Duke Ashillean’s Contractual Marriage - Chapter 4.2

Chapter 4 part 2

Her surrounding were always gloomy no matter what kind of banquets she attended. No one tried to come close to her. Men in these parties without the qualities she was looking for could not possibly have strong lower back. Some of them were gathered together and bragged, making a loud noise, while glancing at Rubiana.

According to what they said, they had the urge to run to Rubiana and asked her for a dance. She thought that other people would have the courage to approach her more comfortably if there would only be at least one person to do that.

How can she show an act of charity if they were like that? Those dorks were busy running away whenever their eyes met by chance. Not a single one of them was left out; others were even screaming and hiccupping.

Following that was the usual rumor she heard everytime.

[Blood-hungry Duke. Brutal killer. A northern Duke without any blood or tears. The King of demonic beats who controls the beasts and persecutes the poor northerners.]

All of them were incomprehensible names.

‘What did they say?’

Blood-hungry peacock?

Why, because she killed all the tyrant’s servants in the Battle of Dawn? But that would also be the case with Duke Feltharg, Cadric and Duke Dominent, Rudante as well. Rather, they didn’t think that they were the crazier dogs than her.

‘I was very polite as I killed him with a single stab of my sword so he won’t fell pain.’

She had never killed anyone for no reason at all. What else they call her: cruel murderer, a northern Duke with no blood and tears, the king of demonic beasts and one who persecutes the poor northerners? Because she killed all the enemies in the north? Because she raided the cities on the north that was built by the criminals and turn them into very docile soldiers?

Thanks to that, the empire was safe from the attack of the demons. By replenishing their own supplies and troops, there was no need to burden the treasury of the Empire. The empire can be so peaceful because it has treaded so well in the north.

‘It’s something to be thankful for, but not something to be afraid of, isn’t it?’

It was unfortunate. However, she did not bother to summon the people who ran away and explain that the rumors were false. That was too cumbersome. They wove it into words as if they were the ones framed, so why bother with explanations.

‘Think as you please,’ is what she was saying in her head.

Break! The glass she was holding on her hand crumbled. It wasn’t because she felt it was unfair that she suddenly clenched her hands – no, never.

‘Is the Marquis’ finances very difficult? Why are they using poor utensils? What if someone else gets hurt?’

Tsk, tsk, she clicked her tongue and shook her head.

“Kyaah, are you okay?”

“E-excuse me. Please get some medicine and bandages.”

The maids standing around came running.

“Oh sorry. And I don’t need medicine.”

Apologizing to the helpless maids, she took a dry cloth and wiped her hands. Glass shard fell to the floor but there wasn’t any drop of blood on her hand. A thin glass couldn’t even make a scratch on her callused hand.

“As expected, a blood-hun(gry Duke)… heup.”

“……I-I’m glad you weren’t hurt.”

The maids looked up at Rubiana with respect and fear, while the noble young ladies who were standing near her flinched in surprise and took a step back a little further. For an unknown reason, they heard a shrill shout from nearby.

“As expected, Duke Ashillean!”

“How come you’re the same girl as me!”

“If I could hold you in my arms even once, how wonderful it would be… … ?”

The young ladies were looking at her with hot gazes. It was familiar. She left it alone because she don’t think that would hinder much with her marriage.

‘……?’

She suddenly felt an unfamiliar gaze. Urgency, despair, scorching – Rubiana’s most disliked three words were all in her sultry eyes. It was from someone who was hiding behind a pillar not far away.

‘Is this the same ‘The young lady who was engaged to me fell in love with you, and that was hurting me’ thing again?’

Rubiana didn’t really care. Usually that’s how it went. They just gossip so you can hear everything from behind. There has never been a single man who had the courage to stand up in front of Rubiana and ask her for a duel.

‘Today was also a failure.’

Rubiana let out a small sigh and went to the Marchioness Rivadur.

“Thank you for inviting me to this precious event. My clothes are wet, so I guess I’ll have to go home first.”

Rubiana raised her wet sleeves. That was a trivial excuse. The Marchioness Rivadur read the boredom on Rubiana’s face.

“Please come next time.”

The Marchioness Rivadur was a wise woman. She didn’t held Rubiana anymore, but she was regretting that Rubiana went home early instead.

“Your word alone is an honor.”

“It isn’t some talks. My little banquet has grown so much since the Duke attended.”

“You don’t have to say that on purpose to save my face. Your fame is known as far as the north. What kind of noble doesn’t know that this banquet was solely maintained thanks to your reputation?”

Rubiana smiled and kissed the back of Marchioness Rivadur’s hand. Oh my, Marchioness Rivadur’s cheeks turned red.

“You seem to think my words are a light greeting. Well, alright. You are in a position to be arrogant.”

The Marchioness said with a smile. Rubiana thought the she was pretty sweet. How welcoming of her to always come and welcome someone who was always leaning on the wall and leaves like this.

Although her original goal of finding a husband is seldom fulfilled, it was an unexpected result that she gained a good relationship with the Marchioness Rivadur, who exerts a strong influence in the social world.

Perhaps, this elegant lady can introduce me to a real groom?

Somehow, all her thoughts ended up finding a husband. Rubiana just shrugged her shoulders.