Chapter 30

Chapter 30: Wife (2)

Only after the voice repeated itself did Aran take notice of it and raised her head belatedly. It was Duke Silas. She was a little relieved. Though she was uncomfortable around him, he was much easier to deal with than other aristocrats who put on no pretense.

“I apologize. My mind was veering off to somewhere. What did you need, Duke?”

“Congratulations, Your Majesty.”

“Thank you,” Aran gave a light nod.

Duke Silas smiled.

The women’s eyes placated on Enoch turned to Duke Silas this time. Though overshadowed by Enoch’s fame, he, too, was a beautiful-looking man. He was a more delicate and academic man compared to Enoch’s manliness. 

“Time flies, Your Majesty. It’s already been a year.”

“That’s true.”

Aran couldn’t agree with his remark. To her, the year felt longer than all the years she had lived. Only a year has passed and already she was tired and worn out, suffocated thinking how much more of these days she’ll have to spend.

“Your Majesty, I have a feeling that you don’t seem to enjoy these sorts of banquet these days.”

“No, that can’t be. I’m happy to have so many of you here celebrate for my sake.”

Duke Silas lies went on deaf ears. He smiled as if knowing the truth.

Aran hesitated a little then parted her lips to say words of thanks.

“Marquis Bjorn—”

“Why not dance again, Your Majesty?” Duke Silas said, interrupting.

Aran, who thought it was him being courteous, casually replied, “Do you not have a suitable partner?”

“Aren’t you one, Your Majesty?” 

“Me? As your partner?” 

Aran was a little surprised.

Duke Silas nodded.

Unconsciously, she looked back at Enoch sitting next to her. Enoch didn’t look at Aran. He was preoccupied with the guests. 

Of course. This was normal. They were neither lovers nor engaged. Just as it was none of Aran’s business to interfere with Enoch’s affairs, it was also the case for him. She hesitated for a moment before accepting the duke’s offer. It was also uncomfortable to sit tight like this not doing anything.

“We can for a while.”

“Thank you for granting me this dance, Your Majesty.”

Duke Silas smiled and reached out his hand. Aran carefully placed her hand on top of his.

Enoch never looked her way till she rose from her seat and moved to the center of the hall. 

Aran moved along the duke’s lead, trying not to be conscious of his presence.

Duke Silar was considerate of his partner, and Aran, who was awkward, gradually relaxed. The dance was comfortable. There was no tension in the dance compared to Enoch.

“Thank you for speaking to Marquis Bjorn. I know it wasn’t easy to deal with. Regardless, I appreciate your effort,” said Aran.

“I didn’t do anything big that would warrant your gratefulness. All I said was a simple greeting. It was the Grand Duke who persuaded the marquis.”

“Regardless, you came forward and mustered the courage to face them. It’s quite brave of you.”

On that day… when she slapped Enoch on the cheek, Aran wanted to throw everything away and run away to a place where no one would find her. She was grateful the duke appeared wanting to help her.

Suddenly, she felt apologetic. 

She was overly insensitive and cold to him that day.

Duke Silas looked at Aran, her face a little sullen with remorse. She looked real pretty.

“Sometimes I wonder…”

Aran looked up. 

“What?”

“…Your innermost thoughts. I often feel like you’re walking the hard road on purpose,” Duke Silas said.

Aran laughed bitterly.

“What person in their right path would want to take the difficult path? There’s no easy option.”

“Aren’t you making a choice right now, Your Majesty?”

“It’s not an option. It seems like it from an outside onlooker. Do you think there’s an emperor and empress able to turn a blind eye to the people of the empire due to the sensibilities of the aristocracy?” Aran’s voice was unusually clear and sharp.

“I know I look incompetent, but if I don’t step up, they’ll squeeze the blood of the people in cold blood without care.”

However incompeted Aran was as an empress, she would never forget her duties and responsibilities to the people. 

Duke Silas remained silent for a while. 

‘Maybe he’s laughing,’ Aran thought.

“Your Majesty, I’m afraid that if you hadn’t ascended the throne… then you’d have become a revolutionary.”

It was an unexpected remark. Aran looked up at Enoch. His eyes were as blue as the clear sky on a clear day.

“Emperor, empress, and revolutionary… isn’t it too extreme? And if someone like you who thinks herself incompetent, then you’re bound to fail long before it starts,” Duke Silas answered, smiling. “I’m sure your revolution won’t ever become a success.” 

Aran missed the moment to scold the duke for his bluntness, agonizing whether he was making fun of her.

“You need to become an inspiration to the people, Your Majesty.”

“…Are you mocking me right now?”

“I’m not joking.”