บท 30: The Crazy Admirer

Dominic's carriage pulled up to the grand entrance of Riyue Estate, where Caleb had secured them lodgings. As they stepped out, a group of officers stood waiting for them, clearly expecting their arrival.

"Dominic, this is a lodge for the first class in the country. There's enough room for us and the guards here," Caleb explained while starting to unload their luggage.

"Oh, that's great then! I'm looking forward to learning more about Eardoznia," Dominic replied, stepping out of the carriage with a sense of anticipation. Caleb followed, and the officers greeted them with a respectful nod, taking their belongings inside with the help of the guards.

As they stood at the entrance, a group of young women passed by, their eyes immediately drawn to Dominic's beauty and appearance. One of them, bold and wearing a cleavage-baring dress, caught her breath at the sight of him, her heart racing.

"Hello there, gentlemen," she said, fanning herself shyly as she approached them.

"Uh, me?" Caleb blinked, pointing to himself in confusion.

"Tch… Not you, dork. I meant him," she said, rolling her eyes as she pointed at Dominic.

"Oh!" Caleb sighed in frustration, feeling like he had just been hit by a verbal frying pan.

Dominic, ever the gentleman, turned to the woman with a charming smile. "Ah yes, ma'am. How may I help you?"

The woman's friends gasped in unison. "His voice is angelic!" they swooned, clutching their chests as they giggled. "He's so handsome!" they whispered, already plotting how they might share him.

Caleb, now feeling completely overlooked, muttered to himself, "Just wait until you hear that he's married. He's not available for sharing." He rolled his eyes and crossed his arms, ready for this interaction to end.

With unexpected boldness, the woman grabbed Dominic's hand. "Where are you from? I'd like to get to know you better. Are you free tonight?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with determination.

Dominic sighed gently, carefully removing her hand from his. "I'm sorry to disappoint you, ma'am, but I'm married."

"Married? I don't believe it!" She raised a brow, her skepticism clear. "I don't see a ring on your glove." She pointed to his gloved hands as if she had caught him in a lie.

Dominic chuckled and removed his glove, revealing the ring on his hand. "As you can see, ma'am, I am indeed married. This ring is proof."

The woman narrowed her eyes, still not convinced. "Are you sure that's the real deal? A lot of men here wear fake rings just to avoid women saying they are married,some tell lies they are not married but they are married I've seen it happen."Dominic raised an eyebrow with a little surprise "That's quite awkward. Would consider contacting Fred to meet these women, I didn't know some men would do that, but it happens everywhere—it's not surprising."He thought to himself

Dominic was about to respond when Caleb, always prepared for the unexpected, suddenly thrust two marriage certificates looking like a passport holder in front of her face. "Ahem, pretty lady, as you can see, he's married. And here's his wife on the second certificate. What more proof do you need? He's married, ma'am—so skedaddle!"

Dominic blinked in surprise, trying not to facepalm. "How did Caleb even get that certificate? Did he raid my office for this?"

The woman, now more annoyed than ever, stomped her foot in frustration. "I don't believe it , that certificate is fake! You don't want me! You're selfish!" she whined, on the verge of tears.

As Dominic tried to console her, despite her increasingly grating behavior, an older man appeared, calling out her name. "Sophia! What the hell are you doing?"

The man walked over to Dominic and bowed respectfully. "Forgive me for my daughter's behavior, Your Grace. My name is Eric Bruthswick, the owner of this lodge."

"Your Grace? Is he a prince? Can I marry him, Daddy?!" Sophia asked, her tears forgotten as she clung to this new hope.

"Silly girl, do you even know who you're talking to?" Eric scolded. "This is Dominic Brusward, the Viceroy of Verdaselles, and he's married to Evangeline Sarogath. Are you trying to steal another woman's husband?"

As Sophia was escorted away by security, still struggling and protesting, her friends quickly followed, bowing apologetically before fleeing the scene.

"It's okay, Mr. Bruthswick. A pleasure to meet you, sir," Dominic said, shaking the man's hand and slipping his glove back on.

"I've given your bodyguards the room key. You'll be staying in room 109," Eric informed him. "Are you here for a vacation, Your Grace?"

"No, I'm here on urgent matters that need my attention," Dominic replied, adjusting his glove.

"Alright, Your Grace. Welcome to Eardoznia. Enjoy your stay," Eric said with a slight bow before leaving.

As they made their way inside, Dominic turned to Caleb with a sigh. "How on earth did you find my marriage certificate?"

"I had no choice. I had to protect you from a crazy woman like her," Caleb pouted, his tone defensive.

Dominic couldn't help but laugh. "Well, thank you. You're very kind. She was indeed a bit… much. No matter how petty Evangeline can be, she would never act like that." He shook his head, clicking his tongue. "Though, I suppose some men do pull stunts like that in Verdaselles. Can't entirely blame the woman."

"Exactly, my Lord. But Evangeline has her own issues with you," Caleb said, slipping the certificate back into his portfolio.

"I know that. We'll talk about Evangeline later. I need to rest for a while. Also, when we get back home, please hide that certificate in the office before Evangeline burns them both and slaps me with divorce papers," Dominic added, his tone turning cold as he walked away.

Caleb nodded, trailing behind him.

**Back at the Auction in Verdaselles**

The auction was already in full swing when Evangeline arrived. The host greeted the bidders, clapping his hands as servants brought out the next item for auction. Evangeline's curiosity was piqued when she saw the covered item. As it was unveiled, her interest grew even more.

The host explained that the item was an Eardoznian book, locked and ancient. It was said that whoever opened it might discover something that could change their life, though the host seemed oblivious to its true origins. But Evangeline recognized it immediately—this was no ordinary book.

"Why is an Eardoznian item here? Did someone steal it, or was it lost? That's someone's study book," she thought, her mind racing. "I need that book as soon as possible."

The host declared the starting price, "The bidding starts at 600,000 Yewen!"

The crowd erupted with bids.

"I'll take it for 600,000!" someone called out.

"700,000!" another voice shouted.

Evangeline, unimpressed by the competition, calmly stated, "2 million."

The room fell silent, all eyes turning toward her. Even a man from the Brusward family, with black hair and a skeptical look, scoffed at her boldness, wondering why she would spend so much on an old book.

The host, sensing no further bids, began his countdown. "2 million once, 2 million twice, 2 million thrice… Sold! To Mrs. Evangeline, for 2 million Yewen. Congratulations!"

Evangeline smiled behind her mouth veil, pleased with her victory. As the auction continued, she bid on several more items, competing with the nobles around her. After securing her desired purchases, she left the auction early, heading to claim her items.

The black-haired man watched her go, his fists clenched in frustration.

**Back at Home**

Evangeline returned home with Magdalene by her side. "Thanks for suggesting the auction. I got some things I needed," she said, directing the guards to take a valuable vase to Magdalene.

Magdalene was shocked, bowing deeply. "M-M-My Lady, that's a valuable vase. You can't just hand it to someone like me."

"You should take it. It's an order," Evangeline insisted. "It's not useful to me anyway. I just wanted to spend some money. You know I don't like it when my gifts are rejected."

Magdalene sighed, realizing she had no choice. "Thank you, my lady," she said, accepting the vase with a slight smile.

Evangeline dismissed her with a gesture and headed to the library to secure the locked book in a safe place, away from prying eyes.

Richard arrived home shortly after, carrying a small bag. When he inquired about Evangeline's whereabouts, he was directed to the library. He found her there and hugged her from behind, kissing her cheek.

"Where have you been, Richard? Don't tell me you got into trouble again," Evangeline teased, leaning into his embrace.

"Forgive me for not notifying you. I had to trouble myself finding low shoes so you wouldn't hurt yourself, and yet here you are, still wearing heels," Richard sighed, releasing his arms from around her waist and showing her the bag he carried.

Evangeline giggled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "You shouldn't have gone to so much trouble, Richard. I could easily find low shoes myself if I wanted to," she replied, but her protest was lighthearted.

Ignoring her words, Richard effortlessly scooped her up and gently placed her on a nearby chair. He knelt before her, removing her heels with care. From the bag, he pulled out a pair of beautiful black low shoes. "You're a stubborn one, you know that?" he teased as he slipped the shoes onto her feet.

With a tender smile, Richard removed the veil from her mouth and leaned in to kiss her softly on the lips. Evangeline blushed, lowering her head shyly after the kiss. Richard, however, wasn't finished. He gently lifted her chin with his thumb, his gaze warm and affectionate, before kissing her deeply once more. His lips trailed down to her neck, making her breath catch as he leaned closer, his presence enveloping her as she sat.