Chapter 83
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
“You could have simply sent a message through a maid.”
“She’s not able to move around freely. I’m willing to explain the reason if you wish to inquire.”
“…I suppose there’s no need to hear it.”
“I appreciate your understanding. My wife will surely be grateful for Your Majesty’s consideration.”
Leah noticed just how much Adrian was restraining himself. The Duke seemed indifferent, yet deliberately choosing provocative words.
She intervened in an attempt to lighten the mood.
“It’s a pity that Madam is unwell… I actually hoped to ask her to show me around the garden here at the Duke’s estate. I’ve heard it’s quite distinctive compared to others.”
She looked regretfully down, then sneakily nudged Adrian’s leg under the table as a signal.
“Well, Leah hasn’t made her social debut yet, seems like she was looking forward to it. Since the Madam is ill, perhaps the Duke could offer a tour?”
“The gardens at the palace are far more splendid than mine.”
“I’ve seen my own gardens enough to grow tired of them.”
“Would it be alright if I explore on my own?”
Leah cautiously asked. Mikhail stood up.
“Ten minutes. That’s all I can allow.”
“Great! Ah…, that should be plenty.”
Realizing she might have revealed too much excitement, Lea shyly smiled.
‘Finally, some time alone.’
* * *
“Your Grace, can you speak freely with me?”
Leah fidgeted with her fingers, asking timidly.
“Alright.”
Mikhail was irritated by the young woman sneaking glances at him.
Too transparent to even bother engaging with.
“The Duke’s garden may not be much different from others. I often come here to have tea or attend to some work.”
“It sounds wonderful. The trees in the garden look so fresh.”
Leah, in her pure white dress, smiled as she looked around the garden. Her smiling eyes, a stark contrast to Emilia’s, fluttered closed as she laughed, her colorless violet hair dancing in the breeze.
Her hand brushing her hair behind her ear was delicate. Though she seemed to be admiring the flowers, her attention appeared entirely captivated by him.
She leaned down slightly to catch the scent of a flower.
“What’s your wife like?”
“I think it’s better for you to meet her and talk directly than for me to describe her.”
“I’m just curious. I’ve often wondered what kind of person would become the Duke’s wife.”
“Lady Chevron. You’ve already heard from the king, so you must know. If you’re curious, don’t beat around the bush, just ask directly.”
“…That’s too harsh. There’s no need to be so sharp. I’m merely very interested in you.”
Her violet eyes glistened with moisture.
The tear poised on the brink of her eyelid seemed ready to fall at any moment.
“It seems more like you’re concerned about my relationship with Emilia rather than being interested in me.”
“I was just envious. I was curious about the woman who married you, wondering what it would have been like if it were me.”
“Lady Chevron. Was there ever anything between us?”
“…No.”
“Then I don’t understand why you would say that.”
“The Duke stood by Brother, so I thought you would marry me…”
“Why?”
“Because the Duke played a significant role in Brother’s ascension to the throne, who was the second prince. And I am his only relative who remains unmarried.”
“To assume that just because I didn’t marry a daughter of the Loren family, you’d automatically take the place beside me is quite laughable.”
“…So the Duke doesn’t think that way?”
She asked with disbelief. The tears that had welled up in her eyes had vanished.
“Right. I have my own preferences.”
She looked taken aback by his response, as if it was the last thing she expected to hear.
“Seems like you didn’t anticipate that answer.”
Mikhail no longer wished to waste time. He was concerned about Dahlia, who he had left, and also about Adrian, who he had left alone.
“Let’s head back. I think we’ve seen enough of the garden.”
He turned to retrace his steps back.
“Kyah!”
As he turned around at her scream, he found himself pushed and tumbling down onto the grass. Laying atop him, Leah groaned.
“Ugh… it hurts.”
Mikhail muttered a warning to her.
“Lady Chevron, move aside.”
* * *
Adrian took advantage of Mikhail and Leah’s departure to the garden to slip out of the drawing room.
He brazenly roamed the mansion, annoyed by the butler who appeared out of nowhere to follow him, though he refrained from commenting.
Eventually, Adrian climbed to the second floor, his gaze swiftly scanning the doors along the corridor.
“As the king, I can’t just leave knowing the Madam is unwell.”
“…Your Majesty. Please wait until the Duke returns.”
“Do I look like I have the luxury of time to you, butler? I know when they’ll be back.”
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