Chapter 77 [part 2] (2/2)

As the afternoon passed and it drew closer to evening, the people in the banquet hall increased. Once the day got completely dark, the crowd would move to the Outer Palace which was being prepared and the ball would begin.

After greeting, talking and smiling with people for half a day, Lucia felt like her facial muscles were in spasms. She couldn’t even remember who she had greeted. Because she had been standing continuously, her legs were sore and she wanted to collapse into a soft sofa and rub her legs.

Lucia’s social debut today was successful. People were practically lining up to greet Lucia. The King and Queen who should have been the protagonist of today, could only tolerate the attention which was focused on the Ducal Taran couple.

“Tired?”

Lucia was about to give her habitual reply of, “I’m fine” but she changed her answer to, “I’m a little tired.” She wanted to complain to him that it was hard.

“Shall we go back?”

For the words, ‘I’m tired’ to come out of her mouth which had ‘I’m okay’ sewn on it, she must really be having a hard time. Hugo grabbed her shoulders and pulled her into his chest. Leaning on him would help her reduce the weight on her legs a little. She was definitely very tired. She was usually uncomfortable with physical contact in public yet now she obediently leaned into his arms.

“But the ball hasn’t even started yet…”

“It’s fine, you’ve already stayed in the banquet hall for this long. It is hard for everyone to attend both events. In any case, I planned to just show my face in the ball and then go. We have tomorrow too.”

“Can we really go home?”

Hugo smiled. The word, ‘home’ warmed up his heart.

“Yes.”

While the ducal couple who were in their own world, people hovered in their vicinity but could not get close.

“…This is not a very rare sight, is it?”

No matter how many time Kwiz saw it, it was still fascinating. It was the Duke of Taran of all people! Expressing his affection in public with no hesitation! Is this an omen?!

Beth laughed as she listened to her husband’s mumbling.

“My Queen, you already knew so why didn’t you give me a hint?”

“Because I thought it would be interesting. This small thing can serve as a diversion for Your Majesty, can it not?”

Kwiz looked at Beth who was full of smiles and gave a small sigh. His wife was gradually becoming more tough and indifferent as she raised their three sons. These days, when he visited the back palace, he was secretly watched by the Queen. He also had three sons that would flip and pounce on him if he wronged their mother. If he didn’t want to be bullied in his old age, he had to build up his score from now on.

“What does my Queen think? Is Taran Gong being authentic, or acting out a play?”

“Is that important?”

The Queen was right. It was not important. The fact that the Duke of Taran expressed his affection for his wife in an official event was a silent warning to everyone: I am behind this woman so don’t try any nonsense. Of course, as the Lady of the Ducal House of Taran, she was in a position that no one could ignore. However it was on a different level when the Duke proclaimed himself as her strong shield.

“The Duchess will be quite busy.”

“Indeed.”

Everyone who came here knew that the shortcut to attacking the Duke of Taran was the Duchess. Many people were already looking at the Duchess with blazing eyes.

“But, what is Katherine doing that she doesn’t even show her face?”

“She hates this sort of event. Don’t you know? I’m sure she’ll come out for the evening ball.”

Kwiz clicked his tongue when he remembered his sister who always made him worry about when she would mature. They were both his sisters but why were they so different? Because they had different mothers? It was a thought he had had before but here he was, having it again. He had to find a suitable bridegroom for his sister but the problem was, there was no one suitable.

Translator’s Corner:

This isn’t exactly martial arts. I wasn’t sure what else to use. It’s referring to his skill in battle. His fighting prowess, etc. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us knowso we can fix it as soon as possible.