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The Alvinith family was a highly reputed household with a lineage of archmages, so the duke’s words carried quite a lot of weight.
The moment the duke uttered his inquiry, the people who followed that household like puppets soon chimed in and said, one by one, ‘Come to think of it…’
The looks on their faces were laughable.
Nevertheless, everyone seemed to have enough sense not to go against the queen’s decision.
Well, there’s no need to spare those spineless people any concern. At the very least, I wasn’t perturbed because it’s something I was already expecting to happen.
I had already prepared a response in advance, but before I could speak, someone did so before me.
“I can explain that.”
Standing next to me as though to protect me, Theodore spoke up and looked straight at Duke Alvinith.
I was inwardly embarrassed, but I didn’t let this show. When I glanced up at him, I saw his side profile, and it was obvious that he was quite serious.
His unwavering gaze seemed to assure anyone who saw his gaze that he was speaking only the truth.
However…
‘What are you going to explain? And how?’
He couldn’t have known why I suddenly manifested spiritual powers.
Besides that, it’s still unknown whether my spiritual sensitivity would return. Maybe it was just a temporary phenomenon.
In the absence of certainty, what I was afraid of was that Theodore would utter inappropriate statements.
But still, he spoke very confidently.
“Someone who’s on intimate terms with a spirit contractor often manifests spiritual sensitivity in the long run. That’s the case for my wife as well.”
The crowd began to stir. Most of them looked as if they couldn’t understand.
…Well, that’s only natural.
After all, there’s this famous anecdote going around that almost everyone knows—that Duke and Duchess Valentino had a terrible marital relationship.
“Intimate…”
“Um, well, it wasn’t like that before. But today, it seems like the two of them are on good terms.”
“Still though… Spiritual sensitivity isn’t something that’s so easy to manifest.”
It was apparent to these people that we seem to be on good terms lately, but doubts remained in their minds. This was due to the preexisting impression they already had of the duke and duchess’ relationship.
However, Theodore continued to insist with a determined tone, perhaps trying to push his argument forward.
“My wife gained spiritual sensitivity for one reason, and that’s because I care for her very dearly.”
Duke Alvinith reacted with blatant incredulity.
Standing beside him, Adeline was smiling as usual, but her face was completely pale.
“Yes, it does look to me like he cares about the Duchess very much.”
Queen Ellemiel helped Theodore. When she looked alternately between me and Theodore with her gentle gaze, I naturally smiled back.
Inwardly, I was just completely baffled.
After the commotion was settled, the memorial service was quickly conducted and ended.
As we left the hall, I was nervous the entire time that Hessen might come and pick a fight. But he just stood far away from us and kept glaring at Theodore.
‘…Owen must have returned to the Everett residence first.’
I don’t see him anywhere, so he probably left already.
…If it was like before, Hessen would have followed after Owen. But seeing as he didn’t, maybe there really was some kind of conflict between them.
“……”
Without my knowledge, one corner of my lips went up.
I couldn’t help but feel delighted just thinking that they had a falling out.
I couldn’t control my expression, so I hurriedly moved. But then, my eyes caught sight of Adeline, who was standing on the other side of the room.
“……”
At that moment, chills came up my spine.
…And a smirk was still pasted on my lips.
I smoothed it over and changed it to a polite smile, however, Adeline’s blue eyes were like a sharp blade that seemed to cut right through me.
‘…How do I put this.’
…It felt as if the kind of animosity she held towards me had changed into something else.
* * *
Theodore was swept away by the crown prince, and now they were sitting at the same table, drinking together. People were now drinking in memory of the departed knights.
Of course, however, people wouldn’t just drink in this place.
In any case, thanks to this, he’s not constantly bothering me anymore. Thank goodness. I can finally breathe a little.
With Charlotte’s help, I changed into a nightgown and lay down on the bed. We’re probably going to return to the Valentino residence tomorrow morning.
‘…Return, huh…’
I began to question what the right word for it was. A place to return to was often called ‘home’, but that’s not something that I had.
‘Whatever. Just rest.’
I stopped thinking and closed my eyes. Charlotte lit up some incense in advance so that I could sleep a little.
And at some point, I fell asleep.