Mr. You's fictitious marriage

Chapter 10

Upon the grand entrance of the duchess dowager's exquisite abode, a multitude of elegant carriages, adorned with lavishly dressed nobility, found themselves entangled in a bit of a traffic jam. In the midst of this predicament, Qin Jiu observed with great amusement as You Huo, concealed behind a plain white mask, rolled his eyes. He fought valiantly against bursting into a merry laugh on impulse.

"Do not let your spirits falter, my dear; we shall merely grace the company with our presence, partake in the savory of delicacies, and promptly withdraw."

You Huo acknowledged his words with a brief inclination of the head, undoubtedly already yearning for the comforts of their home.

He found himself rather disinterested in the prospect of attending a masquerade ball. The enchanting notion of encountering an enigmatic figure concealed beneath an intricate disguise and succumbing to an irresistible passion only to forever remain ignorant of their true identity seemed to be the latest fashion in contemporary literature, hence why it captivated the fancy of the esteemed Duchess.

In the grand ballroom, a sea of elegantly adorned guests swayed and twirled to the enchanting melodies that filled the air. Donned in their finest attire—expensive waistcoats, shimmering silk gowns, and delicate lace. It was as if they had been transported to the vibrant streets of Venice itself, for there were masks aplenty and even full carnival costumes, adding to the spectacle. The room dazzled with a kaleidoscope of hue, as vibrant colors clashed and mingled amidst the flickering candlelight. Rich fabrics whispered secrets of opulence, while plumages adorned hats and fans with audacious flair. The glimmer of precious jewels danced upon every wrist and bust.

In the prime of her youth, the duchess was celebrated for her exquisite beauty and unrivaled fashion sense. As the years advanced, however, and the sands of time began to mark her countenance, one might have expected a change in her attire—a shift towards modesty and grace. Yet, to the surprise of many, the duchess continued to adorn herself in lavish and ostentatious garments, reminiscent of a young débutante making her grand entrance into society. Such extravagant behavior was not commonly seen in a lady of her age, but the duchess remained unyielding in her determination to defy the expectations placed upon her by society.

Amongst the social elite, she was regarded as an eccentric soul, one who paid little heed to the judgments and opinions of others. Her suppers were renowned for their unconventional fare—a conspicuous absence of meat dishes. As the guests indulged in delectable appetizers and tantalizing morsels, rumors swirled through the ballroom, whispering tales of an occasion when Lady Catherine, in a fit of annoyance, commanded half of her esteemed guests to depart from her presence. Such audacity and defiance against convention only added to her enigmatic allure.

Qin Jiu delicately placed a delectable almond macaroon before his husband, coaxing him to savor its exquisite flavors. As their taste buds were enticed by the scrumptious snack, their tranquil moment was abruptly interrupted by the arrival of none other than the illustrious duchess and her entourage.

Her extravagant gown was a little bit diffused by the infamous apron embroidered with peregrinate patterns she so much loved to wear, even despite the master of ceremonies open indignation.

Qin Jiu and You Huo greeted the duchess, whose countenance betrayed a distinct air of animosity. They exchanged glances, guessing what they had done to make her so openly dissatisfied.

"I'm surely supposed to thank you, our new war hero, for bringing that loner here, am I not?" When the esteemed duchess spoke to Qin Jiu, her arched chin gave the impression that the petite woman was looking down on him, who was much taller.

"Ah, Your Grace," he exclaimed, "I dare not lay claim to such a title as 'hero,' for it would diminish the valor of true champions. Nay, in my eyes, to bestow such praise upon me would be akin to hailing every butcher as a savior of men. Would you not agree?" A fleeting expression of sadness intermingled with a glimpse of a self-deprecating smile he permitted to briefly show on his face.