“Duchess Asthart.”

After a long pause, Ash opened her mouth.

“Just to clarify, I do not have an improper relationship with His Excellency. And there’s no need for grand expressions like ‘fate’. It’s just a childhood connection that has continued until now.”

“No, I wouldn’t make such a misunderstanding! If I’ve offended Miss Calent, I apologize in advance. I was just…”

Natasha, who was about to inadvertently reveal her true feelings, was surprised and sealed her own lips.

Right, just.

It was strange that she had never encountered Ash Calent in her previous life.

If it was a simple connection as she said, their families’ relationship should have been known to the public, but Ash Calent’s existence was completely erased.

As if someone had deliberately hidden it.

“…I was just hoping to become friends with Miss Calent and rudely inquired about her personal matters.”

Natasha hastily mumbled the latter part.

“No, it’s fine. I also reacted sensitively and said more than necessary. I was concerned that I might cause a rift between you two and meddled unnecessarily.”

Ash responded with a gentle smile and continued.

“I know it’s impolite, but may I leave first, Duchess? The gazes of people gathering here are burdensome.”

“I’m sorry if I’ve unintentionally caused you discomfort…”

“There’s no need to apologize.”

The other party cut her off with a cold voice. A flash of red momentarily sparkled over the empty blue eyes.

The sudden change in attitude was oddly hostile.

“Then I’ll be going.”

Ash left her seat, unconcerned by the other’s lack of response. As she disappeared into the crowd, Natasha stood dazed.

“Duchess, are you alright?”

Then people around gathered. Concerned voices followed one after another.

Waving her hands saying she was fine, she distanced herself from the people and thought slowly. Although being disliked was common, Ash Calent’s reaction was suspiciously unsettling.

‘Did I make a big mistake with her?’

No. The other party had shown subtle wariness towards her from their first meeting. To the extent that even she vaguely felt it.

‘Then, why?’

Natasha, who was picturing Ash’s face, soon let out a sigh-like chuckle.

She finally found the reason why the woman’s gaze had particularly bothered her.

It was because Miss Calent’s eyes resembled someone else’s. And even the emotions flickering in those eyes.

Perhaps that’s why, despite having no connection to Ash Calent, Natasha inevitably recalled one man.

The first day’s banquet ended successfully. The excitement didn’t seem to end until dawn. Dancing and music, drinks and food. People enjoyed the endless entertainment tirelessly until the sky turned bright.

It was the same the next day, the day after that, and the day after that. The guests seemed tireless, spending entire days partying. As a result, Natasha had to struggle to keep up for several days.

Last night too, like the past few days, she went to bed after seeing the sun rise.

Waking up late, she immediately rang the bell for quick preparation. Maids waiting in front of the door filed in to assist with the Duchess’s grooming.

Jenkes, who entered when preparations were almost complete, informed her of the mansion’s situation and asked about today’s schedule.

“Early-rising guests have already attended breakfast. Ah, the rain has finally stopped. The weather is lovely, shall we proceed with the garden party as planned?”

“Today is indeed the day the weather has granted us. Then please do.”

“Yes, I’ll proceed according to the plan you provided earlier, Madam. I’d appreciate your help in checking the menu and tables.”

The two reviewed the foods to be prepared for the garden party.

Tomato soup, a salad of fresh salmon and vegetables tossed in tangy dressing, foie gras, and cutlets with plump chicken, ham, and bacon. For dessert, they planned to prepare éclairs, blueberry muffins, brownies, and cheesecake.

And most importantly, the table decorations would be adorned with gorgeous fresh flowers and ripe fruits, just like the banquet hall!

“Perfect. Please proceed as planned.”

“Understood. Also, His Highness the Grand Duke of Kshant arrived at the mansion this morning. He requested to meet you, so please accommodate the Grand Duke when you’re available. His Highness is resting in his assigned room.”

“I’ll go see him as soon as I’m ready.”

Natasha’s face brightened momentarily at the Grand Duke’s arrival. Though she had received news that his attendance would be delayed, she had been worried as it was later than expected.

Natasha changed into the evening dress recommended by Cayena and went to the Grand Duke’s room.

Knock knock, she knocked in succession and then called out.

“It’s Natasha Asthart, Your Highness.”

A moment later, the door opened.

Clear liquid was dripping from the Grand Duke’s hair, as if he had just washed. Without his usual glasses, his impression seemed much softer than the cold one she remembered.

Surprised to see him in a robe, Natasha’s face reddened. Perhaps due to her sensual atmosphere, it felt strange even though they were the same gender.

“Ah, I apologize. I thought Your Highness was just resting… Shall I come back later?”

“It’s fine, please come in. I’ve been waiting for your visit.”

Natasha followed the Grand Duke’s guidance and sat at the tea table. The Grand Duke excused himself to change clothes quickly and entered the powder room.

Shortly after, the Duke, now in comfortable indoor attire, brewed and served tea. He proudly added that it was currently popular in the principality and that he had brought it thinking of Natasha.

They exchanged small talk, asking how each other had been. In fact, for the two who frequently appeared in newspapers, such inquiries about recent happenings didn’t hold much meaning.

“I heard rumors about the banquet a month ago, so you had a reason for declaring it in advance.”

Considering the Grand Duke of Kshant’s usual manner of speaking, this likely meant, ‘I thought it was just all talk, but the banquet is grander than expected.’ Feeling pleased at the other’s praise, Natasha smiled.

“Please make sure to attend the garden party later. It’s been postponed many times due to the unfortunate weather, but fortunately, the weather has granted us permission today.”

“I look forward to it. By the way, it seems better if we pretend not to know each other at the banquet.”

“I was thinking the same. Let’s do that.”

The fact that no member of the imperial family attended the official banquet would already have the nobles expecting a conflict between the ducal family and the imperial family. In this unstable situation, there was no benefit in revealing the friendship between the ducal family and the principality.

“By the way, I heard you’re maintaining a good relationship with the Duke.”

“There’s no benefit in getting along poorly, so we’re maintaining an appropriately close relationship.”

“For that, you two seem to be creating quite a drama.”

“…You misunderstand, Your Highness. That’s merely an act to secure my unstable position.”

The Grand Duke raised one corner of his mouth crookedly as he looked at Natasha, who was strongly denying it. From the Grand Duke of Kshant’s perspective, it seemed the other party didn’t want to continue the current conversation.

She changed the subject while drinking tea.

“It’s been a year and a half.”

“…”

“Will you be able to divorce cleanly after that?”

At the specific number, Natasha realized the passage of time. It was unexpected, but time had flown by too quickly.

She hadn’t even realized that half a year had already passed.

“Yes, you don’t need to worry about that part.”

“It wasn’t worry. Honestly, even if you continue your connection with the Asthart ducal family, it would be beneficial for the principality. We can expect the ducal family’s protection regarding the seal in the future as well.”

Just as the Grand Duke of Kshant seemed to know Natasha well, Natasha also knew her counterpart well.

The Grand Duke seemed to be subtly hoping for an extension of the contract. He must be quite tempted by the Asthart ducal family’s power.

“It’s better not to expect that. After a year and a half, I plan to cleanly part ways with His Grace the Duke.”

Natasha drove the point home, concerned that the Grand Duke might change his words later. She was saying that after the agreed period, she would divorce the Duke and stay in the principality.

Soon, a humming sound was heard from the woman’s lips. The Grand Duke, who rarely showed emotion, was now openly displaying his disappointment.

In fact, this was a topic Natasha had contemplated as well.

Since becoming close to the servants of the ducal family and starting to feel a sense of achievement in her duties as a duchess, she had imagined a future where these things would disappear.

Each time, she felt regret. Moreover, it left a deep longing.

However, her choice wouldn’t change. Sieghart Asthart, the pillar of the Asthart ducal family.

No matter how tragic the reason, it didn’t change the fact that the man had cooperated in killing her parents.

‘And above all, I… don’t want to have Sieghart’s child.’

And most importantly. There was no reason to continue living with a man who couldn’t fulfill Natasha’s eternal wish.