Chapter 116
Vol. 11: To Be Together
“Huh, how did you……”
“Did you believe you’d never be caught? You had a stronger personality than you appeared.”
Vivian’s face was pale as she looked at Enosh.
Enosh, on the other hand, appeared relaxed and even pleased.
Enosh was, in fact, pleased.
It was because he had said it once based solely on his guess rather than saying it because he was certain Vivian was the culprit.
And it’s not like he had any specific source for that.
It was just that he overheard the lady he had been hanging out with saying this and that to pique his interest.
The lady claimed to have seen the woman who shoved Elena that night.
Even investigators gave up their hopes of catching the perpetrator in this case.
Enosh, who was surprised to hear it, asked the lady to give more details.
The woman stated her best guess based on what she saw that day.
That the woman who pushed Elena was dressed similarly to Vivian on that particular day.
However, it was only her testimony, and she couldn’t tell the investigator because the subject was Marquis Vessel’s young lady.
And based on that, Enosh said it just in case, but the outcome was as follows.
‘It is because this lady is so naive.’
Enosh expected Vivian to deny it at least once, but it appeared that Vivian couldn’t follow the rhyme and admit it right away……
Of course, it was beneficial to Enosh.
“Anyway, I’ll say it one more.”
“……”
“Duke Egon and Lady Oreu will break up in ten days.”
Nobody could have predicted how much Enosh regretted since he was convinced Elena was the daughter of the Archduke and Archduchess.
He couldn’t harm Elena because she was the Archduke and Archduchess’s daughter.
However, withdrawing his hand from the situation harmed his self-esteem.
In addition, Elena was the daughter whom the Archduchess found after twenty years missing.
‘In any case, I should do something.’
It was clear that the support would never end once.
Naturally, Duke Egon’s power would grow as well.
Enosh saw that situation as a bleak future for him. He couldn’t believe that a Duke would have more power than him.
Even when Caleb warned him the last time, his self-esteem was hurt because he couldn’t say anything to refute him.
Enosh was well aware of his selfishness and arrogance.
However, he still didn’t want Caleb to do such good work.
The Archduke and Archduchess were scheduled to stay for two weeks before returning to the Principality.
During that time, Enosh planned to separate Caleb and Elena.
After that, Elena will leave with the Archduke and Archduchess back to the principality.
“How can I make them break up in ten days……”
“It is your responsibility, lady, to look for the way. That is, if you do not want the deed you committed to be known to society.”
“……”
“I’ll add just in case…”
Enosh elaborated. Along with his most gentle smile.
“You don’t have a choice, lady.”
Vivian shivered through Enosh’s hand holding Vivian’s hand.
It was unclear whether this was due to fear or resentment at being used helplessly.
“Why me?”
“Because you are the perfect person.”
Enosh remembered the earlier scene.
Elena’s demeanor when dealing with Vivian with Caleb nearby.
‘She seemed to be on guard.’
Elena’s arm on Caleb’s anxious arm remained vivid.
Enosh had no idea why Elena was acting so strangely.
But there was one certainty.
That Elena was bothered by Vivian’s presence.
As if she was afraid Vivian would take Caleb away.
Enosh was confident that if he used Vivian, he would be able to shake between the two easily.
Vivian, who was listening to him, remained silent for a moment.
Meanwhile, the song has ended.
Enosh laughed, releasing Vivian’s hand from his grasp.
“Then I’m looking forward to ten days from now.”
⇺⇺⇺⇼⇻⇻⇻
I didn’t even drink any alcohol, but I was still excited.
Perhaps it was because of the impact that the dance was enjoyable.
Caleb, seeing my expression, offered to bring me water.
…….Is it really that bad?
I rubbed my cheek. My face was hot.
Eum… it was given that Caleb would notice.
At a new realization, I fanned myself with my hands.
While I cooled my face, Caleb brought me water. As I was moistening my throat, I became aware of someone’s gaze.
As soon as I turned my head, I made eye contact with the Archduchess.
The time was short.
This is due to the Archduchess turning her gaze first this time.
At the same time, I was certain.
The emperor must have mentioned me to the Archduchess.
‘Oh, I’m under pressure.’
It means they’re looking at me because they’re excited about my performance.
“Is there anything bothering you?”
“I truly think the Archduchess is staring at me.”
Oh, that sounds like a lot of self-consciousness! Explanation! I should give an explanation!
I hastily added.
“I’ve been making eye contact with her since earlier. I’m curious if she knows I’m going to sing for them today.”
It’s much better to say this.
I was in a much better mood when I looked at Caleb.
I saw it for a split second.
His hesitancy.
It was only a split second, but it was a recognizable reaction for me, who had recently observed him closely.
What exactly is it?
The reaction is unusual.
Did I say something incorrectly? No, I don’t think so.
I was looking at him in a hazy mood when an unknown voice called my name.
“Lady Oreu.”
When I turned around, I saw a woman dressed in a royal maid’s uniform.
I knew who sent her as soon as I saw her. “My lady, His Majesty has sent you a message. His Majesty has stated that it will begin shortly, so please be prepared.”
It was exactly what I expected.
I greeted Caleb by lightly waving my hand.
“Then I’ll be back…… Caleb?”
I was about to greet him when he suddenly grabbed my hand.
Why did he grab it?
Caleb clenched his teeth as I stared at him in awe.
He seemed to have something to say, so I tilted my head automatically because he appeared to be unable to spit it out.
Caleb let go of my hand when I tried to call him.
“Have a safe trip.”
As usual, it was a caring voice.
I didn’t think he was going to say that.
I wanted to hold on to Caleb and ask, but I couldn’t because of the maid.
Well, I could always ask him later.
⇺⇺⇺⇼⇻⇻⇻
Caleb lowered his gaze to his hand.
A while ago, the sensation in his hand was still fresh.
In a flash of inspiration, he grabbed Elena’s hand. Because of his ongoing feelings of guilt and anxiety.
“I truly think the Archduchess is staring at me.”
Caleb warned Elena to be cautious despite his true intentions.
Aside from his intention, Caleb was aware that the Archduchess was exercising as much restraint as she could.
The Archduke and Archduchess, thankfully for their position and the patience they had been living with, were probably just staring at Elena like that.
Fortunately, Elena was unable to connect that to the ‘fact.’
Nobody could have predicted Caleb’s surprise when he learned from the crown prince for the first time that Elena might be the Archduke couple’s daughter.
Caleb had no choice but to be cautious in many ways because nothing was certain.
As soon as the Archduke and Archduchess arrived in the capital, Caleb mediated with the Archduke couple, who wanted to meet Elena right away.
Because he was afraid Elena would be hurt.
Elena was the type of person who cried when she thought about her parents.
He didn’t want to cause her pain by giving her false hope.
It was even more so because they were supposed to meet somewhere.
Caleb couldn’t help but feel guilty whenever he saw Elena.
He felt slightly better after asking Elena about it again, but only slightly.
Because he knew it was a hollow consolation, and he still kept the truth from her.
Caleb simply clenched his fist and swallowed the saliva that had risen to the tip of his throat.
The music that had been playing throughout the banquet hall came to a halt.
People dancing in the central hall looked at the band during the brief silence.
They thought the next song would be played soon, but after looking at the band, they realized it wouldn’t.
In fact, most nobles were visibly embarrassed.
The emperor, who was sitting in the upper seat at the time, rose from his seat.
Attention was focused in an instant.
“Many people are surprised because the music abruptly stopped. Please accept my apologies. I actually prepared something for my dear friend.”
“……”
“You can come out now, Lady Oreu.”
The door just below the headstone opened in response to the Emperor’s words.
Elena entered the empty central hall. The band began to play again as she stood up straight.
The entire scene was as natural as flowing water.
Caleb suddenly remembered Elena’s words about leaving the knights to prepare for a stage at the Imperial palace.
Elena’s eyes glistened gold beneath the gleaming chandelier.
Exactly what he saw in the theater.
There was quite a commotion.
The majority of them were debating whether Elena’s eyes had always been that way.
Caleb was aware of their reaction.
Because it was the first time Elena had exposed her eyes in such a public place where everyone could see her.
Her eyes did not change at the previous birthday party because of the ring given by the crown prince, but they did now.
Elena’s eyes alternated between silver-gray and gold as she moved her head.
And perhaps the Archduke and Archduchess are considering it as well.
Caleb fixed his gaze on the Archduke and Archduchess in the upper seat.
Caleb noticed that not only the Archduchess, who Elena claimed was staring at Elen, but also the Archduke couldn’t take his gaze away from Elena.
Perhaps it will be decided after this stage.
Whether Elena is the Archduke and Archduchess’s daughter.
Only the Archduke and Archduchess would leave the Principality disappointed if she was not their daughter.
‘But if it’s true……’
Caleb slowly closed his eyes and then opened them again.
⇺⇺⇺⇼⇻⇻⇻
The light from the chandelier seemed brighter than ever. But I was accustomed to it.
It’s not because I came here several times to practice, but because I remembered receiving stage lighting from the theater.
“My heart is dancing along with you.”
I had no trouble getting the notes out. To the point where it has overshadowed my concerns and anxiety.
“I feel like I can forget everything when I’m with you.”
The rhymes came out of my mouth smoothly. I was even satisfied while singing it.
Applause erupted when I finished the last verse and closed my mouth.
Only then could I exhale the breath I had been holding in.
This was the part I had promised the emperor, so I was about to leave the hall and head to Caleb.
“Will you come up, Lady Oreu?”
Come up?
The unexpected call caught me off guard. My feet, on the other hand, were steadily climbing the stairs.
“Did you request me, Your Majesty?”
“Thank you for attending. These friends thought your song was great and wanted to see you in person, Lady Oreu.”
The emperor gave the Archduke and Archduchess a wink.
“I called her as you requested, so please say hello, my friend.”
“I was going to do it even if you didn’t say so, so don’t have to to hurry me, my friend. That was a wonderful song, My Lady.”
“Thank you for the lovely song. My ears were happy because of you.”
“Thank you for your favorable comments.”
The Archduke and Archduchess were more pleasant than I had anticipated. I bowed my head in response to the unexpected compliment.
I had no idea they’d come this close to complimenting me.
“I heard you had a difficult time preparing it for us.”
“No, Your Excellency.”
With a light smile, I responded.
Actually, I had a difficult time thinking about practice.
But I don’t have to belabor the point.
“Lady Oreu, isn’t that your name?”
“Your Excellency, yes.”
“I’d like to have the honor of holding hands with you, lady…… Would you be willing to do that for me?”
“I was so impressed by your performance,” the archduke added.
I eagerly agreed to do so.
There was no reason for me to refuse to hold his hand after he said he was impressed by my song.
“I certainly will.”
“I appreciate it.”
The archduke reached out to me after saying that.
It was when I got close enough to grab that hand.
“Ah!”
My hand tingled against the Archduke’s.
So much so that I flinched and made a noise without even realizing it.
As I was about to pull out my hand, startled, golden glow flashed between my clasped hands.
Chapter 116
Vol. 11: To Be Together
“Huh, how did you……”
“Did you believe you’d never be caught? You had a stronger personality than you appeared.”
Vivian’s face was pale as she looked at Enosh.
Enosh, on the other hand, appeared relaxed and even pleased.
Enosh was, in fact, pleased.
It was because he had said it once based solely on his guess rather than saying it because he was certain Vivian was the culprit.
And it’s not like he had any specific source for that.
It was just that he overheard the lady he had been hanging out with saying this and that to pique his interest.
The lady claimed to have seen the woman who shoved Elena that night.
Even investigators gave up their hopes of catching the perpetrator in this case.
Enosh, who was surprised to hear it, asked the lady to give more details.
The woman stated her best guess based on what she saw that day.
That the woman who pushed Elena was dressed similarly to Vivian on that particular day.
However, it was only her testimony, and she couldn’t tell the investigator because the subject was Marquis Vessel’s young lady.
And based on that, Enosh said it just in case, but the outcome was as follows.
‘It is because this lady is so naive.’
Enosh expected Vivian to deny it at least once, but it appeared that Vivian couldn’t follow the rhyme and admit it right away……
Of course, it was beneficial to Enosh.
“Anyway, I’ll say it one more.”
“……”
“Duke Egon and Lady Oreu will break up in ten days.”
Nobody could have predicted how much Enosh regretted since he was convinced Elena was the daughter of the Archduke and Archduchess.
He couldn’t harm Elena because she was the Archduke and Archduchess’s daughter.
However, withdrawing his hand from the situation harmed his self-esteem.
In addition, Elena was the daughter whom the Archduchess found after twenty years missing.
‘In any case, I should do something.’
It was clear that the support would never end once.
Naturally, Duke Egon’s power would grow as well.
Enosh saw that situation as a bleak future for him. He couldn’t believe that a Duke would have more power than him.
Even when Caleb warned him the last time, his self-esteem was hurt because he couldn’t say anything to refute him.
Enosh was well aware of his selfishness and arrogance.
However, he still didn’t want Caleb to do such good work.
The Archduke and Archduchess were scheduled to stay for two weeks before returning to the Principality.
During that time, Enosh planned to separate Caleb and Elena.
After that, Elena will leave with the Archduke and Archduchess back to the principality.
“How can I make them break up in ten days……”
“It is your responsibility, lady, to look for the way. That is, if you do not want the deed you committed to be known to society.”
“……”
“I’ll add just in case…”
Enosh elaborated. Along with his most gentle smile.
“You don’t have a choice, lady.”
Vivian shivered through Enosh’s hand holding Vivian’s hand.
It was unclear whether this was due to fear or resentment at being used helplessly.
“Why me?”
“Because you are the perfect person.”
Enosh remembered the earlier scene.
Elena’s demeanor when dealing with Vivian with Caleb nearby.
‘She seemed to be on guard.’
Elena’s arm on Caleb’s anxious arm remained vivid.
Enosh had no idea why Elena was acting so strangely.
But there was one certainty.
That Elena was bothered by Vivian’s presence.
As if she was afraid Vivian would take Caleb away.
Enosh was confident that if he used Vivian, he would be able to shake between the two easily.
Vivian, who was listening to him, remained silent for a moment.
Meanwhile, the song has ended.
Enosh laughed, releasing Vivian’s hand from his grasp.
“Then I’m looking forward to ten days from now.”
⇺⇺⇺⇼⇻⇻⇻
I didn’t even drink any alcohol, but I was still excited.
Perhaps it was because of the impact that the dance was enjoyable.
Caleb, seeing my expression, offered to bring me water.
…….Is it really that bad?
I rubbed my cheek. My face was hot.
Eum… it was given that Caleb would notice.
At a new realization, I fanned myself with my hands.
While I cooled my face, Caleb brought me water. As I was moistening my throat, I became aware of someone’s gaze.
As soon as I turned my head, I made eye contact with the Archduchess.
The time was short.
This is due to the Archduchess turning her gaze first this time.
At the same time, I was certain.
The emperor must have mentioned me to the Archduchess.
‘Oh, I’m under pressure.’
It means they’re looking at me because they’re excited about my performance.
“Is there anything bothering you?”
“I truly think the Archduchess is staring at me.”
Oh, that sounds like a lot of self-consciousness! Explanation! I should give an explanation!
I hastily added.
“I’ve been making eye contact with her since earlier. I’m curious if she knows I’m going to sing for them today.”
It’s much better to say this.
I was in a much better mood when I looked at Caleb.
I saw it for a split second.
His hesitancy.
It was only a split second, but it was a recognizable reaction for me, who had recently observed him closely.
What exactly is it?
The reaction is unusual.
Did I say something incorrectly? No, I don’t think so.
I was looking at him in a hazy mood when an unknown voice called my name.
“Lady Oreu.”
When I turned around, I saw a woman dressed in a royal maid’s uniform.
I knew who sent her as soon as I saw her. “My lady, His Majesty has sent you a message. His Majesty has stated that it will begin shortly, so please be prepared.”
It was exactly what I expected.
I greeted Caleb by lightly waving my hand.
“Then I’ll be back…… Caleb?”
I was about to greet him when he suddenly grabbed my hand.
Why did he grab it?
Caleb clenched his teeth as I stared at him in awe.
He seemed to have something to say, so I tilted my head automatically because he appeared to be unable to spit it out.
Caleb let go of my hand when I tried to call him.
“Have a safe trip.”
As usual, it was a caring voice.
I didn’t think he was going to say that.
I wanted to hold on to Caleb and ask, but I couldn’t because of the maid.
Well, I could always ask him later.
⇺⇺⇺⇼⇻⇻⇻
Caleb lowered his gaze to his hand.
A while ago, the sensation in his hand was still fresh.
In a flash of inspiration, he grabbed Elena’s hand. Because of his ongoing feelings of guilt and anxiety.
“I truly think the Archduchess is staring at me.”
Caleb warned Elena to be cautious despite his true intentions.
Aside from his intention, Caleb was aware that the Archduchess was exercising as much restraint as she could.
The Archduke and Archduchess, thankfully for their position and the patience they had been living with, were probably just staring at Elena like that.
Fortunately, Elena was unable to connect that to the ‘fact.’
Nobody could have predicted Caleb’s surprise when he learned from the crown prince for the first time that Elena might be the Archduke couple’s daughter.
Caleb had no choice but to be cautious in many ways because nothing was certain.
As soon as the Archduke and Archduchess arrived in the capital, Caleb mediated with the Archduke couple, who wanted to meet Elena right away.
Because he was afraid Elena would be hurt.
Elena was the type of person who cried when she thought about her parents.
He didn’t want to cause her pain by giving her false hope.
It was even more so because they were supposed to meet somewhere.
Caleb couldn’t help but feel guilty whenever he saw Elena.
He felt slightly better after asking Elena about it again, but only slightly.
Because he knew it was a hollow consolation, and he still kept the truth from her.
Caleb simply clenched his fist and swallowed the saliva that had risen to the tip of his throat.
The music that had been playing throughout the banquet hall came to a halt.
People dancing in the central hall looked at the band during the brief silence.
They thought the next song would be played soon, but after looking at the band, they realized it wouldn’t.
In fact, most nobles were visibly embarrassed.
The emperor, who was sitting in the upper seat at the time, rose from his seat.
Attention was focused in an instant.
“Many people are surprised because the music abruptly stopped. Please accept my apologies. I actually prepared something for my dear friend.”
“……”
“You can come out now, Lady Oreu.”
The door just below the headstone opened in response to the Emperor’s words.
Elena entered the empty central hall. The band began to play again as she stood up straight.
The entire scene was as natural as flowing water.
Caleb suddenly remembered Elena’s words about leaving the knights to prepare for a stage at the Imperial palace.
Elena’s eyes glistened gold beneath the gleaming chandelier.
Exactly what he saw in the theater.
There was quite a commotion.
The majority of them were debating whether Elena’s eyes had always been that way.
Caleb was aware of their reaction.
Because it was the first time Elena had exposed her eyes in such a public place where everyone could see her.
Her eyes did not change at the previous birthday party because of the ring given by the crown prince, but they did now.
Elena’s eyes alternated between silver-gray and gold as she moved her head.
And perhaps the Archduke and Archduchess are considering it as well.
Caleb fixed his gaze on the Archduke and Archduchess in the upper seat.
Caleb noticed that not only the Archduchess, who Elena claimed was staring at Elen, but also the Archduke couldn’t take his gaze away from Elena.
Perhaps it will be decided after this stage.
Whether Elena is the Archduke and Archduchess’s daughter.
Only the Archduke and Archduchess would leave the Principality disappointed if she was not their daughter.
‘But if it’s true……’
Caleb slowly closed his eyes and then opened them again.
⇺⇺⇺⇼⇻⇻⇻
The light from the chandelier seemed brighter than ever. But I was accustomed to it.
It’s not because I came here several times to practice, but because I remembered receiving stage lighting from the theater.
“My heart is dancing along with you.”
I had no trouble getting the notes out. To the point where it has overshadowed my concerns and anxiety.
“I feel like I can forget everything when I’m with you.”
The rhymes came out of my mouth smoothly. I was even satisfied while singing it.
Applause erupted when I finished the last verse and closed my mouth.
Only then could I exhale the breath I had been holding in.
This was the part I had promised the emperor, so I was about to leave the hall and head to Caleb.
“Will you come up, Lady Oreu?”
Come up?
The unexpected call caught me off guard. My feet, on the other hand, were steadily climbing the stairs.
“Did you request me, Your Majesty?”
“Thank you for attending. These friends thought your song was great and wanted to see you in person, Lady Oreu.”
The emperor gave the Archduke and Archduchess a wink.
“I called her as you requested, so please say hello, my friend.”
“I was going to do it even if you didn’t say so, so don’t have to to hurry me, my friend. That was a wonderful song, My Lady.”
“Thank you for the lovely song. My ears were happy because of you.”
“Thank you for your favorable comments.”
The Archduke and Archduchess were more pleasant than I had anticipated. I bowed my head in response to the unexpected compliment.
I had no idea they’d come this close to complimenting me.
“I heard you had a difficult time preparing it for us.”
“No, Your Excellency.”
With a light smile, I responded.
Actually, I had a difficult time thinking about practice.
But I don’t have to belabor the point.
“Lady Oreu, isn’t that your name?”
“Your Excellency, yes.”
“I’d like to have the honor of holding hands with you, lady…… Would you be willing to do that for me?”
“I was so impressed by your performance,” the archduke added.
I eagerly agreed to do so.
There was no reason for me to refuse to hold his hand after he said he was impressed by my song.
“I certainly will.”
“I appreciate it.”
The archduke reached out to me after saying that.
It was when I got close enough to grab that hand.
“Ah!”
My hand tingled against the Archduke’s.
So much so that I flinched and made a noise without even realizing it.
As I was about to pull out my hand, startled, golden glow flashed between my clasped hands.
