The Villainess Captured The Grand Duke - Chapter 31

Chapter 31

“Seems like we have a lot to talk about, don’t we?” 

She even added a playful wink directed at Scheuer, and it didn’t seem like an act for socializing.

Annabelle, in a natural and comfortable manner, started talking as if meeting an old friend. Upon closer inspection, she was so young and beautiful that it was hard to believe she was the mother of a son. She had met the Duke at the academy, and their acquaintance had led to marriage. She actively supported the love between Scheuer and Raygrain.

Furthermore, in her chatty way, she mentioned that she often heard about Scheuer from her father, the Marquis Ather. 

“But still, His Highness Silcaro spoke favorably of Duke. He occasionally welcomed him warmly whenever he visited Central.”

“But having Lady Erina by your side might be a bit problematic. After all, she’s the closest to His Highness Silcaro…”

“Are you implying something?” 

A soft voice came from behind, and simultaneously, Annabelle’s shoulders twitched briefly.

Scheuer looked over her shoulder. Crimson eyes filled with curiosity were fixed on them. The sudden appearance startled Annabelle, and she spoke in a somewhat flustered manner, glancing at the other party.

“Oh, Your Highness…”

Silcaro laughed lightly. 

“Sorry for intruding on the ladies’ conversation. I wasn’t paid much attention by the Duke due to his busy schedule.”

He looked a bit disappointed, gesturing subtly toward where Raygrain was surrounded by knights. Silcaro placed a hand on his chest and politely asked, 

“Scheuer, may I borrow you for a moment? I want to talk, but it seems your Duke is quite busy.”

Scheuer raised the hem of her dress to curtsy, accepting his greeting. 

“Thank you for the offer, Your Highness. However, I’m afraid I’m not well-versed in the events that transpired while I was away from Central.”

“Oh, no need to worry about that. We can talk about the Duke. Besides, you’re trying to divert me from Lady Erina, aren’t you?”

Silcaro added a subtle provocation, 

“I haven’t seen the Duke since he was young.” 

It seemed he was quite fond of Raygrain

In the original work, Silcaro wasn’t someone who forcefully pushed away the North. Instead, whenever Raygrain visited the central region, Silcaro was someone who inquired about various things related to swordsmanship and showed favor towards him. It was like a mentor, a friendly competitor. At least until Raygrain started feeling emotions for Erina. Erina became a decisive factor in severing the relationship between the central and northern regions.

“I wonder if it won’t be to that extent this time?”

After all, they had to maintain a connection with the central region. If so, she thought Silcaro might be better. Besides, even if nothing else, shouldn’t she respond to provocation? She confidently accepted Silcaro’s proposal, especially when it came to anything related to Raygrain.

“Yes, that’s fine. Anytime.”

Looking at Anabelle with an uneasy expression, Scheuer gently held her, reassuring her. To convey her reassurance, Scheuer lightly held her hand and followed Silcaro.

Silcaro familiarly led her near the terrace. Despite the crowded Grand Hall, having just one door gave the feeling of a separate space. As they moved away from the bustling hall, Silcaro, holding a champagne glass from a tray carried by a passing waiter, asked her.

“Would the lady like a drink too?”

“Oh, I’m fine.”

Despite Scheuer’s refusal, he offered her another glass. As the door between the hall and the terrace closed, he tilted the glass and casually inquired.

“How is the central region?”

“The weather is quite pleasant. The South is a bit hot, and the North is a bit cold, so there has never been a middle ground.”

“Haha, that’s true. The advantage of the central region.”

Although he had intended to inquire about Raygrain, their conversation drifted into light chitchat for a while. Eventually, it turned to the main topic.

“How did the Duke propose?”

Silcaro truly seemed unaware that she was unaware of the rumors.

Unable to avoid it, Scheuer brought up the uncomfortable topic.

“Your Grace, I’m sorry, but… I think I need to tell you. I’ve been the subject of rumors in Nettrigar.”

“I know.”

“…What?”

“Erina and Duke Netriga both told me everything.”

Why ask me when he already knows?

Leaning comfortably on the terrace, he spoke.

His blond hair, bathed in moonlight, appeared brighter than usual. Overall, he had refined features, but the image wasn’t overly soft. With a body balanced just right for someone wielding a sword and a clean demeanor, he seemed to be popular among people like Scheuer.

He had the skill of smoothly passing over uncomfortable topics.

“A scandal is just a scandal. If you live well, it’ll pass.”

“Is that so?”

Surprisingly, his easygoing words were welcoming.

‘He’s not as bad as I thought?’

As Scheuer was adjusting her prejudices, Silcaro continued.

“There are many families that face scandals over marriage issues, and it’s a world with a lot of political marriages.”

Although his words were subtly conflicting, Scheuer didn’t bother correcting him.

Nodding nonchalantly, she let his words wash over her. Her gaze followed Ragyrain beyond the window.

Perhaps because of their promise, he was ignoring numerous requests for handshakes.

Only now did memories of the handshakes with the Blenga knights pop into Scheuer’s mind.

“Ah, I shouldn’t be caught.”

She made a silent promise to act as if she didn’t know.

But Silcaro’s next words immediately hardened her expression.

“In fact, I wanted to talk to Miss Scheuer.”

His expression turned somewhat serious.

“Not about the Duke?”

“The Duke is a person worthy of respect as someone who wields a sword. I know that well.”

He clearly distinguished between Raygrain, the swordsman, and Raygrain, the person he knew personally. The words felt oddly unsettling. Scheuer’s expression initially stiffened, but Silcaro continued with an affectionate tone. Perhaps his rigid expression was hidden in the deep darkness.

Maintaining an attitude that he still didn’t know much about Scheuer, he now mentioned past events, seemingly pretending to be unaware.

“Miss Scheuer has changed a lot since the scandal. I used to remember you with a more mature image.”

Thunk, the champagne glass in his hand was placed on the terrace railing. Silcaro glanced at the glass next to him, but Scheuer’s gaze was fixed on his profile.

She responded with a feigned smile, 

“True love tends to change people completely. It seems the Duke genuinely transformed me.”

A small smile played on Silcaro’s lips. His lowered gaze precisely met Scheuer’s golden eyes.

The smile remained, but his atmosphere changed in an instant.

“Well, I don’t know. Your gaze, which used to passionately watch me while being with different men every time, didn’t seem false.”

What is he talking about? Such a bold statement from someone who came to propose marriage. Especially someone who acted so friendly with Raygrain.

The purpose was unclear, and Scheuer did not hide her discomfort.

“Are you drunk?”

“No. Drunk on champagne, perhaps, but not that much.”

Silcaro chuckled softly. His platinum blond hair and red eyes shimmered beautifully in the moonlight. If someone saw them, it might seem like a romantic scene of a secret rendezvous, but it didn’t fit their situation. It wasn’t just a casual conversation.

“Smile Love”