The Duchess and the Devil - Chapter 45.2

Killard extended his hand – quickly and decisively, as if he was in a hurry to get somewhere. The gesture was also extremely strange, because it was used when asking to accompany a lady or dance. However, it was intended only for unmarried women. That is why asking Judith for her hand when she is already married is an extreme dishonor. The Emperor’s actions could cause a great misunderstanding, which the Duchess was too concerned about.

Even if you just touch a married woman, this is already a big problem. So what can we say about gestures of this kind? A dilemma flourished in my head. Biting her lip, Judith quickly took the Emperor’s hand and turned her palm over so that the back of it was on top. The Duchess did it as carefully as she could, so that people behind her would never notice anything.

Although Judith didn’t notice, Killard’s eyebrows quirked as if he didn’t like it.

“Thank you very much for giving me the glory of the second blessing, Your Majesty.” Countless eyes watched them.

If Judith did something wrong now, things would definitely get out of control. It would likely be within a day, if not a few hours, that rumors of a love triangle or something similar would spread. Even when the Duchess simply imagined it, her heart was beating like crazy.

She had already been embroiled in many scandals due to Derrick’s lifestyle in the past, and now she could be at the epicenter with the Emperor himself, so it wouldn’t end well.

“I wish you good luck, Emperor,” the girl touched his palm with her lips, as was customary, and then, having finished the greeting, pulled away, lifting her hem.

The Emperor grinned and turned away without looking at Judith. The Duchess was surprised at Killard’s silence. The man sat down on his golden throne, which looked truly magnificent. It was prepared especially for the Emperor to highlight his importance and status. Only after he left was Judith able to exhale, trying to relax.

Under the Emperor’s intense, persistent and arrogant gaze, Judith underwent the consecration ceremony. Previously, the Duchess was only worried about how exactly this would go, but now she just wanted to finish everything as quickly as possible and go home. Today has been so tiring that it doesn’t even compare to the last trip to the Palace.

Usually, after the second consecrated person, his whole family walked. That’s why Derrick came next after Judith. Returning, the Duchess looked at him in surprise: he seemed incredibly stern, completely more menacing than usual. Confused, the Duchess said:

– Well… Now it’s your turn.

Now Judith didn’t even have time to ask why he had that face. All she had time to do was just take Derrick’s hand, showing with all her appearance that she was worried. The demon looked at her with a still stern gaze and turned sharply to the baptistery. Although Duchess tried not to worry, the fact that Derrick and Killard were getting close again couldn’t help but weigh on her.

“Judith,” when she focused on her leaving husband, Vincent, who was sitting next to her, called her.

– Yes?

– I want to talk about your husband…

He lowered his voice so no one could hear.

– Is it true that he lost his memory?

Derrick really didn’t remember anything, but Judith couldn’t understand her brother’s interest in him.

-What are you talking about?

Her golden eyes trembled.

Judith’s mind stopped in an instant from such an unexpected question, and Vincent looked with undisguised and lively interest at his sister. Now it was clear that she was only trying to hide the obvious truth. Even her confusion now once again confirmed this fact.

However, what was most confusing was Vincent’s behavior. He was never a very nice or friendly brother. Before marriage, they, of course, lived together. Then it was a hot, like fire, relationship. However, immediately after getting married and moving in with Derrick, this stopped. They exchanged rare letters on holidays. And at this time it seemed that Vinesen communicated with Derrick even more than with his own sister.

Of course, it all came down to a business relationship with her husband, but Judith also believed that this was also her brother’s own desire to move away. And now such a drastic change in behavior seemed extremely unexpected. And perhaps it is within him that there is a demon who is trying to pretend to be a loving brother.

– Why are you asking me this?

Still, Judith said, after thinking a little and choosing the optimal negotiation strategy.

Vincent frowned, as if he had heard something extremely strange. The Duchess carefully watched his every action.

– Why? Because I’m your brother.

Their gazes collided and it seemed that time around them slowed down.