Claude left the room with an odd, tight sensation in his heart. But Owen still hadnât come. Claude then realized that only three minutes had passed. He scoffed at such a revelation. It seems like there is nothing wrong with his health, Claude thought. For whatever reason, Canillian must have gotten on the wrong side of the Marchioness.
Coincidentally, Claude had seen the Marchioness leave Liaâs house early that morning. And a moment later, Canillian, dressed in street clothes, lied about his health and headed to the library.
Claude thought: She raised a fake well and now that Kieran is healthy again, did she feel uncomfortable?
Claude calmly went downstairs. The engagement party would continue for 3 days. He was staring at Kieran and Rosina, who were in the middle of the festivities, and saw the Marquis and Marchioness beside them.
Claude noticed that, unlike Marchionessâwho looked happy while speaking with the EmperorâGliad looked concerned. Claude also noted that Ian Sergio was smiling, but with a weirdly stern look.
Claude nodded at the Marquis, took a few bottles of drink and turned.
âYoung Duke, youâre here! Our Lady has been looking for you,â said Marilynâs maid.
âWhereâs your mistress?â
âOur Lady is over⦠huh? Where did she go?â The maid couldnât hide her confusion. She had just seen Marilyn near Rosina a moment ago.
Claude picked up an orange drink and turned. âHow unfortunate.â
The maidâs face turned bright red at his insincere tone. He handed the bottles to Owen, who was packing drinks, and went back into the building.
âWhat about Lian?â spoke Ian Sergio casually, as he trailed behind Claude. Ian had just been with the Emperor. Claude scoffed at Ianâs tone. It was as if he knew that Claude would be with Canillian.
âWhy are you here, leaving His Majesty alone?â
âBusiness talk is so boring,â Ian replied. âMy half of the neutral territory is where the diamonds are. He said heâll sign a peace treaty if I give him the right to trade. It isnât a condition I want, so I told him I would think about it. Kayanâs Emperor is so two-faced.â
He was bad mouthing the Emperor, but Claude didnât care. He just calmly walked past Ian and went up the stairs. Ian, scoffing, followed him.
When Claude arrived at the top, he found the door he had left closed was now half open. This was followed by a ladyâs sharp voice.
âMarilyn Shelby?â Claude asked aloud.
***
Lia, just as bewildered as Marilyn, stepped back. Marilyn, biting her lower lip, approached Lia.
âMiss, what are you doing?â
âWas it you who was at the library, Sir?â Marilyn demanded.
âLibrary? I, I was always here. I wasnât feeling well.â
âLies!â
âMiss, I donât know why youâre angry,â stammered Lia. âBut you canât act like this.â
âWhy?â said Marilyn, getting closer.
âThatâsââ
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Lia couldnât step back any further. She faced the aggressive Marilyn.
Marilyn came nose-to-nose with Lia, grabbed her collar, and tore it. Buttons popped off, exposing the shoulder wrap of her undergarments.
A surprised Lia slapped Marilynâs hands away. âWhat are you doing?â she cried.
âI found something weirdâsomething offâfrom the beginning. Actually, it became weird immediately upon your arrival to the Capital.â
âI, I donât know what became weird,â Lia sputtered. âYou must calm down, Miss.â
âCalm down? Ha! So cruel! Prove it to me.â
âI beg your pardon?â
âProve to me that I misunderstand the situation!â Marilyn shouted, as she grabbed Canillianâs shirt again. She looked possessed by a demon. Canillian felt like he was dealing with an unleashed beast.
LIa grabbed Marilynâs hands to stop them from ripping her shirt off and pushed her away. If this continued, Liaâs undergarments would be completely revealed!
Marilyn weakened and fell onto a little bed.
Lia jumped on top of Marilyn and swiftly pinned her down. She had learned how to ride a horse and how to handle a sword. She also swam and ran frequently enough; she is so much stronger than Marilyn. Her strength might not be much against men, but most ladies would not be able to best her.
Marilyn, who seemed surprised by the strength that came from such small body, looked up with trembling eyes.
Lia spoke with confidence: âI donât know what kind of misunderstanding this is, but no. Whatever you are worried about wonât happen. I can promise.â
Marilynâs eyes teared up in response.
The moment Lia released Marilynâs hands, the lady forcefully slapped Canillianâs face, exclaiming, âHow rude, Sir! How dare you do this to a lady!â
The slap was so hard that Lia instinctively covered her cheek and jumped off of Marilyn. Marilyn tidied up the hem of her dress and stood up, looking much calmer.
Lia stood back by the window, trying to calm down.
âIâm sorry, Miss.â
âItâs a fraud, Sir,â whispered Marilyn profoundly as she stared at Liaâs chest.
Liaâs hands, already holding her torn shirt, went pale.
âDonât be greedy. In a manâs body. Itâs despicable.â Marilyn spat out this invective and whirled around, only to meet Claudeâs eyes as he stood in the doorway.
âSir Claude,â said the surprised Marilyn formally. âI was looking for you everywhere and ended up here. Are you surprised?â
Marilynâs legs were trembling as she took a step forward. Claude held out his hand.
He approached Marilyn with a neutral face, took her hand, and spoke. âItâs red.â
Marilyn took her hand away from him and carefully hid it. âItâs nothing.â
âNo, it seems like thereâs a scratch. There will be punishment.â His gaze went to Lia standing by the window. He spoke in a low tone: âTo scratch whatâs mine, will cost dearly.â