Chapter 105.1

The fourteen-year-old Duke Kyar was a silent, cold boy in Helena’s memory. After the death of Her Highness, Duke Kyar became more reticent,

The fourteen-year-old Duke Kyar was a silent, cold boy in Helena’s memory.

After the death of Her Highness, Duke Kyar became more reticent, yet Helena still couldn’t read the emotions in his countenance.

She still couldn’t believe that the Archduke could regard someone warmly even as she watched the peculiar scene herself.

After confirming that Isabella had fallen into a deep sleep, Duke Kyar spoke to Helena in a low voice, “Marc must have called you.”

“Yes. I found out that the butler had to prepare for the upcoming  festival and wedding by himself.”

“Marc did something  unnecessary.” Duke Kyar muttered to himself as if he didn’t like Helena being here in Rubella Castle.

“Now I know you’re here. Isabella hadn’t told me anything. Have you taught my fiance some etiquette lessons?”

“Yes, I just taught her the basics—”

“You don’t have to.” Duke Kyar cut her off, and Helena’s pupils trembled from the disrespect.

“What?”

“I don’t want you to teach Isabella ‘etiquette’ and ‘self-discipline.’ She is oblivious about these things, and you are making it hard for her to marry me for no reason.”

“But if you want to introduce her to the aristocratic society—”

Helena pursed her lips under the Archduke’s scrutiny.

The stark possession in those eyes rendered her speechless.

“That’s not going to happen.”

It was clear that Duke Kyar had no intention of introducing Isabella to other noblemen.

The son must have inherited this terrible obsession from his father.

Helena sighed inwardly when he realized that Duke Kyar’s obsession was stronger than the previous Archduke.

Isabella suddenly raised her head and told Duke Kyar. “I’m not tired yet.”

Helena and Duke Kyar assumed that she had already fallen asleep.

“Of course, I hated wearing fancy ball gowns and high heels, but I am still eager to learn about proper etiquette from Mrs. Constantine, Your Highness. I felt guilty that she had to teach me when I knew nothing.

“When did you wake up?” Duke Kyar asked Isabella with a slight frown.

“I woke up by the time you stated,  ‘Marc did something unnecessary.’” Isabella even tried to mimic Duke Kyar’s monotone as she said it.

Smirking, the Archduke caressed Isabella’s silver hair gently.

“Are you sure you’re not tired?”

“I’m not that tired, but these uncomfortable shoes will have to go, Your Highness. I only want to wear them during the wedding and other special occasions.”

“You don’t have to wear them during those events if you don’t want to.”

“My wedding will only happen once in a lifetime so it would be better to look my best on that special day. Oh, I mean… it didn’t have to be just once.” Isabella murmured jokingly.

Duke Kyar’s spine turned stiff, and his face also hardened.

“I’m kidding, Your Highness. You will be the only man I will love for the rest of my life.”

Duke Kyar felt relieved the instant he saw her smile.

Helena shook her head at the two lovebirds.

Both seemed to have forgotten her existence when she was just right there.

**

Marc cast Duke Kyar a nervous glance when he handed him the research report he had made for the festival.

“I think this is a good idea. Let’s move on.” The Archduke told him, and Marc sighed inwardly.

Duke Kyar seemed satisfied with their output.

“Yes, Your Highness. But is your arm okay?” Marc asked, concerned.

He heard from the Chief Knight of the First Order that Duke Kyar acquired a minor injury on his left arm during the beast hunting expedition.

“I’m all right. It’s not that serious. Just don’t tell Isabella about this.”

“Yes, Your Highness. I’m glad you’re fine.” Marc said, and the corner of the Archduke’s lips curved upward.

“So, did you feel more at ease with the responsibilities I gave you when Helena arrived in Rubella?” Duke Kyar asked rather pointedly, hating that Marc had asked for help from Mrs. Constantine.

“I apologize for not  consulting you in advance, Your Highness.”

“You are lucky that Isabella told me she could handle her.”  Duke Kyar told him, and his horse sighed softly in agreement.

Marc appeared tense when he regarded the Archduke.

“You shouldn’t go out, Your Highness. You need to rest for a while.”

Duke Kyar looked exhausted.

Maybe, the beast hunting expedition had become increasingly difficult to handle.

Marc lowered his head and exited Duke Kyar’s room, but he ran into Isabella instead, who stood there on the other side of the threshold.

Did she hear all the conversations he and Duke Kyar had earlier?

Isabella’s expression was quite strange.

Isabella bowed to Marc, opened the Archduke’s bedroom door, and went inside.

“Why are you here again—” Thinking it was the butler, Duke Kyar asked him bluntly without pausing to find out who it was, but he was embarrassed to see Isabella standing before him instead.

“Isabella?”

“I heard you got hurt, Your Highness.”

“You must have heard that outside my bedroom.” He muttered.

Duke Kyar broke into a sad laugh to dispel the awkwardness.

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