Chapter 27 : A Dance of Intentions
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Chapter 27
When I turned to the lady who had been relentlessly cornering me, her expression twisted into one of pure confusion.
“…Yes?”
I offered a slight, apologetic smile.
“Forgive me. I truly do not know who you are. The wedding happened so quickly, and I had little time to memorize every name tied to the Schultz family.”
Even Edward Windsor had slipped past my recognition at first — that alone should’ve explained everything.
With a sigh, I continued.
“As you know, I come from a commoner’s background. I am still learning the names of nobles and ladies. If you would kindly tell me your name, it will be most helpful when drafting the guest list later.”
The lady’s lips quivered faintly.
“Ah… Yes, of course. I imagine your time was spent learning other, more pressing matters.”
“Indeed. Thank you for your gracious understanding. So… who may I ask are you?”
Her posture stiffened, but she answered nonetheless.
“Laura Hatzfeld. I am the eldest daughter of the Marquis Hatzfeld.”
“Ah, the daughter of the Marquis. I shall remember it.”
I curved my lips into a serene smile, echoing the elegant behavior I had once seen a noblewoman display during a visit to my father’s old store.
“I hope you enjoy the celebration.”
With a gentle nod, I turned away, my steps light and deliberate. Once I reached the edge of the reception hall and exhaled a sigh of relief, I heard a voice behind me.
“The noble ladies seem rather mischievous.”
I turned, my smile fading. Edward Windsor stood there, his tone laced with mockery.
“Offending the Duchess, and now daring to insult Docilia? I ought to have reprimanded them properly.”
His words rang hollow. I let out a humorless chuckle.
“You jest too well, Your Highness.”
“Do you believe I’m joking?”
“I do. If you were truly sincere, you would’ve intervened earlier. At the very least, you might’ve offered assistance.”
“I attempted to. But it seems you handle yourself quite well.”
“I am honored you think so.”
Edward tilted his head, his expression unreadable.
“You don’t hide your hostility very well.”
“And I’m not inclined to try,” I replied flatly.
There was an ocean of status between us — one that no amount of courtesy could bridge. But I refused to bow simply because of it.
“Apologies. I’ve not yet mastered the arts of aristocratic pretense.”
“Ah, so you find noble manners to be nothing but affectation?”
“In my experience, yes. But forgive me if my words were offensive.”
Edward leaned closer, lowering his voice to a whisper.
“You apologize far too easily. Is that part of the act? If so, I accept it. But don’t apologize anymore — not to me.”
He straightened and smirked.
“Besides, you’re already someone else’s wife, aren’t you?”
His mockery was thinly veiled.
“Have you finished what you came to do?” I asked coldly.
“Hardly. Did you really think I came here to soothe a woman who’s been scratched by society’s claws?”
I raised an eyebrow. Perhaps he came to pry into something more personal — perhaps into Johannes.
“If that’s the case, get to the point and leave.”
His next words stole the breath from my lungs.
“How did you meet Johannes?”
I stiffened. The question was too direct, too heavy. He wasn’t asking about the circumstances of our meeting.
He was asking why — why Johannes would choose me.
“That’s quite a vague question.”
“Ah. Too transparent, was it?”
“Yes.”
Even amidst the ambient noise of the reception, I could hear Edward’s amused laugh.
“You’re not the type for evasions. I respect that. Unfortunately, I lack the talent for subtlety.”
“No need to apologize. But am I obligated to answer?”
“Of course not. You may ignore me if you wish.”
He took a few steps, motioning for me to follow. Curious eyes tracked us from all corners of the hall. I reluctantly followed him to a secluded alcove.
Once hidden from prying eyes, I asked, “So? What’s so surprising?”
“I’ve known Johannes since we were boys.”
And?
My eyes asked the question before my lips did. Edward caught the look and chuckled.
“I’ve never seen him act without calculating the gain.”
His gaze shifted back to Johannes, who was surrounded by nobles. Johannes looked uncomfortable — his gaze searching the hall, perhaps for me.
Edward’s lips curled.
“My servant is tall, efficient… excellent at blocking lines of sight.”
Of course.
“It shows,” I replied blandly.
Edward leaned in, his voice soft and mocking.
“So even if you’re unwilling, I intend to monopolize your time.”
“As Your Highness wishes.”
He smirked.
“You’re good at this.”
I said nothing.
“I know what you’re thinking,” he continued. “You think I’m no longer pretending to be decent.”
“Well, you’re not wrong.”
Edward laughed.
“But you know what’s strange? Johannes is not the type to covet what belongs to others. Yet suddenly, he chooses you?”
He let the insinuation linger.
“Sometimes ambition masks deeper intent,” I said.
“And sometimes ambition doesn’t make sense. So why would Johannes — the man who’d sell his soul for influence — choose a woman with no name, no fortune, no noble blood?”
He stepped even closer.
“What do you have, Duchess Schultz?”
“If you mean to humiliate me, go ahead.”
He blinked, surprised.
“No, I’m genuinely curious. What made him bind his future to yours?”
I lifted my chin and spoke calmly.
“Love.”
The word felt heavy and absurd on my tongue, but it was necessary.
Edward blinked — then burst into laughter. There were tears in his eyes.
“Love?” he echoed. “That man?”
He laughed again, louder this time, before finally composing himself.
“Johannes is many things — but a fool in love? No.”
He shook his head, still grinning.
“And yet… here you are.”
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