Duke, Is This Your First Time? -R15 - Chapter 45

‘Here we go again.’

 

As Elysia stopped with a startled look, Har elbowed her secretly with a faint sigh.

 

It seemed that Duke Deimos should also be included as the subject who gave a bad influence to her. Every time she encounters him, she always becomes absentminded.

 

After checking the absentminded Elysia collect herself again and headed to the table, he followed quietly.

 

“Welcome, Marquess.”

 

As both of them walked up while being led by the servant the whole time, Rashian smiled and greeted first. His smile was as bright as the golden hair sparkling under the sun.

 

The low-pitched voice came into her ears as Elysia thought that the Third Prince’s hair color looked brighter and more dazzling, although he shared the same color with the Second Prince.

 

She had completely gotten used to the voice by now.

 

“Welcome, Marquess. I’m glad Sir Teske came, too.” (Iker)

 

Iker was laid back and relaxed when looking at her. However, she felt like melting so hard when she noticed the missing of the usual indifference glint.

 

Elysia replied while staring at Rashian as she felt like a faint blush creeping onto her face just by receiving his gaze.

 

“I failed to notice that you two were enjoying the tea time. I must have come too soon.”

 

Rashian shook his head at her greeting.

 

“It’s not. The Marquess arrived on time. You’re my shooting mentor from today so I wanted to treat you with a cup of tea. Please take a seat there. Sir Teske, too.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

Elysia and Teske settled on the empty chair Rashian had pointed out for them. It was the seats with empty cups placed on it respectively.

 

When they sat down, a maid, who stood a little distance away from them, walked up and poured the tea.

 

Rashian said with a smile as the teacup was filled up.

 

“I heard that the Marquess prefers tea with a good scent, so I asked my mother to prepare it. I hope it suits your taste.”

 

“Thank you for the drink.”

 

Just in time as she was thirsty, Elysia took the cup and brought it to her mouth.

 

The scent that brushed the tip of her nose before touching her lips was as gentle and sweet as the Prince said.

 

Moreover, it was quite warm. It has been a while since she was served with tea.

 

“You must have prepared the tea sincerely because of me.”

 

Elysia looked at Rashian with an unexpected look after taking a sip of tea.

 

She didn’t know if he prepared it just because he wanted to or prepared it on purpose, but it was a good choice to prepare the current arrangement.

 

It didn’t just show that he was considerate of others, but it could also invoke favorable impressions.

 

‘When we met for the first time, he changed his speaking manner as soon as he recognized who I was.’

 

While thinking that she was skillful at treating people for her age, Elysia put down her teacup and poured the thing she was curious about out of her mouth.

 

“But I didn’t expect Duke Deimos to be here. Was the swordsmanship class in the previous hours?”

 

She brought it up because she thought it would be difficult to attend the shooting class right after swordsmanship class.

 

She was wondering why Iker was there right at that time.

 

But she was totally caught off guard by Rashian’s unexpected answer.

 

“I think you should ask teacher about that. Since he was already here when I was informed that the tea table had been prepared. As soon as we settled down, both of you arrived.”

 

In other words, he didn’t know.

 

Naturally, the eyes of the three, including Elysia, turned toward the man who was holding the teacup with her hand.

 

Facing the three interrogatory pairs of eyes, Iker showed no sign of being embarrassed.

 

Instead, he took a leisure sip of tea and put the teacup down on the saucer before talking.

 

“I stopped by because I finished work earlier than expected. And because I was intrigued by the impressive shooting show that Marquess showed us last time.”

 

Since the object of interest wasn’t specified, it had different interpretations depending on the listener.

 

The responses of the three people who heard the answer were also varied.

 

Elysia looked grim and Har didn’t give much reaction as if he had expected it. On the contrary, Rashian’s eyes lit up in joy.

 

“So Teacher will be taking shooting lessons with me?”

 

No, what’s with this Prince?

 

Elysia was surprised at the Prince’s question, who was getting excited. Who’s going to take class with whom?

 

She looked at Iker with a doubtful expression.

 

Luckily, he smiled in a relaxed manner and answered with words of rejection.

 

“I think I’ll be hated by the Marquess if I do that, so I will only observe here.”

 

Elysia, who was touching her chest in relief, stiffened in shock when her eyes met Iker.

 

The glance in his eyes was obviously filled with laughter. It was as if he knew it.

 

She suddenly felt a flash of rage rising in her eyes faintly.

 

Somehow, she felt like a loser who lost the fight and wanted to run away with her tail rolled up.

 

‘Why am I relieved just now? It’s just one more student. What am I afraid of?’

 

It took no time for the temper of the Camellia Family’s heir to be awakened and crept out instantly, which she usually didn’t want to reveal in the Assembly.

 

The awakening was very meaningless and useless.

 

Elysia, who had been nervous a little while ago, looked at Iker as he showed a look with laid-back smile.

 

“How could I hate you for such a trivial reason? You can take shooting lesson with His Highness if you wish.”

 

It was all good until she made a great mistake because of her uselessly firm remark. To the point she wanted to scream.

 

But the results didn’t come out great.

 

“I feel relieved when the Marquess says so. Then, please take care of me well.”

 

Iker accepted it as if he had been expecting. And he even smiled beautifully, as if he was overjoyed to accept it.

 

At that moment, Elysia realized. That she was caught up with him.

 

‘I’m doomed.’

 

When her rationality, which left her for a while, returned, she was drowning in regret, but it was already too late by then.

 

Har whispered quietly to her, who was in despair and suffered the result of her useless courage.

 

It was the crucial last count of the punch.

 

“As expected, a pushover.”

 

 

***

 

Dustin, who was sitting on the sofa with his long legs crossed, slowly stood up from his seat when the door of the drawing room opened.

 

A woman in a fancy dress with golden brown hair twisted neatly was coming in with graceful steps.

 

It was Charlotte Luke Hermann, Dustin’s mother and the empress of the Empire.

 

Dustin was irritated every time seeing her elegant and beautiful appearance despite the fact she was in her late 40s.

 

She possessed both appearance and power even if she was just an empress. Had she become the first empress, there would be no obstacle for him to become a crown prince.

 

It was pathetic how she was able to occupy only the Empress position even after setting up the First Empress’ family.

 

Or perhaps, she could win over the Emperor by doing all sorts of cute and charming acts.

 

However, he hid those dark thoughts and greeted the Empress with a gentle smile.

 

“Mother.”

 

The Empress, who walked up and stood in front of Dustin, looked at carefully before speaking up.

 

“Your face has become haggard in just a few days. You must have been very upset.”

 

The words obviously expressed concerns, but her voice lacked emotion when saying those words.

 

Dustin was also well aware that her mother’s words were just meaningless words just to bring up a naturally-flowing conversation.

 

To her, he was nothing more than a material to be made as an emperor. The only essential core material for it.

 

Of course, there was no such thing as an affectionate mother that others were talking about.

 

In a way, the relationship between the two was more like a business partner rather than a mother-son relationship.

 

Even so, he immediately came into the palace upon his mother’s call because her advice was helpful for him.

 

Dustin pretended to be sullen when he entered the palace today because he was expecting useful advice about his half-brother’s birthday banquet.

 

“His Majesty seems to have no intention of giving the Crown Prince’s position to me.”

 

Of course, he knew she wouldn’t comfort him.

 

Still, he was irritated when hearing the Empress’ answer. It was similar to Duke Russet, as if it had been engraved on a plate.

 

“Didn’t you already know that?”

 

The Empress continued while looking at Dustin, who was wondering what else she was going to say.

 

“That’s why we stand out even more at the birthday banquet of the Third Prince. What does the duke say?”

 

“He told me to ask Marquess Camellia to be my partner.”

 

“We share the same thoughts. If you put her beside you, the main character of that day would be you, Prince. Only if.”

 

Dustin wasn’t surprised or questioned the fact that the Empress suddenly stopped talking. He was just waiting for the next remark, as he had to maintain courtesy.

 

He was well aware that it was her mother’s way of speaking. And that she offered pretty useful advice that didn’t occur in his mind.

 

And his mother didn’t disappoint him again this time.

 

“When talking about a partner, don’t call the Marquess over and visit her at the Marquisate.”

 

“I have to do it?”

 

“Yes, women are susceptible to even a little amount of consideration. What do you think the Marquess would feel if the Prince, who has always acted arrogant, personally visited her? The atmosphere will be much more gentle.”

 

“I understand. I will do that.”

 

Dustin nodded, thinking that it was a good idea. But that wasn’t the end of her advice.

 

“When you meet the Marquess, don’t bring up the talk about partner and take her to the boutique first. I’ve already informed the Dellroy Boutique.”

 

The Dellroy Boutique was the second most complimented boutique after Rosedell within the empire.

 

While talking, the Empress’ graceful gaze narrowed slightly as if she didn’t feel well.

 

“I wanted you to do it in the Rosedell Boutique, but His Majesty has already reached out to them. It’s a pity, but it can’t be helped.”

 

The doubts in Dustin’s eyes were immediately resolved by his mother’s following words.

 

“While in the boutique, match your attire with the Marquess. The Marquess in particular, had to be adorned as gorgeous as possible. So that the Third Prince’s partner would be overshadowed by the glamour of the Marquess.”

 

Dustin was also impressed by his mother’s advice that pointed out the unexpected aspect which he couldn’t even think of.

 

Just as what she said, if he adorned Elysia gorgeously, she (the Third Prince’s partner) would be overshadowed by the glamour of the woman he brought along.

 

Then, his half-brother would no longer be the main character of the banquet.

 

“I will do as you said. Mother.”

 

The corner of his mouth stretched widely in satisfaction, as he was confident that he would be the main character of the banquet.

 

***

 

“Extend both of your arms in the direction of the target and make sure the grip of both hands that are holding the gun is centered in your chest.”

 

At Elysia’s remark, Rashian raised his hands which were holding the gun.

 

She was internally impressed to see the Prince posing as he was told.

 

Despite not fully grown yet, it looked like the muscles weren’t only in his straight waist but also in his unwavering arms and legs.

 

‘His muscles are good. Is it because he learned swordsmanship?’

 

Elysia had hopes when recalling herself trembling for a few seconds while holding a gun for the first time.

 

If he had such a good posture, she thought that she would be able to teach him and escape this as soon as possible.

 

But shortly after, her hopes vanished quickly.

 

****