Marriage with a Suspiciously Demure Husband - Chapter 99.1
Chapter 99.1
The Great Hall of the Duke’s castle, meticulously decorated, resonated with the harmonious melodies of carefully selected musicians.
The evening banquet had begun flawlessly.
As expected of a winter evening affair, the invited nobles arrived in thick overcoats, their laughter and comments about the welcoming warmth echoing from the entrance.
December was fast approaching, and the north was already experiencing midwinter conditions, evident in the heavy attire of some nobles, a rare sight in the capital.
While many middle-aged couples graced the event, I was surprised by the considerable number of unmarried young lords and ladies, some accompanied by their parents, others attending independently.
Despite the chill outside, their youthful exuberance filled the hall as they reveled in the festivities. Greeting so many people within the bustling castle was nerve-wracking; I nearly stumbled over my words.
Aside from that minor hiccup, the banquet was a resounding success.
“Are you tired?”
“Not at all. Shall we host another next week?”
“Feeling confident, are we?”
“A little? Perhaps I have a knack for this.”
A chuckle escaped Kairos’s lips.
“Even so, no. Once a month seems reasonable.”
“Alright. But, could we perhaps separate a bit?”
I suggested cautiously. Kairos stared at me as if I’d uttered something unthinkable.
“…Why?”
“When you were away briefly, I was surrounded by well-wishers. But since you returned, no one has dared to approach. I was receiving so many charming greetings.”
It was true. After we, as the Duke and Duchess, had made our rounds and Kairos stepped away for a moment, ladies and unmarried daughters had flocked to me, eager to exchange pleasantries and inquire about various things.
The moment he reappeared, they all retreated like the tide. It was a stark reminder of a similar experience at the imperial palace banquet.
“You dislike being bothered. Isn’t this a good thing?”
“…Do you even know who the host of this event is?”
Kairos fell silent, a hint of dejection in his demeanor. He took a half-step back.
‘Did I go too far?’
I nudged his side.
“I was just joking. Stay close.”
As if drawn by a magnet, Kairos instantly returned to my side. I couldn’t help but smile inwardly.
‘He’s like a large, loyal dog. Though, what dog could be this intimidating? I shouldn’t think this way, but he’s becoming endearing. And endearing is utterly disarming.’
Sipping the juice Kairos offered, I surveyed the hall, noticing a group of young ladies, their gazes fixed on a single point. Following their line of sight, I saw a young lord whose presence commanded attention.
‘Whoever he is, he’s quite handsome.’
With wavy blond hair, striking blue eyes, and sharply defined features, he exuded a captivating aura. Soon, a young lady approached him. Their youthful interaction brought a smile to my face.
‘Ah, young love. I wonder if Kairos was ever this youthful and innocent at twenty. Probably not. Even then, he likely possessed that unique, untouchable air about him. In any case, seeing these young lords and ladies gathered, their excitement palpable, assures me the north has a bright future.’
Lost in my pleasant observation, I heard a distinct snap beside me.
“Hmm?”
I glanced around but found nothing that could have produced such a sound. Kairos was the only one near me.
“What is it?”
“Didn’t you hear something break just now?”
“…I didn’t hear anything.”
He handed his wine glass to a nearby attendant.
“Really? I must have misheard.”
The attendant, startled, quickly placed his tray on a table and accepted the glass with both hands, almost reverently.
‘I wonder why he reacted that way.’
The banquet continued to flourish. I signaled to the musicians, and the tempo shifted to a more danceable rhythm.
‘I should partake in the festivities myself.’
Just then, Sid approached.
“Ah, Sid. Why don’t you enjoy the banquet for a bit?”
“No, thank you, Madam. It’s not necessary. Actually, Your Grace…”
Sid bowed before addressing Kairos briefly.
“What is it?”
“I need to step out for a moment.”
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