I looked away with visible impatience. The young lady who had asked about the wedding announcement flinched and let out a small, nervous hiccup.
"Hahaha, she must have been very curious about the Lady of Count Piranka," another girl added quickly, trying to smooth things over.
"Yes, why ask something so obvious? Of course it will be announced today! Hey, Princess, is there a second part to today’s banquet? Perhaps a private celebration?"
"Oh my God, will the announcement be made in front of His Majesty himself?"
The rest of the girls held out a glass of brightly colored alcohol, urging me not to be angry. They called me the most beautiful person in the room, the true protagonist of the day. It was a transparent attempt to get me to confirm the rumors without directly asking.
'It would be strange if I didn't respond, but it would be even worse if I said yes.'
I took the glass and drained it. I’d decided that the best way to avoid their questions was to lean into Charlize’s most famous habit: her drinking.
There was an unwritten rule in high society: never touch Charlize Altsbeit when she’s drinking. People said you shouldn't even touch a dog while it was eating; in Charlize’s case, the dog was replaced by alcohol. She was known to become viciously reactive if anyone interrupted her during a drink.
For the first time, I was actually grateful for her reputation. I finished the glass and looked at them with a cold, glassy stare. The alcohol content wasn't as high as Loxdian’s "gift," but it was enough to keep the lightheadedness going.
The girls watched me with anxious eyes, waiting for me to speak. I was busy thinking of a way to shut them up for good. Suddenly, I remembered something from Charlize’s past—a monster dog she used to raise. What was its name? Terry?
"...You haven't seen our 'Terry' lately, have you?" I murmured, my voice dropping to a dangerous whisper.
They froze. They must have felt the "bloody" intent in my gaze, because none of them dared to speak a word. I stared at them, daring one of them to be the first "batter" of the night.
* * *
At the same time, on the other side of the hall...
Askin was struggling to hold back a sigh. His mind was filled with unpleasant thoughts—and for a split second, a single, terrifying imagination.
'Could she... have actually changed?'
He couldn't believe he was even considering it. He remembered the years of ridicule, being called "Charlize’s dog," a man who had traded his pride as a Duke for the role of a plaything. He had endured insults and shame for the sake of his sister.
And yet, tonight...
"You seem deep in thought, Duke. Are you worried about something?"
Askin snapped back to reality at the sound of a deep, aged voice. He quickly smoothed his expression, though he was inwardly disconcerted. Standing before him was a large, thick-boned old man with a face full of wisdom and experience.
It was Warewood Prevost. Although retired now, he had been the Commander-in-Chief of the Empire’s armies until only a year ago. He was also Askin’s former teacher, and one of the few people who treated him with genuine respect.
"You still have that habit of furrowing your eyebrows when you're troubled," the Marquis said with a faint smile.
"...I apologize, Marquis."
"No need for apologies. It’s a habit I’ve recognized since you were a child." Marquis Prevost stroked his chin. He had been living in reclusion on his estate since his retirement, only returning to the capital today at the Emperor’s request. "Are you worried about Aria? How is she?"
"She’s well, thank you. She’s actually been quite healthy lately."
"Duke Lemut, it’s good to see you again," another voice said. It was the Marquis’s son, Viscount Prevost, who had studied alongside Askin.
Askin returned the greeting, but the Marquis wasn't finished. "So, why the long face? I remember you as a boy whose emotions were always written on his face. Now, you’ve become so good at pretending to be calm I barely recognize my own student."
"I... have a lot on my mind, Teacher."
"Have you finally decided to give up your stubbornness and become an Altsbeit man?" the Marquis asked, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Askin’s expression stiffened. "...Don't insult me."
"Hmm. So you're not planning to marry her?"
"..."
"You know that Altsbeit will swallow the Lemut name the moment you say those vows," the Marquis continued, his voice low and serious. "The history of your family will be erased forever. So tell me, why did you walk in here holding the hand of a woman you hate so much it makes your teeth shake?"
Askin stayed silent.
"Is it because I couldn't help you when you were at your lowest? Because I went into reclusion instead of fighting for you? Do you hate me for that?"
"No, I don't believe that for a second," Askin replied firmly.
He understood perfectly why his mentor hadn't helped him. Marquis Prevost was a man of absolute integrity, which meant he had many enemies. If he had publicly supported Askin against the Altsbeit family, Duke Altsbeit would have framed it as a conspiracy or a rebellion. The two families would have been destroyed together. By staying silent and not exchanging letters, the Marquis had protected Askin as best he could.
"Tsk. I’ve always hated 'straight' men," the Marquis muttered, clicking his tongue. "Why do you have to be just like me? It only leads to a difficult life."
Despite his words, his eyes were full of pride for the student who had walked a hard path without compromising his faith. 'If only he hadn't sold himself to that vicious princess to save his sister...'
"Seriously, Askin. Don't lie to me. What were you thinking when you walked in today?"
The Marquis looked at his son, the Viscount, who was a skilled mage. The Viscount nodded and subtly raised a field of mana around them to ensure their conversation remained private.
"I’m asking you directly, Duke. Do you need help?"
"You speak as if you could provide it."
"I am the kind of person who says exactly what he intends to do," the Marquis replied, his face turning grim. "I know how Charlize Altsbeit has treated you. If you’re here because you’ve been cornered, if you feel you have no other choice..."
"...Teacher."
"This old man is willing to betray his convictions just this once. I have information on the Altsbeit family—information I’ve kept silent about only because I had no order from the Emperor to reveal it. But for you, I would be willing to use it."
Askin shook his head. "No. I’m only here today because I made a promise. And as for the debt..."
He looked toward the center of the hall, where Charlize was currently drinking down another glass of wine.
"I have already found a way to pay it back."