Chapter 32

32

“…….”

Of course, that's why you didn't tell me.

It was so predictable that I almost laughed in derision.

I nodded obediently, hiding my mocking expression.

"If that's what you wish, Brother."

For the past year and a half, I had been of little use as the 'Countess of Valentino.' I hadn't brought Owen the information he wanted, nor had I captivated Theodore. So Owen began to think of my 'other uses.'

For example, selling me to Lennon Chester.

That way, the Everett family could receive a portion of the Chester family's territory and military power, making it a profitable deal.

The Chester family had no reason to refuse. Due to Lennon Chester's notorious reputation as a rogue and a lecher, no one wanted to marry him, so his brother, the Marquis of Chester, wouldn't object to my remarriage.

'He might even welcome it with open arms.'

"Still, it was surprising. I didn't expect you to have elemental sensitivity. ...Or did it just appear?"

Owen murmured, his eyes sparkling with interest. I hadn't thought deeply about it yet, so I deliberately put on a look of not knowing.

"It was probably just a coincidence."

"A coincidence?"

Owen narrowed his eyes and repeated the word. Instead of avoiding his gaze, I showed him a blank, doll-like expression as usual.

A faint smile appeared on Owen's lips as he gazed at me. It was probably a mocking smile.

"...There are very rare cases where a person close to an elemental contractor can develop elemental sensitivity."

Owen muttered to himself. His eyes, fixed on me, glinted with a dangerous light.

"But that only happens when the elemental contractor genuinely loves the person."

It was as if he was indirectly asking if Theodore Valentino could possibly feel that way about you. I swallowed my sarcasm and nodded obediently.

"Either I've had elemental sensitivity all along, or the spirit of Ashridge Forest is unusual."

"......"

Owen had always been like this. He wanted me to have no hope in life, to be an empty puppet with no wishes or desires.

And every time, he wanted to confirm that I was 'empty.' To him, I was merely a tool to be held and manipulated at will.

"About Theodore Valentino..."

Owen reached out and toyed with my side hair. His hand felt like it could shift to choke my neck at any moment.

"He seems to have become more favorable towards you. It's quite strange. He's not the type to do that. Did you perhaps hit your head?"

I was inwardly shaken by his question but showed no outward signs. Owen's gaze swept over me, as if trying to detect even the slightest reaction.

I said nonchalantly,

"I don't know. Whether he's changed or not, it doesn't matter to me."

At that moment, Owen looked up. The moment I realized he was looking beyond my back, my heart sank.

"......Is that so."

He asked softly, addressing someone who had just arrived in the corridor.

"What does the Duke of Valentino think?"

The footsteps approaching us grew closer. Owen, who had chuckled, ran his hand through my hair.

Then, an arm reached out from behind and knocked Owen's hand away, pulling me by the shoulder.

I fell into a strong embrace. The scent of the person who naturally wrapped their arm around my waist was faintly familiar, like a fresh summer forest.

I lifted my head dazedly and met the gaze of blue eyes filled with complex emotions.

"......"

Theodore looked down at me intently, then sighed and said,

"......I came to look for you because you were so late."

...Late? It hadn't even been ten minutes. But instead of pointing that out, I wriggled to get out of his embrace. However, he held me tighter and didn't let go.

I looked up at him in disbelief, but Theodore pretended not to notice and spoke to Owen.

"Can I take my wife now? The Queen is looking for her."

'...The Queen is looking for me?'

I was momentarily puzzled by the unexpected news, but the question was soon answered.

"Aha... Is it because Lily saved the Queen and the Crown Princess?"

Owen's lips curled up slightly, as if amused, and he stared at me intently. His gaze was like that of someone amazed by a dog performing a trick.

"Living long enough to see the day when you, who were once useless, save a royal family member."

At his words, Theodore's body stiffened. A growling sound escaped his lips.

"What are you saying—"

I quickly interjected to stop him.

"Life is full of surprises. I'll be going now, Brother. We shouldn't keep the Queen waiting."

I pulled Theodore, who was reluctant to move, and started walking.

Only after we left the corridor did a sigh escape my lips. When I glanced up, Theodore was looking at me with a mixture of annoyance and something else. I calmed myself and spoke calmly.

"Don't confront Owen. Especially not today."

Today is the day of the memorial service. Arguing over trivial matters on such a day would be beneath a noble's dignity. He should know that, so why...

I averted my gaze from him and sighed. Theodore squeezed the hand I was holding and said,

"Didn't he insult you? How could I just stand by and listen? I am your husband."

"......"

I swallowed the words that had risen to my throat. It seemed too childish to say.

'Whether I suffer at Owen's hands or not, the original you was indifferent. You won't remember, but...'

What would his reaction be if I brought up that story? I was curious, but it seemed pointless.

...Let it go. It's all meaningless anyway.

I let go of his hand and said,

"I'm not bothered, so you don't need to get involved. It would just be meddling."

"Meddling... Lily, wait a moment."

Theodore hurried after me as I walked ahead. His hand reached out again, but I shook it off and quickened my pace.

"Lily."

Theodore, who had caught up, finally grabbed my hand. He intertwined his fingers with mine and held on tightly, refusing to let go no matter how hard I tried to break free.

"......"

I glared at him fiercely. The words I wanted to shout swirled in my head, but I didn't want to argue childishly in the middle of a memorial service.

It would only be a release of emotions.

I bit my lip and took a deep breath. Then, I started walking again, turning away from him.

"......"

Theodore, apparently not wanting to provoke me further, remained silent.

We walked quietly in a cold silence until we reached the hall. People's attention immediately turned to us. I tried not to notice that my hand was still in Theodore's, but it kept drawing my attention. I kept trying to pull my hand away. Then, I suddenly realized something.

My aversion to touching him had lessened.

This realization chilled my heart. It felt as if my blood had turned to ice. I stopped, frozen in place, and heard someone call my name.

"Duchess of Valentino!"

I lifted my head. The Queen was approaching with a gentle smile.

I quickly composed myself and put on a polite smile. Then, I greeted her formally.

"Your Majesty."

The Crown Princess and Rosanne Delacroix were also with the Queen. I greeted them in turn. This allowed me to free my hand from Theodore's, but my inner turmoil didn't subside.

Theodore also greeted the three of them politely. The Queen, who had received his greeting, turned to me with a kind voice.

"Duchess of Valentino, it's good to finally see you."

The Queen's eyes, as always, were soft yet sharp. But I could sense her goodwill. She had always been kind to me, but now it felt deeper.

"How are you feeling? I was quite shocked when you fainted. The Duke of Valentino seemed to have lost his mind, calling your name so desperately... I've never seen him so agitated."

I almost stiffened at the Queen's words. ...I didn't want to hear about how much Theodore had worried about me.

I maintained my composure and replied politely to the Queen.

"I'm fine. Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."

"......Well, the Duchess says she's fine, but her complexion doesn't look good. Let's get to the point."

The Queen smiled and gestured with her hand. A servant quickly approached and respectfully handed her something.

On a blue velvet cushion adorned with gold thread lay the red coral bracelet, the prize for the hunting tournament.

"The winner of the hunting tournament is clear, but there is one person who has done the most. I have decided to award this coral bracelet to her. ...To you, Duchess of Valentino."

There was no surprise or murmur, as if everything had been pre-arranged.

Not everyone was looking at me with goodwill, though. For example, Adeline, who was smiling but had a cold look in her eyes, and Hessen, who was frowning deeply.

Hessen, who had been absent earlier, must have arrived after I left the hall with Owen.

"Thank you for saving the lives of the Queen, the Crown Princess, and others."

Queen Elemele lifted the bracelet and placed it on my wrist herself. I bowed deeply, feeling very honored. The red coral of the exotic bracelet reflected a smooth light.

"......I am deeply grateful for your boundless grace, Your Majesty."

In fact, I believed the spirit of Ashridge Forest had saved the Queen and others, but it would be better to accept this award to maintain the atmosphere.

The crowd cheered and applauded. The gloomy atmosphere of the memorial service brightened for a moment. However, every action has a reaction.

Sure enough, someone raised a question.

"But... How did the Duchess of Valentino communicate with the forest spirit? I thought the Duchess didn't have elemental sensitivity..."

It was a voice that didn't hide its opposition, even while being cautious. I looked at the speaker calmly. A familiar face appeared in my field of vision.

Nobert Albinis, Adeline's father and the Duke of Albinis.

He was the one who had spoken.