Chapter 114

Chapter 114

Although not everything had turned out for the better, Iona had already realized many of her previous wishes.

Iona now had a name, a birthday to celebrate, and above all, was soon to be married to the person she wanted.

She didnt want to dismiss their relationship as trivial just because it lacked love, that lofty sentiment.

Iona truly believed that they could build a life together after marriage, just as well as any other couple.

Leroy showed a satisfied expression at Ionas confident demeanor and said, Now that youre ready to be married, we should start preparing for the wedding in earnest. Do you have a particular venue in mind?

I think it would be best to have the ceremony in the estate. Well just submit the paperwork in the capital.

Iona replied as if she had been waiting for the question.

This was a matter Iona had decided on long ago in her heart.

She planned to leave the capital under the guise of mourning Vivianas death, and the sooner, the better.

There was no time to waste on unnecessary formalities.

However, Leroy seemed displeased with Ionas economical decision, opposing it by saying, It would be odd to have made such a grand proposal only to have a modest ceremony.

It wont matter. There will soon be a reason we must hold a simple celebration.

Iona asserted confidently, looking at Leroy with unwavering eyes.

Unlike her younger days when she was solely reliant on others, Iona now had the confidence to navigate through the current challenges on her own.

***

Richard had been in a foul mood since morning, still seething from the unpleasant encounter with Leroy at the royal ball two days prior.

That presumptuous man.

From their very first private meeting, Richard had taken an immediate dislike to him.

Despite his familys diminished standing, the sight of Leroy attempting to maintain his dignity and refusing to bow down before the royal authority was particularly irksome.

His defiant retort when questioned about conceding the position of the duchess to Iona was outright rebellious.

Although Leroys arrogance was grating, Richard had been able to keep his animosity towards the duke at bay, up to that point.

Pursuing My Ex Wife Isnt Easy Ch...

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Pursuing My Ex Wife Isnt Easy Chapter 16-20

Richard had an ace up his sleeve to unsettle Leroy and, more importantly, it wasnt long before the duke himself began to show a keen interest in the marriage negotiations.

But was it all just an intention to annoy me?

Richard couldnt help but let out a sardonic laugh.

He couldnt shake off the memory of his opponents arrogant claims, as if he was someone of great importance.

Why are you so worried? If you trust her, you shouldnt need to be so concerned about me.

That was the dukes retort after Richard had sent Iona home and warned him when they were alone.

Richard was convinced that Leroy had made a personal approach to Iona with the intention of putting him in a difficult position.

Ironically, as soon as Richard became aware of this, his petty sense of competition melted away like snow.

No matter what tricks the duke played, he would ultimately not get what he wanted.

Iona was not the type of woman to be swayed by such deceitful seductions, so there was no need for Richard to fret unnecessarily.

Nonetheless, the anger towards the dukes audacious actions remained vividly alive, separate from everything else.

The attendant answered, trying to calm his racing heart, relieved that his head wasnt the one at risk.

With an inward sigh of relief, the attendant bowed respectfully to Richard and quickly left the room.

Richard watched the attendants retreating figure in silence for a long while after he had completely disappeared.

With a casual flick of his hand, Richard signaled, and the observant maid approached to exchange his cup.

Holding the teacup, Richard savored the rising aroma along with the steam and asked.

How long has that one been working under me?

Its been about five years in total.

Thats quite some time. Long enough to become complacent.

The maid wisely kept her mouth shut, knowing that Richard wasnt seeking agreement with his statement.

Instead, she sought clarification on another matter.

Shall we dispose of everything once the situation is settled?

Start by narrowing down a successor. Maybe

A sudden thought caused Richard to trail off.

After a brief contemplation, he added with an amused smile.

It might not be a bad idea to entrust it to Iona.

Given her meticulous nature, she might well live up to his expectations.

Of course, this wasnt a matter light enough to be decided on a whim.

It wasnt as if he had only ever assigned her respectable tasks, but the idea of dragging her down to the very depths was something he hesitated over, even himself.

Though the thought of them both tumbling into the abyss, ensuring she could never leave him, wasnt entirely unappealing.

Ill start by selecting some people and report back.

The maid spoke evenly, as if she hadnt heard Richards earlier dilemma.

At this, Richard couldnt help but let out a chuckle. Though not one of his knights, she was quite popular among the ladies.

After sending the maid out, wishing to be alone, Richard moved to the sofa and relaxed his body against it.

It wasnt for no reason; he was truly in dire need of rest.

With the emperor semi-retired and leaving the state affairs to him, his schedule was hectic enough, and his surroundings were filled with nothing but exhausting matters.

The thought of having to reconsider his means of controlling the duke from scratch was already giving him a headache.

It was just then, as he was massaging his temples, that someone knocked on the door, signaling their presence.

Richards response was instinctively irritable.

I thought I said no one should enter.

Should I leave then?

It was Ionas voice.

At her words, a ripple of emotion disturbed Richards previously annoyed expression.

--- End Of The Chapter ----

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