Chapter 9

“Miss Atherne, it has been a long time. You are as beautiful as ever. You truly resemble your father. Yet, when you smile, I can see glimpses of the previous Duchess. The dress you’re wearing today suits you wonderfully as well.”

“I am truly honored that you would say so, Marchioness Clifford.”

The Marchioness looked exactly like Eris. Lynette had never once seen her own mother’s face in her life.

Even when looking at her own reflection, she saw only the Duke’s face. Eris, standing close by, stepped into the brief silence.

She spoke in a bright, cheerful voice.

“I was the one who picked the dress. It suits Miss Atherne perfectly, doesn’t it? His Highness wanted a different dress, but I strongly insisted on that one!”

At Eris’s childlike innocence, the Marchioness looked at her with a stern expression.

“Eris! I told you to behave yourself!”

Though the Marchioness Clifford spoke sternly, she pulled Eris into her arms as if she were a precious treasure, patting and stroking her back. Then, with a gentle smile, she spoke to Lynette.

“She is still so immature, isn’t she? It would be wonderful if she could follow Miss Atherne’s example even halfway. She may be lacking in many ways, but I ask for your kind guidance.”

“Not at all. She is already perfect. She is the finest lady in the Kingdom of Ortia.”

Marquess Clifford, who had been watching his wife and daughter with a pleased expression, added his own comment.

“She has a long way to go before she can keep up with Miss Atherne. Still, I wish our Eris could live in such innocence forever. That is why I worry so much.”

At the Marquess’s words, the faint smile vanished from the Marchioness’s face. With a look of concern, she added:

“When Carlisle visits the estate, please come along, Miss Atherne. There are things I wish to ask and favors I wish to request.”

It was likely related to Eris. Having raised her daughter with love and affection like a flower in a greenhouse, she probably wanted to ask Lynette to look after her, as Eris would have to live as a royal princess.

“I would be more than honored if you were to invite me.”

Once the properly polite greetings were finished, the Marquess and Marchioness Clifford stepped away. Carlisle and Eris also approached Elaine once more. Lynette knew Carlisle was signaling her with his eyes, but she ignored him and stepped back.

The music grew more upbeat, signaling the start of the ball. As the violins and flutes poured out a lively rhythm, the nobles paired up and moved toward the center of the hall. The hems of the dresses spread softly like blooming flowers, and the men in black formal wear surrounded them, blending together like a painting.

Elaine and Eris were the first to take the center. Their perfect harmony drew admiration from everyone, and the surrounding area was quickly filled with soft smiles and applause. Lynette averted her gaze and attempted to turn away. However, Carlisle, who had already approached, held out his hand.

“Would you grant me this dance, Miss Atherne?”

His pale green eyes held her firmly. If she rejected him here, under the gaze of so many, it would immediately become the talk of the town. Lynette wore a faint smile and reached out her hand. In an instant, a warm and firm grip enveloped her hand. It was a hand with a surprisingly familiar warmth, one she hadn’t felt in a long time.

Carlisle led Lynette to the center. The light of the chandeliers poured over her silver dress, and his shadow cast over her. The two stepped forward in time with the first beat of the music.

The hem of Lynette’s skirt spread softly. Carlisle’s touch was impeccably polite, but the pressure at his fingertips was excessively strong. Without letting her expression waver, keeping her eyes fixed forward, Lynette whispered briefly.

“Don’t try any tricks. Just dance.”

Carlisle let out a smile and pulled her closer.

“Well. It might be a bit difficult, since I’m used to holding and touching you like I did before.”

Despite the rogue-like words, the voice sounding right beside her ear was low and soft. As his breath brushed against her, Lynette momentarily stopped breathing. The large hand on her lower back, the brushing breath—it was all familiar.

The surrounding eyes were focused on the two of them. They had been long-term lovers, but rumors of their bad breakup and the curiosity of the nobles regarding the prank of fate that brought them back together flowed from every corner.

Lynette wiped the smile from her face and looked up at Carlisle. Cold, frozen blue eyes clashed with pale green eyes that flickered like flames. One side was a firm determination to never give in; the other was a gaze mixed with obsession and desire.

The music flowed toward its cl*max, and the two danced in flawless synchronization. However, Lynette’s heart throbbed uncomfortably. Suppressed emotions piled up with every step, making their dance feel precarious, as if they were balancing on the edge of a blade.

The moment the uncomfortable waltz ended, a soft voice reached her ear.

“I’ll go ahead, so take your time.”

With those words, Carlisle approached Elaine, said something, bowed politely, and left through the back door. As she watched him leave, Lynette locked eyes with Elaine, who nodded as if she understood everything.

The banquet was still in full swing, but Lynette left the hall alone. She felt she had stayed long enough. Since she had Elaine’s permission, there was no need to hesitate. Lynette walked down the dark, long corridor. The music and laughter had already faded into the distance, and the palace gallery was filled only with moonlight.

She heard the sound of footsteps following her. Recognizing who it was immediately, Lynette stopped and turned around.

Duke Atherne closed the distance without hesitation, raised his right hand, and struck Lynette across the cheek. Her body reeled from the sudden, powerful impact, but Lynette braced herself with all her strength.

The Duke did not like it when Lynette endured like this. It would be more effective if she cried and begged for mercy, but Lynette did not. She did not want to. As soon as Lynette straightened her body, another blow struck the same spot, and she staggered more violently than before.

The Duke clicked his tongue. The look in his eyes, as if he were staring at a deficient imbecile, stung her body and soul.

“You useless thing. You should have been born a man. If you had, I would have given you everything I own.”

She felt blood pooling in her mouth. That metallic scent was disgustingly familiar. Forgetting that she was in the palace gallery, Lynette spat out blood-tinged saliva.

“You haven’t changed.”

Just as the Duke raised his hand again, the sound of footsteps approaching the gallery was heard. Someone was coming this way. Publicly, Lynette was the noble Lady of Atherne. The Duke lowered his hand and scanned her, his blue eyes not hiding a frost-like rage. It felt as though she were being assaulted by his gaze alone.

Part of her wished someone would come and see her in this wretched state, yet another part of her didn’t want anyone to find out. The desire to remain hidden was slightly stronger, and fortunately, Lynette’s wish was granted. The footsteps faded away again.

“Stop this. We are in the royal palace.”

“I am merely observing how far your utility goes. You might as well become the Crown Prince’s mistress and be of some help to the family. I doubt your utility extends beyond that.”

Lynette was twenty-four. Considering that most nobles entered a year of engagement and married immediately upon reaching adulthood at eighteen, she was quite late.

“If not that, a second-hand marriage spot wouldn’t be bad either. Provided they pay a reasonable price for your value. Don’t you agree?”

Those were merely words to pressure her. What the Duke truly wanted to say was only just beginning. Lynette listened to the Duke’s words with her head tilted slightly.

“I heard the Crown Prince has brought Carlisle Preston into the palace to accelerate his research on magic. And that you have been put in charge of him.”