Chapter 46

She almost yelled a ‘No’. Fortunately, she was able to compose herself and swallowed the words that were about to escape her mouth in the back of her throat. Fortunately, her face was covered by a veil.

‘Mariel..!’

The bitterness of the shame that she had ruined everything with her rash action was too much for her to handle.

The incident was brought to a close when Asella accepted Anthony’s apology.

As Calix began to walk, holding her waist for support, a rare scene unfolded as the crowd of nobles split into two sides of the corridor at once.

Not even a breath could be heard in the wide corridor as the Grand Duke and his wife, and the Benvito knights passed between them with ease.

“Well, if you’ll excuse me…”

Philip ended the banquet swiftly by saying farewell to his visitor. Anthony, in shock, staggered roughly and disappeared while supported by his servants.

It was a really messed up wedding reception.

On the other hand, the people who attended the wedding had similar thoughts.

“Didn’t you see what just happened?”

“I don’t know how it happened, but I didn’t expect His Excellency to be so scary.”

“This is how much he loves Her Highness, I guess.”

“Don’t you think we should get this news out as soon as possible?”

What was certain was the fact that tomorrow, the story of the Grand Duke’s love for his wife would spread like wildfire throughout the Empire.

* * *

Calix mocked as he entered Asella’s fake bedroom, which had initially been Rebecca’s room.

“You want me to spend my wedding night in a room like this?”

In an instant, all the blood was drawn from Asella’s face.

Rebecca’s room was the most well-maintained room in the residence of the Marquis Chartus.

It was large, luxurious, and the decorations were all high-end. It was nothing compared to Asella’s room, which had a simple bed, desk, and dressing table.

It even had been redecorated for today’s wedding, with new curtains and carpets.

‘I guess he doesn’t like it.’

The Benvito family was not exactly a simple household to please. She couldn’t imagine how grand the Grand Duke residence would look like.

‘What should I do…?’

Asella bowed her head, unable to find the words to reply.

This made her wonder if she would be able to spend the night with him safely today. She had to appease his displeasure somehow.

That was when Asella’s hand tightened.

“Ryzen.”

“Yes, Your Excellency.”

“We’re moving up our schedule and leaving for the duchy today. Prepare accordingly.”

Asella glanced up at the conversation between them.

‘Why? We haven’t even spent our wedding night yet…’

Before the panicked Asella could say anything else, Calix gently lifted her veil and asked.

“You don’t want to?”

She pondered for a moment. But then she quickly shook her head.

He didn’t like this room. No, he hated it outright.

Whether it was today or tomorrow morning, nothing was going to change much, so it was better to go along with his wishes as much as possible.

There was one thing that bothered her, though.

“I don’t think Mariel is ready.”

As she spoke, she finally realized that she hadn’t seen Mariel all day.

‘But she attended the wedding, right?’

Certainly, her little sister’s eyes twinkled as she waited to meet Asella’s gaze. However, it didn’t even occur to her to look for Mariel.

She could say that she was so nervous and scared that she couldn’t focus on anything, but it was just a poor excuse.

Asella felt so bad and sorry for her sister, how much she must have been lonely after three years of not seeing each other.

But for now, Asella felt fortunate to be leaving this place with her sister.

“The preparations are going to take some time.”

“I’ll be waiting.”

Asella’s mouth dropped open in surprise.

“Thank you… Your Excellency.”

Upon hearing her answer, Calix’s eyes narrowed because of the strange tone in her voice.

“We’re not in a rush, so take your time to get ready.”

However, when Asella’s eyes widened at his words, Calix felt even more disturbed.

“Thank you.”

With a slight nod, Asella left the room. For some reason, Calix couldn’t take his eyes off her until she disappeared at the end of the corridor.