The Duchess and the Devil - Chapter 98.2

As in other countries, in the Thirer Empire, gossip and rumors reigned among the aristocratic circle. And both recent trends are associated with Judith Lipis.

Of course, rumors that she was a killer quickly died down. Previously, the first topic for discussion was replaced by another. Everyone wondered what was going on between Judith and Duke Mexillion. The aristocrats put forward their version: he, who was never interested in women, fell in love with a girl at first sight at a banquet in the palace. The reason for this was Derrick’s behavior and the atmosphere between the couple.

– This is true? – Judith asked, biting the spoon raised to her lips.

– What? – Derrick asked, seeing his wife muttering something under her breath.

Now, when he had time, he came to the Duchess and brought a huge amount of various food. Of course, this was an unofficial visit, as always – with the use of magic.

And Vincent, the head of the mansion, knew nothing about this at all.

– That you buy all kinds of dresses and jewelry to give them to me.

“Eat it,” the snack that Derrick prepared today was cake.

He suddenly raised a large spoon to his wife’s mouth. And the Duchess obediently opened it, realizing that in order to answer, she would have to eat the offered piece. My mouth filled with sweet cream.

– Right.

– For what?

– This is a strange question.

Now no one saw the Duchess as their future wife. It was just a defective product that was sold and returned. In conservative Imperial society, the mere reason why Judith was divorced was enough to justify treating her that way. And now, as rumors of the murder subsided, new heated discussions of her affair with Derrick hovered around the Duchess.

And now her reputation didn’t seem so terrible. The Duke was quite powerful and wealthy enough to rule the Empire on his own. This situation made Judith curious.

After these events, aristocrats from the outskirts began to send her wedding proposals. The first to turn to Judith were the older children, who had never married due to some visible shortcomings. Of course, this is just the beginning. If Derrick’s courtship continues, men in the capital will start looking at the Duchess again.

“I bought them so you could choose a dress for the ball,” Derrick said, reminding his wife of the upcoming evening.

Vincent still did not allow Judith to attend the ball. After thinking about it, the Duchess decided to go to her brother’s office right away. Standing in front of the door, the girl was very worried. These days, Vincent was extremely scrupulous about his sister’s affairs. Vague rumors about the murder, of course, died down, but new ones surfaced immediately.

It was clear from Marquis’s entire appearance that he did not like Derrick at all. This happened after he and his sister kissed at the banquet. And Judith was well aware of the anxiety it caused.

– Brother, can I come in?

The surprised Marquis nodded but said nothing. With his permission, Judith entered the room and saw Vincent drinking still hot tea.

“You’re really healthy now,” he mentioned once again.

The Duchess’s eyes regained their will. Flabby and tired, like a corpse, the body gradually changed for the better. Compared to what Marquis had seen a month ago, his sister now looked absolutely beautiful. Judith smiled softly and said:

— I want to go to the ball.

Hearing the Duchess’s desire to actively participate in events and meetings, Vincent was overcome with joy. However, his face immediately changed:

– Ball? What should I do… I can’t attend because I have government business on that day.

– Everything is fine. Duke Mexillion has offered me a partnership.

– What? With whom?

The gentle voice immediately changed and resounded loudly throughout the office.