Chapter 195
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
“Are you sure about this?”
“…I’m not sure.”
It wasn’t that he was confused. He had held her countless times, and how could he forget the rose scent that lingered on her skin?
But the truth was, when he looked around, there was no one who resembled her.
“Women often wear rose scents.”
“That seems to be the case.”
“Right, that could be one possibility.”
Mikhail scribbled something furiously on a piece of paper.
He handed it over to Kartho.
“Proceed with this.”
“…Are you serious?”
“If we play it smart, we’ll get what we want.”
Kartho looked at the note in his hand. It instructed him to visit every perfume shop in Bartsch and collect the names of all those who had bought rose-scented products.
The deadline was set for six months.
Kartho glanced at Mikhail. His gaze was serious.
“I’ll start right away.”
Mikhail nodded. As Kartho left the office, he returned shortly.
“Your Grace, don’t forget about the club meeting today.”
He stood up. Business-related topics were expected to come up, so attendance was mandatory.
He didn’t want to exert his energy elsewhere, but this meeting was important. He would likely hear about the royal family’s recent developments. Most importantly, he needed to check whether their opinions about him had changed.
Mikhail checked the dress code on the invitation.
Green.
He looked at the wedding ring on his finger before leaving the office.
❖ ❖ ❖
The atmosphere at the Elta Club felt different than usual. Everyone was sitting in their places, keeping a careful eye on Mikhail.
Some had already seen Dahlia up close, so they likely had their doubts about the Duke’s lineage.
Moreover, the rumors about him bringing the downfall of the Loren family would have made the members fear him.
Among them were pro-royalist families, and some might not have been pleased to see Mikhail there.
Mikhail leaned back in his chair and crossed his legs. He was already exhausted and didn’t want to bother with these people.
“If you have something to say, say it. I can’t understand your words just by your eyes.”
No one spoke, even at Mikhail’s remark.
“The Duke would know better than anyone what everyone is curious about, don’t you?”
Mikhail smiled faintly at the remark from Marquis Gepetto.
“Does it make a difference if I have Bayern blood? If so, let’s just say I do.”
His relaxed demeanor was as usual, and the members finally eased up a little.
But still, there was something uncomfortable in the air. Eventually, Count Iago spoke up, unable to bear it any longer.
“…Duke, haven’t you seen the newspaper?”
“I saw it before anyone else.”
“Then coming here so casually makes it seem like we should be more worried.”
“To be worried about me, how thoughtful. Do I need to thank you for that?”
“Everyone’s curious if you truly brought about the downfall of the Loren family. They’re even discussing possible punishments in the upcoming council…”
“It seems the Count is convinced I did it.”
“No, uh… That’s not what I meant…”
Count Iago cleared his throat and avoided making eye contact.
“By the way, it seems Count Chevron no longer attends the club.”
Marquis Ablio narrowed his eyes at Marquis Gepetto’s words.
“He must be busy with his daughter’s problems. Scandals have to be handled up to a point.”
He seemed uncomfortable even mentioning the name, his expression showing it.
‘The old fox has definitely abandoned the Chevron family.’
Mikhail observed the members’ expressions.
“If I’d known today’s topic was going to be a hearing about me, I would’ve prepared beforehand.”
“Th-That’s not it. We’re just concerned, since the reputation of the Elta Club is at stake.”
“Marquis, you must already know what the royal family plans to say, right?”
“…I haven’t heard anything specific, but it seems the royal family is unaware of the Loren family’s situation. And the Duke led a group of knights to the Loren family’s estate, didn’t you?”
‘Ah, they’re going to use that as leverage.’
It didn’t matter. Even if they tried to target him, it wouldn’t result in any loss for him.
“Everyone knows, right? I’m the royal dog. Whether I led the rebellion, or wiped out those who stood against us, I followed the commands of the King.”
His words essentially meant that all his actions stemmed from the royal family’s orders.
“There are many here who’ve benefited from me. Can you turn your back on me now?”
His sharp face seemed even more angular lately, giving off an aura that made others feel more intimidated than before.
“Alright, alright! Everyone, calm down. This isn’t the topic for today. Why are we acting like this with Baron Vincent even here?”
Count Iago made an effort to ease the tense atmosphere.
“Let’s start with the train discussion. We’re all busy people, aren’t we? Surely, the Duke didn’t bring about the destruction of his wife’s family.”
Marquis Gepetto shrugged casually. The members hesitantly nodded in agreement.
“Besides, the Duke matched the dress code today with his wedding ring, didn’t he?”
Count Iago chimed in, nodding towards Mikhail’s finger. The members’ gazes immediately shifted to Mikhail’s hand.
An emerald ring gleamed on his fourth finger.
Marquis Gepetto stared at his finger.
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