Chapter 189: [Chapter 189] Just Like Yesterday
The mansion where the party was held was one of several grand estates owned by Rebecca on the outskirts of the capital.
Observing the lively atmosphere of the party from the entrance, Neris lightly stepped down from the carriage. Cledwin, who was holding her hand, whispered in a low voice.
"Don't stray too far from me."
She had heard that many people used the mask as an excuse to engage in all sorts of indecent behavior. Neris nodded.
"I won't."
His hand naturally wrapped around her waist. Remembering last night, she swallowed her dry throat as discreetly as possible.
Since that inexplicable first night, similar nights had continued. Overflowing with kisses, embraces, and more, but as soon as they tried to cross a certain 'line,' everything came to a halt.
Was there a problem? Was she so unappealing that she couldn't evoke any desire, to the point of being unbearable? Such doubts arose, but whenever she looked at his attitude of holding onto her, it didn't seem to be the case.
So perhaps they needed to have a conversation. After all, they were married, so couldn't they do as they pleased? Besides, even if he met another woman later, it wouldn't undo their current marriage.
But it felt odd to bring it up, so she simply kept her lips sealed.
'...But.'
Honestly, she enjoyed the kisses. The more they kissed, the more she understood.
'Kisses are nice.'
Touching was fine too. When he started touching, her toes would curl and she felt a bit restless, but it wasn't restlessness in a negative direction.
Hugging was the best. It was comforting. Holding onto a person continuously could be very uncomfortable, but she liked that he held her tightly as if he wanted to reach a little more.
When they first woke up in the same bed, she honestly felt perplexed about how to greet the morning. But now, as soon as they both opened their eyes, they kissed each other's familiar faces and spent time cuddled in the warm blanket.
She closely observed and analyzed her own state. The result led her to the conclusion that she wanted to continue spending such time with him.
Even if she were to give this man to someone else later... whenever that might be... So, until then, it wouldn't hurt to be a bit greedy.
Just a little bit was enough, so why not have such affectionate moments?
Because she liked it. After all, she had no intention of meeting another man for the rest of her life.
Being close to him became more enjoyable. Without realizing it, she started expecting him to hold her hand or kiss her when she saw him.
But was it okay to stop halfway like this? Was this normal? Or abnormal?
'I don't know.'
She didn't know what normal was in the first place.
From her relationships in school to her relationships in the adopted family, and the experiences in the royal family after marriage, was there anything normal among them?
That's why she had been having headaches lately. The nights with Cledwin were becoming so familiar and natural that it was bothering her.
And the more he initiated contact, the more thoughts of the night came to her mind, making her feel awkward wherever they were.
Cledwin kissed her ear, seemingly unaware of the complex thoughts that arose beneath his wife's mask.
"You're cute."
Neris blushed, even her ears turning red.
Listening to her husband's chuckling voice, Neris entered the party venue. From the grand estate's garden to the hall and the banquet hall, people in all sorts of bizarre attire wearing masks were bustling around in a frenzy.
Half of them were already tipsy, while the other half were on their way there, but the observant ones noticed the high status of the newcomers.
Men in all-black attire and women in generally light-colored dresses.
A woman walking gracefully like a textbook example of etiquette, with a man holding her waist and sending warning glances to others.
Rebecca's masked ball was themed around mingling freely with various people regardless of status, but receiving an invitation was extremely difficult unless you were of a certain status or higher. While there were occasional commoners mixed in, they were all high-ranking nobles with special connections.
So, they roughly guessed who the new guests were.
Before long, a woman in a dress inspired by pirate attire, with lace piled comically high and a simple mask, approached. Neris greeted her warmly.
"Thank you for the invitation."
"Oh, you know me, Your Grace, the Duchess."
The woman in pirate dress, Rebecca, admired with a cheerful attitude.
"I've heard about you from our teacher. Rebecca Shirley is known to wear the most interesting outfits at any party while maintaining elegance."
"If I've heard so much about the Duchess from Lord Sheridan, would it be too much to say? It's just as I heard."
"If I've heard so much?"
"If I may say so myself, you are wise and elegant, more than anyone I've seen."
Rebecca, a prominent figure in high society, was a social teacher at the Noble Academy and was acquainted with Lord Sheridan, a prominent figure in society. Even Lord Sheridan's proteges, known as the 'Sheridan Society,' often mentioned Rebecca's name.
Rebecca herself did not belong to the nobility or the Sheridan Society, but her influence on high society was significant in many ways.
"Thank you."
"It is truly an infinite honor to have you here, please have a wonderful time, and if you need anything, look for the servant with the blue ribbon. I will assist you with anything."
Rebecca greeted and stepped back. As the host of the party, it was her role to ensure that all participants had a good time by paying equal attention to everyone.
Neris looked around the party venue. There were many more excited people than usual at the modest parties she attended, even though their faces were hidden. Some individuals, whom she knew were not engaged or married, discreetly disappeared to balconies or behind pillars.
There was a designated place she had to visit as soon as she arrived at the party. Neris, accompanied by Cledwin, approached the third pillar on the left at the entrance of the banquet hall.
A woman in a pink dress standing next to a man by the pillar glanced at Neris's mask and then hesitantly asked, after a moment of contemplation.
"...Miss?"
"Joan."
Neris smiled, answering her question. Joan Mori, whom she hadn't seen in months, looked healthy.
"It's been a while, Miss."
"Joan also smiled in relief at Neris's healthy appearance. Eventually, her gaze turned to Cledwin's face, who had his arm around Neris's waist.
"Your Grace."
"Pleasure to see you. Glad to see you looking well."
While readily rejecting the requests of most nobles, Cledwin greeted Joan with considerable courtesy and respect.
Joan was not surprised. She had seen the two of them together back in Maindlandt. She was relieved to see that her precious lady had found someone who cherished her.
"This is Aaron, who assists me. I brought him to greet you, Miss, I mean, Your Grace."
"Nice to meet you."
Neris also knew Aaron. He was a figure frequently mentioned in Joan's reports.
Seeing them in person, the two seemed familiar with each other, as if they had built a long-standing trust. Neris nodded in reassurance.
"Yes, nice to meet you like this. I'm glad to see your face while I'm in the capital, Joan. If it's alright, come visit the mansion. As a token of gratitude for handling the Tropeur matter well and keeping everyone safe, I'd like to offer you a reward."
"You're too kind, Your Grace. It's only natural. And how much we've gained thanks to you."
Perhaps due to the explosive expansion of the Morié upper echelon after the Tropeur incident, Joan's voice was lively.
Joan and Aaron had arrived in the capital yesterday and attended Rebecca's party today. Neris had made a promise to greet Joan first upon learning that she would be attending the same party.
"If you plan to stay in the capital for a while, would that be possible?"
"Yes, Your Grace. Of course. Whenever you need, just come to this branch and I'll be ready to assist."
"It went well. Then next time, in a quieter place."
"Yes."
As there were several people they needed to meet for business, Joan and Aaron soon left. Neris decided to stroll around the banquet hall with Cledwin and enjoy themselves.
Although the attendees were behaving rowdily and somewhat recklessly, everything used in the party was top-notch. Neris chose a juice from the beautifully arranged drinks on one side of the banquet hall.
"You're not drinking alcohol?"
Cledwin casually asked as he passed by. Neris nodded.
"I don't drink. I don't want to get drunk in front of people."
"It's just a beverage."
Vista nobles had learned from a young age what drinks complemented food, especially the Maindlandt people who enjoyed their spirits. Neris chuckled.
"Oh, excuse me."
At that moment, someone lightly bumped into Neris and Cledwin.
The person who bumped into them seemed oblivious to who Neris was. Cledwin moved to intervene, and Neris watched as the person passed by her side. A familiar silhouette caught her eye.
More precisely, it was a familiar figure. A familiar stature and gait.
Since it was a gathering of prominent figures in the capital, Neris knew most of the people present. However, the person she witnessed now was someone who shouldn't have been at this party in the first place.
Because she particularly disliked the host of this party.
"Adding a touch of whimsy befitting a masquerade, Megara, wearing a pretty dress that accentuated her slender figure, was clearly looking at something and walking briskly. In Neris's eyes, that 'something' was the balcony.
Megara, who typically avoided Rebecca and never attended parties hosted by her, seemed to be here for a reason, likely to meet someone discreetly.
Neris signaled to Cledwin with a glance. Quietly keeping her distance, she followed Megara.
Completely absorbed in the balcony, Megara seemed oblivious to Neris following her. She paused in front of the curtained balcony, took a deep breath, and relaxed her shoulders as if appearing unsure and sad, then leaped into the balcony.
"Who's there!"
A bewildered voice came from beyond the balcony curtain. It was a familiar voice. Neris made a cold judgment.
Abellus.
Megara's trembling voice followed.
"Your Grace... Oh, my, forgive me... I, I didn't mean to... show such disrespect..."
"Megara?"
Abellus seemed to be alone. No other voices could be heard.
There was no reason for Abellus to be alone on the balcony at such a party. Most likely, he had come with someone else, probably Natasha. And...
'Seeing Natasha absent, he went in.'
Neris's mind was gradually blank.
She was no longer the betrayed princess. Had she ever loved Abellus? She swore to herself, never once.
The two of them didn't know how they would entertain themselves now.
Yet, as they listened to their conversation and heard the affectionate way they addressed each other as adults, Megara's words from yesterday came to Neris's mind.
"Your Grace, even if the door is open, it's a bit intrusive to peek into someone else's privacy."
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