My Dear Grand Duke on a Leash - Chapter 88

Chapter 44.2 — Chalonné’s Man (4)

She sensed that something was amiss. The elderly chamberlain had already been known to be quieter than a shadow since her father’s time. So, for someone like him to commit such rudeness was unheard of.

The chamberlain calmed his breathing and tried to speak.

“He said he has something important to discuss regarding the Princess.”

“Oh, I see. Where is he? My daughter’s benefactor is looking for me, so shouldn’t I meet him right away?”

Ceres rolled up her dress as if she were going to run away at any moment. The corners of Narkissis’s eyes crinkled slightly.

“…He’s waiting at the door. Shall I take him elsewhere?”

As Ceres glanced at Narkissis as if seeking permission, he shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly.

“As Your Majesty pleases.”

“Summon him immediately.”

The chamberlain hurriedly lowered his head and urged his steps towards the door before a figure appeared through the horizontally widening bedroom door.

Ceres felt as if he were an emissary who had come to announce an enemy invasion. It was as if the air was rushing in with him, despite him just standing in the corridor. It was such a majestic presence.

His stride, neither slow nor fast, was like that of a monarch visiting the chambers of his subjects—a demeanor of a person accustomed to ruling and dominating. It wasn’t a posture stiffened by tension but rather an upright and rigid composure, as if he had nothing to fear.

The sunlight cast a deep, dark shadow on his back as he stopped in the center of the bedroom. His black hair, darker than even the shadow itself, was meticulously arranged while he was wearing a suit that could easily be mistaken for military attire at first glance. His blue eyes were devoid of emotion and warmth, and his lips were firmly sealed shut.

Merely his presence was enough to tighten the spine with tension.

A heavy, solemn, baritone voice flowed from his handsome lips.

“Your Highness Narkissis.”

After a brief address that replaced a greeting, he bowed respectfully to Ceres.

“Greetings, Your Majesty Queen Chalonné.”

Ceres nodded with a semblance of courtesy.

“Grand Duke. I’ve mentioned this before, but I’m deeply grateful to you for being my son-in-law’s best man. I can’t express enough gratitude for saving my daughter’s life.”

He was a commoner’s best man. It was an act she hadn’t even dared to propose to Narkissis, fearing it might bruise his pride. For sacrificing the dignity of the Grand Ducal to save her eldest daughter’s face, Ceres considered herself forever indebted to him.

She cleared her throat, glancing up at Cain with a furtive glance.

“However, I’m curious as to why you would seek me out at such an early hour.”

“I wish to send a formal proposal of marriage to the Kingdom of Chalonné.”

“….!”

Her expression shifted subtly. As if she were greatly surprised, she grasped the hem of her dress and blinked her eyelids in a fluster.

“Still, no matter how much you’re our savior, that’s…”

Ceres, who had barely managed to get her cracked voice out, swallowed dryly and cleared her throat. With great difficulty, she looked up at Cain.

“Bea is already married. If it were before the wedding, I might understand, but why now, the very next day… Did you not also witness and sign the marriage certificate? If you wish to have my daughter, you must also be prepared…”

“I’ll marry Princess Lariette. As the heir of the Grand Duchy of Acheron, I, Kaisaros Hiverno Acheron, earnestly request that you accept me as your son-in-law to Chalonné. Your Majesty the Queen.”

Straightforward and without flattery or euphemisms, his words went straight to the point. It was truly his manner of speaking.

Thud.

Instead of a response, the sound of a chair being dragged returned. It was from Narkissis. When both Ceres and Cain’s gazes turned towards him, he offered a dignified smile towards Cain.

“It seems like a matter that should be discussed privately, so I shall take my leave. Cain.”

“Isn’t the marriage of a great noble a national affair? I hope His Highness the Prince will stay until the end and become a witness to my marriage proposal.”

His gaze was fixed on Narkissis like an awl, but his attention lingered on a few things that caught his eye as he entered the room—the shoes Riette had lost by the river last night, the wide-brimmed hat that had flown off the passenger seat of the limousine a few days ago.

These items, scattered accessories on a toy doll, sharply pricked Cain’s nerves. He had no intention of letting Narkissis out of this room, especially not now when the Princess was alone and fast asleep.

He tore his gaze from Narkissis and bowed his head towards Ceres.

“I’ll take responsibility for crossing the line, please allow me to do so. Your Majesty Queen Chalonné.”

Narkissis saw it clearly.

A trace that had been left halfway across Cain’s back. The fingernail marks that etched the skin into three bright red lines.

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