Chapter 34

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter Title: Chapter 34

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Relieved that Iona had accepted their greetings, Josephine spoke up with a much brighter expression.

This was undoubtedly the first time he had shown such courtesy toward Iona.

As Nils's friend, he had originally harbored negative feelings toward her.

While she thought Nils's reaction was excessive even for jealousy toward an adopted daughter, he had always chimed in whenever his friend badmouthed her.

Iona had always been an object of scorn and ridicule among their group, even if there were no personal grudges.

However, things had changed recently.

Iona was steadily rising as a trusted subordinate of the Crown Prince, and rumors were even circulating that she would soon marry the Duke.

These were not mere rumors.

The moment Iona and the Duke entered the ballroom hand in hand, looking affectionate, the group quickly recalibrated their future course.

"Anyway, things have come to this, so Nils has no choice but to bow to that woman. If we just pretend not to know and step back, missing a good opportunity, who's going to take responsibility?"

"B-but Nils and that woman seem to have a really bad relationship. We all know he used to hit her at the drop of a hat..."

"Sure, the treatment wasn't great, but she succeeded like this thanks to being taken in and raised by the count's family. You think she'd just ignore that?"

"Right, and even if she holds a grudge against Nils, that's all the more reason we can't just sit idly by. We need to build rapport now, you know? Show her we're different from Nils! That way we won't face any pointless retaliation later."

It was, in fact, the perfect conclusion when considering only their personal well-being.

Iona's response only strengthened their conviction.

"They say clothes are wings, and it seems true. The Duke gifted me this dress."

With that, Iona shyly cast her gaze downward.

Naturally, the others' eyes followed in the same direction.

The group quickly exchanged glances upon confirming the exquisite craftsmanship of her gown.

Iona pretended not to notice and changed the subject.

"More than that, it must be disappointing that Nils isn't here today. He's been so busy with heir training lately."

"Ah, I heard he was selected as the heir. He messaged that he wouldn't be able to meet until the announcement ceremony due to being swamped. I wondered why we'd heard nothing for so long—it must be because of that."

It seemed he had even used the training as an excuse for the time he had holed up after his teeth were knocked out.

Swallowing a sneer inwardly, Iona continued smoothly.

"If it's alright with you, why don't you invite me to one of your gatherings instead? I'm not as good as my brother, but I do enjoy various games quite a bit."

Josephine's eyes widened at Iona's friendly overture.

She had only planned to lay the groundwork for a future meeting today, but the other side was already suggesting an invitation. It was an unexpected stroke of luck.

'Well, they did say she's been attending every gathering without discrimination lately.'

Josephine thought comfortably that, with her marriage to the Duke approaching, Iona must be concerned about her tarnished reputation in society after her earlier withdrawal.

Either way, it was a godsend for their group.

Before Josephine could even accept Iona's proposal, her friends—who had been watching timidly from the side—stepped forward eagerly.

"Of course! I've always wanted to chat with Lady Iona, but you've been such a rare sight until now."

"It's truly fortunate that we've finally made this connection, even if belatedly!"

"But... would His Grace the Duke be interested in our gatherings as well...?"

Their expectant gazes turned to Duke Leroy.

The Duke replied with a faint smile playing on his lips.

"I too would be delighted to attend as Lady Iona's partner."

With that, he naturally wrapped his arm around Iona's.

Iona was slightly flustered by the sudden contact but didn't show it outwardly.

Thanks to that, they appeared every bit the intimate couple from the outside.

Nils's friends left the scene, concluding that Iona and Leroy were not merely discussing marriage but on the verge of the actual ceremony.

Only after confirming they were sufficiently far away did Leroy slowly release his hand.

Feeling oddly awkward for no reason, Iona moved to the opposite side from him rather than beside him.

"Thanks to you, things worked out well. Thank you..."

Iona abruptly stopped mid-sentence.

Before she could dwell on the embarrassing situation, an unexpected sight pulled her back to reality.

Behind Leroy's back, Erich was signaling toward the terrace, visible in her line of sight.

Reading his lips, it seemed like...

'Let's talk separately?'

Having conveyed his message unilaterally, Erich left before Iona could even react.

"What's wrong?"

"Oh, just thought I saw something."

Iona answered Leroy's question in a nonchalant tone.

How insolent, ordering his superior around like that.

Naturally, she had no intention of following after him like some lackey.

He could wait in the cold night air or not—it was his choice.

"More importantly, shouldn't you go find Miss Leni soon?"

Leroy immediately checked his watch at Iona's question.

She was right.

In their lively chatter, the time he had promised to ask Lady Ritter—the daughter of Count Ritter—for a dance had drawn near.

It was customary for gentlemen attending the ball to dance at least once with the host family's ladies, so he had made the arrangement in advance.

"I was busy protecting my partner from other men, only to miss the first dance myself."

Leroy grumbled in a reluctant voice.

It seemed like a remark made with the surrounding people in mind.

Iona thought he was more diligent in his partner role than expected. He surely didn't actually regret missing the first dance with her.

With him stepping up like this, it was only proper for her to match his efforts in turn.

Iona conveyed her promise to wait until he returned using the most romantic phrasing she knew.

"I'll stand by right here until your return."

"......"

"......Is there a problem?"

With no reply forthcoming, Iona cautiously glanced at him and asked.

Leroy, looking unwell, had his head bowed and was covering his mouth with his hand.

A moment later, he lifted his head, rubbing his stiff lips as he muttered in admiration.

"Indeed, Lady Iona... a soldier through and through."

"I didn't catch that?"

"Never mind. I'll be off then."

He waved his hand dismissively and turned to leave. But contrary to his decisive departure, he soon pivoted back toward Iona.

Standing before her again, he spoke as if making a request.

"You don't need to wait here. Rest easy. Just..."

He hesitated briefly, then furrowed his brow slightly as he added,

"Don't dance with that subordinate from earlier. That would be best."

"You mean Erich?"

"Yes. We can't have that rude second son messing up his strength control again."

Though she thought it was a matter she could settle by paying him back several times over, Iona meekly replied.

"Yes, I absolutely won't."

Of course, Erich had no reason to ask her for a dance in the first place.

Her confident expression seemed trustworthy enough, and he departed to find Lady Ritter.

Left alone, Iona glanced around before heading toward the door on the left.

She planned to slip into the tearoom and sate her hunger while Leroy was away.

If Erich hadn't suddenly blocked her path, she could have easily devoured two plates of the evening cakes.

"Knight Erich?"

"Why aren't you coming?"

Erich, who had grabbed Iona, whispered irritably.

The chill emanating from his body suggested he had indeed been waiting on the terrace.

Iona countered incredulously.

"Do I have to come just because my subordinate tells me to?"

It was a perfectly logical retort. At a loss for words, Erich took slow, deep breaths to calm his agitation.

Only then did his eyes regain their previous composure.

"......Understood. Lady Iona, please spare me a moment of your time."

"If it's work, we can discuss it at the palace."

"You avoid me there too."

Cutting off Iona's words, Erich added magnanimously,

"If you don't like the terrace, we can talk while dancing. It's hard to eavesdrop in the ballroom."