CH 39

A Secret Story in the Dark

At the festival that preceded New Year’s Eve, Lucrezia revived an event that had long been held at the court of Pastore.

Lucrezia discovered from documents she had unearthed in the archives that it was customary to hold a grand ritual and ball for the vassals on this day.

The cooperation of Mrs. Cassia and other influential families in the territory was requested, and thus the ceremony, which had been discontinued for ten years, was restored.

Lucrezia invited the high priest from the cathedral to pray on a large scale, and the best orchestra to play new operas that no one had ever heard before every day.

She also introduced a new form of opera into the religious drama, which seemed new to the people of Pastore, who lacked entertainment facilities.

“It’s amazing, I never thought religious theater could be that interesting.”

“The duke’s wife is from the Illuminati, isn’t she? It must be fun there.”

“Ramilio-sama’s clothing seems to be from the latest fashion too, right? His masculinity is becoming more and more prominent….”

With his black hair loosely bound in a men’s ribbon and his slender, long vest and jacket each with intricate embroidery, Ramilio stood out prominently in a court full of achromatic gentlemen.

“I wonder if the Illuminati princes are like that…”

“Hey, I kind of admire him.”

“I like it…”

Lucrezia was dressed in plain mourning clothes, and although her expression was modestly mended, she was proud as Ramilio was praised for his effort.

‘That’s right, my husband is wonderful.’

Lucrezia flipped open her fan, which concealed her expression, and grinned.

“I’m sure it’s the clothes that make him look that way. If all of us were all dressed up, this court would be even more of a feast for the eyes.”

It was Lucrezia’s ambition to make the court as lovely as the people of Pastore, a place where they could admire the beauty of it.

“I can’t wait to see you when you’re no longer in mourning.”

Mrs. Cassia was the first to offer her compliments.

“The food and the entertainment today were absolutely wonderful. How amazing for someone so young! I was so impressed.”

“I still have a long way to go.”

“Well, then I guess we’ll see something even more amazing next year. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Lucrezia smiled with an air of reserve because she knew she must have that impression.

If people wanted to come back next year, and the year after that, the court would flourish even more.

“Ramilio-sama.”

At the beginning of the dance, Lucrezia finally had a chance to talk with Ramilio alone.

“Do you know how many times I’ve been envied today? Everyone says that Ramilio-sama is like a prince.”

“Give me a break.”

Lucrezia knew that the disapproving look on his face was a sign of embarrassment.

“I’m sure everyone is dreaming. Be careful not to break them.”

“I don’t know, really, rumors can be so self-serving.”

They passed each other with gentle steps, faced each other, and talked lightly to each other while dancing.

“It can’t be helped, with the way you look, Ramilio-sama.”

“It’s because you’ve dressed me up in fancy clothes again. I look like a phoenix.”

It was hard for Lucrezia not to laugh out loud, because the golden bird that was said to rise from the flames was exquisitely similar to the clothes Ramilio was wearing.

“It suits you very well. It looks great against Ramilio-sama’s jet-black hair.”

“Well, I hope you’re pleased with it.”

“I’m very pleased!”

The crimson embroidery matched well with the sharp, raptor-like gaze that Ramilio showed at the moment he relaxed.

Lucrezia, however, only showed a soft, almost too-sweet smile.

She danced several times with Ramilio, who laughed.

After a short break, Lucrezia was taken by Ramilio back upstairs to the study.

At midnight, no one was there, and once the door was closed, it was pitch black, so Lucrezia hurriedly moved closer to the hand candlestick held up by Ramilio.

She heard a click and realized that the candle had been placed somewhere else.

“Lucrezia.”

As she approached closer to the sound, she was suddenly embraced.

Words were no longer necessary.

They kissed madly and embraced each other tightly in silence.

“Haaa… The end of mourning is so long. Is there still six months to go?”

Lucrezia giggled at Ramilio’s grunt and basked in her happiness.