The Duchess and the Devil - Chapter 43.2

– Have you come already? You probably feel uncomfortable in these clothes? – Judith asked, worried about her husband.

However, Derrick just shrugged.

– 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 instinct. After which the demon’s gaze turned to the box:

—Have you already chosen a necklace?

Unlike Judith, who had already hesitated for several minutes, trying on one after another, Derrick took out the jewelry with a slight movement.

– This will suit you.

Derrick chose a red ruby ​​necklace that stood out even among the unusual jewelry. This color resembled the eyes of a demon. Judith silently looked at the Duke as he kindly snapped the jewelry around her neck. The cold chain and hot flesh contrasted with each other. A strange sensation sent goosebumps through my body.

The red color seemed exceptionally noticeable against the white dress. Until this moment, the calm and elegant image turned into a narcissistic and mesmerizing one. Derrick smiled, enjoying the beauty of his wife. However, Judith shuddered, remembering the wedding day – the same dress, the same smile on the Duke’s face. It was as if she had simply gone back in time.

The only difference is that Derrick has changed one hundred and eighty degrees. And now it could be a great wedding.

“Derrick, today we will definitely see the Emperor and my brother.”

– 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 that moment.

– My wife wants to protect me? Calm down,” he was still playful, which made Judith a little angry. She was irritated by such a ridiculous attitude towards herself.

She, like the demon, may have plans and some countermeasures if suddenly everything does not go as Derrick himself planned. The Duchess had a headache from her nerves, which is why she immediately rubbed 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. It wasn’t often that the Duchess wore necklaces like these with such a provocative design.

Today the sky, as on the day of tea, was clear. If not for her 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 deception of the devil. Holding the thin hem, Judith sighed. She couldn’t rest at all.

The dedication ceremony is the largest celebration organized by the temple. That is why all the capital’s roads leading to the venue were so beautifully decorated. Vans with flags and designs of each family were lined up at the entrance to the temple.

This place created a sacred and solemn atmosphere. 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 over and over again. And Judith, looking at this, was stunned every time.

Most of the rituals and celebrations took place in internal churches, and only the consecration ceremony took place in the baptistery in the open air.

Religion is important to have 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 the faith further.

The circular, open-air baptistery was decorated with statues of gods recorded in history books, a fountain exquisitely carved from white silver, and a green flower bed filled with lilies and lavender.

And at that moment, when the couple stepped onto the endlessly 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 were the star of the day. Basically, these are people with whom Derrick did business and other things. Those who approached were dressed in the same white clothes as the spouses, but the demon looked like a neat snow leopard, while the rest were just blurry spots.

Looking at this, Judith didn’t understand whether the difference was really only in shape? Or is it Derrick’s good looks?