CH 37.2

“The engagement ceremony was held according to Your Grace’s will, and soon the wedding will be held.”

“You were also engaged to Angroanne. So, are you two married?”

“Didn’t Your Grace put a halt to that on purpose?”

Salton couldn’t stand the Grand Duke’s attitude of using his own influence to prevent Salton’s marriage and retorted. It was no longer possible to follow his father’s instructions to unconditionally please the Grand Duke and ask him to relieve the financial pressure.

He was still shocked to learn that Marquisate Whitmore, who belongs to a prestigious family in the Empire, was swayed like a reed by the breath of a Grand Duke in the northern outskirts. But he had no intention of being swayed along like this.

“We have all known that it is not only us who exercised power, but also County Libelois. They don’t know, but isn’t this all Your Grace’s doing?”

“So did you say that to the Grand Duchess yesterday?”

“I didn’t tell the Lady, but if you use your power more than this, I have no choice but to tell her.”

“That . . . is a threat.”

The Grand Duke looked very happy and sat down with his long legs crossed.

“Are you afraid?”

“It doesn’t matter what you say. Even if the Grand Duchess knew it, she wouldn’t be able to do anything from now on. I know that girl well. She won’t be able to completely ignore her family.”

The Grand Duke, who had seen Salton’s face dripping with regrets, wore an arrogant smile as he always did.

“If that’s what you asked to see me, then my proposal is the same. I will let go as soon as you get married.”

Salton’s face darkened. The conclusion stayed the same, far from achieving any results. He let out a groan. He barely parted his dry lips.

“What I want to say is, I want you to stop worrying about other families and be a decent husband.”

“Lord Whitmore, if you’re going to do something presumptuous, look straight at who your opponent is. Angroanne is now my wife.”

“Please be nice to her Ladyship. Didn’t you want her enough to put pressure on us and her family? Then please be nice enough that I won’t worry about her any more. As you may not know, she’s been through a tough enough time. She deserves to be respected as the Grand Duchess.”

The Grand Duke thought cynically when he said that Anne had her own twists and turns. Hard times. Shouldn’t it just be me?

The Grand Duke, who was about to let it go, thought of Robert, who was going to slap Anne’s cheek, and her face, obviously familiar with it and resigned. His mouth, which was about to rebuke, was closed by the unpleasant feeling.

“Her Ladyship is a person who never expresses her feelings even when it is difficult. Even if she feels like she is going to die. Rather than seeking help, she pushes herself to the limit and tries to hold on to it somehow. She is the kind of person who will endure without saying a word even before she dies. Your Grace, by the time you find out, it will be too late.”

It was a meaningful sentence. It was unpleasant to know that the Grand Duke, who had only read reports, knew less than Salton, but it was true that he learned of her existence belatedly.

The Grand Duke, who was about to shout of Salton’s rudeness right away, stood still, and Salton let out a deep sigh.

“Anyway, her Ladyship’s husband is not me, as you said. Whatever the process, I’m speaking to you as the man who should care for her in the future. So, loosen the pressure on me and my family and care for the Grand Duchess instead.”

Even though it was a forced marriage, as long as she went on her own feet, their relationship was documented as a married couple.

“Even if you don’t speak that, I’ll take care of my wife. Now I want you to completely get your mind off it.”

“I will prepare for the wedding as soon as I return . . . I hope you will keep your promise.”

After the last conversation that ended like admonition, Salton, who requested for her happiness, left the room.

“A couple . . .”

Contrary to what he thought that yesterday’s displeasure would completely dissipate after a conversation with Salton, he let out a deep growl.

An unfamiliar word that did not reach him even though he called Anne his wife every time and she called him her husband. That heavy sound lingered in his mind for a long time.

* * *

The next day, the snow clouds cleared and the clear sky was revealed after a long time. Thanks to this, all the guests who had planned to stay for a few more days when the weather got bad all withdrew.

The banquet, held for the first time in decades, was completed without much fuss or issues.

Anne, as she was the Madam of the castle, dressed neatly and sent the guests off. She also said her goodbyes to Salton and Sienna.

“Please be careful on your way home.”

“I hope that Miss Angroanne will be in good health.”

Sienna still had a cold look, but Salton gave Anne a sad smile and said his final goodbyes.

Finally, as the carriage pulled through, Anne drew her curtains to cover the window.

The Grand Duke’s castle, after the guests left, returned to its former serene state.