Wicked Husband-Chapter 74 - 73

Meeting her father in the Imperial Palace felt surreal to Eileen.

She had been planning to visit him herself to issue another stern warning, but she never anticipated that he would appear on his own accord.

The Grand Duke must have brought him...

Eileen glanced at Baron Elrod, who looked as though he might collapse at any moment, before subtly shifting her gaze. Their eyes met, and a faint smile flickered in Cesare’s eyes. With his long legs swiftly covering the distance, he reached Eileen in just a few strides.

Cesare first pulled Eileen into his embrace, wrapping his arms around her waist. Without hesitation, he lowered his head and kissed her cheek.

A restrained gasp rippled through the crowd that had gathered, their attention riveted by Cesare’s open display of affection.

Despite the intense scrutiny, Cesare, accustomed to being the center of attention, paid no heed to the onlookers. He smiled warmly as he gazed down at Eileen.

"My wife has finally arrived."

Eileen was momentarily taken aback by the embrace and kiss but quickly allowed a soft smile to form on her lips.

In his arms, everything felt right. The anxiety and unease that had plagued her seemed to melt away. All that mattered was Cesare’s presence.

Though she longed to stay in his embrace, she reluctantly pulled away. Pretending to adjust her hair, she discreetly tried to hide the faint flush on her ears.

"Thank you for coming to get me," she said, turning first to Cesare and then to her father. Baron Elrod looked at Eileen with a mixture of surprise and disbelief, as though he were struggling to recognize his daughter.

Given that he had only ever seen her with messy bangs and glasses, her polished appearance must have seemed unfamiliar. Eileen thanked her father for coming, even though she had not expected his presence. She maintained a calm demeanor, as if his arrival had been part of the plan all along.

Seeing this, a glimmer of amusement flashed in Cesare’s eyes, a smile that clearly indicated he found something amusing.

Is my act really that unconvincing?

Eileen had tried her best, but it seemed her performance hadn’t been entirely convincing. As she glanced nervously at Cesare, he gave her hand a reassuring squeeze, silently acknowledging her effort.

Finally, Cesare turned his attention to Duke Farbellini and Ornella, who had been overlooked until now.

***

Cesare paused, silently observing Duke Farbellini and Ornella. His height naturally gave him a commanding presence, making him appear to look down on them.

The Imperial Palace was abuzz with nobles from across the capital, gathered to see the Grand Duchess Erzhet. As Cesare watched them quietly amidst the crowd, Duke Farbellini, unable to withstand the silence any longer, was the first to speak.

"Your Grace, Grand Duke Erzhet."

The Farbellini family had long been esteemed as a leading political force in the Traon Empire. As a seasoned politician, Duke Farbellini concealed his emotions behind a courteous smile.

"Congratulations. The seventh day has finally arrived."

The Duke’s intent was clear: to exchange formal pleasantries and then withdraw gracefully, avoiding any further entanglement now that Cesare had arrived.

However, Cesare had no intention of letting the Duke leave so easily. He stepped forward, bringing Baron Elrod, who had been trembling behind him, into the spotlight.

Eileen, who had been trying hard to maintain her composure, flinched involuntarily. Duke Farbellini and Ornella also showed momentary surprise, their gazes faltering.

It was almost unheard of for a mere baron to be introduced into a conversation involving a duke, his daughter, and a grand duke.

"Please, exchange greetings," Cesare said with a twisted smile. Duke Farbellini, though clearly taken aback, masked his discomfort and extended his hand to Baron Elrod for a handshake.

Under normal circumstances, Baron Elrod wouldn’t have had the opportunity to even meet someone of the Duke’s status. Now, they stood facing each other, shaking hands as if they were equals. This was a considerable blow to Duke Farbellini, who had lived his entire life with a sense of noble superiority.

Since Baron Elrod was the father of Grand Duchess Erzhet and Cesare had personally suggested the introduction, refusing to shake hands would have been awkward. Thus, Duke Farbellini reluctantly complied.

Eileen watched nervously as Duke Farbellini’s gaze remained cold while he shook hands with her father. Despite his apparent distress, Baron Elrod managed to complete the handshake.

Ornella appeared ready to speak but was restrained by Duke Farbellini, who placed a hand on her arm. With a faint smile, he addressed Cesare.

"I didn’t realize how much Your Grace cherishes your wife."

Cesare responded to the pointed remark with casual indifference.

"They say a man might sell his country when he’s madly in love."

The crowd gasped sharply. Such an audacious statement from a noble was both shocking and, in its intensity, surprisingly romantic.

Cesare, the only one in uniform among the formally attired gentlemen, appeared even more striking. His open declaration of love was met with blushes and small gasps from the ladies and noblewomen present.

Those enthralled by gossip and romantic novels seemed to revel in the dramatic scene unfolding before them. Duke Farbellini, cast in the role of the villain, stiffened under Cesare’s gaze.

Cesare looked down at the Duke with evident pleasure and continued.

"Recently, there have been rumors in the capital that I’ve gone mad. It seems you’ve been slow to catch wind of them, Duke."

"...Your Grace, Grand Duke Erzhet, why would you say such a thing?"

"It’s true, so don’t worry about it."

Cesare’s admission of madness left Duke Farbellini with no retort. As the Duke hesitated, Cesare made a slight, deliberate bow.

The sudden closeness caused Duke Farbellini to instinctively recoil. Though it was a reflex, the retreat was humiliating and left him trembling, his eyes betraying his discomfort.

Cesare’s expression remained impassive as he fixed his gaze on the Duke. Eileen felt as though she were being reprimanded and held her breath.

Cesare’s vivid red eyes seemed to threaten anyone who met his gaze. It was well-known that his intense stare was not merely a dramatic effect but a genuine source of discomfort for most people, who struggled to maintain eye contact.

Though Duke Farbellini managed to keep his composure, the tremor in his fingertips was evident. After a moment of intense staring, Cesare finally spoke.

"Thank you for your congratulations, Duke."

He offered a crooked smile, as though mocking the tense Duke, before concluding the brief encounter.

"I trust you will continue to bless our marriage in the future."

It was a veiled threat. Before Duke Farbellini could respond, Cesare turned and walked away.

As Eileen followed Cesare, she glanced back and saw the Duke and Ornella glaring at them with evident fury, while Diego awkwardly attended to her bewildered father, who trailed behind.

Satisfied that her father was alright, Eileen’s attention returned to Ornella.

"Eileen!"

Ornella called out Eileen’s name with a clear, ringing voice. Smiling brightly as if playfully teasing a friend, she spoke as if the earlier glare had never happened.

"I’m looking forward to the tea party invitation!"

Even Eileen, who often missed subtle cues, understood the implication. Mentioning the tea party in front of everyone was a deliberate move to make it impossible for Eileen to back out, drawing her into Ornella’s social circle.

However, Ornella was unaware that Eileen had already included her name on the guest list for the tea party.

Cesare paused for a moment, and Eileen took a discreet breath. Matching Ornella’s bright smile, she responded warmly.

"Of course. I’ve already prepared the invitation."

Just as Ornella had addressed her without honorifics, Eileen did the same.

"Please make sure to come, Ornella."

Ornella’s eyes widened slightly in surprise at being addressed so familiarly, but she quickly softened into a sweet, sherbet-like smile and replied.

"I will be waiting."

Eileen turned away quickly, gripping Cesare’s hand tightly. Her response had been a calculated effort, and she lacked the confidence to continue the conversation.

Cesare chuckled softly and resumed walking with Eileen, whispering as he did.

"Shall we go somewhere less crowded?"

Her heart pounded from the confrontation with Ornella. Eileen pressed a hand to her chest and quickly nodded in agreement.

"Yes...!"

The journey to a quieter spot proved challenging, with people continuously approaching them. Some couldn’t be ignored, so Eileen and Cesare had to exchange pleasantries and engage in brief conversations.

Eileen felt genuine relief when they encountered Count Domenico. He had spotted her from afar and hurried over, nearly tripping in his eagerness.

His warm and enthusiastic reception was so endearing that, despite herself, Eileen couldn’t help but think of him as a large, affectionate dog.

The encounter with someone so friendly put Eileen at ease, allowing her to engage with others more comfortably.

Finally, they reached a secluded area in the garden, where Cesare positioned Eileen under a large flowering tree.

"Wait here for a moment."

Cesare then nodded to Diego, who promptly brought her father to stand beside her before returning to Cesare’s side.

Cesare stood at a respectful distance, ensuring that Eileen and her father were within view but out of earshot, and began conversing with Diego.

Eileen turned awkwardly to her father. It had been a week since she had last seen him, right after the wedding. Although the time apart wasn’t long, it felt as if several months had passed.

"Father, have you been well...?"

Before Eileen could finish her sentence, her father leaned in, whispering urgently.