The Duchess and the Devil - Chapter 58.1

Judith understood Derrick’s intentions to quell the still smoldering rumors. On the one hand, she was grateful for this, but on the other, her husband only drew more attention to their family. Although her face did not show any emotion due to many years of social experience, wearing a mask of shamelessness, she still could not calmly talk to other nobles.

Now everyone around could think that Derrick was a truly loving husband. And people’s reactions were radically different. Some recalled the scandals surrounding the Duke with doubt on their faces, while others, curling their lips in a smile, watched the unexpected tenderness of the demon. Basically, these were women whose husbands, even in public, could not play the role of a wonderful loving family. However, Judith understood that tonight would be completely different from usual.

Often she even spent joint banquets in splendid isolation, surrounded only by the gaze of her enemies. It always felt stuffy and uncomfortable, which is why Judith checked her pocket watch a dozen times, unable to wait for the reception to end. But today she was not alone, and the enemy’s gaze was not aimed at her.

Their strong union served as a huge shield for Judith. Although it was awkward, it was many times better than the usual contempt. The Duchess hated the atmosphere of pretense and disrespect. The demon was cunning, like a fox, and this played to his advantage, once again helping Judith. The Duke kept putting his arm around her waist, pulling her closer to him each time.

That is why the interest of people who were harsh towards Judith was now piqued. They only watched her with slight curiosity, rather than the usual ridicule and contempt. Now the Duchess seemed not to be afraid of anything and could breathe calmly and deeply. Therefore, she felt like a person, and not a doll who must unconditionally hide her emotions.

And the environment did not change. The only thing that has changed is the man standing next to her. He protected her like a rock. Judith’s heart beat wildly from unexpected enlightenment. This was the first time she had felt something like this.

Derrick looked at his wife, then indifferently turned his gaze to the man next to her. The girl gently squeezed Judith’s little finger, drawing attention to herself. After that, she timidly and carefully released the Duchess. Such a soft gesture made Judith want to hug her immediately, but she couldn’t do it right now.

But if you show such feelings here and at such a time, the Duchess could get into trouble. Therefore, holding back with all her might, Judith gently suppressed the impulse and said:

– Lady?

– Yes…

The Countess looked at her.

– I wanted to know about the tea party… All the girls are very happy after it, so we wanted to know when you are going to hold it again?

– Oh, tea party?

– Yes! We hope to visit it before the hunting competition,” Judith opened her eyes wide in surprise.

— Are there any hunting competitions coming up?

-Didn’t you hear? It was said that spring would begin in a month. And from now on, the Imperial Palace will manage the restricted areas of Mount Beosan.

Beosan are dense mountains that extend beyond the borders of the Empire. Many wild animals live in them, which is why they are closed to ordinary people. The Countess’s husband is an Imperial official, which took Judith’s breath away, who was a little alarmed by such news.

Derrick, despite his conversation on a different front, supported his wife, stroking the back of her hand.

“Thank you,” she whispered, looking at him.

However, the conversation did not continue: a loud trumpet sounded. The guard at the entrance announced the appearance of a newly entered guest. Judith’s gaze turned to the entrance and met a small figure: brown hair and contrasting white skin. This is exactly the one she ran into a couple of days ago.