Chapter 68 - The Duke Is Seeing Someone (1/2)

Chapter 68 – The Duke Is Seeing Someone

Xavier was afraid he would take after his father and break the heart of the woman he loved. He resolved that he would not be like his father, no matter what.

And yet, he was unsure whether the blood he inherited from his father would allow it.

It was better to be a coward. It was better for him to be mocked for not being able to confess his feelings to the woman he loved, even though he was the crown prince of the nation. He didn’t care what people thought about that.

But—he hoped that Maristella would not be hurt under any circumstances. He would confess only when he felt perfectly confident in himself—that is, when he was sure he could keep her from getting hurt, even if the destructive blood of his father ran through his veins.

That was why he hesitated. He did not act on his emotions, as he feared a tragedy that may or may not manifest itself in the future.

However, it was difficult for one to place blame on Xavier. Anyone who knew his background would feel that his worries were valid.

‘I’m so…indecisive.’

He smiled and shook his head. Maristella had asked him to be brave. She had told him it was natural to hurt and be hurt by someone in a relationship. It was not something to avoid.

She also spoke of timing when it came to love. In love, timing was important. If one hesitated in overcoming their fear, then love may not even have a starting chance.

Xavier knew that Maristella was completely right.

‘Can I have courage?’ he asked himself, and the answer came to him quicker than he thought.

There was his anxiety about a tragedy in the future. And then there was his love for her.

If he had to choose one of the two, which one would be worse for him?

Clearly it was the former.

He smiled quietly. His mind felt lighter than before.

‘Her next partner will be me, Claude.’

Not only the next time, but the next time after that, and after that, and so on. It would only be him. Claude would only have today to enjoy the result of Xavier’s hesitation.

Xavier’s earnest gaze turned towards the terrace where the two had disappeared.

“Your Majesty.”

A voice called out to him from behind. When he turned around, he saw Odeletta smiling at him. His face momentarily stiffened, but he managed to school his features.

“Greetings. I’m glad to see the Little Sun of the Empire,” Odeletta said with impeccable politeness.

“Yes, Lady Odeletta.” He was about to ask how she was, but he soon abandoned the idea. He knew that he didn’t have the right to ask such a question. He would be happy if she said she was well, but if her answer to the question was ‘not well’, it was purely because of him. In the end, he decided to save his words.

Odeletta gave him an admiring look. “You look great today. I always had this, but you look good in a dark tailcoat.”

“Thank you.”

There was a lull in the conversation. Xavier had to keep the conversation smooth while not acting too friendly, but it was not easy trying to catch two rabbits at the same time. Quite frankly, it was impossible under the current circumstances. It was better not to talk that much in the first place.

‘This is crazy.’

There was a lengthy pause between them. In truth, he didn’t dislike Odeletta. If he hated her just because she liked him, it would make him a piece of crap. The reason why the current situation was so strained was because he had to continue to be courteous towards her without further hurting her. That was a difficult task.

As he sighed inwardly and looked at Odeletta, a curious detail caught his eye.

‘She looks similar…to Lady Maristella.’

Odeletta was wearing a beautiful pearl-colored dress and silver heels. Of course, that particular color combination wasn’t very unique, so perhaps he was being hypersensitive. Considering the situation and timing, however, he couldn’t stop doubt from nagging at him.

‘No…’

Odeletta broke the awkward silence between them. “Did you see Marie?” she asked casually.

Xavier was somewhat surprised at her comfortable demeanor, but he replied casually as well. “I saw her earlier.”

She gave a nod. “I see. Actually, I’ve been looking for Marie for a while now, but I couldn’t find her.”

“If you’re looking for Lady Maristella, it would be faster to find Duke Escliffe instead,” Xavier said in a dry voice. “His dance partner is Lady Maristella today.”

“Oh, I see. I didn’t know. She didn’t tell me.”

“They might be at the terrace by now. So after a while…”