“I think you’re right, Grandma.”
The current Duke's sister, Lady Neuta, who was having tea time with him, sided with the great lady's opinion.
“Agatha, when has she ever bowed down to my grandmother, mother, and me? Even when she dares to enter this mansion, she always opens her eyes and says, ‘Mother. That is something I cannot accept.' She was like this.”
Agatha Nobilis was a special daughter-in-law to them in a very bad way.
She did not easily grant favors, did not do as they asked, and sometimes acted as if they were harassing her, creating conflict between Theodore and them.
“Agatha will never cover up any rumors that spread about our family. When she got divorced, she left the rumors floating around, right? I don't know either. This time, she might go directly to public opinion for her happy married life.”
How many rumors circulated when Agatha Nobilis divorced for the sixth time.
As the rumor that they divorced because of their unreasonable demands and abuse spread the most, the social circle this spring was confined to seclusion without even being able to go out.
The great lady pounded her chest as if she was frustrated.
"Mother. Are you just going to watch until this happens? We also have to fight back.”
“...”
"Mother! Are you hesitating, knowing how Theodore is these days?”
Old Lady Neuta sighed at those words.
“...How did such a mess come from the noble Nobilis family?”
These days, her beautiful grandson's complexion was becoming sallower day by day.
There were days when the kid who just applied his hair got drunk.
On days like that, he regretted divorcing Agatha Nobilis and looked at her, his mother, and his sister with resentment.
"Why don't you look at her kindly just once, just once."
After a brief recollection, old lady Neuta clicked her tongue and made a decision.
"Yes. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to give her final lessons to the girl who was once our daughter-in-law.”
Lady Neuta and the Duchess's eyes sparkled as if they were filled with life.
However, it is about dealing with ‘that’ Agatha Nobilis. Even though she said that the old lady did not let down her guard.
In the calculations, it would be impossible to confront her directly, but it seemed like she could embarrass her in social circles if she was prepared enough.
They were somewhat equal in power and status.
“It would be nice to hunt in the fall.”
“I will prepare.”
“Yes, Grandma!”
It was the signal for the Neuta trio to return to the social world.
***
Today is the day of lunch with the Emperor.
Agatha woke up early in the morning and picked the dress that best suited her mood today among the dresses she had chosen late last night.
“I’d like that.”
The hem of the skirt is richly layered with thin pink fabric.
The top made with generous use of silver thread and the frilly sleeves that reached the middle of the wrist were the most luxurious of the dresses chosen.
“Wouldn’t it be too flashy?”
"No. When I think about what I have to do today, it has to be that much.”
She was talking about a luncheon, but she was on her way to a fight with the Emperor. A look that is extravagant rather than simple will leave a strong impression.
“Then I’ll put on heavy makeup today.”
"Please."
There were full-length mirrors on three sides, and maids were busy bringing in accessories and cosmetics and putting them down.
The jewelry included a set of earrings and a necklace studded with diamonds the size of a little fingernail.
The hair was gathered to one side and several transparent hairpins like lilies were inserted in the middle.
Bright eye makeup with pearls.
The plump lips with a slight red tint on the white skin stood out.
Although her thin neckline and shoulder line were fully exposed and she wore dazzlingly extravagant decorations, Agatha was able to pull off even the excess perfectly.
“You are so beautiful, Young lady.”
"Good. Now let’s choose some shoes.”
A satisfied Agatha was choosing her shoes for the last time.
“Knock,” said the maid who came in after knocking.
“Young lady. It is said that Marquis Aratus has arrived.”
"Yes?"
After contemplating for a moment, Agatha chose shoes with gradual dyeing.
The top was white cloth, but the violet color became darker as it neared the heel, and it was studded with small diamonds.
"Let's go."
“Yes, Miss.”
Finally, after checking her outfit and collecting a proposal to present to the emperor, Agatha went straight down to the first floor.
While the palace chamberlain prepared a carriage.
In front of the entrance, a man with a familiar face was talking with his aide, John.
Agatha, with a bit of trembling, said the name that had been tacitly permitted since their last meeting.
"Enoch."
“Are you out, Agatha?”
He turned his head awkwardly, paused for a moment, and then walked towards Agatha. His actions of holding her hand and kissing her softly seemed natural at first glance.
“Did you sleep peacefully last night?”
“It was okay. The preparation for battle is also perfect.”
“Is this a battle outfit?”
“It’s about dealing with His Majesty. You shouldn’t be discouraged.”
Agatha whispered the last words softly and placed her hand on his arm.
After another brief pause, Enoch moved naturally and escorted Agatha to the carriage.
"Yes? Aren’t we riding together?”
When Enoch turned around, Agatha urgently reached out to him. After looking down at her white hand for a moment, his lips slowly opened.
“Shall we move together?”
"Yes."
Enoch entrusted his horse, which was being prepared in front of him, into the hands of his aide, John. Horses have become more comfortable in the past 10 years, so it can be said that carriages have been around for a very long time.
“I’m leaving.”
"Yes."
Enoch sat down across from Agatha, and the carriage moved toward the Emperor's palace with the imperial knight shouting, "Let's go soon."
Agatha looked at Enoch discreetly. When he opened the window and looked outside, his blue hair, slightly slicked over his bangs, was gently swaying in the gentle breeze.
“Did you go home safely yesterday?”
The gaze of the man who had been stuck outside the window the entire time finally turned to Agatha. It was a face where she couldn't tell what he was thinking.
“It seems like you haven’t said anything today.”
“I failed to be considerate of the young lady.”
As Agatha closed the window and looked at him, she unconsciously recalled the flower garden from two days ago.
Even back then, he came up to her with that indifferent look and kissed her.
It wasn't even lips, it was just lips touching her cheek, but Agatha was excited like a young lady having her first skin contact.
Enoch, who had been silent for a moment, opened his mouth.
“We will have to set a wedding date soon. Is there a date you would like, Agatha?”
“Well, I think His Majesty will decide the date.”
It will probably be decided on the day when he can prepare the fastest.
Agatha planned to focus her attention on other areas.
For example, a location, a dress, or accessories.
Agatha preferred weddings held in secluded places rather than in the capital.
Until now, there have been few successful marriages due to various political views and opposition from the families of the prospective marriage partners.
“There is a small but very pretty temple on the outskirts of the capital. I’d like to have the ceremony there, is that okay?”
“Wouldn’t the wedding hall that reflects my wife’s tastes be prettier than mine? As you wish, Agatha.”
He really shouldn't look indifferent.
However, the words that came out were all so sweet that Agatha's heart was suddenly clenched.
“Do you have any place in mind for your honeymoon?”
“Oh, I think anywhere near the beach would be nice. I like the island and the coastal city...”
"Island."
Enoch seemed to be thinking about something. At that time, the carriage slowly stopped and a knock sounded outside.
“Marquis Aratus. Lady Nobilis. You have arrived at your destination.”
“Get off.”
Enoch went outside first and escorted Agatha. The chamberlain of the Emperor's palace, who had heard the news in advance and was waiting at the entrance, welcomed the two.
“Lady Nobilis. Marquis Aratus. Are you here?”
“What about His Majesty?”
“When you arrive, he told me to take you to the dining room first. Please come this way.”
High vaulted ceilings and thousands of crystals embroidered beneath them.
The hallway glows golden in the sunlight shining through the marble pillars, and the famous paintings and patterns carved on the opposite wall boast the majestic history of the empire.
The grandeur and intimidation that emanate from the hallway change into extreme splendor and understated luxury as they enter the deeper part of the palace.
This could be said to be the private space where the Emperor and royal family lived.
“This is the place.”
The place the Chamberlain guided them to was the Emperor's private dining room, which Agatha had also visited several times.
Although it is smaller than an official banquet hall, it is much more luxurious and decorated with precious things.
Stepping here with her husband-to-be was a scene that showed Agatha Nobilis's status both at court and in social circles.
Agatha sat across from Enoch at the round table. The head table was empty.
“Just wait a moment, His Majesty will be home soon.”
“Good job, Chamberlain.”
A moment later, the door opened and the guards and servants poured in.
“The sun of the Roxbard Empire, His Majesty Warmilai II, is entering!”
It was the long-awaited appearance of the Emperor.
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