# 17
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Episode 17
* * *
Kyles narrowed his eyes at the obvious intrigue.
Galleon ignored that, and motioned for Caelus to enter the training arena, with an annoying smile.
Kyles took off his uniform and stood in the square.
This was familiar to him.
As he expected, as soon as Caelus grabbed the sword, Gallion spoke.
“She secretly told me that Countess Bellona is up to something.”
That was surprising. He thought that this girl was an accomplice of Countess Bellona.
“Does the Countess secretly support another member of the Imperial Family?”
“It seems to paint a bigger picture.”
“Doesn't that mean...”
“So, she intends to enlist your help.”
Cales's expression suddenly changed at the mention of Ruelia.
Galion looked at him in astonishment, eyes wide.
"What do you plan to use her for? Someone who didn't treat her fairly while working with her!"
Galion suddenly smiled, as if he understood everything, and nodded.
“She seems to regard your help as knowing the future.”
“She seems to have developed dementia.”
Kyles responded sarcastically.
“I heard that you have been invited to Countess Bellona’s banquet? I will attend with Miss Emile, so if you need help, ask for it immediately. It seems that the Countess is up to something.”
Caelus raised an eyebrow at Galleon's suggestion.
“Attending the banquet with her will spark rumors, right? Is that appropriate?”
"I have nothing to lose. Not bad as a Crown Princess."
“You don't talk about destined love anymore. You seem to have tried everything.”
When Caelus brought up memories of their youth, Gallion smiled sadly.
“Anyway, neither you nor I are in a position to marry whomever we like, right?”
Galleon's red eyes looked sad as autumn.
Kyles looked at his friend with pity.
He was not oblivious to the arduous battle he fought in a place even lonelier and more dangerous than himf.
“No, you are in a better position than me. If you love a woman, cause a scandal and make her a duchess before His Majesty objects.”
prattle. Pity for the Crown Prince is a luxury.
“I manage my marriage myf.”
“So you've been single until now?”
"Stop nonsense and hold your sword properly. I'll give you a match."
When Caelus frowned, Gallion laughed uproariously.
When Caelus saw his annoying appearance, Gallion quickly stifled his laughter.
“Caylus, that Miss Emile made an interesting suggestion. Do you want to hear it?”
“I don't care about her.”
He was grateful for her information about Countess Bellona's plans, but he had no intention of interfering in her affairs.
Whether she becomes empress or not, as long as she doesn't try to enlist his distinguished help.
-If you convince the lady to l the fashion salon, the matter will be over.
-My daughter wouldn't want that. It's her favorite job. Instead, I'll give you mine...
He had no intention of correcting the Count's misunderstanding. Anyway, his daughter does as she wants.
“Really? It seems like he's related to helping you, don't you want to hear it?”
Gallion smiled mischievously when he saw Caelus's sharp eyes.
“Get the tension out of your eyes, Kyles.”
Cales sharpened his eyes, a faint warning leaking between his teeth.
Galion raised his arms in surrender, knowing his friend's character well.
“Okay, I'll tell you.”
“What is that girl up to?”
“I requested the establishment of positions in the Imperial Palace for commoners.”
Caelus almost cursed Gallion.
“The pretext is talent development, of course.”
“Yes, she said that there are talents among the commoners that are superior to the nobles, but they remain mere assistants because of their origin.”
Her plan was very clear.
Caelis did not think that Miss Emil's proposal was in good faith for Ruelia's future.
“Are there other requirements?”
“I asked her first: ‘Don’t you want to become the Crown Princess?’ She said she would think about it if I carried out her request.”
“Will you agree?”
"who knows?"
Galleon's calm response ignited a blue spark in Caelis's eyes.
“Does this mean that the Imperial Palace intends to court the talents of the Duke’s Palace?”
Gallion raised an eyebrow at the word “talents.”
He looked at his friend with pity and smiled sarcastically.
“Yes, your help is a wonderful talent. But, is that all?”
Galion asked with a half-serious look.
“What do you mean?”
“I thought that after firing all the noble assistants, you kept a commoner girl for two years because you liked her.”
“It's because of her competence. Don't you see how everyone covets her?”
Kyles replied firmly.
"truly?"
Caelus did not answer Galeon's words.
He was tired of discussing with the Crown Prince. He got the information he wanted, and it seemed that Gallion had no intention of training.
When Caelus was about to put down the sword, Gallion provoked him again.
“I think Ruelia is not as bad as the Duchess of Aber. Make her yours before others take her.”
“She already belongs to me.”
It didn't matter if she didn't become a duchess. I promised to stay by his side.
“Really? Then, you should give her a title. Lend me your help for a month, and I’ll let her get a title through her accomplishments.”
Gallion said innocently, enjoying teasing Caelus.
Cales' sword flew towards Galleon immediately.
"no."
“Why?”
“Associating with you will cause unnecessary rumors for Ruilia. I will not allow that.”
“Hmm, not great love for a subordinate...”
“Don't misunderstand.”
With his firm response, his attacks escalated.
Normally, Gallion would challenge Caelus to practice knowing defeat, but this time was too harsh.
The feral blue gleam in Kyle's eyes startled him.
But his attacks were not as accurate as usual. Kyles was known for his cold attacks whenever he got angrier.
"What is this? So, you…"
When an “as I expected” smile appeared on Galleon’s face, Caelus frowned.
“It's not. Don't misunderstand.”
At that moment, their swords collided, and a mighty battle began.
“Really? So… can I seduce your help?”
Galion's provocation succeeded this time.
Cales' sword fell to the ground for the first time.
* * *
Ten days later, Ayla came with her boutique team to the Duke's Palace.
“Hello, Ruelia, we haven’t met for a while.”
Ayla took Ruelia's hand as soon as she arrived, even though the Duke was standing next to her.
“Hello, Miss Emil.”
Ruelia glanced to the side.
As she expected, Caelus was staring at them with frightening eyes.
Realizing her impudence, Ayla grabbed her skirt elegantly.
“Ayla of the family of Count Emile greets the Duke of Abert.”
Kyles nodded coldly.
Ruelia sighed inwardly.
'Fortunately, I already built a relationship with her.'
Over the past ten days, Ruelia had exchanged letters with Ayla under the pretense of the dress, full of praise for the Duke.
Her effort to break Ayla's biases towards him had paid off.
Ayla smiled, not caring about the Duke's coldness, and clapped enthusiastically.
“Okay, shall we start the adjustments?”
“Yes, please.”
“Loutilleros craftsmen finished the embroidery.”
At Ayla's signal, the craftsmen carried clothes displayed on wooden dolls.
One was Kayles' uniform, and the other was Ruelia's dress.
“Wow, beautiful!”
Ruelia exclaimed in amazement.
The dark blue dress was devoid of gems, but the shimmering gold and silver threads formed delicate patterns, like stardust on the night sky.
There was also a small floral gemstone embellishment on the chest line.
“This…wasn’t in the catalog, was it?”
This decoration was only occasionally seen in pictures of the ducal palace.