Chapter 60

The brother, who was reputed to do anything if his elder brother asked, was blocking his way. So why was he blocking Hugo’s path now?

If it was a request, Hugo was prepared to grant anything.

Even if it meant postponing the marriage Hugo was actively pursuing with Catherine for Brian’s sake.

Hugo found himself unable to refuse his brother anything.

“Brother, I think it would be best if I went to Lady Catherine’s banquet alone today. You should stay at home.”

Hugo realized.

The thought that he could grant all of his brother’s requests was arrogance. Some requests from Brian were different.

“Brian, why?”

Hugo was deeply offended but didn’t show it.

Brian liked Catherine, and Catherine liked Brian.

When Hugo announced he was moving next door to Catherine, Brian was as pleased as Hugo.

When Catherine was in danger because of Countess Bedwig, it was Brian who informed Hugo.

So Hugo thought Brian supported his reunion with Catherine. Why was he trying to stop him from going to the banquet?

“I like my sister-in-law.”

Brian dropped a bombshell.

“You, what are you saying right now…?”

“Don’t misunderstand, Brother. I mean I like Lady Catherine as a person. You might not know, but I’ve received a lot of kindness from Lady Catherine.”

Hugo was relieved for the moment.

When he heard Brian say he liked Catherine, his vision turned yellow for a moment.

Brothers loving the same woman.

Isn’t that more of a mess than the Shakespearean play he heard recently!

But that didn’t solve all the problems.

Brian moved his left leg to block the hallway.

“Brother, please let Lady Catherine go. I earnestly ask you as your brother.”

He thought that dealing with Countess Bedwig would be enough. But there was this unexpected obstacle.

Hugo rubbed his forehead.

***

“Fortunately, many people have come.”

After greeting a number of guests, Catherine came inside, and Joanna handed her a drink to quench her thirst.

“Indeed.”

Catherine was relieved.

She had worried that people might boycott the banquet at Catherine House after the article targeting Hugo was published.

“Were you worried? I couldn’t tell at all.”

Catherine smiled broadly.

“I’m glad it wasn’t noticeable.”

The weather was gloomy from the morning.

The sun that had been shining brightly for the past few days hid behind the clouds.

On such days, people are reluctant to go out. The weather, following the bad news, did not help Catherine.

Joanna and Elbert had come to Catherine urging her to make a decision.

The attendants who had gone to the market in the morning couldn’t hide their angry voices after hearing what was being said there.

Elbert and Joanna’s advice to cancel the banquet before no one attended was somewhat reasonable.

But Catherine pushed ahead with the banquet.

Canceling the banquet could make it look like she was admitting to the article.

The article was not true.

Regardless of the contract’s contents, Catherine trusted Hugo.

She believed in the life he had lived, wandering battlefields all his life because of that contract.

“Has Hugo not arrived yet?”

Catherine asked, looking at the people entering the mansion.

“No, he hasn’t arrived yet.”

His house isn’t far, and he knew the time, so why is Hugo late?

Did the newspaper article shock him? But that wasn’t like him.

“Shall I go and check?”

Elbert asked. It was unusual for Elbert, who usually didn’t welcome Hugo, to seek him out today.

There was a reason.

Today’s banquet was hosted by Catherine as the prospective Duchess.

Therefore, Hugo’s absence could negatively affect Catherine’s reputation.

“No, let’s wait a little longer. Ah, Countess Napolli!”

Catherine raised her hand and approached Countess Napolli, who had just entered the mansion with a dark expression.

Countess Napolli smiled when she saw Catherine.

“Catherine, how have you been?”

“Of course, I’ve been well. How about you, Countess Napolli? I’ve been eagerly waiting for your next tea party.”

“My last banquet must have been quite intense. I haven’t been able to prepare for the next one due to the pressure.”

“Don’t say that. I know you’re preparing an even more wonderful tea party. Your sense never fails, Countess Napolli.”

“Thank you, Catherine. You’ve given me the courage to prepare a banquet. By the way, this banquet of yours is amazing! Do you know the garden is packed with people?”

“What? In the garden? There’s nothing to see… Ah…”

Hugo had worked magic in Catherine’s garden.

Not real magic, but magic with money.

Hundreds of glowing yellow bulbs created a spectacular scene in the darkened garden.

It was a scene that infused romance into everyone, young and old.

“Your sense is remarkable, Catherine. How did you get all those bulbs? When I contacted the bulb company, they said it would take six months. If you know someone, please introduce me.”

Catherine laughed awkwardly.

She had heard the same thing from the bulb company as Countess Napolli.

The garden spectacle was created by Hugo, not Catherine.

Therefore, Countess Napolli’s question should be directed at Hugo. But Hugo hadn’t arrived…

“I’ve kept the host of the banquet too long. You must have many people to greet, so go ahead, Catherine.”

“Thank you, Countess Napolli. Please enjoy the banquet.”

Catherine slightly bent her knees to show respect to Countess Napolli and greeted each of those who responded to her invitation.

In between greetings, she introduced Riena and Brooke.

“Oh, these are the ones Catherine is sponsoring. How beautiful they are.”

“Being young is wonderful.”

“It’s not just youth that makes them beautiful. Think of Madame Lux in her youth.”

“That’s a direct insult, isn’t it?”

The people Catherine knew were all delightful.

Riena and Brooke naturally started talking with them.

Catherine moved elsewhere.

It was her first time hosting a banquet, so Catherine was a bit overwhelmed.

Elbert, Joanna, and Yuri were doing an excellent job, but Catherine’s personality made it hard for her to let go and relax.

Catherine checked if there was enough food, tasted the drinks to ensure the flavor hadn’t changed, checked the musicians’ condition, and spoke to people who seemed left out of conversations.

As a result, quite some time passed.

Catherine checked the time and turned her head towards the entrance.

She pretended otherwise, but she was also waiting for Hugo.

“Is the Duke not here yet?”

Lillie, who hadn’t been seen throughout the banquet, suddenly appeared.

“No.”

Catherine replied without taking her eyes off the door.

“That’s strange, he’s not the type to be late.”

Catherine agreed with Lillie’s words.

“Maybe he’s busy.”

“Even if he’s busy, he seems like the type to drop everything and come. Besides, the article yesterday… I’m sorry, Catherine.”

Lillie paused mid-sentence, watching Catherine’s reaction.

Catherine gave a bitter smile and patted Lillie’s shoulder.

“It’s fine. It’s just nonsense.”

“Really?”

Catherine was quite surprised at Lillie’s question.

It meant that even Lillie, who had observed Hugo closely, was swayed by the article.

“No, Catherine. I’m not doubting. I believe your marriage with the Duke is not a contract or a transaction. But…”

Lillie trailed off.

There are many ways to drive someone crazy.

One of them is to stop speaking mid-sentence. Catherine put her hands on her hips.

“Speak, Lillie.”

Lillie lowered her eyes and occasionally glanced up to check Catherine’s expression.

Another way to drive someone crazy had appeared.

Whether she was being cautious or not, Lillie’s confusing demeanor made Catherine frustrated.

“Lillie!”

“Ugh, Catherine! I can’t say it. I don’t want to say such harsh words myself. Y-you listen for yourself!”

Lillie blurted out and passed by Catherine, taking the lead.

Catherine stared blankly at Lillie’s retreating back.

What is she doing now?

Lillie, who was ahead, turned to Catherine. She mouthed words.

“F-o-l-l-o-w?”

Lillie nodded.