Living a Scheming Marriage with a Mad Villain - Chapter 111

Today was the day I attended the salon hosted by Shanette. Normally, the salon was held either at a mansion in the capital, where Marianne or Shanette, who co-managed the salon, took turns inviting guests, or for the artists they supported.

At first, I wanted to follow the usual way the salon was run and head to the capital.

However, going to the capital made me uneasy because of the emperor. Also, Shanette and Reus opposed going to the Marquis of Rabian’s or Count of Pailton’s mansions because the distance was too far. In the end, the salon was held in a building on Ferrochel Street, an artist district in the duchy.

Since I lived in the duke’s castle and had never been to Ferrochel, I left the castle a bit early to take a quick look around. As Reus said, we arrived at Ferrochel quickly.

I always stayed in the quiet duke’s castle, so I thought Ferrochel Street in the duchy would have a similar calm atmosphere. But with the sound of carriages and various noises, it was more chaotic than I expected.

Although it was a little overwhelming, it felt good to go out after such a long time. Of course, the man beside me, who looked very uncomfortable since morning, didn’t seem to think so.

“If you want to change the meeting place to the duke’s castle, it’s not too late now.”

“That would be no different from personally inviting the ladies to the castle instead of attending the salon.”

“So what if it is?”

“I’m already very thankful that you came all the way to Ferrochel.”

Even though Reus knew I wouldn’t change my mind, he kept trying to persuade me. When I didn’t budge, his expression clearly showed displeasure.

“Reus, you’re not angry, are you?”

“No.”

“If you’re not angry, why don’t you relax your face a little? People might misunderstand.”

No one openly showed it, but hardly anyone failed to recognize us, so we were constantly followed by glances.

Still, Reus didn’t care at all.

“You look a little scary with that expression.”

I said this lightly in a teasing way, but Reus was greatly startled and softened his face.

“Loelle, I’m not angry with you.”

“I know.”

If it wasn’t because of the emperor, there wouldn’t be such a strong sense of caution. But Reus’s face, full of displeasure, gradually grew gloomy.

“It’s still chilly outside.”

“That’s why I dressed warmly as you wanted.”

Unlike others dressed for the cool autumn weather, I was wearing fairly thick clothes and felt a bit hot. Yet this man seemed dissatisfied, as if even that wasn’t enough.

“Can’t we just let it go today? It’s a rare outing.”

“What if you get hurt again? I’m worried you’re increasing your activity too suddenly…”

“I like coming to Ferrochel with you, Reus… but maybe you don’t feel the same.”

I only realized I had spoken my true feelings when I noticed Reus stiffening noticeably.

“If I feel cold, I’ll tell you right away. So… please bear with me today.”

I quickly changed the subject, but Reus just moved his hand slightly without answering. That stopped me from speaking further.

I thought we had plenty of time, but after wandering around a bit, the time to attend the meeting came very close. Reluctantly, we headed to a building where an exhibition was being held.

Reus, knowing Iris was attending, didn’t enter the building and stayed outside, so I went alone to the upper floor. There, I was greeted by a wonderful view overlooking the distant plaza and the ladies who arrived earlier.

The first to notice me was Shanette.

“Loelle, was it difficult getting here?”

“It’s so close from the duke’s castle. The real effort was from those who came all the way from the capital. Thank you all.”

The Countess of Pailton, who co-managed the salon with Shanette, warmly spoke to me.

“No effort at all. It’s truly an honor to have the vision to invite you to the salon. Thank you for taking the time to come. By the way, are you sure it’s alright for you to be out like this while not fully recovered?”

“I’m much better now, so daily life is not much trouble.”

“But… I’m sure the duke worries deeply.”

I wanted to say Reus was always a bit overprotective even without the duke’s worries, but I kept quiet, not wanting to stir gossip in social circles.

Even after sitting, the conversation shifted to concern about my health. Since most were a bit older, they treated me like a niece and gave various advice.

Only after a long time of heartfelt advice did we start talking about the exhibition and other arts in the building.

“I enjoyed the Adelo exhibition. Wasn’t that the painter supported by the Countess of Pailton?”

“I heard the style was unique, so it was hard to find sponsors. You have great insight.”

Though all were noble ladies, there was no unnecessary conflict or tension, so I rarely felt uncomfortable.

As the ladies heatedly discussed paintings, one lady stood up with a pleased face. Soon others rose and turned their gaze toward one spot.

There was Iris.

“Your Highness, the princess.”

Iris smiled gently at their greetings, looking very different from the awkward girl at the birthday banquet. Back then, her royal appearance caught attention first; now, her calm gestures and speech stood out.

I knew Iris had faced many challenges as the protagonist. Unlike in the original story, where the male lead Cassien nearly disappeared and she chose love over the palace, now she seemed to have gained power and established her position in the palace.

“I seem to be the last to arrive.”

Though her life diverged from the original story, the lively energy flowing from her deep red eyes was as strong as ever.

“I should have left earlier if I knew this.”

“No, Your Highness. There’s still time before the salon starts. We were just greeting a new visitor. This is Loelle, the duchess.”

At those words, Iris’s eyes brightened and she stepped forward.

“I heard a lot about you from Shanette, but this is the first time meeting you in person. Nice to meet you, Duchess.”

“Your Highness.”

“No need for so much formality. You’re the only one here close to my age. There’s no one more precious to me than you.”

Other ladies joked that Iris was too harsh, and Shanette said,

“Then Your Highness might enjoy viewing the exhibition with Loelle. We kept Loelle so busy we didn’t get to see the important exhibits.”

“Really? I rushed here and didn’t see much. How about you?”

“Of course, Your Highness. It would be an honor.”

Thanks to Iris insisting on having a private conversation and even dismissing her maid, it was just the two of us enjoying the exhibition.

“I heard you’ve had a hard time. I know you were very sick, but is it okay for you to be out already?”

I wondered why everyone seemed to think I was still unwell. Could Reus be spreading strange rumors? He was so unpredictable, I briefly suspected he might have done that on purpose.

“As you can see, I have recovered enough not to worry. The duke has helped me a lot, and going out is not a problem.”

“That’s a relief. When I first heard, I worried a lot. Though we don’t know each other well… I truly cared about you.”

“Thank you for your concern, Your Highness.”

Then Iris said with a playful tone,

“But I hear the duke didn’t come with you. They say he’s ridiculously devoted to you.”

“Oh… The duke has business elsewhere today.”

I was a bit caught off guard by Reus’s sudden story but couldn’t admit he hadn’t even come inside the building, so I made a vague excuse.

“I wish I could meet the duke too. He used to come to the palace often, and we met a few times, but lately, he hasn’t visited, so no chance to talk.”

Iris’s words carried strong regret, stirring a strange feeling inside me.

“As you know, I owe the duke a lot.”

“Yes, that’s true…”

I only mentioned Reus because I felt grateful after the birthday banquet, but his strange reaction made me embarrassed and I avoided eye contact.

“There’s no need to look at me with such worried eyes. It’s all past.”

Despite facing serious trouble without warning, Iris seemed as if she had forgotten everything. I really admired how bravely she overcame everything in the original story and was glad she hadn’t lost that.

But when Iris mentioned Reus again, my mood strangely sank once more.

“By the way, why is your husband so hard to meet? I sent invitations to thank him, but he refused every time. I wanted to give a proper reward, but he wouldn’t accept anything. I really want to show my gratitude once, but he never gives me the chance…”

“Is that so? I… didn’t know at all.”

“Would you please thank the duke for me?”

“Of course, Your Highness. I will definitely tell him.”

“Thank you.”

After that, Reus’s name came up often. I understood they wanted to repay their debt or were simply very grateful. But every time his name came up, a sharp pain lingered deep inside me.

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