Chapter 5 (Part 4)
Erzen and Anton, who were sitting at the table nibbling on snacks, noticed Anthus escorting a woman into the room through the suddenly opened door. Realizing it was Lady Yuliana Loengrin, they stood up.
They remembered Anthus’ face when he had dashed out after receiving Ferrell’s report, exclaiming, “Lia came to see me!” It had been a while since he left, and they were bored, but Ferrell had brought a trolley full of food and snacks to keep them occupied.
“I thought he wouldn’t come back because his fiancée arrived…”
Erzen looked at the couple, who entered with a pink atmosphere, with a cold expression.
“I didn’t want to come, but since my fiancée is here, we should introduce ourselves. We’ll be working together in the investigation team from now on. Lia, the big, rough-looking man over there is Erzen, known as the Mercenary King. He is a close friend of mine.”
Yuliana greeted according to etiquette.
“I am Yuliana of the Loengrin family.”
“Hello! I am Erzen of the Parker family.”
“Erzen is also the second son of the Parker family, a vassal family of the Rockbellion house, Lia.”
At Anthus’ explanation, Yuliana raised her eyebrows slightly and nodded.
“And the person next to him is Alchemist Anton.”
“Hello, I am Anton.”
After brief introductions, they began discussing the village of Luteons and the northern dungeon in earnest.
* * *
Evening had arrived, painting the sky red. Yuliana looked at the sunset outside the window with a bitter expression.
“It’s time to go home.”
At Yuliana’s murmur, Anthus faced the reality he had to accept. He had suggested she stay for dinner, but she had to leave because Matthias would worry if it got too late.
Anthus, reluctantly sending Yuliana off, looked like a wounded puppy wandering in a dark alley in the rain.
“Would you please not lock the terrace door tonight?”
“Are you planning to sneak in?”
“I will come to see you.”
After Yuliana left, Anthus became anxious. He had many things to do today, but he told his aides he’d finish only the most urgent tasks and do the rest tomorrow.
The aides, seeing Anthus’ hurried demeanor, tilted their heads and secretly enjoyed watching him flustered. As soon as he returned to his room, Anthus told Ferrell,
“I’m going to see Lia. Give me some light clothes.”
“Yes, Master.”
“I’ll be back by dawn.”
“I will prepare everything.”
Late at night, Anthus, ready, arrived at the Earl’s residence. Moving quietly and hiding his presence, he lightly jumped from the ground to the wall and landed on Yuliana’s terrace.
Anthus carefully opened the terrace door and entered. If Matthias saw this, he might chase him down and kill him. But he couldn’t help it. How could he resist the urge to see her, even if it meant risking his life?
When he opened the terrace door, Yuliana was there. Seeing her, Anthus’ face melted into a sweet smile.
Anthus approached Yuliana and lightly pulled her into his arms. Yuliana gently leaned her cheek against his chest. She then looked up at him.
“If you look at me like that, I can’t hold back.”
“Have you ever held back?”
Like snow gently falling on the ground, his lips descended. As their lips slowly met, happiness seemed to seep into his heart.
* * *
The first morning of the Crown Prince’s birthday dawned. This day was one of the busiest days for all noblewomen.
Head maid Yoanna had put a lot of effort into making oils for Yuliana’s face, hair, and body, using various herbs, plants, and flowers. Additionally, she had obtained very expensive and hard-to-find mermaid scales, said to create alabaster skin, directly from Butler Ferrell of the Rockbellion house.
“Miss, let’s stop the mana training for today!”
“No, I can’t skip a single day.”
“Then just do it for 30 minutes today.”
Rubbing her sleepy eyes, Yuliana woke up in the morning, did her mana training in the personal training ground, and returned to her room yawning and stretching.
Under the direction of Yoanna and Luda, Yuliana received a thorough facial and massage for about three hours. Breakfast was a light soup and salad. Since she had to wear a dress, she only ate enough to stave off hunger.
“I wish being a bit plump was considered beautiful.”
“Maybe that day will come, but today is not that day.”
“I’m hungry…”
“Please endure it just for today, Miss.”
Yuliana wore the dress Anthus had gifted her. Though the dress and accessories were beautiful… Yoanna, Luda, and the maids faced a significant challenge.
“I think a slightly updo hairstyle would be better.”
“Given the dress, how about a half-updo with natural waves instead of a full updo?”
“That’s not bad, but to show off the beautiful shoulder line, an updo might be better.”
“Let’s not use flower decorations. Dark blue calls for pearls.”
“I thought daisy decorations would be nice…”
Yuliana nodded and listened to Yoanna, Luda, and the maids’ discussions with a wry smile, knowing how much effort they had put in since morning.
Her hair was tied up and let down repeatedly. Yuliana yawned slightly and closed her eyes.
Yawning and dozing off, Yuliana finally opened her eyes.
“Miss, it’s done.”
“It’s perfect.”
“You all did a great job.”
Yuliana gathered herself and looked in the mirror. She wondered who is the woman reflected in the mirror.
“Is that me in the mirror?”
“Of course, Miss.”
“It’s really beautiful. You styled my hair in waves.”
“Isn’t it pretty? We added pearls to each knot to keep it simple yet elegant. Hoho.”
“Duke Rockbellion has arrived downstairs. Shall we go down, Miss?”
As soon as she descended the stairs, she met Anthus standing right below.
“You look stunning, Lia.”
Anthus didn’t hide his admiration.
“Yan, you look more handsome than usual.”
Anthus’ abundant blonde hair was slicked back, making him appear more elegant and dignified than usual.
He slightly bowed and extended his hand. Yuliana placed her hand on his outstretched right hand.
“Yan… The color of your clothes…”
They exchanged a glance, understanding each other’s thoughts without words.
“Yes. Madam Clairira put her heart into creating a couple outfit.”
“A couple outfit?”
“Yes. By wearing similar styles and colors, it announces to everyone that I, Anthus Rockbellion, is Yuliana’s man. This couple item is very trendy in the Zentas Empire, though it hasn’t caught on in our empire yet. I thought we should try it.”
“It’s wonderful.”
Yuliana’s heart fluttered and tingled at his words.
“Welcome, Duke.”
“Good day, Father.”
“Duke, please take good care of our Lia today.”
Matthias smiled contentedly, seeing the two holding hands and smiling at each other.
“Thank you for allowing me to escort her, Father.”
“I will attend the banquet as soon as I finish my business. See you there, Duke. Lia, see you later.”
Matthias’ eyes were slightly moist. Though calling him “Father” felt burdensome, Anthus’ sincere demeanor made him more likable. Most importantly, Yuliana was smiling now. That was enough.
“Please cherish my daughter.”
“You will not be disappointed.”
Matthias was satisfied with Anthus’ words, knowing he was not one to speak lightly.
* * *
The carriage carrying Yuliana and Anthus headed towards the Imperial Palace’s banquet hall. Normally, they would have to wait in line, but with the Rockbellion family crest, they could enter without waiting.
As Anthus stepped out of the carriage, he naturally drew everyone’s attention. And following him, Yuliana also attracted the gaze of many.
“Shall we go, Lia?”
“Yes.”
She placed her hand on his, and they ascended the steps together. Anthus matched her pace, and the attendant at the door announced loudly,
“Duke Anthus Rockbellion and Lady Yuliana Loengrin are entering.”
As soon as they entered the banquet hall, people began to approach Anthus and Yuliana, watching them closely. Among them, Duke Rosenbach, famous for being a playboy, approached with a sly smile and asked,
“Well, when did the two of you become a couple? Are the rumors true?”
“I don’t know what rumors you’re referring to, but yes, Lia… Lady Yuliana and I are indeed lovers.”
Anthus looked at Yuliana with the gaze of a man deeply in love, which was evident to anyone who saw. People were surprised that Anthus, who had the nickname of a gruff and blunt fighter, could make such an expression.
“Hahaha. You two look great together.”
“Thank you, Duke Rosenbach.”
Yuliana blushed continuously due to Anthus’ unabashed display of affection in front of everyone. Yet, she didn’t dislike this feeling. In fact, it made her heart flutter.
“Lia!”
Selenia called out, using her nickname.
“Yan, I’m going to the ladies’ gathering for a bit.”
At those words, Anthus became sullen.
“I don’t want to be apart…”
“You have people you need to greet as well, don’t you?”
“Then I’ll come to fetch you later.”
“Yes.”
Anthus reluctantly let go of Yuliana’s hand.