Side Story 1: The Duchess Is On The Balcony (Part 3)

“The Duke and Duchess of Etterland are entering.”

At the end of the steward’s announcement, the heavy doors swung open on both sides. A vast hall, with a magnificent chandelier above and a marble floor below, was filled with countless people.

Every single one of them had the air of a man born to rule over others, from their fingertips to their eyes.

Despite having learned etiquette many times, Lizbeth couldn’t help but freeze with nervousness when she saw them.

“You seem too nervous.”

Bieren tried to reassure Lizbeth. With Bieren’s escort, Lizbeth walked with her back straight and her waist held firmly.

Although she outwardly maintained perfect etiquette, Lizbeth’s anxiety was evident as she turned to face Bieren.

“If by any chance I make a mistake and tarnish your reputation…”

“Who cares about that?”

Bieren replied, reassuring Lizbeth that she didn’t need to worry. To him, her very existence was the meaning of life.

No longer was Lizbeth a maid who had to bow her head and look good for someone. She was the hostess of a noble household. That would never change, no matter what her origins.

“You are the pride of the Etterland Duchy.”

Bieren emphasized to Lizbeth. She bit her lip, seeing her husband cheering her on. 

She felt like she was in a fairy tale, attending the ball, especially with a knight-like husband by her side.

The whole situation felt like a dream. Even when she saw the emperor and empress opening the ball, it didn’t feel real.

“You seem completely lost.” 

Bieren commented, dancing with Lizbeth for the first time and observing her expression. Lizbeth looked like a frightened small animal. She was amazed at the grand ballroom and the people wearing all kinds of colorful jewelry.

But she didn’t seem to realize that the most radiant and beautiful person in the ballroom was me.

“Who is it that has captured your attention?”

Bieren teased Lizbeth. Though he said it lightly, Lizbeth’s continued fidgeting was not amusing to him.

Lizbeth, who had known no one but Bieren and their child, had a gleam in her eye that seemed to take in everyone but him, and it made Bieren feel very strange to watch. Lizbeth was sneaking glances at someone else, which was something he found unfamiliar.

“I just… can’t believe I’m here with you, Bieren.” 

Lizbeth said, looking at him. When Bieren met her youthful gaze, it felt like the Lizbeth who had left the house had returned to him. He felt like he was traversing heaven and hell in the single glance of Lizbeth’s eyes.

Lizbeth turned to Bieren and chattered excitedly.

“Being with you, Bieren, felt like something I could only dream of. But now, I can see scenes like this with you.”

Lizbeth’s thoughts were only about Bieren. Her curiosity about the ballroom wasn’t driven by any other motive but by wondering what it looked like beside Bieren. They grew up in such different environments that they were curious about each other’s worlds.

Bieren felt stupid for being impatient with Lizbeth.

“Now, everything is yours. Everything I have is for you.” 

Bieren whispered, holding Lizbeth’s hand and pulling her close to kiss her.

Lizbeth couldn’t quite get used to his sincere confession, so different from the time when only harsh words had escaped his lips. He spoke nothing but praise for her now.

When the couple returned from the dance, they were surrounded by noble lords and ladies.

“We are honored to meet the Duchess.” 

Everyone seemed more curious about Lizbeth than they ever had been about Bieren. They wanted to know what kind of person Lizbeth was and why Bieren, who valued honor and shunned women, had decided to marry a maid.

Those who approached Lizbeth with such curiosity couldn’t help but marvel and praise her after speaking with her.

“You seem very knowledgeable,” 

Lizbeth was not what she seemed at first glance to be: an aristocratic, unable to speak to anyone, and despite her pretty doll-like appearance, she was elegant down to her fingertips.

It was all the result of Lizbeth’s hard work.

Lizbeth smiled at the woman who had complimented her.

“You are so well-spoken, madam, that I wish I could learn your way of speaking.”

Lizbeth, despite her humble origins as a maid, maintained a dignified demeanor without diminishing herself to an unbelievable extent. 

The noble ladies who had approached her simply because they were curious about her soon turned to her and smiled warmly.

Bieren made her way over to Lizbeth, who was now in the center of the ladies’ conversation.

“I hope I’m not interrupting your pleasant conversation.”

Bieren blended into the group with a quick greeting.

Beren smoothly joined the group with a casual greeting. He was a man who knew little about being affable; he merely observed formalities with a stiff demeanor, offering no more kindness than necessary.

So the imperial ladies wondered how different Beren, who had fallen in love, would appear.

The question, which seemed to linger forever, was answered when they saw the way Bieren looked at Lizbeth. His eyes were filled with indescribable warmth as he looked at his beloved.

“Bieren?”

Lizbeth’s face brightened at his arrival. His smile widened as he realized how happy she was to see him.

He had approached Lizbeth, who was somewhat trapped among the people, wanting to take her away, but Lizbeth was blissfully unaware, smiling warmly. It felt like his stubborn heart was melting away in that smile.

“You can’t disturb a couple renowned for their overflowing affection in the empire.”

One of the ladies laughed, covering her face with a fan. The other ladies joined in and shooed her away.

Lizbeth blushed at their teasing and shook her head.

“No, no….”

“With your grateful understanding, we’ll take our leave.”

Unlike Lizbeth, Bieren had no qualms about declining. The ladies laughed at Bieren’s brazenness but found Lizbeth adorable as she pursed her lips in embarrassment.

Lizbeth placed her hand over the one Bieren extended for an escort. Together, they smoothly exited the ballroom. Lizbeth looked up at him and asked,

“Are we going home?”

“No, I’m on my way to do something with you.”