The ceremony was already close. Judith at this time conducted an investigation of Sylvia’s biographical data. Even before that, she collected information about the «mistress», but never noted many details, because now they need details. That’s why Judith decided to study everything carefully again.
However, the Duchess did not find anything new. Sylvia is the only daughter in the family who has now moved to the capital, and their influence is small. Derrick first met her at the Emperor’s birthday party. At the same time, the girl’s coming-of-age debut took place. The Duke fell in love with Sylvia at first sight, as soon as she appeared in the banquet hall in a luxurious dress. At this time, Judith was unwell, and she was resting in the common living room, and just being next to Derrick was a very tiring occupation for her. But the Duchess would never have thought that on this very day her husband would fall in love with another.
What if Derrick had run into Hannibal instead of Sylvie? And maybe it was love at all, but only obsession?
«It’s possible that Sylvia is actually Hannibal,» with a sigh, Derrick put down the papers provided by his wife and walked to the window. The room was stuffy.
It was still not obvious who exactly was the demon among these three, but each time Judith only suspected Sylvia more. And now the Duchess was worried – what might happen at their next meeting? After all, Derrick, Vincent, the Emperor and Sylvia will meet in the same place during the ceremony. Although Judith still wasn’t sure about the last one.
In total, the ceremony lasts four days, and the ranks are carefully selected. So, Dukes spend time with people of their status, and Sylvia is likely to be present only on the third or fourth day. And then she won’t be able to see the people from the first day.
Judith, until Derrick said that there was no God, hoped for one thing: the sacred power would work on Hannibal. Let it hurt her spouse a little, but they would know exactly which body the enemy is in. But now that hope has melted like ice in the sun.
«I can’t afford to suspect only her.»
«Yes, but the Emperor has a restriction on finding information.»
Besides them, there was only one person left–Judith’s brother. Suddenly, the Duchess remembered a recent event. The day Vinsen visited the mansion after Derrick’s rebirth. And it seemed to her extremely strange, because her brother is not the kind of person who wants to see the Duke often. He came only on certain days, once or several times a month. And for every visit, Vincent had a good reason.
This time Judith did not contact him first, his arrival was his own initiative. That’s why Vincent, like Sylvia, came under suspicion when she was circling around the mansion on the day of the funeral. However, my brother had a somewhat awkward expression on his face during dinner together. And moreover, his face after Derrick’s words about the baby was also surprising.
«You can feel Hannibal and his energy if you try, right?»
The question hung in the air as someone knocked on the door. The butler appeared in the doorway.
«Madam, you must prepare yourself,» after the man’s short words, the maids entered the room to help the Duchess.
Judith checked her pocket watch and realized that there wasn’t much time left before going to the temple. With a slow step, she went to the dressing table, carefully picked up her loose silver hair, applied colored makeup to make her face look bright, put on a white dress.
Judith finished her preparations and calmly looked at herself in the mirror. In such an outfit, it seemed that it was their wedding day. It was on that day that the Duchess had the same white dress and bright makeup.
«Like a bride,» Judith looked up, hearing the voice as she was choosing accessories.
Through the mirror, she saw Derrick leaning against the door. He was wearing a white suit, not black as usual. Gold leaf, which covered the entire tuxedo, emphasized the originality and elegant atmosphere of the nobility.
«Have you come yet? Are you probably uncomfortable in these clothes?» Judith asked, worried about her spouse.
However, Derrick just shrugged his shoulders.
«I’m not uncomfortable, but I don’t like it.»
«Why?»
«This suit is too white.»
Derrick’s nature, close to darkness, rejected bright and light colors. Most likely, it was something like an instinct. After that, the demon’s gaze turned to the box:
«Have you chosen the necklace yet?»
Unlike Judith, who had been lingering for several minutes, trying on one after another, Derrick took out the jewelry with a light movement.
«This will suit you.»
Derrick chose a necklace with a red ruby, which stood out even among unusual jewelry. This color resembled the eyes of a demon. Judith stared at the Duke in silence as he graciously snapped the ornament around her neck. The cold chain and the hot flesh contrasted with each other. A strange sensation sent goosebumps through my body.
The red color seemed exceptionally noticeable on the white dress. Up to this point, a calm and elegant image turned into a narcissistic and fascinating one. Derrick smiled, enjoying the beauty of his wife. However, Judith shivered, remembering the wedding day–the same dress, the same smile on the Duke’s face. It seemed as if she had just returned to the past.
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The only difference is that Derrick has changed a hundred and eighty degrees. And now it could be a great wedding.
«Derrick, we will definitely see the Emperor and my brother today.»
«I know.»
«If you feel anything strange, just tell me about it, okay?»
Derrick laughed at such a small figure, who was trying to look as important and menacing as possible at this moment.
«My wife wants to protect me? Calm down,» he still remained playful, which made Judith a little angry. She was annoyed by such an absurd attitude towards herself.
She, like the demon, may have plans and some kind of countermeasures if suddenly everything goes wrong, as Derrick himself planned. The Duchess’s nerves gave her a headache, which caused her to immediately rub her temple.
«Okay, just let’s be careful. If Hannibal is among those two, they may be trying to destroy you.»
«I understand.»
Finally, the couple left the mansion. Along the way, several maids and the butler noticed the red decoration and were surprised, because it was a very strange sight. The Duchess did not often wear such necklaces with such a provocative design.
Today, the sky, as on the day of the tea party, was clear. If it hadn’t been for the recent conversation with Derrick, Judith would have been sure that this was a good sign from the Lord. But now she doubted everything. She even had the thought that this was just a trick of the devil. Holding on to the thin hem, Judith sighed. She didn’t get a chance to rest at all.
The consecration ceremony is the largest celebration of all organized by the temple. That is why all the capital’s roads leading to the venue were so beautifully decorated. Vans with flags and patterns of each family were lined up at the entrance to the temple.
A sacred and solemn atmosphere was created in this place. It was as if all the people had come to visit the Lord himself. Not much time has passed since the last ceremony, but they are more grandiose time after time. And Judith, looking at it, was stunned every time.
Most of the rituals and celebrations took place in the inner temples, and only the consecration ceremony in the baptistery in the open air.
Religion is important in order to have a faith that affects all people, regardless of status. And there is no way to instill faith, except to show everything clearly. Therefore, the ceremony was held outdoors. So that not only the nobles could enjoy the view, but also ordinary citizens – outside the temple. This sight would only strengthen faith more.
The open-air round baptistery was decorated with statues of gods recorded in historical books, a fountain exquisitely carved from white silver, and a green flowerbed on which lilies and lavender were arranged.
And at the moment when the couple stepped onto the infinitely high staircase to enter the temple, all eyes were fixed on only one figure – Derrick.
«Wait… Isn’t that the Duke?»
As soon as they saw the man, everyone immediately rushed to him, as if he was the star of the day. Basically, these are people with whom Derrick did business and other things. Those who came up were dressed in the same white clothes as the spouses, but the demon looked like a neat snow leopard, while the rest were just blurred spots.
Looking at this, Judith did not understand whether the difference was really only in the form? Or is it still Derrick’s beautiful appearance?