Duke, Please Stop Because it Hurts

People around them started to blink at those blunt remarks that urged her to perform her own duty. They always heard how things had never been incessantly up to Molitia, but it was now different when they saw it with their own eyes. Contrary to the rumors, Molitia appeared not to be shaken up neither was she swallowing her own words.

“Plus, Marquis Werner, himself does the exact opposite of Duke Linerio. Therefore, the combined forces of those two powers may eventually lead to an imbalance within the Empire itself. Which is why, it’d be better for us to have only a little exchange between one another.”

The aristocracy in the capital and the aristocracy within the periphery are evidently distinct. Although they might have a similar class to each other, the central forces could never be ignored.

Even if the rate of the bloodline was low, times had always continued to change. They just couldn’t dwell on the past—forever. The Duke of Linerio, who was once considered to be just humble, had shown much growth as the days passed by.

Molitia smiled just as kindly. If other people were to see it, her smile would resemble that of a gentle sister’s. Still, she didn’t really know how Arjan would truly feel.

“So, if I were to get married and visit you, I would then set a good example—as Marchioness Werner.”

Arjan then immediately bit down her mouth—hard. She really thought that her real face would be revealed in the end. The fishy taste of blood could barely hold Arjan’s own expression.

“Madame, the final guest has already arrived.”

The butler, who was just behind Molitia, whispered softly in her ear.

“Oh, finally. Do lead her over here.”

As soon as the butler nodded and eventually disappeared, Molitia then drew the people’s attention to her.

“Everyone, the guest from afar, who was a tad bit late, has just arrived.”

A late guest. That would be an unpleasant situation for an organizer, but Molitia on the other hand, still had a smile on her face.

“Please come this way.”

“…the Young Lady of Barlow?”

Ironically, the first one who recognized that person was Arjan herself. As she had spoken unknowingly, she then quickly shut her lips since she felt regretful somehow.

Nevertheless, everyone’s eyes had long been fixated on her. It was just a small cry, but there was absolutely no one who didn’t listen to it. The Young Lady of Barlow eventually bowed her head and gave her greetings.

“My apologies for being late. I am Noah Barlow. I’m very pleased to be here by the invitation of the Duchess herself.”

“Since I was the one who mentioned it during Marchioness Nibeia’s tea party previously, I felt really bad. I wasn’t able to care for my sister due to the reason being I was unwell in the past.”

“Why would the Duchess have to worry about that? Everything was just a rather childish behavior.”

Noah looked at Arjan with such a bright smile painted on her face.

“Furthermore, I’m not really ashamed of my ex-fiancé, who always had been playing around.”

“What do you mean by ex-fiancé?”

“Oh, I just had my engagement broken with the Young Marquis. A better marriage prospect than that had been set.”

Her ex-fiancé whom Arjan had coveted so much. Even when Arjan couldn’t have him until the end, Noah on the other hand, had him entirely before throwing him away—just like that. Arjan was never able to do such things at such official events.

Who could actually talk rather confidently about themselves without the need to play with fire?

“I’ve heard about the good news and therefore, invited you here. It will be a double celebration along with Young Lady Clemence.”

“Young Lady Clemence, you are going to congratulate me, no?”

Arjan’s expression immediately distorted in response to Noah’s words.

“Yes…… of course.”

People eventually applauded for Arjan, who was still quite nervous, and Noah, whose face was all smiles. Arjan could hardly laugh at the cheers dedicated to those two people who were celebrating for their own future.

“Thank you so much for coming, Young Lady Barlow.”

“What do you mean by that? I’m the one who should be thanking you.”

“Does the new marriage prospect come from a good family?”

The other thing which Molitia requested for Raven was Young Lady Barlow’s new marriage. Although she had been from Barlow County, their finances were declining as of late.