# 23
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Episode 23
Gallion did not listen to Caelus and continued his argument.
“Okay, then put some strength into your eyes...”
“Yes, I like Ruelia.”
"Relax...what? What did you say?"
Galion's eyes widened in surprise at Caelus's sudden confession. He relaxed his hands, which were in a defensive position.
He was half-joking, not expecting such a serious and frank response.
“Are you finally confessing?”
“But I admire her as an excellent assistant.”
Back to square one.
Galion's eyes widened in disbelief. He didn't understand why he kept denying it.
It is clear to everyone that he is a man in love.
“So, you don't like her as a woman and want to keep her by your side?”
“She is someone who has suffered a long time to get here.”
“Exactly, wouldn’t it be better if you became a duchess? You will have wealth, honor, and power that you never had before. Isn’t that compensation enough?”
Caelus smiled weakly in response to Galleon's words.
Think about that for a moment.
Instead of an arranged palace marriage, perhaps it would be better for both of them to make Ruelia a duchess, someone they felt comfortable with.
But he abandoned that idea after his talk with Ruelia today.
In noble society, she would be treated as an outsider. She will be despised and isolated because of her common origins, as was the case in her academic days.
This might make her miserable.
And noble ladies' soirees were not a place where Caelus could constantly protect her.
Moreover, there was a piece of advice that was still stuck in his mind.
“Miss Emil said that someone as talented as Ruelia shouldn't just be an assistant because she's a commoner.”
“Exactly, so make her a duchess to manage the Aber Lands with you. Don’t delay any longer and come forward.”
Galion tried to calm his friend, wishing him happiness.
But Kyles responded with a deadpan face, without even trembling an eyelid.
“What is the difference between a marriage that the other party does not want and a forced marriage?”
“Doesn’t Ruelia have a sister? Maybe Ruelia can be persuaded through her?”
Kyles raised an eyebrow.
“Have you checked Ruelia’s surroundings?”
“No, I saw her by chance near Ruelia’s house. She was a nice and beautiful girl.”
Galleon quickly added an excuse at Cayce's sharp gaze.
"They seemed very close. I have no other intentions towards her."
“Yes, she is the most important person to Ruelia, even more than me, Master. But I will not use her family in a cowardly way. I will let Ruelia do what she wants.”
What a strict principle I am in such moments.
No wonder he didn't fall in love and grow older. If he met more women, he would learn how to win true love.
Galleon shook his head.
“And what do you want?”
He looked tired, and his question lacked enthusiasm.
“Rulia enjoys being the assistant the most.”
Isn't living according to what you want the happiest life?
“Then send her to the palace.”
“Ruelia also likes money. Can the palace pay a salary like the one I give?”
“There is a position where women can show their abilities and earn a lot...but you have other plans, right?”
Galleon almost said, “Empress,” but backed down upon seeing Caelus’s fist.
“If Ruelia wants a project, I will support her in every way. But it will all be in Abir’s name. So give up.”
“So, you won't let her leave your side?”
“That's obvious. If you want to borrow Ruelia's abilities, come to the Abir family, get help, and come back.”
His words and plans are completely contradictory.
“What if Ruelia wants to leave the Duke’s family?”
“That will never happen.”
Unfounded trust.
“Crazy, haha.”
Gallion laughed loudly at Caelus's words.
In the end, it is an obsession and a desire for possession.
“So, the position of Duchess will remain vacant? Well, shall I tell His Majesty to begin preparing for a political marriage for the Duke’s family?”
“No, you must prevent it, Your Highness.”
“You make me tired.”
“Can’t you pay back the person who saved your life so many times?”
Galleon smiled confidently.
“Well, I owe you a lot, so I'll promise you that. Anyway, that's why I followed you today, right?”
Kyles nodded with a cheeky face as if it was obvious.
Galion smiled.
“Unfortunate. I would have liked to see you overcome the class divide.”
“Isn’t the Crown Prince’s marriage to a Count’s daughter similar? To people, it will seem like a fateful love defended by Your Highness.”
“Who knows? Our relationship is not like that. Anyway, I will cooperate with you.”
Galion waved to Ayla, who appeared at the top of the stairs on the third floor.
Galleon poking Caelus' side.
“But first help me with Count Emil.”
Count Emil was standing next to Ayla with a hard face, as if to say that he would not tolerate any touching that began.
“Hey, help me!”
“Am I going to kill him?”
“This time, not the carriage, but my neck will be cut!”
“If you don’t talk about summoning Ruelia to the palace again, I will help you with all my strength.”
Cales tilted his head with an evil smile.
Gallion shouted all kinds of insults with his eyes.
How vile. Principled? Caelis is a cunning beast.
* * *
On a full moon night, Count Bellona's house sparkled in the darkness.
There were so many decorative lights that the public gathered in a nearby square to enjoy the festival atmosphere.
“Wow! They added new buildings!”
Ruelia gasped in surprise as she entered the gate of the house.
A gentle voice responded from her side.
“This building is your achievement, Ruelia. Amazing!”
“Oh, no, I was just lucky.”
“Humble as always. That’s why I love you, Ruelia.”
Ayla's compliments were always soft.
Ruelia felt a tickle from her praise, different from the Duke's cold praise, so she moved her fingers shyly.
'Sitting next to Ayla was the right decision.'
A while ago, I felt upset when I saw the Crown Prince accompanying Ayla.
The face of Caelus, who was following them, was shaded with sadness.
Ruelia wanted time to read the documents that Belin had given her, and give Caelce a chance, but it seemed like something had gone wrong.
“Can’t we sit together as ladies, Sir Duke?” The dress is uncomfortable, and I'm going to need Miss Emil's help.
Since Ayla's partner was not the Duke, this was the best solution.
She couldn't bear to see Gallion sitting with Aella and making Caelus jealous. If Cales gets hurt, Ruelia will be hurt too.
Ruelia turned her body slightly to avoid Galeon's eager gaze from the other side.
“I learned humility from the Duke. He is the best swordsman in the empire, but he leaves room for his opponents.”
"truly?"
Ayla must have heard the rumor of Cales losing to the Crown Prince. Ruelia tried to smooth it over.
She looked at Kyles as if waiting for a compliment.
But instead, Galion spoke to Ayla.
“Really a great help. Ruelia seems like she would thrive in any position.”
“Okay...”
“My success is due to the Duke’s praise and encouragement, haha.”
"…truly."
Interrupting the conversation of nobles and kings as a commoner required courage.
Fortunately, Ayla had her back.
“Oh, I apologize for interrupting your conversation.”
“It's okay. The Duke seems to treat you well, you always compliment him.”
“Yes, he is the most wonderful and brilliant gentleman in the world.”
“Right, he seems like a great guy.”
excellent.
Ayla's eyes and tone reflected admiration for Caelis.
In contrast to her cold tone with the Crown Prince.
Ruelia looked at Cales triumphantly. She thought she deserved an extra reward for this accomplishment.
But Kyles was lowering his head with a serious face, breathing hard.
Beside him, Gallion was biting his lips and looking at Caelus, his face red from holding back a laugh.