It was because he found a man with a face as if he had jumped out of a painting, looking down at Ariella with affection.
“I’m very fond of you, though.”
To Duke Turner, Nobert Royster was an object of admiration and respect.
Though much younger, as a former knight himself, he couldn’t help but respect Grand Duke Royster.
He knew well how great the Grand Duke’s achievements at such a young age were, and how difficult it was to drive out all the demonic beasts from human territory, beasts that were difficult to even catch one of.
Duke Turner had always hoped to have a proper conversation with Nobert someday. It was for this reason that he tried to push his way through the crowds to approach him whenever they met at parties.
However, he never dreamed that such a rare opportunity would come in this way.
“To run into you like this in a place like this. I’d say it’s fate.”
Nobert’s eyes curved beautifully as he looked at Ariella. The voice he muttered was so sweet that Duke Turner checked and rechecked if the man next to him was really Nobert Royster.
However, the moment Nobert’s gaze reached the Duke, he couldn’t help but be certain.
“By the way, who is this guy?”
The man glaring down with a murderous aura was clearly the Grand Duke Royster that the Duke knew.
“I’m curious, who is he that you’re dining alone with like this… Would you care to explain?”
Gulp. Duke Turner swallowed dryly without realizing it.
He mustn’t let the Grand Duke find out that there were marriage talks between him and the Princess Astoria. He realized this instinctively.
Had Grand Duke Royster ever shown such favor to anyone before?
He had assumed they weren’t particularly close since there had been no talk of them being seen together since the debutante ball, but it seemed the Grand Duke was actually infatuated with the Princess.
As the gaze that seemed ready to devour him pierced his temples, Duke Turner desperately turned his head and sweated profusely.
He couldn’t afford to be targeted by Grand Duke Royster. Thinking so, he racked his brain, which wasn’t working very well, to find a way to resolve the situation.
But then, the clueless Princess Astoria jumped in without any tact.
“Goodness, ‘this guy’? How can you say such rude things?”
Nobert’s eyes turned indescribably fierce at her defense. The more that happened, the paler Duke Turner’s face became.
“Nobert, this is Duke Turner. We are soon to be marri-”
“I have a woman I’m going to marry separately!”
Feeling a threat to his life, the Duke interrupted Ariella and shouted.
“What? What are you talking about…”
It was an unexpected remark, but it was appropriate to change the situation.
Ariella asked back with wide, startled eyes, and Nobert raised one eyebrow and twisted the corner of his lips. As if to say it wasn’t a bad response, though he didn’t like it.
‘This is it!’
Duke Turner, having gained enlightenment, quickly continued.
“Yes! I came out today to say that. Let’s call off the marriage between the Princess and me!”
“What? Suddenly? Please explain the reason. You never said anything about another woman.”
“Well, well… I’m telling you now, so isn’t that enough? Anyway, that’s how it is, so please explain it well to Duke Astoria!”
When Ariella asked for the reason, the Duke was flustered and looked at Nobert.
“Marriage talks were going on, huh…”
The voice that flowed out from between his twisted lips was chilling. The Duke gripped the napkin tightly and trembled like a mouse in front of a cat.
“Well, I understand since it’s been called off.”
After a moment of silence, Nobert shrugged lightly. It was a sign that he would let it go.
Duke Turner finally let out the breath he had been holding. He was alive. He muttered inwardly, grabbing his limp body with relief.
“More than that, it’s fate that we met like this. How about we join tables?”
Before even hearing an answer, Nobert arrogantly gestured to the employee. It was a signal to reset the table.
“I’m not sure if that would be a problem, since today is the day I was supposed to have dinner with the Duke.”
“Well, I don’t think Duke Turner thinks so. Isn’t that right, Duke?”
Jason Turner wasn’t born with a quick wit. But if his life was at stake, he had to take care of even the wit he didn’t have.
“O-of course! I’m just honored!”
A cold gaze reached his forehead. In response, Duke Turner realized that the answer he had given was wrong and hurriedly changed his words.
“Ah, no, this! What should I do? I completely forgot that I had an urgent schedule today. I think I should go home right away…”
“Oh my, that’s a shame.”
“Yes, yes. But I couldn’t leave the Lady alone, so it seems like fate that Your Highness came at the right time! E-excuse me, but I’ll get up first.”
“Yes. Go ahead.”
When Nobert gave permission, Duke Turner quickly lifted his restless b**t. Then he left the seat as if running away.
Watching his back as he ran away, even shedding his few remaining hairs, Ariella leaned back in her chair with satisfaction. Just the fact that the Duke had disappeared from her sight made her feel relieved.
