Chapter 3 (Part 3)

“Sophia!”

Sophia, who had been trembling with anger, softened her expression and turned her head.

“Beonar!”

Sophia ran into Beonar’s arms like a tragic heroine on stage. Then she glared at Yuliana.

“Beonar, Lady Loengrin is so scary…”

Yuliana was speechless. Sophia had been glaring at her and picking a fight for no reason. Now, she was pretending to be weak and innocent in front of Beonar, making Yuliana frown.

“Are you tormenting my cute fiancée because you still have feelings for me, Lady Loengrin?”

“Feelings are only experienced when there are emotions left, Young Lord Fedeurus.”

“So, you’re saying you still have feelings for me?”

“My intention was to say that since I have no emotions left for my ex-fiancé, I also have no lingering feelings.”

Yuliana spoke sincerely. Beonar’s anger flared at Yuliana’s composed face.

“Hmph! Two-timing with Duke Anthus.”

“Speaking irresponsibly means you’re confident in your words, right?”

“What do you mean by irresponsible words? It’s the truth, Lady Loengrin.”

“Even if it’s the truth, reality will make you regret it. So, it’s best for Young Lord Beonar to be careful with your words.”

People watched the tense exchange between Beonar and Yuliana with interest.

“I, Yuliana Loengrin, as a Spirit Mage, swear by the name of mana before the spirits… that I have never two-timed anyone during my engagement with Young Lord Fedeurus.”

“Swear? The rumor about you two-timing is already widespread! How could you cheat while engaged?”

“Young Lord Fedeurus, as a Spirit Mage, I swore to the spirits I contracted with. Do you not understand the significance of this and continue to spread false rumors?”

In a contract with spirits, ‘truth’ is vital. For example, telling a water spirit ‘that person is hurt’ and channeling one’s mana to the spirit will heal the injured person. Speaking ‘lies’ in the name of the spirit results in losing spirit affinity.

“So? Swearing means you didn’t two-time?”

Beonar began to raise his voice in anger.

“Young Lord Fedeurus, please lower your voice. There are others here.”

Rivilious stepped in front of Beonar, who was approaching Yuliana, and pleaded.

“How dare a mere dress-selling employee lay a hand on a Marquis’s son!”

Just as Beonar raised his right hand high to strike Rivilious’s cheek, the bell rang as the door opened.

“The shop is quite noisy.”

At the familiar and friendly voice, Yuliana’s golden eyes widened.

“Duke?”

It was Anthus.

“What are you doing, Young Lord Fedeurus?”

Anthus approached Beonar, who was about to slap Rivilious, with a cold voice. Beonar’s face turned red.

“You weren’t about to hit him, were you?”

“That is…”

Rivilious sighed in relief and signaled to the employees, who then guided the customers out of the shop, bowing in apology.

“Young Lord Fedeurus.”

At Anthus’s call, Beonar suddenly felt a chill. It was as if a giant snake’s tongue was tasting him, and he began to tremble.

“What were you talking about with her?”

Seeing Beonar, Anthus felt a surge of anger. Before opening the door, some noblewomen who recognized him told him what had happened in the dress shop. Hearing Beonar accuse Yuliana of two-timing made Anthus’s anger boil deep inside.

Suppressing his anger, Anthus opened the door and saw Beonar about to slap Rivilious, who was standing in front of Yuliana.

“It seemed like you were talking about two-timing?”

Beonar swallowed hard.

“I will formally request an apology from the Marquis Fedeurus. And… Young Lord Fedeurus.”

“Yes…”

“No matter how bad a criminal is, I usually give them three chances. After enduring three times, I can thoroughly crush them on the fourth.”

Anthus whispered low to the trembling Beonar.

“Young Lord Beonar Fedeurus, you now have only two chances left. So, watch your mouth.”

Anthus met Beonar’s eyes with a captivating smile.

“Understood?”

“Eek!”

Beonar began to retreat, trembling.

“S-Sophia, let’s leave. This place isn’t good.”

“What?”

Sophia felt a bit disappointed with Beonar, who showed a weak side in front of Anthus.

“I’ll buy you another dress. Let’s go.”

Beonar and Sophia left the shop in a sorry state.

“Duke!”

At the sound of her lovely voice calling him, Anthus’s expression softened, and he smiled instantly.

“Yuli.”

“I could have handled it…”

“I’m sorry for taking away your chance to handle it. I just couldn’t let such filth approach you. Next time, I’ll cheer you on from behind.”

“Cheer me on?”

Yuliana laughed, and Anthus’s face turned slightly red.

Selenia covered her mouth with both hands, watching Anthus act like a puppy wagging its tail at Yuliana. The sight of Beonar and Sophia’s distorted faces when Anthus appeared was also satisfying.

“But what brings you here, Duke?”

“Didn’t you send a letter saying you couldn’t have lunch with me today because you were coming to Clairira Branch with Lady Selenia?”

“Oh… that’s right. But I might not have come here today…”

“It’s fine. I was going to wait until you came.”

“You really would have waited even if I didn’t come?”

“If I had to wait, I would have chosen a dress that suits you and sent it to Earl Loengrin’s residence.”

Anthus scratched his cheek, feeling shy.

Clap, clap.

“I’ll guide you to the VIP room that Duke Rockbellion reserved.”

“You made a reservation?”

Surprised, Yuliana looked at Anthus.

“Yes. As I said earlier, it wasn’t an empty promise to choose a dress for you and send it to the Earl’s residence.”

“I can’t accept gifts.”

“Lia! Since we’re here, let’s go to the VIP room. When else will we get this chance? Rivilious.”

“Yes.”

“The order from above… was it the VIP room the Duke reserved?”

“That’s right.”

“Lia, the Duke reserved it for you. Let’s go up and at least take a look. Okay?”

“Lady Loengrin.”

Yuliana was reluctantly dragged to the VIP room by Selenia and Rivilious.

As Selenia looked around the VIP room, she suddenly left, saying she had an appointment. Rivilious and the employees left to prepare the dresses on mannequins. In an instant, Anthus and Yuliana were alone in the VIP room.

An awkward silence fell. Anthus broke it first.

“Yuli.”

“Yes.”

“Have you decided on a partner for the Crown Prince’s birthday banquet? If not, would you consider entering with me as your partner? I’d like to escort you.”

“What should I do? I plan to enter with my father. I’ve already promised…”

“Then it can’t be helped… I’ll just have to enter alone again this year. Instead, could you grant me one favor?”

“A favor? If it’s something I can do, I’ll do it.”

“If, by any chance… just by any chance.”

“Yes.”

“If, for some reason, you can’t enter with your father at the Crown Prince’s birthday banquet… Could you please give me the honor of being your partner?”

“Although it’s unlikely, if that happens as you said… I’ll tell my father I want to enter with you.”

“Yuli, you promised.”

“Yes, I promise. But don’t get your hopes up. My father is really looking forward to escorting me this time.”

“Of course.”

Anthus had already convinced Matthias with 100 reasons why he should enter the banquet with Yuliana. He was sure Yuliana would soon say, ‘Father wants me to enter with you.’ So, Anthus didn’t need to worry.

“It’s a bit disappointing. I can’t enter with you this year, but I hope you’ll be my partner next year…”

Anthus looked innocent and embarrassed.

“Yes, I’ll ask you next year.”