Chapter 67

Chapter 67       

A large shield and black hawk crest were engraved in the sides of the Duke’s carriage, and the decorations on the carriage roof were the ones that can only be used by Duke’s and ranks above, so anyone knows that the carriage was from a Ducal family or an imperial carriage.

Good or bad, the news of the arrival of the rumored Duke of Luverne bound the feet of those who were entering the palace at once.

The rumors that they came while riding unicorns were also looked forward to.

There were also many who stopped and looked at Nina way too openly, but no one spoke to her.

It was because Nina was openly exhibiting an expression of “Don’t even dare try to talk to me.”

A cold, sharp blade-like energy came out from her, and even Jean was appalled.

Nina got off the unicorn and opened the carriage door, bowing deeply. When Adrian got out of the carriage, everyone made a small exclamation.

Thanks to the rumors that he was a monster or an ugly man, his appearance shone more reflectively in everyone’s eyes.

Feeling goosebumps, Kell quickly bowed his head.

The young Duke showed no sign of youthful vigor or vitality.

Rather, there was a sharp aura to him similar to an old librarian or a Sage.

It was so well matched with the darkness around him that the dark background seemed to exist only for him. When he smiled gracefully, the background faded as if it melted.

Adrian began to climb the stairs leading to the entrance, and his party quickly followed.

Jean spoke low.

“They’re avoiding us like a plague.”

“Aren’t we the black sheep that just came to a flock of white sheep?”

Nina replied cheerfully and smiled.

Isn’t that cool?

Because of that accent, Jean knowingly burst out laughing. Charlotte who has been keeping her shoulders frigidly also spread her shoulders little by little.

This crowded place was like a challenge for her.

The summer ball is held in turns at the Imperial Halls and on the last day, the largest hall which is called, “The Golden Hall is open.” Tonight, the ball was held at the “Green Hall”.

The green hall was the smallest, but it had a large terrace.

On a dark night, colorful backwood flowers stretched out from the trees along the round arch that was standing on the terrace, and candles shone on the lamp glasses that were hanging in between.

There were also lights on the floor.

There weren’t many people in the hall since it’s a structure that went through the hall up to the terrace like an outdoor ball.

As soon as the party passed the hall and entered the terrace, people’s eyes were drawn like arrows in a single breath.

Nina had goosebumps all over her arm. It was like a scene from a voiceless movie when everyone looked their way at the same time.

Nina barely held herself back as she wanted to whistle like Jean.

The short silence passed and the buzz quickly filled the wide terrace.

“Oh, my God. Is he really the Duke of Luverne?”

“Then that black uniform······.”

“They said he was a monster, but he definitely doesn’t look that way.”

“Oh, my God······.”

Through the fans and the glasses of champagne, Nina heard all the whispers in her ears. Nina looked around as if measuring the hall.

When she made eye contact one by one with the people around, they all avoided her gaze.

‘They can’t even look straight into my eyes.’

Nina grinned and soon came back with her blank, expressionless face. At that time, a man approached through the crowd.

“Duke of Luverne.”

Holding a glass of champagne, Adrian replied with a smile to the bowlegged man who approached him.

“It’s been a long time, Count Hasha.”

The count opened his eyes wide and smiled back.

“I didn’t expect you to remember.”

“But of course. You’re the only one who approached me in the audience chamber.”

In Adrian’s reply, Count Hasha continued with a wry face.

“I never knew I would see you at this summer ball. Why the change of heart?”

“I thought I could slowly approach people now. If I leave things alone, I’m afraid I’ll even be rumored as The Fallen Spirit King.”

When Adrian shrugged and spoke lightly, Count Hasha burst into laughter.

Nina felt strange.

Adrian had a brighter tone than when they were together.

His smile became more perfect as if they were painted and his gestures became even more delicate. His Imperial accent is flat and his tone is aristocratic. Bright, yet divine.

“I see. I think it’s going to be worth it.”

“If the hyenas don’t come at me first.”

“Oh, the nobles with their daughters? Or precisely speaking, the ladies?”

Count Hasha chuckled.

Adrian asked, “I don’t know because it’ll be my first marriage, should I be prepared?” and Count Hasha laughed again.

He was anxious to introduce Adrian to his acquaintances, and Adrian replied that he was willing to do so.

Count Hasha, whose mouth was wide open, had now turned to the next target.

“This is······.”

When Count Hasha peeked at Nina, Adrian replied.

“This is Nina La Dell, the commander of the Dark Knights.”

“Oh, that Spirit Knight!”

Count Hasha exclaimed, and like an echo, small exclamations flowed from some close places. It was an exclamation equal to someone who has met their idol in person.

‘I must be really famous.’

Nina was in a strange mood, but still, she gave her greeting with only one arm on her chest.

“I’m Countess Nina La Dell, Count Hasha.”

“I didn’t know you were this young. So, is it true that you beat all the candidates for the Dark Knights out?”

“I didn’t beat them out, I just made sure they had the skills to be a member of the Dark Knights. If you can’t stop my blow, you can’t be a knight in the Dark Knights Order.”

At Nina’s naturally flowing words, Jean shouted inside, “Where’s the mystical being who can block your blow?” But remained calm on the outside.

Nina was wearing a casual expression saying ‘Oh, but it is only of course that I beat them.’

Count Hasha grinned and nodded.

“Yes, the Eagle Knights were also defeated by only the two of them······.”

“It happened somehow.”

Nina shrugged her shoulders. It was a gesture that what the count had said was of no significance.

“That’s right, that’s right. I’m familiar with the rumor of the Dark Knights. Yes, they say you hunt bellacs regularly.”

“Yes, the Luverne Estate is bordered by the Violet Forest.”

Nina calmly answered and Count Hasha exclaimed loudly.

“Not long ago, bellacs also surfaced at the capital. People here are so surprised because they’ve never seen one.”

He shook his head and lowered his voice.

“I thought the Lily Knights would come out, but the Temple Knights arrived first.”

The Lily Knights are the Knights of the Imperial Family. Nina rolled her head.

‘The people of the capital thought that the Lily Knights would protect them, but the knights of the temple came instead?’

The people must’ve felt a sense of betrayal, Nina thought and nodded inside her head.

In short, it was as if a bellac appeared in the Luverne Duchy, but the Dark Knights were nowhere to be seen and the Temple Knights appeared instead, saving the day.

And since the Great Temple is not even in the capital but in another city, it could be concluded that the Templar Knights in the capital were not even elite members.

Henceforth, the Lily Knights will inevitably draw bad attention.

‘Why did they run late?’

“This incident has dampened the public opinion about the Order of the Lilies. They were even treated as the pride of the people of the capital······.”

Count Hasha shook his head. He seemed like a person who likes to gossip. He’s probably talking to Adrian, trying to find some gossip, thinking it was funny.

Still, there seems to be no malice with his words. This type of person is a perfect stepping stone for the beginning of a social debut in society.

And he seems to enjoy such a role.

“People have their own reasons.”

Adrian replied as if it was an insignificant matter.

When Count Hasha tried to add, “No, that’s not it······.” A loud voice as if there was a fire sounded from behind as though trying to be heard by them.

“With that hairstyle in the Imperial ball, it’s too obvious that she’s trying to gain attention!”

‘Huh?’

Nina wanted to raise her head but held back. Rather, it was Count Hasha who looked at the person who spoke.

“The Knights in the front line are screaming like they’re competent. What does that little girl know?”

Seeing Nina smile, Jean’s back was dripping with cold sweat. Kell and Charlotte’s expressions also hardened immediately.

In particular, Charlotte was so tense as if she was about to run out to bite someone right away just to make that person shut up.

“The Duke of Luverne thinks······.”

When that person tried to say something about Adrian, Nina raised her voice.

“Lord Hasha, do you want to hear one indisputable thing?”

“What is it?”

Count Hasha also raised his voice. Nina put her hand on her chest and said,

“The fact that I am the best sword in the Empire.”