tension of seeking an escape route through a throng of beasts.
‘And honestly, I was surprised.’
Had she been so shocked by her own self?
‘Truly fascinating animals, aren’t they? It’s almost regrettable that they end up as meat.’
Until she thought of these words, she hadn’t realized how much resentment she harbored toward them. Caught up in focusing on critical matters within a limited time, she had momentarily forgotten the rage felt in her past life, but it seemed scars once etched on the soul were hard to forget.
‘Still, that’s how it is. The conversation ended smoothly enough for now.’
Since Atria had carelessly let something slip, perhaps tomorrow those not present would label her ‘shepherdess.’
‘At least it’s fortunate that Duchess Antares didn’t intervene this time.’
Last time Electra was absent and left her floundering, calling that person ‘Mother’ had caused trouble.
Stealing glances, she noticed that Duchess Antares and the Duke were quite far away, with no intention of approaching.
Seeing this somehow gave her strength.
‘Just hold on a little longer.’
Just a little more endurance and she could return to Izar’s side. That thought alone made this nauseating place bearable.
…But was this real nausea or just her imagination?
***
From the moment Atria linked arms with Freesia and led her to where the ladies were seated, Albireo had been quietly glancing over his shoulder at them.
‘Is she going to be alright?’
It was obvious they had brought her over just to subtly jab at her with their words.
In a battle of nerves among women, a man stepping in thoughtlessly would only be a nuisance. A noblewoman who couldn’t defend herself and needed a man’s strength to suppress others would slowly find herself isolated.
Yet there was one person who had a valid excuse to intervene but seemed to have no intention of doing so.
‘That husband of hers…’
Izar was half-heartedly dealing with some viscount who was thanking him for the support from his knights. But from his clenched jaw and stiff shoulders, it was clear he was purposely ignoring his wife.
Whether his wife was being dragged into a humiliating situation or not…
‘Useless fool. Why did you even marry her if you’re going to be like this?’
Unable to bear it any longer, Albireo quietly stepped away from the group of men.
However, before he could even find another group to mingle with, his older brother, Sadr Deneb, who had been watching him sternly, approached and whispered.
“Watch your behavior, Albireo.”
“Brother? What’s this about?”
“Everyone knows you enjoy flirting with the ladies.”
“Well, that’s something both our parents and you are very well aware of…”
“Listen to me till the end, Albireo.”
Sadr chastised Albireo strictly.
He had a rough idea of why his younger brother had turned out so reckless.
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