Home/I confined you, but I have no ill will/ch 96

96.

The next morning, the capital awoke to loud cries.

"Extra! Extra! Archduke Gracias announces engagement!"

"The Empire's finest sword falls in love! Love leads to engagement!"

Newspaper boys shook the papers—the city erupted.

"The news has been unusual lately—now he's getting engaged."

"I thought he would—but they're having a small ceremony. Why?"

"I wonder—it seems early for a ducal house. They should have prepared more carefully."

"Well, Archduke Gracias might not care about such details—and his fiancée is from a minor provincial house."

Nobles and commoners alike buzzed. Eyes and interest focused on House Gracias—some curious, others seeking opportunity.

Despite Kite's reputation, he was a duke, trusted by the Emperor, the Empire's strongest. Attending even a small ceremony was a way to show connection.

"His Majesty will attend too."

Emperor Leonhardt's presence was confirmed—people scrambled for invitations. Limited and hard to get, the frenzy grew.

---

Those preparing for an engagement have much to do—dresses, jewels, decorations.

A slender finger wrapped and unwrapped ribbons around pink flowers, adding lace, trying different colors.

"Royal blue suits—silk for material, this lace."

Choosing flowers, vases, tableware—all necessary.

"Hah."

But it was Seren making the decisions.

"Why am I doing this?"

Dragged by Kite, he'd been overworked since morning—and worrying about matching their tastes.

"There's no other way—she's at her house."

"At least you've done this before."

"My sister's! I just cheered!"

"Experience helps."

Alex said innocently—having no taste, he'd left Seren to struggle. Only the butler helped, but final choices were Seren's.

"This isn't right."

He stared listlessly at tablecloths.

---

Meanwhile, Ibelin returned to her grandfather's house.

"Didn't think I'd be back."

The locked house was unchanged—relieved, she descended to the basement. Cool air brushed her cheeks. Passing the confinement room, she opened the armory—walls lined with deadly weapons.

She hummed as she laid them out.

"Smoke bombs for cover, four paralysis bullets, concentrated sleeping gas."

Her delicate hands handled them, adjusting powder, polishing magical guns. Her green eyes were cold as a hunter's—not the innocent lady.

The enemy would strike in the blessing room. Kite would guard outside, but the first battle was hers.

"Lots of unusual stuff."

She'd take more—ammo, hidden daggers. In the afternoon, she'd go with Kite to fit her dress, so she had to hurry.

"Look in the second box on the right."

Her grandfather Kailun was beside her.

"Throws that blind sight and smell—and get some throwing knives. The dress will hide them well."

She nodded. Far from a bride's attitude, but neither cared.

"By the way—"

He paused.

"Are you really going with Archduke Gracias?"

"Worried?"

"Of course! Look at his social reputation!"

He hadn't known Kite could be that extreme.

"Engagement in two weeks—rushing!"

"It's fine—we'll have a real one later."

"That's worse! He's using you—there are better men!"

"I like him."

She said what she couldn't tell others.

"What do you like?"

"His personality isn't great, he's reckless and dives into danger—but he'd protect his own. And he's kind to me."

"Hmph."

Love is blind—Kailun gave up.

---

After gathering her weapons, she returned, looking like a proper lady—though her thoughts were far from peaceful.

Soon, a maid announced.

"Lady Ibelin, Archduke Gracias is here."

Choosing the dress was a public act—proving their love was real, justifying the rushed date.

Kite entered, smiling, and kissed her hand.

"Enjoy your outing?"

"Yes—I got plenty of what I needed."

She smiled—his gaze flicked to her thigh, sensing the hidden weight. He smiled without comment.

Behind him stood the capital's top boutique designer and attendants with expensive dresses and jewels—a long line. She was overwhelmed.

First time seeing such things.

She and her relatives usually bought off-the-rack dresses and altered them.

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