Chapter 39

In preparation for the New Year, Lucrezia revived an ancient ceremony that had been held in the Pastore court for generations.

From documents she had unearthed from the archives, she learned that on this day, it was customary to gather the retainers and hold a grand religious ceremony and ball.

She requested the cooperation of influential families in the domain, including Lady Cassia, and thus the ceremony, which had been discontinued for ten years, was revived.

She invited the high priest from the cathedral to conduct a large-scale prayer service and the finest orchestra to perform a new opera that no one had ever heard before, day after day.

By incorporating the new opera format into the religious drama, it seemed new to the people of Pastore, who lacked entertainment facilities.

"Amazing, I never thought religious dramas could be so interesting."

"Madam, you are from the Illuminati, aren't you? It must be a very enjoyable place, right?"

"Lord Ramiro's attire is the latest fashion, isn't it? His appearance stands out even more..."

Ramiro, with his black hair loosely tied with a man's ribbon, wearing a slim, long vest and jacket with intricate embroidery, stood out immensely in the court, where most gentlemen wore monochrome.

"Is this what a prince from the Illuminati looks like?"

"Hey, I can't help but admire him."

"How wonderful..."

Lucrezia, dressed in plain mourning clothes and maintaining a reserved expression, was secretly delighted by the praise lavished on Ramiro.

—Yes, my husband is wonderful.

Lucrezia opened her fan with a flick and smiled.

"It must be the clothes that make him look that way. If everyone and their guests were to dress up, this court would be even more pleasing to the eye."

Lucrezia's ambition was to make the court of Pastore a place that the people would admire and desire.

"Madam, I can't wait to see what you'll look like when you're no longer in mourning."

Lady Cassia said this as a compliment.

"The food and entertainment today were truly wonderful. Despite your youth, how impressive you are. I was thoroughly impressed."

"I am still a novice."

"Oh, then we can look forward to even more impressive events next year. How reassuring."

Lucrezia smiled with a show of ease, knowing that she needed to be seen as capable.

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

"Lord Ramiro"

When the dance began, Lucrezia finally had a chance to speak with Ramiro alone.

"Do you know how many times I was envied today? Everyone says you look like a prince."

"Spare me."

Lucrezia knew his displeased expression was just shyness.

"Everyone is living in a dream. Be careful not to shatter it."

"Really, rumors are so arbitrary."

They exchanged banter while dancing, stepping gently, passing each other, and facing each other.

"There's nothing to be done, with the way you look, Lord Ramiro."

"You've dressed me in such flashy clothes again. It's like a phoenix."

The golden bird that rises from the flames was so similar to Ramiro's attire that Lucrezia had to stifle her laughter.

"They suit you very well. They complement your jet-black hair."

"Well, if you like it, that's fine."

"I like it very much!"

The crimson embroidery matched the sharp, predatory gaze Ramiro occasionally showed when he relaxed.

However, Lucrezia only ever saw his gentle, almost too sweet smile.

They danced several dances, laughing together.

After a short break, Lucrezia was led by Ramiro back to the second-floor study.

It was late at night, and no one was around. When the door was closed, it became pitch dark, and Lucrezia hurriedly moved closer to the candle Ramiro held up.

There was a click, and she knew the candle had been placed somewhere.

"Lucrezia"

Following his voice, she approached and was suddenly enveloped in his arms.

Words were no longer needed.

They kissed passionately and held each other tightly in silence.

"Ah... This mourning period is so long. It's still six months."

Lucrezia chuckled at Ramiro's complaint and basked in her happiness.

If you enjoyed this, please consider bookmarking and rating it with five stars (★★★★★) by clicking on the stars at the bottom of the screen. Your support is greatly appreciated!