Chapter 229
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
Countess Ablio was also someone who had supported the Jalliar royal family more than anyone else, and thus all eyes were on her. Quietly distancing herself from Lady Luther, she turned her head to the side.
‘Why on earth did she come here so clueless?’
No matter how shameless, she hadn’t expected the king himself to come to the Duke’s estate.
It was the king who had annihilated the Loren family.
They seemed so numb to the feelings and thoughts of others that it sent chills down her spine.
Countess Ablio naturally walked toward where her husband stood. If she stayed close to Lady Luther, she might get dragged into the mess too.
Of course, not everyone believed the newspaper’s content, but people loved such stories. It had already spread so widely that no one was unaware. The downfall of others was a source of pleasure, not sorrow, for the nobles.
Clearly, a sense of anticipation had arisen — that any of them might fill that empty seat. Everyone here had come to make some impression on Duke Heinrich.
Countess Ablio didn’t want to attend the engagement ceremony. But if she didn’t show her face, it would seem she still aligned with the Jalliar family.
So, the nobles friendly to the Jalliar family reluctantly attended with tears in their eyes.
“Oh my, do you still believe those absurd rumors? I heard the Spiegel newspaper is stirring up an anti-royal group… Surely they’re not thinking of rebellion?”
This was exactly how they prevented others from thinking differently.
At the mention of ‘rebellion,’ everyone fell silent, forcing awkward smiles.
Adrian observed the situation, sipping his wine. His gaze drifted toward Emilia, whose expression seemed somewhat dark.
‘She looks different somehow.’
His eyes kept drifting to her neatly tied-up hair.
Adrian smiled faintly and then headed toward Emilia.
❖ ❖ ❖
‘The atmosphere isn’t bad.’
Emilia felt relieved. Lady Luther still seemed unaware of what was happening.
But having spoken with Countess Ablio, she likely had a rough understanding of the situation.
Sipping lemonade, Emilia quietly moved toward the edge of the room, stepping back slightly.
Mikhail was surrounded by women. He seemed unaware, but the women’s eyes sparkled.
Mikhail’s reputation in high society wasn’t bad; with his handsome looks, power, and wealth, everyone admired him. The newspaper article likely fueled the women’s interest.
His face twisted in confusion at the women’s sudden advances.
He seemed to have forgotten to put on his mask, and his displeasure showed clearly.
‘Looks like trouble is about to start.’
Emilia tried to leave the banquet hall before he could approach her to ask about the newspaper article.
Fortunately, none of those who had read the paper came near Emilia, making it easier for her to move alone.
The gazes directed at her were even more blatant than before.
“If they really have the blood of the Bayern family, shouldn’t the two have stayed apart?”
“The stars are cruel too. Maybe the universe was angry at this wrong fate. If it were me, every day would be hell. How does she have such a strong stomach?”
Openly critical remarks continued endlessly about Emilia. She turned her head to look at the woman speaking about her.
What the Loren family had done deserved every curse.
They distorted history and deceived everyone into believing their lies; they had no right to be proud.
But the current royal family had also gained their position through rebellion.
If not for Mikhail’s anger, Adrian would never have become king.
Emilia had reported these facts to the newspaper to correct false history. But these people didn’t seem to care about the truth. To them, it was just gossip for entertainment.
‘Naturally, many side with power.’
Adrian and Mikhail had walked the same path. The cracks had only recently become apparent.
Those who always tried to stay near power were now suffering headaches.
Those absent from here were the ones awakening to the truth and thinking about what to do next.
‘Well, I’d better head back to my room.’
Emilia had no intention of shamelessly staying here until the engagement was over. She carefully slipped away from the center of the banquet hall to the side walls.
“Sigh.”
Covering her mouth with a fan, she carefully exhaled.
She didn’t want to spoil the celebratory mood. Her stomach was also tightening, and she needed a break.
Every expression and movement of hers attracted many gazes, making it hard to breathe.
Just as she was about to calm herself, she saw someone approaching.
‘What now?’
Adrian was walking toward her, fixing his gaze on her, his smile irritating.
He completely ignored her blatant contempt. He came leisurely, eyes locked only on her. He was almost in front of her.
She looked around to avoid him but had moved to the wall side, making it difficult to slip back among the crowd.
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