Cesare paused, silently observing Duke Farbellini and Ornella. His height naturally gave him an imposing presence, making him seem to look down on them.
The Imperial Palace was filled with nobles from all over the capital, gathered to see Archduchess Erzet. While Cesare observed them quietly amidst the crowd, Duke Farbellini, unable to bear the silence any longer, was the first to speak.
— Your Grace, Archduke Erzet.
The Farbellini family had long been recognized as one of the leading political forces in the Traon Empire. As a seasoned politician, Duke Farbellini concealed his emotions behind a courteous smile.
Congratulations! The seventh day has finally arrived.
The duke's intention was clear: to exchange formal greetings and withdraw gracefully, avoiding further involvement now that Cesare had arrived.
However, Cesare had no intention of letting the duke get away so easily. He stepped forward, bringing Baron Elrod, who was trembling behind him, into the spotlight.
Eileen, who was struggling to maintain her composure, shuddered involuntarily. Duke Farbellini and Ornella also showed momentary surprise, their gazes wavering.
It was almost unheard of for a mere baron to be introduced into a conversation involving a duke, his daughter, and an Archduke.
"Please, greet each other, " Cesare said with a crooked smile.
Duke Farbellini, clearly surprised, disguised his discomfort and extended his hand to Baron Elrod for a handshake.
Under normal circumstances, Baron Elrod would never have had the opportunity to even meet someone of the Duke's stature. Now, they were face to face, shaking hands as if they were equals. It was a hard blow to the pride of Duke Farbellini, who had always lived with a sense of noble superiority.
Since Baron Elrod was the father of Archduchess Erzet, and Cesare had personally suggested the introduction, refusing the handshake would be embarrassing. Thus, the Duke reluctantly yielded.
Eileen nervously watched Duke Farbellini's cold gaze as he shook her father's hand. Despite his evident discomfort, Baron Elrod managed to complete the gesture.
Ornella seemed about to speak, but was stopped by Duke Farbellini, who placed a hand on his arm. With a slight smile, he addressed Cesare:
— I never imagined that Your Grace valued your wife so much.
Cesare responded to the provocation with casual indifference:
— They say a man is capable of selling his own country when he is hopelessly in love.
The crowd gasped in shock. Such a bold declaration, coming from a nobleman, was at once scandalous in its intensity and surprisingly romantic.
Cesare, the only one in uniform among the gentlemen in formal attire, seemed even more imposing. His open declaration of love provoked blushes and discreet sighs among the ladies and nobles present.
Those fascinated by gossip and romance seemed to revel in the dramatic scene unfolding before them. Duke Farbellini, cast in the role of the villain, stiffened under Cesare's gaze.
The Archduke gazed down at him with visible satisfaction and continued:
"Lately, there have been rumors circulating in the capital that I've gone mad. It seems you were slow to find out, Duke."
— … Your Grace, Archduke Erzet, why would you say something like that?
Because it's true. So don't worry about it.
Cesare's admission of madness left Duke Farbellini speechless. While the Duke hesitated, Cesare made a slight, deliberate bow.
The sudden proximity caused Duke Farbellini to instinctively recoil. Although it was only reflexive, the gesture was humiliating and left him trembling, his eyes revealing his discomfort.
Cesare's expression remained impassive as he stared intently at her. Eileen felt as if she were being reprimanded and held her breath.
Her vivid red eyes seemed to threaten anyone who looked at them. Unsurprisingly, her intense gaze wasn't merely a dramatic effect, but a genuine source of discomfort for most people, who struggled to maintain eye contact.
Although Duke Farbellini tried to maintain his composure, the slight tremor in his fingers betrayed him. After a few tense seconds, Cesare finally spoke:
Thank you for your congratulations, Duke.
He offered a crooked smile, as if mocking the tense duke, before concluding the brief encounter.
I hope you will continue to bless our marriage in the future.
It was a veiled threat. Before the duke could respond, Cesare turned and walked away.
Eileen followed him, glancing back—she saw the duke and Ornella glaring at them furiously, while Diego tried to comfort his still-dazed father.
Relieved to see that her father was alright, Eileen turned her attention back to Ornella.
— Eileen! — called Ornella, her voice clear and vibrant.
With a radiant smile, as if teasing a friend, she spoke as if the previous angry look had never existed:
I'm really looking forward to the tea invitation!
Even Eileen, usually oblivious to subtleties, understood the intention. Mentioning tea in public was a way of making it unavoidable, forcing her to become involved with Ornella's social circle.
However, Ornella was unaware that Eileen had already added her name to the guest list.
Cesare paused for a moment, and Eileen took a deep breath, discreetly. Returning Ornella's smile, she replied sweetly:
Sure. I've already prepared the invitation.
Just as Ornella had dispensed with formalities, so did Eileen:
— Please make sure you come, Ornella.
Ornella's eyes widened, surprised at being treated so familiarly, but soon softened into a smile as sweet as melting ice cream:
I'll be waiting.
Eileen turned quickly, squeezing Cesare's hand tightly. Her response had been calculated, and she didn't trust herself to continue the conversation.
Cesare chuckled softly and resumed walking with Eileen, whispering as they walked.
— Shall we go somewhere quieter?
With her heart still racing from the confrontation, Eileen put her hand to her chest and nodded quickly:
- Yes…!
The walk to a quieter place proved challenging, with people continually approaching. Some couldn't be ignored, so Eileen and Cesare had to exchange greetings and engage in brief conversations.
Eileen felt genuine relief when they found Count Domenico. He spotted her from afar and hurried toward her, almost tripping in his enthusiasm.
His warm and enthusiastic welcome was so affectionate that, involuntarily, Eileen couldn't help but think of him as a large, docile dog.
Meeting someone so friendly put Eileen at ease, allowing her to interact with others more comfortably.
Finally, they arrived at a secluded area in the garden, where Cesare positioned Eileen under a large flowering tree.
Wait here a moment.
Cesare then gestured to Diego, who promptly brought his father to stay with her before returning to Cesare's side.
The man stood at a respectful distance, ensuring that Eileen and her father were in sight but out of earshot, and began to talk to Diego.
Eileen turned to her father, somewhat embarrassed. It had only been a week since she had last seen him, right after the wedding, but it felt like months had passed.
— Dad, how are you...?
Before he could finish the sentence, he leaned forward and whispered anxiously:
— Help me, Eileen.
Eileen blinked, surprised by the unexpected request. Her father, wiping the cold sweat from his brow with a handkerchief, stared at her with wide, desperate eyes.
— Was it you who sent me to the farm?
- Farm?
Yes! I'm on a farm right now, milking cows!
Cows...?
Eileen could hardly comprehend what she was hearing. The image of her father, accustomed to a life of drinking and gambling, now milking cows was too absurd to grasp.
Just when she was about to press for more details, her father fell silent, his shock evident.
Diego watched them intently. He had taken off his uniform suit jacket and draped it over his shoulder, revealing tattooed forearms beneath the rolled-up sleeves of his shirt. When their eyes met, Diego offered Eileen a silent, enigmatic smile.
To be continued…