A Marriage Alliance for Revenge - Chapter 45

Gustav’s jaw stiffened at Briella’s gaze.

 

Her eyes were as serene and pure as a lake in the depths of a forest.

 

They functioned like a mirror, reflecting the other person as they were.

 

Gustav’s gaze, previously fixed on Briella’s clear eyes, devoid of any falsehoods, shifted to her wounded expression.

 

“Because of Lucas?”

 

Gustav felt his composure gradually wane under Briella’s unwavering gaze.

 

Initially summoned, Briella was unable to overcome her tension and faltered.

 

In Gustav’s recollection, Briella, with her lackluster face, drenched in rain, seemed like a trembling creature.

 

She had changed.

 

Though she responded promptly to his words, the inexplicable tension she once carried seemed to have vanished.

 

Gustav found this altered Briella displeasing.

 

Briella, facing Gustav’s unyielding gaze, spoke, ‘You may not know me, but I am different.’

 

No emotion resonated in Briella’s eyes as she stared at Gustav.

 

There was a time when she strove to receive his gaze.

 

She endeavored to become his woman, attributing his cold stares and tone to her own faults.

 

Realizing the futility of it all, she vowed not to be Gustav’s woman but to live as a queen.

 

Had Gustav’s blade aimed solely at her throat, Briella might not have stood here.

 

“Does it hurt?”

 

“Uh-huh.”

 

As the unbidden thoughts of the child she consciously tried to forget surfaced, she found herself unable to breathe.

 

Lucas, astutely noting Briella’s transformation, roused her from her reverie.

 

“Hey, it’s okay.”

 

Lucas’s voice snapped Briella out of her past memories and back to reality.

 

In contrast to his tone, the nobleman gazed at Briella with a regretful countenance.

 

While his speech carried concern, his eyes gleamed like those of a viper.

 

Avoiding his piercing gaze, Briella lowered her eyes.

 

Regardless of noble or imperial lineage, before Briella’s wounds, all held pained expressions.

 

And the one who caused those wounds was none other than Eve Ferena.

 

“They say even the adjutant directly sent by His Majesty suffered a significant injury this time. Struck by an arrow, they say.”

 

Even under Gustav’s scrutiny, the nobles did not cease their discussions.

 

“I heard that the Duchess Viterpan spared no effort to save Lady Eve, but I never knew she would sustain such a severe injury in the process.”

 

In a way, this was a golden opportunity.

 

Playing on the chessboard crafted by the Duchess Viterpan felt unsettling, but now was not the time to dwell on such matters.

 

“If it hadn’t been for Duchess Viterpan, Lady Eve might have been gravely injured.”

 

As the onlookers cautiously raised their voices, Briella, amidst the political turmoil, remained oblivious.

 

Her cheeks were flushed with color, and she was busy glancing at Lucas.

 

With cheeks flushed and preoccupied with Lucas at her side, she seemed busy.

 

Whenever her gaze met those of the nobles, she tended to avert her eyes.

 

“Shall we not assess the situation based solely on hearsay? Let us all calm down.”

 

A noble of the imperial faction hurriedly intervened, attempting to defuse the situation.

 

“They say Lady Eve had called for fires to be lit as it was dark.”

 

“Sigh!”

 

Someone’s lips emitted a deep sigh.

 

From the mouths of the nobles flowed tales of Perta, whether there was a source of information among them or merely circulating rumors.

 

Within Briella’s mind, thoughts swirled busily around relatively accurate information.

 

Unfamiliar with politics? Not in the least.

 

It was Briella who discreetly rectified Gusto’s affairs from behind.

 

Briella, or rather Olivia, possessed eyes that could decipher the flow of money and power where no one else could follow.

 

“Lady Eve ventured far to aid the troubled estate of Perta! If Duke Viterpan had promptly suppressed the rebels, this would not have come to pass.”

 

Prompted by the coercion of the imperial nobility, other nobles surged forth like a tide.

 

“If it was so easy, did you not step forward yourself?”

 

Unintentionally siding with Lucas had become necessary, albeit against one’s will.

 

The aristocrats all sided with Lucas and stood defiantly with their necks held high.

 

“There are many who could substitute the Duchess Viterpan for the goddess’s festival!”

 

“It is not obligatory to unquestioningly believe and follow noblewomen put forth by the imperial faction just because they are busy and pressed for time. Please ponder the meaning of the goddess’s festival well.”

 

Those who opposed the imperial nobles raised their voices, which Gusto provoked.

 

In no time, their conversation veered towards the topic of the goddess’s festival.

 

The atmosphere within the conference room was gradually heating up.

 

The nobles, tearing each other apart, seemed to have forgotten that Gusto was present.

 

Gusto slammed the table, observing the nobles who argued amongst themselves with a grimace.

 

Thud!

 

Silence fell abruptly in the conference room.

 

“It seems you have all forgotten me.”

 

At Gusto’s icy tone, those who had nervously chattered fell silent.

 

Watching fights break out and being entertained was one thing, but being at the center of that fight was unbearable.

 

“My apologies, Your Majesty.”

 

Quick to catch on, Marquis Hailey bowed his head, prompting the imperial nobles to follow suit.

 

Gusto, eyeing the nobles, slowly spoke up.

 

“You look quite wounded, Lady Viterpan.”

 

“I apologize.”

 

“The Duke was unaware of your wounds, though, and he seems quite surprised.”

 

Upon Gusto’s words, Lucas slowly raised his head.

 

Did he not know?

 

No, he did know.

 

However, he was indeed taken aback by the stark change in appearance since he last saw the wound.

 

“I guess you didn’t get a good look.”

 

“Does that mean you’re not surprised?”

 

Tensions between the two escalated.

 

“It is my shame and disappointment in myself for failing to protect my wife and subjecting her to experiences she should not have had.”

 

Lucas’s gaze was directed not at Gusto but towards Briella.

 

With a somber expression, Lucas’s hand, hovering over Briella’s arm on the conference table, faltered in the air.

 

Enthralled by Lucas’s tender expression, the young nobles blushed, unable to tear their gazes away from the two lovers.

 

“I see. The Duke’s love overflows, making the Duchess quite fortunate.”

 

Gusto’s sudden remark caused the nobles’ pupils to dart rapidly.

 

The Emperor, who rarely wore his feelings on his sleeve, was showing them to no one in particular, but to the Duchess of Viterpan.

 

Gusto seemed oblivious, but to any observer, it was unmistakably the petty jealousy of a man laid bare.

 

“Yes. It is embarrassing, but as Your Majesty has stated, it is agreeable. I wish to be no further apart from the Duke.”

 

A woman who was clearly in love.

 

It was an adorable sight that made onlookers blush.

 

The older nobles smiled wryly as they saw another side of the ever-polite Duchess Viterpan, lips pursed.

 

“They say the Duchess Viterpan is well versed in the manners of the Rhone Empire, but I don’t think that’s necessarily true.”

 

Marquis Hailey’s frosty voice brought the nobles, who had been watching the two in fascination, to their senses.

 

“What?”

 

“I doubt that a duchess who can’t even discern the time and place for these private matters would adeptly lead the goddess’ festival.”

 

Marquis Hailey stroked his beard and looked to his side, and the surrounding nobles nodded in affirmation.

 

“It’s why I asked His Majesty for his permission to return to Duke Viterpan’s manor before I cause any more trouble.”

 

“Oh!

 

Marquis Hailey’s face contorted at Briella’s smile before quickly scruntinizing Gusto’s expression.

 

As expected, Gusto’s face had frozen over, as if it might shatter at any moment.

 

Lord Hailey, perceptive of Gusto’s desire to keep Briella within the palace at all costs, inadvertently found himself aiding her pursuit.

 

“Wouldn’t it be more beneficial for the Duchess to receive assistance from the palace physician rather than the estate steward?”

 

“While bodily wounds may heal, I seek solace for my troubled heart.”

 

Her pallid complexion, bathed in sunlight, evoked a sense of pity in the beholders with its faintly etched smile.

 

Her emerald eyes, once akin to a wintry forest, now shed their somber hue for a gentle light akin to a springtime grove in bloom.

 

Gusto carefully observed Briella’s countenance.

 

The swift metamorphosis in Briella over a short span of time not only affected her but also left a subtle imprint on Gusto’s heart.

 

“Is it sufficient enough for the Duke to merely be by your side?”

 

Marquis Hailey’s complexion hardened at Gusto’s question.

 

Though he cast a piercing glance at Gusto, his gaze remained fixed on Briella, oblivious to all else.

 

“I see.  As the Duchess remarked, there are many challenges ahead, so your frequent comings and goings may pose an issue.”

 

“Your Majesty!”

 

A noble from the imperial faction urgently called out to Gusto, but he raised a hand to silence their protests.

 

“We need to find the missing, and we need to know why an otherwise intact dike collapsed. A woman who may be the future empress nearly died, and the duchess of the empire was injured.”

 

“‥‥‥.”

 

“Should we not find the bodies to ascertain whether the individual truly perished or if someone deliberately caused their demise?”

 

Gusto’s gaze was fixed upon Lucas.

 

Despite Gusto’s fierce, burning eyes, Lucas remained nonchalant.

 

Though his countenance appeared unusually rigid, save for Briella, no one realized that Lucas harbored any ire.

 

‘Why does he maintain such a visage?’

 

This morning.

 

Up until the moment when they exchanged cordial greetings, the dynamic between the two was seemingly unchanged.

 

More disquieting than Gusto’s scrutinizing glare was Lucas’ resolute silence and fixed forward gaze, prompting Briella’s concern.

 

“I will arrange for the Duchess and Duke Viterpan’s quarters to be set aside in the Spring Palace.”

 

“Arrange it immediately.”

 

The steward standing behind Gusto bowed and stepped back.

 

“Duchess Viterpan.”

 

“Yes. Your Majesty.”

 

“Is there anything else you need?”

 

“In the presence of the nobleman, desiring more might be seen as greed by others.”

 

“I see.”

 

“I express gratitude for His Majesty’s generous understanding.”

 

With her eyes cast downward, Briella conveyed her thanks to Gusto.

 

“These circumstances have unfortunately delegated tasks to me, this much should be expected.”

 

Briella did not respond to Gusto’s words.

 

At Gusto’s tacit approval, a smirk tugged at his lips.

 

‘How increasingly intriguing.’

 

Gusto’s gaze finally shifted away from Lucas and Briella.

 

“Let us now discuss the upcoming hunt.”

 

Gusto’s unexpected decision left the nobles wearing contrasting expressions.

 

Amidst the escalating tension, Briella and Lucas alone maintained serene countenances, unlike the rest.

 

* * *

 

 

 

“This is nothing for you to be angry about.”

 

“It seems you know that I’m dissatisfied with you.”

 

Inside the carriage heading towards Star Palace that Gusto had arranged, Briella couldn’t bear the silence and spoke first, prompting Lucas, who had been staring out the window, to look at her.

 

Merely the fact that Lucas, who had maintained silence throughout, now spoke caused Briella to feel a sense of relief.

 

“It was inevitable.”

 

“Was this all planned from the beginning?”

 

Looking down at the haphazardly wrapped bandages, Lucas asked.

 

The hastily applied bandages, due to their loose nature, seemed like they could easily come undone with the slightest movement.

 

Following Lucas’ gaze, Briella also glanced at her own arm.

 

“Even if it were me, I wouldn’t have anticipated the spot where Eve was standing to collapse.”

 

“So, did you plan everything in that short time?”

 

Recalling Briella unraveling the bandages after returning from the battle to the village, Lucas realized that she hadn’t received proper treatment due to being too busy.

 

However, seeing her wounds today made him realize that she deliberately didn’t seek treatment.

 

“I required proof. Proof that no one could refute.”

 

“I knew you had a penchant for deception, but I didn’t expect it to be to this extent.”

 

“When one escalates the stakes, there is no choice.”

 

In response to Briella’s words, Lucas turned his head.

 

He was simply irritated by her indifference.

 

And Lucas vehemently denied the fact that Briella was becoming something special to him.

 

“Is Briella Viterpan present in the game you are playing?”

 

Briella raised her head at Lucas’ words.

 

However, his gaze was still fixed outside the window, not on Briella.

 

Instead of answering, Briella cast her eyes downward.

 

Facing away from Lucas’ characteristic trait of blushing when embarrassed, Briella closed her eyes.

 

‘I saw nothing.’

 

Suppressing her pounding heart, Briella fell into silence.