I Became My Son's First Love

Chapter 40

"Of course, I am asking. We are heading to the Seratin Ducal House, after all. Even if it's only their villa, there are grounds for concern."

She was naturally concerned about visiting a house second only to the royal family.

Dane seems astonished with her reaction.

"You didn't seem all that flustered even at a ball where His Imperial Majesty was present."

"I tried not to show it. Do you know how nervous I was?"

"I thought you had a lot of nerve."

Eve looked down shyly at his unexpected response.

"Are you disappointed by my more vulnerable side?"

"No, it's a different kind of charm."

Dane casually responded, echoing Eve's joking tone and encouraging her not to worry.

"Ashers rarely become furious with someone she has shown favoritism to, so don't worry. The fact that she invited you to her villa indicates that she highly respects you."

Eve wasn't sure whether she should be glad or scared.

"What's the Ducal villa like?"

"Ashers frequently retreat there. According to rumors, it's a gorgeous area."

His assessment appeared speculative.

Eve tilted her head, curious.

"Have you never been there?"

"I have never been invited. Furthermore, the Seratin Ducal salons are conducted in their primary residence. The ducal villa is Ashers' private retreat."

"I'm worried about bringing you to such a personal place."

"Are you concerned about Ashers' reaction? This should be fine. She's not one for meaningless words."

Dane seemed to have no particular affection toward Ashers.

"Are you on better terms than I thought?"

"Right, yes. Even after our divorce, I frequently encounter Ashers in society. Come to think of it, the three of us have never met before."

Indeed, as Dane mentioned, Eve had not attended many social events and had never met Ashers at any dances or gatherings in the last three years.

"Yes, so I really didn't recognize her."

"Our relationship was not fantastic when we married, but it improved around the time we split. We're now on speaking terms."

"I assumed since you didn't seem to welcome Azazel, you naturally didn't get along with the Duchess as well."

Dane furrowed his brow.

"Azazel doesn't sit well with me. He feels more like the Emperor's blood than mine. Ashers is different."

Despite his likeness to Dane, mentioning the Emperor with Azazel revealed his emotions.

Eve considered delving deeper into their relationship, but she became disinterested when she remembered her own interactions with Azazel.

The carriage was immersed in silence as Dane grew silent, only disturbed when the scenery outside changed many times.

"You'd be better off worrying about Azazel than Ashers."

"Excuse me?"

"Azazel is... a little risky. He's been mysterious since he was young. Be careful around him."

Was Dane's instincts correct?

If Azazel were a normal person, he would not have approached Eve.

"...What business would I have with Azazel?"

"Indeed, that's right."

Despite the fact that Eve was already intimately involved with Azazel, she smiled sweetly as if unaware of everything.

***

Eve mentally prepared as the carriage approached the Seratin Ducal villa near the capital and not far from her own estate.

To avoid being persuaded by Azazel, she needed to keep her cool.

She had learned from previous experiences that reacting sensitively to every remark from Azazel simply resulted in being sucked into his tempo.

Although she didn't anticipate running into Azazel immediately after getting off the carriage, she figured it was best to be prepared.

Surprisingly, Azazel came out to greet them.

Azazel smirked as their eyes met.

"I'm glad we prepared a large carriage."

His smile faded when he turned to face Dane, and the contrast in his expression was painfully glaring.

"It's been a while, father."

"Yes, thanks for the invitation."

Instead of responding, Azazel returned his focus to Eve.

"Welcome, Lady Jenna."

Eve cast a peek at Dane, who appeared to overlook Azazel's disdain kindly.

"It's an honor to be invited, Lord Azazel."

Azazel took the guests to the villa, leaving the luggage with the maids.

Eve entered the Ducal villa, escorted by Dane.

The Seratin Ducal villa was modest but dignified rather than extravagant and spectacular.

"The painter and his pieces have already arrived. My mother is also present; is it okay to take you immediately to them?"

Eve nodded enthusiastically.

Being between the two most uncomfortable people appeared less tempting than going where Ashers and Rose were.

They made their way to the corridor where the paintings were kept.

The annexed corridor was as large and impressive as any art gallery, with brilliant walls ideal for showcasing artwork.

As they moved in, Ashers and Rose's voices became clear.

"This painting is finer than that one. Ah! Here they come."

Ashers, who had been speaking with Rose, walked briskly towards them.

While Ashers maintained a cheerful demeanor, Rose appeared to have lost sleep, with black circles beneath his eyes.

****