Chapter 179: The Long-Awaited Opera (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 179: The Long-Awaited Opera (2)
The theater was teeming with people.
Amidst the chaotic bustle, I was briefly exchanging greetings with several noblewomen when I noticed a presence.
Lucion approached from a distance, his very existence commanding attention. The prince, dressed in exquisite Rondoris-style attire, seemed to radiate an even more brilliant luster than usual today. True to form, his mere appearance caused an immediate stir in the surrounding crowd.
With a flirtatious glint in his eyes, Lucion took my hand and kissed the back of it.
"You look truly radiant today, Your Highness."
Ever since the staged reading, I had avoided facing Lucion as much as possible. Most matters regarding the opera were discussed through Samuel, the troupe’s representative, and any messages he wanted to send me were relayed through Alcent.
Lucion was sharp; he must have realized long ago that I was avoiding him. Nevertheless, he acted as friendly as if nothing had happened.
In the end, I managed a faint smile.
"You look quite dashing yourself today, Prince."
The noblewomen nearby blushed as they stole glances at the prince, but Lucion seemed indifferent, as if such attention were a mundane part of his life.
"It is a fine sight," he remarked, scanning the crowded theater lobby. "I have never seen the Carmania Theater so full of life."
"You don't have to comfort me like that."
Seeing Lucion speak so encouragingly, I decided to be honest about my feelings. "I heard from Alcent. There are quite a few tickets left, aren't there?"
I had assumed that once the show opened, it would naturally be sold out for at least a week. While a crowd had gathered for the first day because so many complimentary invitations had been distributed, it seemed ticket sales for the second day onward weren't as high as expected.
"The loss of Cochibiel likely dealt a significant blow. In the world of opera, a name carries great weight."
It’s your fault, you bastard.
Seeing my expression sour, Lucion quickly added, "The Carmania Theater has a large seating capacity, doesn't it? It’s bound to be much harder to sell out than other venues. Besides, this is a premiere."
He patted my shoulder reassuringly, saying that since the performance was good, word of mouth would drive sales over time.
"I hope so."
After a moment of hesitation, he asked as if in passing, "...Is the Grand Duke not coming?"
"Only I came today."
"That is a pity," Lucion murmured in a tone that was hard to read. "If your husband were present at an event like this, it would lend Your Highness much more support."
"He has already given me plenty of support. He sent official notices to every corner of Blenheim and even gave his aides a holiday so they could watch the opera."
Lucion maintained his smile as he spoke. "Still, if it were me, I would never have let Your Highness come alone. One never knows when a fellow like me might show up and start pestering you."
"Are you pestering me right now?"
The corners of Lucion’s mouth curled upward. "But I would like to take this opportunity to at least request the honor of escorting Your Highness."
I haven't even made a public appearance with Loik yet.
Though this wasn't a strictly formal event, there were many eyes watching. If I took Lucion’s hand and entered now, it might make us look like partners, making it difficult to readily accept his proposal.
Perhaps reading the hesitation on my face, Lucion said as if making an excuse, "The audience will likely only enter once Your Highness has made your entrance."
"Ah, is that so?"
Lucion’s Adam’s apple bobbed slowly. His face was taut with tension, like someone who feared rejection. He looked anxious, as if he were desperate for confirmation that he wasn't hated.
Well, I suppose this much is fine.
It would also look awkward to refuse an escort offered by Prince Lucion, a high-ranking guest from another kingdom. As I nodded and reached out my hand, Lucion’s face brightened with childlike joy.
"It is an honor."
Just as he reached out to take my hand—
"His Grace the Grand Duke has arrived!"
Startled by the voice echoing through the theater, I whipped my head around.
An imposing physique that made even the large theater entrance look narrow. Sharp features framed by swept-back black hair. A heavy dignity that radiated from every stride.
A version of the 'Grand Duke of Blenheim' that felt somewhat unfamiliar compared to the usual Loik entered the theater. Knights in full dress uniform followed behind him in perfect formation.
While everyone in the theater stood frozen in shock, a voice rang out.
"...Greetings to His Grace the Grand Duke!"
As someone shouted with a trembling voice, the nobles simultaneously knelt or curtsied in respect. Aside from the rustle of dresses, not even the sound of breathing could be heard.
Even for the nobility, except for the vassals and major families, most of the noblewomen were essentially meeting their liege lord for the first time.
Loik walked between Lucion and me, both of us equally stunned. I stared blankly at Loik with a foolish expression, not even realizing I was being called.
A pale purple cravat and a sophisticated white jacket. Over it, a deep purple cloak was draped. It was a suit that perfectly complemented my pale purple dress.
It was an outfit that might have seemed almost too delicate for a man with such broad shoulders and a powerful frame, yet perhaps because of that very contrast, it suited Loik perfectly.
His cool yet tender eyes crinkled softly as he looked at me.
"I apologize for being late."
Loik took my hand, which had been hovering awkwardly in the air, and gently pulled me toward his side.
Lucion’s brow furrowed slightly.
With a soft curve to his lips, Loik then turned to address the assembly.
"Lift your heads."
The nobles who had been paying their respects looked up. Those who saw Loik up close let out silent gasps of admiration and awe.
"The Grand Duchess has worked tirelessly day and night to prepare this event. Until now, in Blenheim, there has been little for you to enjoy..."
While Loik’s firm voice echoed through the lobby, I stared up at his profile in a daze.
Why was Loik here? He had clearly said he was too busy today to even see me off.
The knights came, but still...
With so many women around, what if he bumped into someone? Did he push himself this hard just to bolster my standing?
My throat went dry with worry.
"I hope you all have an enjoyable time."
At Loik’s final words, the nobles bowed once more.
"May the Goddess’s glory be upon you both...!"
Loik turned his head and gave Lucion a nonchalant glance.
"Does Prince Lucion have business with my wife?"
"Ah, I was simply going to escort Her Highness..."
Lucion’s eyes wavered, seemingly flustered by Loik’s unexpected appearance.
"I appreciate the sentiment, but..."
Loik spoke as he gently interlaced his fingers with mine.
"Naturally, I should be the one to escort my wife. Annette, shall we head in?"
"...Then, Prince, please enjoy the show."
I moistened my dry lips and began to walk with Loik.
The nobles' gazes remained fixed on us, as if Loik’s appearance had been a monumental shock. I stole a glance upward; his handsome features were even more pronounced beneath his swept-back black hair.
Feeling my heart race for some reason, I squeezed Loik’s hand tightly.
As soon as we entered the Royal Room and were alone, I hurriedly drew the curtains.
"It is the day of Annette’s first performance; how could I, as your husband, stay away? Are you perhaps not happy to see me?"
Loik let his eyes droop, feigning a pitiful look.
"That’s not what I mean. How could you just show up like this! Do you know how many noblewomen were out there?"
"But I couldn't help it. I wanted to see Annette."
"No matter how much you wanted to see me...!"
I was about to arch my eyebrows at his overly nonchalant attitude when Loik, who had been watching my reaction playfully, gave a gentle laugh.
"Annette, it’s alright now."
"What do you mean it’s alright! What if...!"
His large hands firmly grasped both of mine.
"It really is alright now."
Caught by the intensity in his gaze, I finally sensed something different and paused.
"I think I am a truly lucky man," Loik said softly, gently tucking a stray lock of hair behind my ear. "Because of my lovely wife, even the curse has been broken."
The curse was broken?
"Then... you’re really okay now?"
I looked at Loik with a dazed expression. He didn't have to avoid people anymore? He didn't have to hide? He could walk around like a normal person?
"Annette, why are you crying?"
Cupping my face, Loik carefully wiped away my tears with his thumbs.
I was crying? Only then did I feel the hot tracks streaming down my cheeks.
"I think... I’m crying because I’m so happy."
My voice trembled at the end.
"Thank you, Annette," Loik said, tenderly kissing my eyes. "I’ve been wanting to say this."
You are the greatest blessing of my life.
Overwhelmed by an unbelievable happiness, I slowly closed my eyes.