Chapter 9

At the royal ball, Ridel was so humiliated that she wondered what she would do if the Duke of Weller decided to annul their marriage. Moreover, she had been given a luxurious dress and accessories. Ridel's face lost its color in fear.

However, Friedrich rebuked Yvonne in a cold voice.

"Are you mocking me, and by extension, my family? Ridel and I have pledged eternal love before the priests. Who gave you the right to call her by her first name? How can someone who lacks common sense be here at this ball? I find this unpleasant. Leave immediately."

The surroundings fell silent.

Ridel trembled at Friedrich's imposing presence and watched the situation with bated breath.

"How can you... I am Ridel's cousin and like an older sister to her. Lord Friedrich, aren't we family?"

"Stop it! Stop it, Yvonne!"

Gilbert, who quickly regained his senses, turned pale and desperately tried to stop Yvonne. However, Yvonne did not realize the gravity of the situation. Instead, her cheeks flushed with anger as she glared at Ridel. At that moment, Viscount Tungs pushed through the crowd, panting and hurriedly arrived.

"Hmm, I thought you were some fool, but you're the heir of the Tungs family. The Tungs have really fallen," Friedrich said coldly, his authority making the much older viscount bow in submission.

"My lord, my son has been disrespectful... I apologize," the viscount said, his voice trembling. Even the proud viscountess, her face pale, came and immediately bowed, saying, "Please forgive us."

Only then did Yvonne realize the atmosphere and her face changed.

"Why? What should I do?"

However, no one answered her. Gilbert remained bowed, and Yvonne nervously looked around. The viscount, without turning to Yvonne, said,

"This girl has no connection to our family. It is my son's mistake. We will immediately sever ties with her, so please forgive us."

The viscount, like he did with Ridel, quickly abandoned Yvonne. Despite saying he would take responsibility, what did he intend to do?

Yvonne collapsed and fainted on the spot. She always fainted when things turned bad. Probably, it was an act. She didn't want to admit her fault and expected someone else to clean up the mess.

As the Tungs family members bowed deeply, Friedrich said in a solemn tone,

"This time, I will overlook it, but there will be no next time. Take that unpleasant woman away from here immediately."

They hurriedly dragged Yvonne away.

When Friedrich glared at the gathered nobles, they, who had flinched for a moment, returned to the ball's festivities as if nothing had happened.

Tomorrow, this rumor would surely be the talk of the town. Ridel felt she never wanted to appear in society again.

However, her feelings for Gilbert rapidly cooled. She had always thought there was some misunderstanding between them. But it was just her delusion.

"Well, I have finished my greetings and business, so I will take my leave. You should enjoy the rest of the night in the capital," the duke said.

"Eh...?"

Enjoy what in this situation? Before she could ask, he turned and left, his ceremonial cloak swishing behind him.

"No way."

Ridel whispered and hurriedly chased after him.

Even if it was for the sake of the duke's family, Ridel had been in a difficult situation and he had helped her. She hadn't even thanked him, and she needed to apologize for her cousin's rudeness. Moreover, she didn't want him to leave her alone in the ballroom. To enjoy the food alone in this situation? No way.

She rushed after him, leaving the ballroom and entering an empty corridor. His military boots clacked loudly as he walked quickly.

"Please wait, my lord."

Ridel, out of breath, caught up and touched his arm, but he suddenly pulled away, startled.

"I'm sorry. I have difficulty with physical contact. Please don't touch me without warning."

Though his expression was unreadable, he seemed to be apologizing, so he didn't mean to hurt her. But she was certainly hurt.

"Please tell me such things beforehand."

Ridel's shoulders drooped. The emerald necklace around her neck felt unusually heavy.

Perhaps he was cold because he disliked people. But could someone like that lead an army into battle? His actions confused her.

"So, what do you need from me?" the duke asked, genuinely puzzled. Ridel almost cried but managed to gather her strength.

"Earlier, my cousin was rude. I apologize. And thank you for helping me."

"I did what was necessary for the duke's family."

"I understand. But I still wanted to apologize and thank you."

"You are quite conscientious. I have work to do, so I will leave. You can stay as long as you like."

"I will leave too."

Ridel said firmly. The situation was unbearable.

"Are you sure? I will be going to the territory, so you won't be able to attend such glamorous balls for a while."

Ridel didn't think he meant to hurt her. He seemed to lack something.

He was a type she had never met before, and she didn't know how to interpret him. But the answer was clear.

"No, I will leave. I am not good at such events. Of course, if it is your command, I will attend in the future. That is our agreement."

"No, you can attend the balls as you please. I just thought it would be a break before we leave for the territory. In the territory, winter will seal us in with snow and ice, and there will be nothing to please a young lady."

Despite his cold tone and expression, his words conveyed a hint of consideration.

Ridel walked cautiously, maintaining a distance from her husband. She didn't want to upset him, and if he really pushed her away, she might get seriously hurt.

If she could find a comfortable distance to spend time with him, that would be good.

Ridel followed him down the palace corridor, the candlelight flickering.

Chapter 1 ends.