Chapter 147
Translator: Yonnee
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"Brother, Your Ladyship."
Aiden approached, his expression briefly creasing into a frown before smoothing out again. Being in a crowded place seemed to make his abilities act up, putting him on edge more than usual.
Just then, Irene reached out her hand to Aiden. Reflexively, he extended his hand to support hers, and a refreshing energy began to flow into him. Aiden now clearly recognized the type of sensation he was feeling.
"Thank you, Lady Irene."
"It's nothing. Don't be too hard on yourself. You can always just focus on yourself."
Her light advice seemed to completely relax Aiden. And there seemed to be a hidden power in her words. Ever since before, he felt strangely comforted whenever he heard Irene's voice.
"You look so beautiful today, Lady."
"Ahem, thank you."
"Thank you for coming with my brother."
"...Yes."
"Hmm, Aiden."
"Yes, Brother."
"Let's go in."
"Okay!"
Ciel spoke after Arthur and Helen had descended from their carriage and approached. The two of them watched Irene and Ciel, whispering to each other.
"Doesn't it feel like watching a pair of peacocks?"
"Peacocks... Well, our daughter is prettier, isn't she?"
"That's true, but..."
Ciel chuckled at their unabashed parental pride. He enjoyed being with Irene the most, but the time spent with her family was also precious.
As Ciel, Aiden, and the members of the Closch Barony moved, eyes from everywhere followed them, from palace servants to nobles.
The more attention they attracted, the tighter Ciel held Irene's hand. He didn't cease trying to use his large frame to shield her.
He was conflicted. On the one hand, He wanted to show her off as his own, yet on the other, wished to keep her away from everyone's gaze. How contradictory.
"Why are you acting like this?"
Annoyed by his large frame constantly blocking her view, Irene asked him.
"Huh?"
"Can you stop saying 'huh'? Why are you like this?"
"Huh, no. It's just that everyone is looking at you...."
"That's a great misconception. They aren't looking at me-they're looking at you."
Irene's surprising statement made Ciel's eyes widen.
"Me?"
"Of course. You're the most handsome man here, and you are a Duke. It's natural for people to look at you."
Irene whispered softly, but a hurt voice came from behind.
"My dear, am I not the most handsome anymore?"
"Exactly, I feel slighted. You used to say this brother of yours is cooler."
"You two, it's not polite to eavesdrop on others' conversations."
Helen's firm words made both Arthur and David pout simultaneously.
"This is the Imperial Palace. If you act as you do in our domain, I'll send you both right back!"
"Oh, I hear you. When have I ever ignored my wife's words?"
"What do you mean 'when'? Someone might think you never have."
"That's right, Father. I'm on Mother's side on this one."
"Be quiet, you. Didn't I tell you not to interrupt when your Mom and I are talking!"
"Why me? I am, after all, the eldest son of you two."
The lively chatter of the three quieted as they entered the palace, struck by the atmosphere of the banquet hall, which was different from the solemnity of the last coming-of-age ceremony. The grand chandeliers and the cascading champagne tower beneath them were a stark contrast.
"Oh my..."
As Helen exclaimed, Arthur tapped the back of her hand.
"His Highness the Crown Prince personally asked a favor from the Empress for this ball... Indeed, Her Majesty's touch is the best."
"True. Such a splendid banquet is a first for me."
Just as they were about to cross the threshold, the herald's announcement rang out.
"Entering! His Grace the Duke of Leopoldt, the Young Duke of Leopoldt, and the Baron and Baroness of Closch, along with their two children!"
The resounding announcement drew the eyes of the already present nobles. Curiosity and other emotions filled their gazes.
Once again, Ciel wanted to shield Irene with his body again, but fearing a scolding like before, his fingers just over her hand.
"Be good."
Irene whispered softly.
"Uh..."
"You think I haven't received such attention before? Aren't you worrying needlessly?"
"Have you often received such attention?"
Her words brought an unreasonable irritation. He knew Irene was popular, but he didn't want to be confronted with that fact. Then Irene replied with an incredulous voice.
"It was all because of you."
"...Because of me?"
"Yes. I thought you were pretending not to know, but you really didn't? I can't believe how oblivious you are."
Irene briefly recalled the past.
He attracted attention now, but how much more must he have received in Korea? His unique blue eyes alone drew stares, but it was his appearance that turned heads whenever he appeared, people's gazes clinging onto him like cicadas to a large tree.
