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Chapter 77

A short while earlier.

Emilia had headed to the dining room with Alex.

She figured it would be rude to send off a guest who'd come all the way to her house without at least offering a meal.

Wait—my house?

Emilia was startled.

She'd just naturally thought such an absurd thing.

She was staying at this residence, but it was more like a workplace where she was provided room and board.

I'm just pretending to be the Duchess for a while—how dare I think so presumptuously...

Emilia quickly shook her head. Alex noticed and asked.

"What's wrong, Emilia?"

"Ah, nothing."

She answered with an awkward smile, and they arrived at the dining room.

Soon, a splendid and lavish dinner was laid out on the table.

The chef, having been informed that the mistress's friend was visiting, had prepared an even more extravagant meal than usual.

Alex couldn't close his mouth.

"Do you eat like this every day?"

"Hmm, pretty much."

Emilia nodded awkwardly.

It was certainly more extravagant than usual, but the meals were always luxurious.

Alex let out an admiring whistle.

"Wow, having a Duchess as a friend sure has its perks."

Just as he was about to start the meal with an excited face—

"Then I'll dig in—"

Suddenly, Alex froze, still holding his fork and knife.

What's wrong with him?

Puzzled by his strange behavior, Emilia asked.

"What's wrong?"

Alex was staring behind him as if he'd seen a ghost.

Emilia turned her head and saw Kayden entering the dining room.

"Huh? Your Gra—"

Her eyes widened, and she nearly called him "Your Grace" before stopping herself.

Ah, Alex is here.

She glanced at Alex, then rose from her seat, omitting the title.

"Wh-when did you get back?"

She tried to hide her fluster.

It wasn't because she'd invited Alex to the residence.

In fact, Kayden had been the one to suggest she invite Alex.

So Emilia had made sure to inform Kayden of the date Alex was visiting.

After all...

Alex believed she had truly fallen in love with Kayden and married him.

So she'd discreetly hinted at the date, worried that a meeting between them might cause awkwardness.

But instead of avoiding them, he'd come all the way here...

"I just got back."

Kayden answered naturally, glancing at the frozen Alex.

Alex set down his fork and knife and stood up abruptly.

Kayden walked over and extended his hand.

"Huh?"

Alex let out a bewildered sound.

Then, as if realizing, he quickly shook Kayden's hand.

"Kayden Valen."

"Ah, I'm Alex Anderson, haha. I-it's an honor to meet you, Your Grace."

Alex laughed awkwardly, feeling like he'd run into his boss on a weekend outing.

But the Duke, who was Emilia's husband, seemed quite oblivious.

"I haven't had dinner yet either—would you mind if I joined you?"

"...Pardon?"

Alex nearly said "Do you have to?" but held back.

He sent an urgent look to Emilia behind the Duke.

Could you please decline for me?

That was the meaning in his gaze.

And Emilia understood perfectly.

But...

She was only his wife in name, so she didn't have the authority to stop him from having dinner in his own residence.

So Emilia gave him an apologetic look and averted her gaze.

Hey, Emilia!

Alex screamed internally, blaming his irresponsible friend.

Just then—

"Is it a problem?"

"O-of course not, Your Grace."

In the end, Alex had no choice but to accept the Duke's request, his eyes twitching.

---

And so, the meal continued with one more person at the table.

Alex felt like he might—no, definitely would—get indigestion.

Of course, as Emilia had promised, the ducal chef's cooking was better than any high-end restaurant.

But dining with the Duke himself was sheer agony.

However, as the meal reached its midpoint, Alex began to notice something.

Those two... they're quite the pair, aren't they?

The Duke not only placed dishes that Emilia glanced at closer to her, but also subtly moved away the ones she seemed uninterested in.

It was impossible unless he was entirely focused on Emilia.

And noticing this, Emilia blushed and awkwardly thanked him.

She seemed embarrassed for some reason.

Probably because she was shy about showing affection in front of her friend.

Damn, I'm getting a toothache.

And despite knowing he was a commoner, the Duke treated him with respect—as the Duchess's friend.

"Aide Anderson."

He'd never been addressed so politely by a high noble—he almost got goosebumps.

It was a stark contrast to certain others.

Not that he was in a position to judge, but he could confidently say the Duke was a hundred times better than that bastard Cedric.

Alex felt completely reassured.

Just then, Emilia noticed him watching them and asked with a puzzled look.

"Why aren't you eating—why are you staring at us?"

"No, I just—I'm relieved. I was worried about you, what with that bastard causing you so much grief..."

Clang!

Suddenly, the sound of a knife dropping rang out.

Alex flinched and turned to look at the Duke.

But the Duke, with a calm expression, naturally accepted a new knife from a waiting servant.

He nodded lightly as if to say not to worry.

"Please, continue."

"Huh? Ah, no—it was nothing..."

Alex spoke carefully, watching his words.

But in a voice colder than before, the Duke said politely.

"No, I'd prefer you continue."

At that, Alex immediately understood—with masculine intuition.

That he'd just made a serious slip of the tongue.

---

"Thanks for coming today. Take care on your way back."

Emilia smiled as she saw Alex off.

Alex hesitated for a moment, then said quietly.

"Uh, Emilia. I'm sorry."

"Huh? For what?"

Emilia was bewildered by his sudden apology.

If anyone should apologize, it was her.

Not only had he barely been able to eat because of the uncomfortable dinner, but his face had also gone pale.

"Are you sure you're okay, Alex?"

His sudden apology only made her worry that his condition had worsened.

"Ahaha. I'm really fine. Anyway, I'll be going now, Emilia!"

And with that, Alex practically fled into the carriage.

What on earth was he sorry about?

Emilia tilted her head, then turned around.

She found Kayden standing behind her and blinked.

"Your Grace?"

But he only gazed at her silently.

What is it?

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