The Villainess Captured The Grand Duke - Chapter 26

Chapter 26

“Scheuer Blen. The person who will be my consort.“

“The consort of the Duke and Nettri… Is that correct?”

Silcaro looked bewilderedly between her and Raygrain.

“As of today, receiving the title, the past surname doesn’t carry much significance, does it?”

Surprisingly, Raygrain introduced her as a Blen rather than Nettri. Clearly stating his firm companion. The hand she instinctively held with his tightened. She wanted to scream right there, ‘I’m a Blen!’ But this was business. She had to suppress the urge to shout and maintained a cheerful smile. Silcaro, from his perspective, might perceive her return to the Duke’s side as having some ulterior motive. Hesitating here would only make her seem like a lingering presence with unresolved emotions.

Scheuer greeted Silcaro with a bright smile, more radiant than usual.

“Hello, Your Highness. Scheuer greets you.”

Even though she was originally from a noble family, likely due to Scheuer’s constant efforts in the original work, she naturally possessed courtesy, even without formal education. Although she hadn’t received such education in the North, she extended her greetings without any titles, given her tarnished reputation.

Surprisingly, Silcaro showed no sign of knowing about her situation. On the contrary, he responded warmly to Scheuer’s greeting.

“I never expected to hear the story of the Duke and you getting married like this. Miss Scheuer.”

His gentle eyes crinkled.

“He didn’t seem surprised by the whole Nettri affair. Instead, he even responded warmly to my greeting. ‘I anticipated more awkward questions, but he’s surprisingly understanding.’ This was the male protagonist. His refined language, well-educated manners, and neat appearance made him popular regardless of gender or age.

Silcaro guided them inside the imperial palace while saying, 

“I heard the Duke was coming, so I postponed tea time. If it’s alright with you, would you join us?”

“I don’t indulge in such things.”

“Marquis Hener is also here.”

Upon hearing the name, she recalled that he was from the family of Chestron Hener, who participated in the expedition meeting in the North.

Raygrain, after a moment of contemplation upon hearing the participant’s name, eventually agreed.

“Let’s attend briefly, then.”

Silcaro genuinely seemed pleased with his response.

Silcaro appeared gentle at first glance, but with a sword in hand, he was sharper than anyone, a highly skilled individual within the empire. The swordsmanship in the North was somewhat different and more standardized than the flashy styles of Nettri or the overwhelming intimidation of Blen. While this contributed to the weakening of imperial authority, it was a matter for Erinna to resolve, and Scheuer had no intention of getting involved.

Silcaro smoothly guided them to the designated tea time location in the garden. While outdoor tea time was common in the South, it was impossible in the North. Despite the unfamiliar faces and the bright table catching their eyes, Raygrain faced everything head-on.

When they reached the garden, Silcaro, with a pleased voice, welcomed them, 

“Ladies and gentlemen, Duke Blen has come all the way from the North. And we have the honor of having esteemed guests with us.”

 A murmur of voices followed, and in the midst of that, Scheuer momentarily lost her words.

Silcaro introduced Scheuer and the others in turn. 

“This is Betty Hener, Marquis Hener’s daughter, and next to her is…” 

Following Silcaro’s gesture, Raygrain and Scheuer’s gazes turned to the side of Betty Hener. 

“Your Highness, may I introduce her myself?” 

Betty, with her neatly tied red hair and the white uniform symbolizing the Knights Commander, greeted with a hand on her chest, 

“Erinna Nettri, currently serving as the Second Knights Commander.” 

She politely acknowledged Scheuer and then gave her a friendly smile, 

“Sister, it’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

Contrary to the surprised reactions of others, Raygrain remained silent. Scheuer replied brightly, 

“Indeed.” 

She subtly exchanged a quick glance with Raygrain, who, rather than looking at Erina, was focusing on Scheuer.

The person introduced seemed to pale, as if something stained their face. Has something gotten on her face? Scheuer tilted her head slightly, her eyes shining, and then Raygrain took her hand, guiding her and pulling out a chair for her.

Silcaro, as if waiting for Scheuer to be seated, initiated the conversation. 

“We had several conversations at previous gatherings. You’ve changed quite a bit, and I almost didn’t recognize you with the different atmosphere.”

How could she remember? Scheuer from that time was not her. She had the information objectively stored in her mind, but she didn’t feel any connection to her past self.

Scheuer, with a gentle smile, replied vaguely to Silcaro, 

“I guess I’ve changed a lot while being with the Duke in the North.”

As she spoke, she glanced at Raygrain beside her with a shy expression.

“Her Majesty used to talk about the Duke’s engagement all the time. I’m sure she would be delighted to hear it,” Silcaro said.

Surprisingly, Silcaro seemed to enjoy this romantic talk more than expected, and Erina, on the other hand, displayed an uncomfortable forced smile. 

‘If it’s true that opposite personalities attract, it seems to be working well in this case,’ Scheuer thought, observing the scene. Silcaro, with a graceful smile, addressed Raygrain.

“I’ve heard the news that the Duke recently took command again in the subjugation campaigns…”

The joy and fondness towards Raygrain, a childhood friend, were evident in Silcaro’s expression as he faced him after a long time. However, he quickly glanced at Scheuer and Betty, then paused.

“Well, it might not be an interesting topic for the ladies.”

“It’s okay, Your Highness. I was curious about it,” Erina interrupted.

Judging by Scheuer and Betty’s reactions, it seemed that discussing such matters in front of them might not be appreciated. Whether Silcaro sensed this or not, he smoothly proposed an alternative.

“How about we discreetly discuss among those who wield swords? It wouldn’t be polite to disturb the ladies’ teatime, after all.”

Scheuer secretly hoped that any unwanted situation would not unfold before her eyes. However, everyone seemed to agree with Silcaro’s suggestion. Regardless, Scheuer, with only theoretical knowledge about swords, had never wielded one herself. Thus, it seemed inappropriate for her to obstruct their conversation.

Changing her plan, Scheuer lightly tugged on Raygrain’s clothes. He took the hint and gracefully arranged a seat for her.

Scheuer stared directly at Raygrain and spoke firmly, 

“Your Grace, hands are absolutely off-limits.”

“I don’t understand what you’re saying.”

Scheuer firmly grasped his hands with both of hers, causing him to wince. She then released the grip, letting out a breath.

“Your Grace, you haven’t given me any trouble, and you haven’t even given me an engagement ring. So, you absolutely cannot hold hands or touch me in any way. Not even a handshake or a brush of fingertips.”

“I’ve said you can do as you please, but I’ve never commanded you to restrain me.”

The flowers given to him from the carriage seemed to have negatively influenced the favorable impression.

“Smile Love”