Chapter 63
Though Rodella was skilled in social maneuvering—how else could she have survived in the hostile Administration Bureau—there were still moments like this when she truly had no idea what to do.
‘Is my mind going blank because of his kiss, or because I can’t think of a way to play this off naturally?’
Or maybe…
“I could die from how pretty you are.”
—Smooch.
Maybe it was because it reminded her of that strange, fuzzy feeling from before.
“…Aivert.”
The same hazy warmth washed over her again, like walking on clouds.
But she had no time to dwell on what the feeling meant.
‘In front of my parents, no less!’
As Rodella looked up at him in a daze, unsure what to do, Aivert leaned in and kissed her once more.
This time on the forehead.
Gently, as if he couldn’t contain how much he adored her.
“What?” His voice was soft, teasing, with a faint smile in his eyes—so close.
‘Pretty…’
Rodella thought, dazed again—before snapping herself out of it.
“W-What are you doing! Everyone’s watching!”
Sure, this was supposed to be a performance to reassure his mother, but still—what the heck was this?!
Flustered, Rodella quickly stepped away from him.
Face burning, she fanned herself rapidly and finally became aware of the many eyes on them.
Her family, the Chancellor, even Latine—staring with unreadable expressions.
Rodella promptly buried her face in her hands.
Latine burst out laughing.
“So shy, so shy.”
“We don’t mind, keep going.”
Countess Syveric slyly covered her own face.
“We’ll pretend we didn’t see anything.”
“Mom!”
Rodella’s face turned bright red, almost as if it might explode.
Meanwhile, the Chancellor quietly observed the whole scene, something curious flickering in her gaze.
Just then—
—Thud, thud.
“May we come in for a moment?”
A voice called from outside.
As the Chancellor quickly pulled up her hood again to conceal her identity, Duchess Royden tugged the silk bellcord.
—Jingle.
Moments later, a group of doctors entered.
They did not so much as glance at the guests, bowing only to the Duchess.
It was clearly a special service for nobles wary of gossip depending on who visited them.
“Madam, your test results show no sign of magical fluctuation or physical irregularity. Rest should be all you need.”
There were five doctors.
The lead physician spoke while the four others behind him bowed with charts in hand.
“That’s a relief.”
Rodella let out a soft breath, and the Duchess smiled at her.
“Told you so.”
But the doctor wasn’t finished.
“However, since your constitution is naturally weak, it would be wise to avoid rich party foods and alcohol.”
At that, the Duchess pouted.
“But alcohol is my one joy in life… Wouldn’t the stress of cutting it out be worse for me?”
She wasn’t just a social drinker—she genuinely liked drinking.
“…”
Latine and the Chancellor both looked like they had plenty to say but held back due to the doctor’s presence.
Even Aivert, who usually had something to say, remained silent.
Because—
“Aivert, if someone told you not to look at Rodella because your heart races too fast and it’s bad for your health… would you stop looking at her?”
“…”
It was a topic where he had once been completely outmatched by Duchess Royden.
But Rodella was different.
“But if you get sick, I get upset. Then that’s two people hurting, isn’t it?”
Her firm yet endearing tone made the Duchess pause.
Then she called out,
“Anton.”
A man who had been so still he blended into the wall stepped forward with a bow.
“…!”
Rodella jumped, startled—she hadn’t even realized someone was there.
Aivert glanced at Anton, the Duchess’s personal attendant.
Anton looked away sheepishly from his Lady’s sharp gaze.
“You have my order.”
But what the Duchess said next shocked even the head of the house enough to forget his glare.
“Empty my wine cellar when we get back. It’s time I quit drinking.”
“…Are you serious?”
“Yes.”
The Duchess’s face held no hesitation.
“I can’t be a good mother if I let my daughter-in-law suffer. Right?”
Count and Countess Syveric laughed at that.
Rodella scratched her cheek, embarrassed.
She’d wanted to get her to ease up on drinking, sure, but hadn’t expected such swift, decisive action.
“…We’ll take our leave, then.”
The doctors, having fulfilled their mission, looked visibly relieved as they bowed their way out.
Their careful retreat left a strong impression on Rodella.
As the doors shut softly behind them, Aivert gave an order.
“Clear this floor. No one comes unless called.”
“Understood.”
The doctors bowed again.
They seemed trustworthy enough to be mistaken for Royden’s own household staff, which made Rodella tilt her head.
‘Not a national hospital, huh? Looks like Royden paid them quite a lot.’
With the doors closed, the room was once again filled with the gentle buzz of conversation.
“Whoever spread those ridiculous rumors—if I find them, I’ll—!”
Count Syveric was visibly angry.
Naturally. It wasn’t just an insult to the Duchess, but to his own daughter.
“But wasn’t it likely a move by the Red Knights to undermine you?”
Latine chimed in.
“Almost certainly. Knights, hah. Give them swords, and all they do is flap their tongues.”
As he grumbled, Countess Syveric lightened the mood.
“Still, if this brought the Azure Knights together, maybe something good came of it.”
She was trying to shift the topic, lest the Duchess worry more.
She held the Duchess’s hand warmly, smiling.
“I always thought the Azure Knight families must be wonderful people, and now that I’ve met them, the atmosphere is even better than I imagined. I’ve really enjoyed myself.”
She was referring to the gathering of Azure Knight families at the Royden estate.
The Duchess sighed.
“And yet some go to unsavory places and suffer…”
Everyone understood she meant the capital’s social scene—no one dared contradict her.
“You should rest. And quit drinking.”
The Countess’s emphasis on the last part brought another wave of laughter.
But having everyone gathered and talking seemed to brighten the Duchess’s face again.
Time passed.
Eventually, looking quite lively again, the Duchess waved to Rodella and Aivert.
“I’m probably keeping you from work, aren’t I? You should go. I really am fine. See?”
She twirled her arms to show how healthy she was—it reminded Rodella of Aivert, and she burst into laughter.
“You’re really sure?”
“Of course.”
The Duchess beamed.
“You’re not even married yet. If something happened to me, how could I rest in peace? I’m living happily day by day, waiting to hear that news.”
Her cheerful tone made Rodella flinch.
Before she could respond, Aivert stepped in.
“We’ll take care of whoever started the rumor swiftly. So it won’t trouble you anymore.”
It was time to say goodbye.
The Duchess asked one last mischievous question.
“Aivert, are you worried because of me? Or because of my daughter-in-law’s honor?”
Aivert replied without hesitation.
“Her honor, of course.”
“Hey!”
Rodella jabbed him in the side, but he stayed proud and unfazed.
Even the Duchess laughed brightly.
“See? Raising a son doesn’t do you any good.”
Amid the cheerful laughter of the adults, the two finally took their leave.
***
“Still… I’m really glad she’s okay.”
Stretching her arms, Rodella exhaled as they left the room.
She hadn’t realized how tense she’d been, but her whole body ached.
Thanks to Aivert’s earlier command, the hospital corridor was completely empty—not even an ant in sight.
The soundproofing was excellent, too. Not a single noise reached them from inside.
It felt like they were the only two people in the world.
Rodella glanced back at the door.
She was relieved the Duchess was safe, but now an old worry began to resurface.
Or rather—it floated back up from where she had buried it.
“Hey, Aivert.” Rodella spoke softly.
Aivert, walking beside her, turned toward her instead of answering.
He looked completely carefree, without a single worry.
Rodella puffed out her cheeks slightly.
‘Am I the only one who’s worried here?’
“What are we going to say to mother… later?”
Of course, she didn’t mean Countess Syveric.
She meant Duchess Royden—how were they going to tell her they weren’t getting married?
She’d fainted just from a rumor. If she heard the truth…
As Rodella’s expression grew grim, Aivert replied casually.
“It’s fine, I don’t care if you’re over twenty-five.”
“Huh?”
What kind of random answer was that?
Rodella blinked in confusion.