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

“You know a lot,” Odeletta noted evenly. “Like you’ve been watching Marie’s every move.”

“…”

It wasn’t an untrue statement, so Xavier didn’t say anything.

Noting his lack of denial, Odeletta bit her lips. A moment later, her expression smoothed out to its original polite look.

“Thank you for your help, Your Highness. As you said, it would be better to check on them after a little while. If it’s just the two of them…they’ll be talking alone.”

The intention in Odeletta’s last words was not lost on Xavier. However, he didn’t care—her words did not make any difference.

He sighed and replied with a soulless voice. “They will.”

“Your Highness,” Odeletta said in a low voice, and he silently turned towards her. She was staring hard at him with an expression that was difficult to read.

“Are you busy right now?”

“…”

He didn’t answer. Odeletta continued to speak.

“Will you dance with me? There is nothing to do while waiting for the two of them.”

“I’m sorry, Lady Odeletta. I can’t,” he answered in a formal tone. No room should be given to her. Not even a crack. An unwavering rejection, an unwavering attitude—That was the way for someone whose heart he could not accept.

“I’m not feeling well. I was just about to take a break,” he said as an excuse.

“I see. How about a conversation—”

“I don’t think I can. I have a lot of work to do. I took some time off because it is Duke Escliffe’s birthday, but I have to return to the palace soon.”

He had no plans to leave, but he decided he should absent himself in order to avoid Odeletta. In fact, he didn’t have much work to do, but Claude wouldn’t let Maristella go today in any case. Xavier would allow him this last chance with her.

Xavier smiled thinly and said his farewell to Odeletta. “Then I’ll be leaving, Lady Odeletta.”

“…”

“Please enjoy yourself.”

He finished speaking, and he walked away with no other reaction. Odeletta was left there to stand alone, feeling torn by a myriad of conflicting emotions.

But there was certainly one emotion she could narrow it down to.

Misery.

Odeletta’s hands trembled. Another emotion flickered across her face.

It was anger.

***

Dorothea was doing surprisingly well on her own. She was naturally very sociable, and was eager to chat with the other young ladies.

“The Crown Prince needs to get married soon.”

The topic of conversation naturally turned towards Xavier, considering that he was the crown prince after all. The future emperor was still unmarried. He wasn’t too old yet, but interest in his marriage prospects inevitably drew attention.

“He has to meet a good person.”

“Hey, are you saying that all the ladies are bad?”

“Not at all. Everyone is beautiful and has a good character.”

“But above all, you should marry someone who truly loves you. That’s true happiness,” a young lady sighed wistfully, and everyone nodded in agreement.

“That’s right. In any case, he has to get married soon and produce an heir. The Imperial line only has one direct heir.”

“There is also Duke Escliffe, but his claim is weaker because he’s from a collateral line.”

When the topic passed over to Claude, Dorothea, who had been watching the conversation silently, suddenly piped up.

“The Duke is seeing someone.”

Everyone’s eyes suddenly turned to Dorothea.