Chapter 198
Parties are indeed exhausting.
“It’s an honor to meet you, your Grace, the Mage Duchess!”
I hadn’t even stepped into the mansion yet, but I was already feeling drained.
When did it all start? For some reason, I’ve begun to shy away from crowded places, and whenever I see someone trembling in front of me, I can’t help but think, “Why did I come?”
Even now, I felt that way. Watching the stiffly saluting guard made weariness and pity swell together in my chest.
I wouldn’t have come at all if it weren’t for my baby.
But what can you do? I have to overcome these trivial issues for my baby’s sake.
“Just wait a moment! I’ll open it right away!”
Watching the guards hurriedly opening the main gate, I instinctively looked up. I sensed a familiar flow of mana.
Far away, on the balcony in front of the mansion, stood a man and a woman.
Baby.
It’s definitely my baby. I couldn’t possibly mistake my baby’s mana for anyone else’s.
Using magic to enhance my vision, I confirmed it was indeed my baby. He looked a bit surprised to see me too.
It was worth coming after all.
A smile unconsciously spread across my face. Seeing my baby right after arriving at the party felt almost like he was waiting for me.
However, my bubbling satisfaction cooled a bit when I caught sight of the person next to him.
Lady Marghetta.
There she was, a woman beside my baby—not me.
I had expected it, knowing that my baby and Lady Marghetta shared a close bond.
…But still, it irked me.
“No need to open the gate. I’ll go in myself, so stop.”
I said this briefly to the busy guards before using teleportation.
I was prepared for it, but seeing my baby with another woman was different from just hearing about it. An indescribable surge of emotions welled up inside me.
No, I knew perfectly well what it was. Jealousy. How embarrassing to feel jealous over someone so much younger.
It doesn’t matter.
Feeling embarrassed is fine. Being jealous is okay too.
That only proves how deep my love for my baby runs.
“Baby.”
In the blink of an eye, the distance between my baby and me shrank.
Still the same, huh?
Upon seeing my baby’s outfit, I almost burst out laughing. Wearing such a dull uniform at a formal gathering—such a typical look for him.
Meanwhile, the lady beside him wore a red dress.
Doesn’t match.
Black and red? What a bizarre pairing! If my baby was in black, shouldn’t he be wrapped up in warm white instead?
“How lucky I am to see my baby as soon as I arrive!”
The flashy red really stood out, but it completely clashed with my baby.
“Were you perhaps waiting for me?”
After all, black pairs well with white.
“Hehe, I’d be delighted if you were.”
Just like me.
*
I instinctively tensed when someone grabbed me from behind, even though I knew it was the Mage Duchess.
Magic has its perks, indeed!
Every time I saw people teleporting effortlessly, I felt this ever-growing desire to become a mage swordsman.
Of course, magic is tied to talent, and teleportation is considered high-level magic, so it wouldn’t be easy.
Anyway, I casually responded to the Mage Duchess who initiated the conversation.
“I stepped outside for some fresh air when Your Grace arrived.”
“Is that right?”
The Mage Duchess’s ears perked up, a subtle smile gracing her face. It seemed she was in good spirits, judging by her revealing ears.
It was oddly strange. The Mage Duchess wasn’t a fan of crowds, often barely showing up for the New Year’s Ball. The fact she voluntarily came to a party, and looked happy too, was even stranger.
“It’s getting chilly; let’s head inside. The Invincible Duke has been waiting for you.”
It’s impolite to keep a guest standing on the balcony, so I guided her inside.
I was also a guest, but there’s always a hierarchy, even among guests. If you run into a duke, it’s only natural to play the role of a servant.
“Yes, I didn’t mean to keep the host waiting.”
At my words, the Mage Duchess lightly nodded and started walking.
The Invincible Duke indeed had been waiting quite a while. This wasn’t just any guest but one who was rare—only second to the Wise Duchess. The Invincible Duke was genuinely pleased to hear she’d be attending his daughter’s party.
But then, it must have been puzzling when a guest who said they would come didn’t show up. The Mage Duchess wasn’t one to joke about such matters, so I figured she would arrive at the appropriate time.
“Hmm.”
Just as we were about to re-enter the party, I heard a notably displeased sound.
“Your Grace?”
At the unexpected noise, I turned my head to see the Mage Duchess gazing downwards.
Specifically, her attention was drawn to the place where Marghetta and I were holding hands.
“You two seem quite close.”
After a brief moment of silence, the Mage Duchess softly spoke.
She still wore a smile, but I could sense her mood had shifted.
With her tone carrying traces of displeasure and her ears slightly drooping, I couldn’t help but notice the change.
“Thank you, Your Grace.”
While I was searching for a proper reaction, Marghetta, who had been silent until now, answered for me.
She beamed brightly as if genuinely grateful. But considering the nuance behind the Mage Duchess’s words, it didn’t seem like genuine praise.
“Let’s go inside.”
“Oh, yes.”
Responding to Marghetta’s words, the Mage Duchess, sporting an inscrutable smile, led the way into the banquet hall.
…Was it because of our hands?
Taken aback by the sudden shift, I glanced at our intertwined fingers.
Yes, this seemed to be the issue. How could I have displayed such affections so casually in front of an elder?
I made a mistake.
Have I gotten too comfortable with the Mage Duchess? After calling her “Mother” so often, maybe I started to view her as a real mother.
“Ma—”
“Let’s go, Carl.”
Marghetta must have sensed my unease. I was about to ask her about the Mage Duchess’s reaction, but she pulled me along before I could finish.
Of course, Marghetta’s strength wasn’t enough to drag me against my will. Or maybe it was…
Shut up.
The expression I briefly caught on Marghetta’s face was stern, like a veteran preparing for battle.
Her grip around my hand was abnormally tight—she was determined not to let go. Was it just my imagination?
Yes, I saw nothing. I heard nothing.
Instinct told me that remaining silent was the safest approach right now.
*
The already bustling party began to stir even more. It was like dropping mentos into cola, causing a fizz.
With the appearance of a rare guest, the nobles began their subtle game of glances. But only two dukes of equal rank had the privilege of approaching this rare gem.
“It’s a pleasure to see you in the mansion. Thank you for illuminating our gathering.”
“It’s been a while, Mage Duchess.”
The Invincible Duke hurried over as the Mage Duchess appeared from the balcony, the Iron-blooded Duke closely following.
That’s the hierarchy in action.
Seeing the three dukes together made me think reflexively.
Even now, the two dukes greeting the Mage Duchess bowed their waists humorously, only to rise again, then bow once more in an absurd rhythm.
Can’t be helped.
I could understand. The Mage Duchess wasn’t just any duke. She reigned as a duke even when the Invincible Duke’s and the Iron-blooded Duke’s grandfathers were still in power.
That meant the dukes had first met her back when they were mere grandchildren—hardly heirs. Therefore, treating the duke they once met casually now would simply be madness.
“I’m also pleased to see you both in good health.”
That’s why the Mage Duchess returned their greeting with utmost respect. Addressing the two dukes casually here would publicly acknowledge her as the pinnacle of age.
…I pretended not to notice how the dukes’ waists bent even lower with every formal greeting she gave.
“Isn’t this a rare sight? Is this the true charm of a gathering?”
I made a small joke to Marghetta, who had been wearing a serious expression all along. She seemed a bit upset, so I wanted to lighten the mood.
“…”
But the problem was her lack of response.
“…Mar?”
I cautiously called out to her, but there was still no answer.
It appeared she had shut off not only her mouth but her ears as well.
I couldn’t fathom why. If she were angry with me, I would have at least offered an apology. Yet, holding my hand meant that wasn’t it.
What on earth?
When someone who usually doesn’t act this way starts behaving differently, it’s even scarier.
*
No way.
No, no, no, absolutely not.
He’s mine.
My grip tightened on Carl’s hand, and I unconsciously bit my lip.
He belongs to me.
This couldn’t be happening. How could such a disaster hit me so suddenly?
I felt tears welling up from the injustice, but I squashed them down. I absolutely couldn’t show weakness in front of my opponent.
I was first.
Calming my heart with that thought, I steadied myself.
Don’t panic.
I love Carl more than anyone else, and Carl loves me.
It didn’t matter if my opponent was… a duke…
What do I do…?
Remembering the status of the Mage Duchess made my heart waver once more.
I was well aware of a duke’s strength. Having lived within a ducal family, how could I not know? The ducal family knows the extent of their own power better than anyone.
And that’s exactly why I understood that this situation was a terrible calamity.
Why does it have to be her?
This was truly completely unforeseen disaster. I had entertained the thought before, but I never thought it would be a reality.
Why does she have to like Carl?
Yet that possibility had materialized.
I realized it on the balcony. The way she gazed at Carl, her tone and gestures toward him, and how she looked at me.
There was no way I couldn’t see those emotions she was so blatantly showing.
Even now.
As she exchanged greetings with the dukes, she subtly cast glances at Carl. The affection in those glances was unmistakable.
Once again, I bit my lip. I had thought this party would be a joyous occasion, a chance for the nobility to witness our relationship.
If I had known this would happen, I would have rather not come—
…No.
I shouldn’t entertain such weak thoughts. Actually, it was better like this. At least I uncovered a hidden foe.
Really, this was a blessing in disguise. Now I knew who my enemy was and could prepare accordingly.
I can’t lose.
So what if she’s a duke? Marriage isn’t solely about status, right?
I had already promised Carl we’d head to Father’s as soon as the New Year’s Ball was over.
I won’t lose.
Yes, no need to be so tense.
A Valenti always gets what they want. Regardless of how powerful the opponent is, I will never lose.
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