32
At that moment, Dante felt utterly perplexed.
What an absolutely brilliant performance! You're a real star!
He wasn't sure what "brilliant" meant, but it was clear enough that she was praising him. The term "star" at the end was something Serafina often used instead of saying "awesome." Her twinkling eyes and the way her white thumb popped up cutely were further proof that this was indeed praise.
Which could only mean...
She must have mistaken his genuine feelings for acting—exceptional acting, apparently.
Dante wanted to correct her right away, but when he saw her innocent face, he just couldn't bring himself to speak.
In truth, Dante had been loitering around the area for quite some time now.
Whenever there was something urgent, he'd handle it as quickly as possible. He'd left Serafina alone between two nobles earlier, which weighed heavily on his mind, so his hands had moved almost unconsciously fast.
It was purely by chance that he spotted his jacket draped over a chair as he was about to leave the office.
Hmm. Isn't it getting a bit chilly now?
The memory of Serafina shivering at the early arrival of autumn in the north also popped up randomly.
Clutching the coat he wasn't going to wear, he hurried towards where the three others were gathered.
But once he reached the garden...
Dante missed his chance to make an exit due to snippets of conversation drifting his way.
Cough. Ahem.
"I'm sorry, dear. I couldn't help laughing when I imagined the great Duke Lichter tending to flower gardens."
...Chelsea. That woman really had a way with words.
Ever since they were young, she'd always been sly and mischievous.
Especially when he was younger, she would pounce on him like a vengeful spirit if he made any mistakes, always ready with her ridicule.
Even now, nothing seems to have changed.
Dante furrowed his brow deeply as he sighed:
To be honest, I never thought you'd adapt well to this place. The image of you trembling at our wedding is still etched in my mind.
His words struck true, piercing Serebii's heart. She too couldn't forget how Serafina had been at their wedding.
And that wasn't all.
Though they were unaware, immediately after the marriage, Serafina had seemed like someone who had given up on life.
It was hard to imagine now, but the pitiful state of Serafina during those times was not easily forgotten. It even haunted Serebii's dreams from time to time.
Dante held his breath, forgetting even to breathe as he awaited her response.
I felt like a criminal awaiting his sentence.
There's nothing strange about that thought. Honestly, at the time, I really didn't want to get married.
My heart dropped as if it had fallen from its place in my chest.
Although Serafina had already told me something similar before, hearing someone else admit they "didn't want to marry" was another shock. To be exact, I was afraid of what might happen. What if Serafina remembered how she felt back then? Would recalling her fear make her despise herself? My feelings for her were growing stronger by the day, yet now... could I handle it if Serafina avoided me again?
All sorts of thoughts swirled together, creating a deep quagmire—a pit so dark and profound it could swallow Dante whole.
The hand holding the jacket of her lost master tightened into a fist. A prominent muscle bulged above her tightly clenched jaw.
Honestly, I had no choice. Everyone around me was going on about how I'd been sold to a cursed family, saying things like "Poor thing," "How pitiful," and "What will become of such a lovely girl?" It was all so overwhelming. As someone who tends to get swept up in others' emotions, I started wondering if I'd really be sold off as human prey with no way out. But then...
Oh.
When I actually arrived here, I realized it was far too wonderful. Everyone is incredibly kind, free-spirited, and makes for such a pleasant life. Plus, just look at my husband's face—how could you call that monstrous? It's absolutely stunning!
Ah...
The tension slowly drained from my tightly gripped fists. The jacket nearly slipped from my grasp; I barely managed to hold onto it.
Indeed, Duke Lichter has quite the handsome appearance.
That's right! But his face isn't the only remarkable thing about him. He has a warm and considerate heart, truly a good person with empathy ingrained in his nature. It's just that Dante keeps quiet because people who don't understand keep calling him a monster or cursed one. My husband tends to go along with such moods too.
The words that followed made me bring my hand up to cover my mouth. If I didn't, I feared uncontrollable laughter of sheer happiness would burst out.
How could this be happening?
Serafina could so easily plunge me into despair or lift me up to heaven. She had sent me oscillating between paradise and hell dozens of times.
Her every word, smile, and action held such power.
Those little things had painted him with tens of thousands of emotions.
So then...
This crude, vulgar, and childish emotion must be one among those tens of thousands.
Would you like to be my friend too?
The mention of friendship in her voice was incredibly grating.
...Well, I'd be honored.
He hoped Serafina would firmly reject her.
Wow. I'm delighted.
Hearing her speak so cheerfully without realizing his feelings made him feel like his insides were on fire. This had to be jealousy. How could he be jealous when he was the only one pining for someone? He thought it was absurd and presumptuous, yet he couldn't extinguish the flames within him.
I look forward to spending time together in the future, friend.
What? Spending time together in the future? Dante involuntarily flared up at these words, which sounded like a declaration that they would see each other often.
His steps were unwavering as he strode towards them. Serafina's delicate figure caught his eye. He draped the coat he had been carrying over her shoulders. The sight of her wearing his clothes, looking up at him with wide eyes, was utterly adorable.
As much as he adored Serafina, the jealousy burning within Dante only intensified.
Thus, when the princess spoke:
It seems the Duke cherishes his wife dearly.
Dante, who would usually dismiss such comments, found himself responding with utmost sincerity:
Yes, I do cherish her deeply.
He felt no shame whatsoever. Did a dog feel embarrassed for barking to protect its master?
She is more than enough for me. I truly treasure her immensely.
The sharp end of his gaze bypassed the one who asked—the princess—and landed on the prince instead.
***
After the Duke and Serafina left:
Chelsea and Joshua were heading to their respective rooms.
"The Duke was glaring at you. When did you manage to get on his bad side? You're quick, aren't you?"
In response to Chelsea's teasing, Joshua shrugged nonchalantly.
"The Duke never liked us from the start," he said. "You know that too, don't you?"
"Hmm. I had no idea."
Joshua shook his head at Chelsea's shameless attitude.
It was then that Chelsea suddenly stopped in her tracks.
"Joshua. What's going on with you?"
"What do you mean?"
"Don't play dumb with me now."
Chelsea was right. Joshua had a good idea what she was getting at.
"Why did you try to befriend the Duchess?"
"You were the one who wanted us to be friendly first," Joshua replied incredulously.
Chelsea burst out laughing at his response, but despite the smile on her lips, her eyes remained sharp and piercing.
"Oh really? So it was all my fault then? I had no idea you admired me so much that you'd even try to follow my friends."
"I'm glad you finally understand now."
Seeing Chelsea's warm grin, he clicked his tongue teasingly.
"Sometimes you don't hold back your words, do you?"
The two resumed their walk together.
"Well, whatever happens, don't make things complicated for yourself. This lady here is usually very merciful, but there are times when she can be utterly ruthless."
"I just genuinely wanted to be friends with you. You seemed like an interesting person."
Joshua protested his innocence, genuinely feeling wronged. His intention to befriend the Duchess was pure; he simply wanted to be her friend. After all, she was married—only a scoundrel would harbor impure thoughts towards someone else's wife.
However, it seemed Chelsea had already made up her mind. She smiled sweetly at Joshua before speaking:
"Oh my dear. Stop yapping and get some sleep."
Slam.
With that parting remark—it could have been a greeting or an insult—Chelsea entered her room.
"Well then... believe what you want," Joshua muttered quietly as he crossed the empty hallway toward his own chamber.
***
That night...
I opened my eyes before dawn had broken.
"......My throat is dry."
Had I spoken too much? My throat felt parched. I glanced down beside me to see Dante, his eyes gracefully closed in slumber.
Well, well. Even in sleep, he was utterly captivating.
With a soft sigh of admiration, I carefully slipped out of bed so as not to disturb him. The water pitcher by the bedside looked suspiciously empty.
Ah. I wanted more gulps of that refreshing liquid.
There was no help for it. A trip to the dining room was in order.
As I prepared to drape my cape over my nightgown, a voice spoke from behind:
"Where are you off to, Serafina?"
It was a sleepy murmur, half-dreaming, half-awake.
I turned around to find Dante watching me, his eyes now open but still bleary with sleep.
Oh dear. How sorry I am.
"Did I wake you up? I'm so sorry."
"It's alright. I'm just a light sleeper. Where are you going? Shall I accompany you?"
Seeing his readiness to get up at once, I waved my hand dismissively.
"Nope. I'm just going to get a drink of water because my throat is dry."
"I'll go with you."
"Come on. I'm not a child. I'll just grab some water quickly and be back. Go back to sleep."
Despite my words, Dante awkwardly maintained his half-raised position.
Oh boy. He's hopeless.
I approached Dante and gently pushed him down by his shoulders. As he lay confused on the bed, I covered his eyes with one hand and softly stroked his chest with the other.
"Now. Please go back to sleep. Unless you want me to lose it over feeling guilty."
Through the solemn warning, I could feel Dante trying to hold back a laugh. Joining in with a chuckle, I removed my hands to find Dante obediently closing his eyes.
"Sweet dreams," I whispered before leaving the room.
Hmm. It feels even chillier at night. I need to hurry up, grab some water, and head back to sleep.
I briskly made my way out.