After Story 1. The Unyielding Flower
The Grand Duke and Duchess, who had disappered as soon as the ceremony ended, finally revealed their faces towards the end of the festival eve. Arm in arm, the two appeared unmistakably as a friendly couple.
The Grand Duke, with a satisfied and content expression, and the Grand Duchess, displaying a subtle blush of embarrassment, slipped through the crowd. Some onlookers shyly smiled at the Grand Duke and Duchess as they passed by.
The rumor that the Grand Duke was deeply in love with the Grand Duchess had spread to the point where it was known by everyone in the northern regions. People familiar with Daymond’s personality simply passed by without much surprise.
Although no one said a word, the glances of the crowd turned Anne’s cheeks red. Soon, her resentful eyes were directed at Daymond, the apparent cause of the delay.
“What did I say? It’s almost over already.”
“There should be one more event to witness.”
Even in the face of Anne’s subtle sarcasm, Daymond nonchalantly responded by tilting his head towards the gathering crowd.
Despite her worry of being the center of attention, it was bustling with preparations for the upcoming highlight, the lantern event. Daymond’s casual tone, admitting it straight away, was too obnoxious.
Since she had accepted him, especially after the birth of their child, Daymond had become more human-like. This meant that he sometimes even responded playfully to teasing, while also being earnest at times.
Anne’s narrowed eyes focused on Daymond.
“We didn’t even attend the reception. Many guests came…”
Knowing that Daymond was not a man who could be satisfied just once, he persistently kept Anne in his arms.
Every time Anne tried to get out of bed, he would come up with a perfect excuse and pull her back, causing them to skip the evening altogether. If it weren’t for their status that required attendance at the festival eve, they might have spent the entire night together.
Daymond, feigning a cough, offered excuses as if he needed to justify himself.
“Anyway, you’ve seen it all during the wedding ceremony, so they’ll understand. And Ashton must have greeted the guests skillfully.”
“I feel embarrassed just looking at Ashton’s face.”
Ashton was their closest aide. More than just diligently fulfilling his duties as an aide, he knew everything about the Grand Duke and Duchess.
However, no matter how much he admired their harmony, whenever he was faced with the obvious romantic gestures, he couldn’t help but leave the room.
Come to think of it, Daymond always seemed to be accompanied by Ashton wherever he went. From the moment Anne arrived in the north, he had made sure Ashton was there to welcome her.
“I’ve always been curious, but you seem to trust Ashton a lot.’
Daymond’s gaze, which had been silently observing those who were now starting to light a fire inside a container, shifted to Anne.
“No jealousy towards Marie, and now you’re jealous of my aide?”
“What? That doesn’t make any sense.”
Instead of being bothered by Anne’s disgusted expression, Daymond’s expression became mischievous.
Although Anne acknowledged that Ashton was an exceptionally loyal aide, capable of handling his duties to the point where it seemed he had no private life, she found it absurd to be treated as if she were a narrow-minded woman who would be jealous over such things.
Daymond laughed casually, as if it were all a joke from the start.
“The members of the Wald family have sworn loyalty to me, so they will never defy my orders. It’s only natural, considering they’ve followed me for a long time.”
Daymond also highly appreciated Ashton’s efforts. Knowing the hard work he put in as his aide, he made sure to compensate Ashton generously.
“And no matter how much I trust Ashton, you are the person I trust the most.”
“Why is it so hard for me to believe that?”
Even with words expressing infinite trust, Anne replied with a skeptical tone.
Nevertheless, he didn’t forget to wrap his arms around Anne’s shoulders, pulling her close to his chest.
“Stop being upset and look over there. I guess it’s about to begin.”
“I’m just glad I didn’t miss this.”
Pretending not to care, Anne subtly glanced at Daymond and then turned her attention to the people lighting the lanterns under Ashton’s command.
As the torchbearers moved around, transferring the flames, Ashton, who was overseeing the event from the center, noticed them and nodded briefly. Eariel, who was standing by his side, also displayed a hint of surprise when he saw his parents.
The festival’s eve began with the illumination of lanterns. Purposefully lowering the ambient light of the castle, the yellow glow brightly illuminated the dark areas, creating an almost shadowy and mysterious atmosphere.
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