But it was also true that there was no better explanation.
“So what should I do now?”
“Right now, it is not wise to bring up the topic of divorce just to confirm the Duchess’s feelings. Act normally, as if nothing had happened, but show her that you have truly changed.”
“...changed? How?”
“Well, there are many ways...”
Jack paused for a moment, thinking before continuing: “Oh, didn’t the Duchess mention that she would be attending a banquet tomorrow? Why don’t you accompany her?”
“Why?”
“The Duke is known to rarely attend banquets. If you show your closeness to her in front of others, the Duchess will secretly be pleased.”
“…Do you really think so?”
Last time, when he went to Viscount Rochefort's banquet, Victor suggested something similar.
But despite Ethan's efforts, it didn't work.
“Of course. More than you think, there are women who do not receive affectionate treatment from their husbands. So, when they receive even a little affection in front of others, they feel it is much more important,” Jack said with unwavering confidence.
He added: "Besides, Your Highness, you are known for your coldness and steadfastness. The Duchess will not be able to hide her smile from the envious glances of others."
Ethan felt as if Jack had insulted him in a subtle way, but he couldn't deny that there was a certain logic behind his suggestion.
“Oh, and be sure to keep your attendance at the ball a secret. Let the Duchess go first, and then she will arrive shortly.”
“Why?”
"For dramatic effect. The less she expects, the happier she is."
“…hmmm”
Ethan patted his chin, lost in thought.
***
Count Lenucci's banquet hall was larger than any other I had been to. It was almost twice the size of Viscount Grandbert's hall.
The lavish decorations inside the hall and the number of guests were also impressive. It was an amazing sight.
Feasting seems to be the joy of life here.
Naturally, this was also a matter of wealth, but the fact that so much effort had gone into an ordinary banquet meant that they were truly invested.
“Duchess Dumont”
I turned around when I heard someone calling my name. A couple who looked much older than me approached me, with broad smiles.
They were undoubtedly Count Lenucci and his wife.
“Count Lenoche, Countess,” she greeted them with a smile.
Countess Sophia said: “We are very honored that you have accepted our invitation, especially since we learned that you have not been going out much lately.”
She was young and charming, not very pretty, but with a natural sense of humour.
“Certainly. I hope you enjoy tonight,” Count Lenucci added. He looked much older than his wife, with hints of gray in his hair.
“Thank you both for the warm welcome. I'm in really good spirits.”
“I'm glad to hear that. Oh, there are some people I'd like to introduce to you, if you don't mind… They've been waiting for you to arrive.”
Sophia's eyes sparkled with excitement.
I had just arrived, so I could take some time to check the place out. Sofia seemed to be very passionate and clear in her desires.
"Maybe later. I've been cooped up at home for months, and I'm feeling a little weak. I'd like to rest for a while and sip something."
“Sure. Would you like me to accompany you to the lounge?”
“There is no need for that. You must be busy hosting your guests. Please, don’t worry.”
Count Lenucci gave a small embarrassed cough and glanced at his wife, as if to remind her of her duties.
“Ah… I see. See you later,” Sofia did not hide her disappointment as she spoke.
“I'm leaving now,” I smiled warmly before walking away.
As soon as I did that, people started approaching me one by one, as if they were waiting for their turn.
“Good evening, Duchess. Nice to see you.”
“It's been a long time. Do you remember me?”
“You look beautiful tonight. The color of your dress suits your eyes perfectly.”
Maybe because I had interacted openly with Audrey at a previous party, the number of people approaching me was much greater than before.
Previously, they were content to watch from afar.
I responded with polite smiles, but I had to keep pushing people away. However, people continued to arrive, one after another.
Oh my God, this never really ends.
Are banquets always this stressful?
Up until now, my banquet experience has been limited to grabbing a drink, dancing a few times, and then leaving. But tonight was completely different; I couldn't even catch my breath.
I really need to find a place to rest.
I started looking in the wide hall for Sophia.
As I was searching, my eyes happened to meet a familiar face – the Marchioness Le Roy, Nadia.
Today there was no trace of her usual companions, Berenice and Marianne.
I was already tired, and felt even more drained at the thought of dealing with her, but I forced myself to smile.
“Oh my God, Marchioness Leroy.”
“…Duchess”
Nadia bowed her head in greeting without saying another word and passed me.
'What's going on here?'
I expected her to try to tease me in some creative way.
But instead, she seemed to be actively avoiding me.
Could it be that scolding her last time actually worked?
I thought that would only make her more angry, and it wouldn't be enough for her to back down.
It was surprising, but not unwanted, especially under the circumstances.
And soon I found Sophia.
“Countess of Linucci, may I find a quiet place where I can rest alone for a moment? I am more tired than I expected.”
Sophia's eyes widened in surprise, and she made a fuss, “Oh my God, are you okay? Of course. Please, follow me.”
I followed Sophia out of the hall. There were still people trying to get close to me, but fortunately, Sofia intercepted them.
“I'm sorry, but Duchess Dumont needs to rest a little,” she said in a slightly triumphant voice.
She took me to a hall at the end of the corridor, which was empty.
“You can rest here. Do you need anything? Maybe a maid to give you a massage...?”
“No, I'm fine. I think I'd feel better if I rested alone for a bit.”
“I see. If you need anything, call me. This is a ring bell.”
“Thank you”
After Sofia left, I took a deep breath.
I felt like I could finally relax.
There was a reason I was looking for Sophia specifically.
I made it clear to everyone that I wanted to rest alone, and then I came to this lounge. Everyone will know I'm here.
No one would think to bother me – at least, most people wouldn't. If anyone did it, it would definitely be Nicholas.
For Nicholas, this would be the perfect opportunity to collect the information he wants, away from prying eyes.
Now let's see...
I leaned back comfortably on the couch, looking at the closed door.
***
The moment Ethan entered the hall, a whisper spread among the crowd.
He always thought the same thing: he hated crowded places.
But, fortunately, a path opened up for him as he moved, as if the crowd was dispersing for him.
“Duke Dumont!”
Count Lenoche dashed through the crowd, practically running towards him.
“It's been a long time. If I had known you were coming, I would have greeted you at the entrance.”
“I apologize for stopping by without warning,” Ethan said, his expression indifferent.
"No, Your Highness. I'm honored to have you here. Haha," Count Lenucci laughed heartily.
"Thank you. My wife will be here. Have you seen her?"
“Oh, the Duchess? She mentioned that she felt a little tired, so she went to rest in the hall.”
Ethan's eyes narrowed at that.
It's only been thirty minutes since she arrived, and she's already tired?
The memory of that stormy day came to his mind.
That day, Camille showed clear signs that something was wrong. The doctor said she was fine, but who would dare say it wasn't a misdiagnosis?
“Where is this hall?”
“Please wait a moment, I will check right away.”
Count Linucci turned and began to make his way through the crowd.
Ethan followed closely behind, his face growing stiff.