# 66
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She opened Arya's bulletin and let out a silent scream.
An article about me and Duke Roger has been splashed all over the front page.
The main text unnecessarily mentioned how we showed up in a luxury carriage in town, how he treated me with the utmost care, and how we entered the finest restaurant in town.
But the real absurdity lies in the section about what happened once we entered the restaurant.
During the meal, Duke Roger smiled like a shy wildflower blooming in early spring! I won't explain how the ladies at nearby tables gasped, but suffice it to say that seeing his flushed cheeks left them in awe. However, the real surprise was how the Grand Duchess continued to eat as if she was unaffected by that beautiful smile!
“What… what kind of nonsense is this?”
The hand holding the newsletter trembled.
“Duke Roger, shy wildflower...? What is this?”
I mean, sure, Duke Roger is handsome, but we've never been in such an atmosphere!
“Besides, shouldn’t this kind of description be reserved for me? I mean, I was once Ice Flower in social circles!”
I was so confused that I found myf longing for the previous titles I had previously avoided.
My face turned a mixture of red and blue as my expression turned sour, and even Vivi, who had brought me the newsletter, began to look uncomfortable.
She looked at me worriedly.
“Ma’am… are you okay?”
"no."
I definitely wasn't okay.
At my firm answer, Vivi closed her mouth with a soft exhale.
The article got more ridiculous as it went on.
I was photographed as if I was having an affair with Duke Roger after a simple meal.
'Ah, this Arya Bulletin writer is unbelievable!'
Until now, they were writing decently about the Duke and me, so I thought they were good people.
It turns out they are terrifying!
The opinions section was even worse.
-For some reason, I just had to read today's newsletter...
-Is this real? Has anyone actually witnessed it? I can't believe it.
-My friend saw it! She said that the atmosphere between Duke Roger and the Grand Duchess was amazing!
-I did not expect this from the Grand Duchess...
'What are you even talking about!'
I was about to write a response in the comments section when I suddenly froze.
"my lady…?"
“Wait a minute.”
At that moment, I realized a terrible truth.
'Hello! 'Ian Cloud!'
It occurred to me that he too would have seen the newsletter by then.
I stood up from my seat, much to Vivi's astonishment.
"my lady?"
“I have to go to the dining hall.”
“Ma’am? Ma’am!”
Before Vivi could stop me, I practically ran to the dining hall on the first floor.
Indeed, Ian was already sitting there with Aria's newsletter in his hand.
I was doomed to fail.
A wave of terror washed over me as I slowly entered the dining hall, carefully watching his reaction.
“Um… Your Highness?”
My cautious voice echoed in the hall. Ian looked up from the newsletter and looked at me.
He surveyed me silently before setting down the newsletter and picking up his tools.
Usually, I heard his usual mechanical, deadpan greeting like “Good morning, nice weather.” But not today.
'He's already read it.'
I felt a surge of helplessness and let out another silent scream before sitting quietly to his right.
I didn't do anything wrong, but my palms started sweating like I'd been caught doing something terrible.
I looked at him out of the corner of my eye and clenched my fist.
'No, no, just a moment. Why do I feel guilty? 'I didn't do anything wrong!'
After all, she had Ian's permission to have that meal with Duke Roger.
All I did was eat and come back without any fuss.
The news in the newsletter was greatly exaggerated, focusing on Roger, not me.
Although the headline suggests otherwise.
'Oh, seriously, who's blushing? Not me! It was Roger with the wildflower bullshit!'
With that thought, I straightened my back and sat proudly. I even remembered to defiantly take a sip of water.
“It looked like you were invited to the Duke's house, but it turns out you went on a date instead.”
“Pfft!”
My final decision faded as I nearly spit out my drink.
“Ah, well, Hayden – I mean, Duke Roger’s chef had an accident just an hour before my arrival, where he burned his hand while preparing ingredients. So, as Duke Roger said, we had to… improvise.”
“It was an accident, wasn't it.”
He muttered quietly as he glanced at the newsletter he had placed on the left side of the table.
His gaze remained fixed, as if confirming the name of the restaurant printed in bold letters.
It was certainly a very popular place for what was supposed to be a hasty visit.
I realized there was something strange, so I hastily added.
“Indeed...! It's not a place you can visit without a reservation, but Duke Roger must have known the Baron who ran it, because they let us in. And we even got the best window seat-”
Ah. I almost said something I shouldn't have said.
It was not the time to brag that he mentioned my name on the same page as a man from the Emperor Faction's family.
I closed my mouth, and Ian's gaze turned to me.
“…I understand.”
A short reply escaped his lips. Then he turned his attention away from me and picked up his tools, showing no intention of continuing to talk about the matter any further.
Is that all?
I was expecting Ian to launch into a speech about the prestige of a Grand Duchy, the responsibilities of a Grand Duchess, and my duties, but instead, he remained silent.
However…
'Did he already have a bowl of ice for breakfast?'
His face seemed strangely cold, not just his usual aloof expression. I wasn't the only one who noticed this - the servants in the dining hall kept casting furtive glances at us as they brought out the dishes.
The day before, they had been smiling and circling like court jesters, but now, they quietly put down the dishes and quickly retreated.
I can't breathe!
I wanted to scream.
I thought about the words I said confidently to Ian not long ago.
I looked him straight in the eyes and declared that I would never tarnish the name of the Grand Duchy and there would be no reason to change that.
I even told him that he should focus on doing his role well.
Now, it looked like I might have to swallow those words.
Of course, nothing happened to offend the Grand Duchy… but still.
Wait, but what about Duke Roger?
This situation must be much worse for him, right?
After all, I am a married woman, and the article only mentioned that we had a meal together.
But Duke Roger was described as being shy and acting timid in front of the Grand Duchess.
I briefly considered writing him a letter because meeting face to face would now be awkward, but I quickly dismissed the idea.
This was no time to worry about anyone else.
Meanwhile, the dining hall remained stiflingly silent, except for the background music as we ate.
It felt strangely similar to my first day after having Eloise's body.
However, Ian somehow managed to eat just as quickly as me.
‘At this point, I almost wish he would start lecturing me about the Grand Duchess’ honor…’
After a few more dishes, dessert was served. Ian put down his tools and wiped his mouth with a tissue.
“Okay, I'll apologize for today.”
Without even saying goodbye, he got up and left the dining hall.
When I watched him leave, I sighed in disbelief.
‘…. Is he really angry now?'