Chapter 67
Chapter 67
“I asked your wife.”
“She said she’s busy.”
Oh ho, look at this. Minerva glared briefly at Daykin. Though he resembled Dale in appearance, the aura he exuded and his temperament were undeniably Minerva’s. While not entirely pleased, Minerva decided to let it go, seeing Ailee’s unease.
“Then come to me right after your fitting, dear. Daykin, this was a prior engagement, so don’t interfere. I promised to visit your father with her.”
At Minerva’s words, Daykin stared at his mother as if questioning her motives. He seemed to think she would use Ailee’s abilities to awaken her husband.
‘Raising a son is pointless, they say.’
“It’s just a greeting. It won’t take that much time.” Daykin’s gaze still spoke of suspicion. Minerva inwardly cursed, ‘Oh, that boy,’ and shrugged.
“And, dear child, think carefully about the flower viewing.”
“Since we’re newlyweds, wouldn’t it be better if you gave us some space?”
“Aren’t you busy now that you’ve become the Grand Duke? I’m just trying to keep the new bride company, lest she be lonely.”
Ailee looked back and forth between the two, her eyes darting nervously. Why, why were they suddenly arguing? The dinner atmosphere hadn’t been exactly cheerful from the start, but it hadn’t been a battleground either. Perhaps she should be grateful the argument erupted near the end of the meal, rather than in the middle. Unable to keep up, Ailee was busy gauging the mood, glancing between them.
“I’ll take a vacation.”
“Are you telling me to do your work?”
“It would be even better if you returned the title to Father and worked hard like you used to.”
The scale of arguments in the Grand Duke’s household was certainly different. Ailee felt lost, watching the two bicker over the Grand Duchy. So, the cause of this fight was Mother’s suggestion to visit the flower garden… which meant she had to respond carefully to defuse the situation.
“…Let’s all go together. To, um, see the flowers. You know.” She started bravely, but her voice trailed off as their gazes snapped towards her.
Minerva and Daykin secretly clutched their hearts. They needed to commission a portrait soon. For the first time since dinner began, they were in agreement.
With both lost in thought, Ailee’s eyes darted again. Since Daykin was next to her, she timidly tugged his sleeve.
‘Let’s do that, okay?’ she pleaded with her eyes. Daykin, swayed by her sparkling gaze, readily agreed. Minerva, watching with amusement, crunched on a cookie.
‘Look at them.’
Sensing the subtly heated atmosphere, Minerva cleared her throat. “I must be getting old. I can’t stay up late anymore.”
Despite her words, her face was far too radiant, but Daykin didn’t argue. He even seemed eager for her to leave. As Minerva rose and headed for the exit, she added, “Ho ho, I must be going. It’s gotten dark. Yes, it’s gotten quite dark.”
Why did she emphasize the darkness twice? Ailee’s ears flushed. Even if it was dark, they wouldn’t, wouldn’t do anything. She felt the need to defend herself. Embarrassed, she tried to move away from Daykin, but he followed, leaning closer with a smile. “What do you think about it being dark? Has night fallen for you too, my wife?”
“N-No. Not at all.” It probably wouldn’t.
Despite having just finished a full meal, Daykin’s eyes seemed hungry. As Ailee flustered, she suddenly remembered the conversation she’d forgotten amidst the argument, her earlier attempt to escape to the dining hall.
She tried to flee again, slipping her feet off the chair. Daykin hesitated, wondering whether to stop her. How far could she possibly run? She’d just return to his room.
Oblivious to being caught in her husband’s web, Ailee carefully watched him, calculating her escape. After a silent countdown, she bolted.
Daykin rose leisurely, though his expression was anything but relaxed.
***
I ran and ran, but soon despaired. There was nowhere to escape.
‘Why did I say that back then!’ It was Daykin’s fault. It was because of the way he looked at me. It wasn’t my fault at all. Yes, so…
I screamed silently. I must have been momentarily possessed. I’d held back so well, why did I say that there, of all places?
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