After the ceremony, a grand celebratory banquet was held in the great hall of the duke’s residence. A feast made from rare ingredients collected from all over the empire was served to the guests.

“It’s like a royal palace banquet.”

“It’s even more splendid than the royal palace.”

Looking at the wide variety of course meals that were hard to count, as well as the finest champagne and wine, the nobles licked their lips in anticipation.

“Have you seen the wedding gifts displayed around the banquet hall?”

“Their opulence is beyond words.”

The wedding gifts that entered the duke’s residence were neatly displayed on a massive table. The presentation of the gifts expressed gratitude to those who sent them, but it also carried other implications.

“Have you heard? The duke’s house will match the value of the received wedding gifts in donations.”

“Yes, I’ve heard. Moreover, they’ll donate in the name of the gift giver… Such a thoughtful gesture.”

“Did you hear that it was the duchess’s idea?”

“Really? Is that true?”

Gregory observed the admiration on people’s faces throughout the banquet hall and smiled with satisfaction.

He felt especially proud upon seeing praises for the donation method suggested by Idel.

Gregory was busy drafting thankyou letters for the wedding gifts that had arrived at the duke’s residence. As he was looking at the gift list, deep in thought, Idel spoke.

“Lord Gregory, I’ve noticed that the duke’s house regularly donates to charities.”

“Yes. It’s a tradition from the Roman Duke family to give back a portion of their profits to society.”

“For these wedding gifts… we’ll gratefully accept them as per tradition, but how about donating a matching amount?”

“Match the value of the gifts in donations?”

“Yes. Donate on behalf of the gift giver from the duke’s house. This way, we can convey our gratitude and also uphold their honor.”

“I hadn’t thought of that… It’s a wonderful idea. Those who sent the gifts will also appreciate it.”

“In the past, the extravagant weddings of the nobility evoked envy and resentment. By giving back to society through donations, it will benefit everyone.”

The thoughtful proposal from the duchess was immediately approved by the duke. He had been saying how unnecessary some of the extravagant gifts were, so he readily agreed to her suggestion.

By tomorrow morning, news of the wedding at the duke’s residence, along with the story of the generous donations initiated by the duchess, would likely spread throughout the empire.

Gregory once again expressed his admiration for the wise duchess, who had elevated the stature of the duke’s house.

“The duchess must be resting by now.”

From the early hours, the duchess had been preparing for the wedding. After the ceremony, she had been greeting guests at the banquet without a moment’s rest.

Furthermore, even though she wasn’t good with alcohol, she didn’t refuse the celebratory champagne offered.

While she appeared sober on the outside… the duke, who was standing by her side, kept a close watch, sensitive to any small changes in her demeanor and gestures.

Just as the duchess was about to take a step and slightly wavered, the duke who had embraced her swiftly signaled to Gregory.

“Take the duchess away.”

“Oh… Your Highness. I’m fine. There are still guests I need to greet.”

Idel blinked her eyes, trying to regain focus, then shook her head.

“That’s enough.”

“But there are still duties left for the duchess.”

Caeron looked tenderly at the responsible duchess for a moment and chuckled softly.

“Of course… the duchess’s duties aren’t over yet.”

His gaze, which was initially burning with intensity, gradually became gentle.

“Rest up first, so you can fulfill the remaining duties… Idel.”

Feeling his intimate voice close to her ear, Idel trembled. It was the first time he called her by her name so intimately.
Idel’s eyes widened for a moment before she lowered her gaze. Even after drinking, a slight blush crept over her usually calm face.

In trying to hide her sudden fluttering heart, she failed to recognize the meaning behind the man’s gaze directed at her.

Only Gregory, being the same man, could discern the gaze filled with gentle desires from a man yearning for his lady.

When she finally nodded in agreement, Gregory called over the waiting maids. Accompanied by them, she returned to the duke’s chamber.

Gregory briefly watched the direction where the duchess disappeared before turning his gaze out the window.

The sky, beginning to see the sunset, was gradually turning a reddish hue.

‘I hope she can rest, even if just for a moment.’

Facing the start of a long, stormlike night, Gregory silently hoped for a brief moment of peace for the duchess.

“You’ve worked hard today.”

Marlin personally brushed the hair of Idel, who had just finished her bath.

“I can do it… Marlin, you must be tired too. Go and rest.”

Usually, the maids who helped her with her bath were meticulous, but today’s touch felt especially delicate.