Chapter 35

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 35

Chapter Title: Whispers of Warning

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Just what was he trying to say?

Agatha gazed up at him steadily. Theodore, who had been hesitating, finally forced the words out.

"...By chance, I overheard the Marchioness's name come up in a gathering with my grandmother, mother, and sister. I didn't catch the details of what it was about, but it surely wasn't anything good for you."

"...".

"Please quietly look into the nobles connected to my family, Marchioness. ...I hope you find happiness, wherever life takes you."

Theodore bowed once more toward the Crown Prince and withdrew.

Since his time lingering in the Crown Prince's presence had been so brief, the nobles' intrigued attention quickly faded.

Antoni looked surprised.

"That's unexpected. Was the Duke always like that?"

Agatha gave a slight nod without a word, affirming it.

She knew better than anyone that Theodore Neuta, who was known publicly for his cold efficiency, was actually quite affectionate with his family.

Of course, the man had zero talent when it came to mediating family matters.

But the Duke's reaction had still caught her off guard.

This was the man who always yielded a step to his grandmother, mother, and sister—yet here he was, siding with her instead, even though she was no longer family.

And only after their divorce, no less.

As Agatha fell silent for a long moment, Enoch peered into her face.

"Are you all right?"

"I already knew they wouldn't just sit idly by. I was just surprised by the Duke's response."

Agatha brushed off the meaningless sentiment Theodore had left behind.

"The Neuta Dowager Duchess, Duchess Dowager, and Lady will be returning to the social season this fall. It'll sort itself out naturally once the new season begins."

"As long as you're fine with it."

Theodore's appearance had been far more gentlemanly and sensible compared to Fernando's.

This should be enough to dispel any misunderstandings from Enoch.

As Agatha gathered her thoughts and straightened up, a deep horn blast rang out.

Bwooo—

It was the signal announcing the Emperor's arrival.

"The Sun of the Roxiba Empire, His Imperial Majesty Emperor Warmirai II! The Moon of the Roxiba Empire, Her Imperial Majesty Empress Margaret Roxiba! And the Little Moon of the Roxiba Empire, Her Highness Crown Princess Elizabeth Roxiba!"

With the imperial family's entrance, even Antoni moved to fulfill his duties as Crown Prince.

"See you later."

"Yes, Your Highness."

After seeing Antoni off, Agatha immediately curtsied toward the Emperor.

The Emperor cut an even more imposing figure than usual. He wore the Crown of the Sun on his head, a purple mantle emblazoned with the imperial crest over his shoulders, and clutched the golden Scepter of Glory in one hand.

"All of you, raise your heads."

The Emperor's voice echoed through the silent hall, where not even a breath could be heard. Though not loud, it reached every corner without fail.

"In recognition of your efforts for the empire's prosperity and peace, I hereby extend this summer ball by one more day. Revel greatly today, and may this time bring you all tidings of joy."

He wasn't openly singling out Agatha and Enoch, but anyone with ears and a brain could tell who he meant.

The Emperor glanced warmly at Agatha and Enoch before turning to the Crown Prince.

"The first dance of the evening will be led by the Crown Prince."

"As you command, Your Majesty."

As Crown Prince Antoni Roxiba stepped into the center of the hall with the Crown Princess, a lively waltz began to play.

Roxiba's most notorious rake glided through the hall with practiced skill and elegance.

By unwritten rule, the first dance at a ball was reserved for those of high status or renown in society.

Thus, the nobles next to enter the floor after the Crown Prince were the Aratus Marquis and his wife.

"My lady. Would you grant me the honor of this first dance with you?"

Agatha smiled and took Enoch's offered hand.

"I've been waiting for this."

Escorted to the center of the hall, Agatha danced with Enoch, their eyes locked on each other.

Even with the nobles' gazes pouring down on them, she found herself utterly focused on Enoch, unperturbed.

Beneath his neatly combed blue hair, his handsome features were etched with sharp lines.

Gazing into Enoch's endlessly deep gray eyes, Agatha suddenly spoke up.

"Did it bother you that the Neuta Duke approached me?"

He knew she had six ex-husbands, but facing one in person was bound to feel different.

"I think there was good reason for it today."

"These days, the only times I've run into an ex-husband since divorcing have been like this. I didn't expect to cross paths so little."

"I know this wasn't of your own doing either."

More couples gradually joined at the center as the tempo quickened. Amid swirling skirts and intensifying steps, Enoch's voice pierced her ears.

"Still, it doesn't sit well with me."

His eyes looked profoundly dark as he said it. Seeing the depth in his expression, Agatha squeezed the hand clasped in hers.

She wasn't sure if his displeasure stemmed from affection for her or simply his role as husband.

'I hope it's just because he has feelings for me.'

That's what Agatha thought as she peered into his eyes.

"How's my dancing tonight? Much better than at the wedding, right?"

She lightened her tone to shift the mood. At her cue, Enoch's expression softened.

"You're splendid tonight."

"I was a bit nervous back then."

Unlike at the wedding, Agatha danced freely, showcasing her full skill without tension.

Enoch matched her light steps and graceful flow through the entire piece.

After the first song ended and they stepped away from the center, Enoch draped his formal jacket over her shoulders.

His large, firm hand gently smoothed the stray locks that had escaped her hairdo.

As they naturally moved toward familiar faces, the Emperor called out to Enoch.

"Marquis Aratus! Come here!"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Enoch responded to the summons, then lifted her hand—which he still held—to his lips.

"I'll be right back, Agatha."

"I'll be waiting."

Ever since that last audience, he'd held the Emperor in high regard.

The Emperor even offered Enoch a seat as they fell into deep conversation.

The imperial dais and stairs teemed with key ministers from various departments and nobles eager to forge ties with Enoch, who had just made his court debut.

"Here, have another drink, Marquis."

"I am deeply honored, Your Majesty."

Agatha smiled faintly as she saw Enoch's troubled glance. She'd said she'd wait, but she hadn't expected it to be quick.

A newly debuted marquis basking in the Emperor's favor—what a spectacle.

He probably wouldn't escape until that mountain of drinks and appetizers was demolished.

Her calm demeanor, as if she'd foreseen it all, made his expression subtly shift.

'Well then.'

No need to worry about Enoch.

The moment he gave a faint nod, Agatha turned to her own tasks.

"Lady Agatha. I've been waiting for you."

"I saw how the Marquis draped his jacket over you right after your first dance."

"It was such a beautiful moment."

Her close allies and a host of nobles had gathered around.

"Thank you, everyone. How about we sit over there and chat?"

"Excellent idea. With more guests than usual tonight, no need to stand and suffer."

"Hee-hee. Lady Iris, honestly."

One side of the hall featured ample seating areas with sofas and chaise lounges for conversation.

Agatha claimed the largest, most spacious one, taking the seat of honor. Her allies and their associates naturally filled the surroundings, forming a subtle barrier.

Amid the flood of congratulations, her allies selected a few noteworthy figures from the crowd and invited them inward.

"Lady Agatha. This is Lady Sion of the Meckellen Count family. She's set to debut next season and wanted to pay her respects."

"Hello, Marchioness Aratus. I'm Sion Meckellen. My congratulations on your marriage this spring—better late than never."

"Thank you, Lady Meckellen. Why don't you sit here? And please join us, Lady Meckellen—let's chat a bit."

"It would be an honor, Marchioness."

Agatha extended seats to a few more among them.

Envy and jealousy rained down on those who not only entered but secured actual seats.

"I had no idea Lady Agatha was interested in the Meckellens."

"I heard Lady Vanessa—your close ally for a while—often invited them to her salon."

As she chose new potential allies and associates to bolster her influence in society, Agatha occasionally glanced at Enoch.

Theodore, who had quietly taken a seat nearby, piqued her interest a little, but nothing major seemed amiss yet.

As the nobles' attention began to scatter, Agatha called over her closest friend and ally, Marchioness Iris Domunia.

"Lady Iris."

"Yes, Lady Agatha? What is it?"

The quick-witted Iris Domunia immediately leaned in.

With heavy drapes and chatter all around, their voices wouldn't carry.

Agatha screened her mouth with her fan and whispered softly.

"We need to keep an eye on the Neuta family."