# 78
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I was at a loss for words for a moment when I met her gaze. It was embarrassing enough for her to ask after seeing Ian and I holding hands, but the next question was really silly.
“What do you mean are we in a relationship?”
I blinked for a while in amazement before finally answering.
“Um, Your Highness. We are married, after all.”
"Yes."
After a few seconds, the princess let out a loud laugh.
'What was that reaction, like she just realized something?'
Just when I was about to be startled, the princess laughed, as if it didn't really matter.
"Anyway. I hope you two get along well! I'm rooting for you both."
“Not only the Emperor, but the Princess as well...”
I couldn't shake the feeling that Ian and I had somehow become a source of entertainment for this family.
❖ ❖ ❖
By the time we finally decided on the accessories the princess would wear for the celebration, it was already evening.
The strange dress-up game was only over when a servant knocked on the dressing-room door, reminding her that it was dinner-time.
When we went down to the banquet hall together, the Emperor, Empress, and Ian had already been seated.
We were embarrassingly late.
But the princess showed no discomfort upon seeing those already sitting. She sat quietly and shamelessly at the table while I, terrified, rushed to pay my respects.
“I apologize for being so late,”
“Hahaha, there is no need to worry,” the Emperor replied.
“I heard that you've been accompanying Louisa all day. I hope you're not too much trouble?”
Princess Louisa narrowed her eyes upon hearing his sly tone.
“Your Majesty, the Duchess was enjoying herf. She loves playing with me.”
Her playful tone and playful nature reflected her difference from Ian.
But Ian, in his own way, maintained a greater sense of decorum.
'Well, to be fair, Ian is better at maintaining his boundaries' I thought.
At least Ian maintains some decorum, unless the Emperor says something particularly strange.
“While I appreciate you entertaining the princess,” the Emperor continued, “perhaps you could spend the rest of your vacation with Ian. Why don’t you take a walk together?”
Didn't they ask me to visit the princess a while ago? The sudden change in their attitude left me searching for an appropriate response.
Before I could speak, the princess interrupted me again.
“Your Majesty, I did not interfere! I even told them to have a good time, but the Duchess followed me anyway. Earlier, I saw them holding hands….”
"Princess? Maybe it's time to sit down," I quickly interrupted her, forcing a smile as I covered her mouth.
'We don't need to announce that,' she thought anxiously.
But despite my quick intervention, the Emperor's eyes had already narrowed in suspicion.
“Hmm,”
He hummed, his gaze becoming more curious. His expression looked so similar to the princess's that I couldn't help but think, They're identical.
Like two peas in a pod.
“Were they holding hands?”
“Nothing like that,”
I said, quickly sitting next to Ian.
The Emperor, clearly enjoying the situation, smiled.
“I wish you both a happy and harmonious marriage.”
This family really doesn't need DNA tests. Their uncanny similarities - from appearance to way of speaking - were enough.
While I was thinking about this, the Emperor's attention turned back to Ian.
“Anyway, where were we?”
“You were discussing the invitation from the Nomos Empire, Your Majesty,”
“Ah, right. I would like you to visit Biblius Academy this summer. Since we have received an official invitation as the Levant Empire, it would be a good idea to show sincerity by sending someone.”
My spoon almost fell. She held it tightly and quickly looked up.
“…Biblius Academy?”
The Emperor, Empress, and Ian all turned to me in unison.
“Ah, the Duchess hasn't heard about it yet.”
The Emperor explained, setting down his cutlery.
“The Nomos Empire recently sent us an invitation. They are hosting the 100th anniversary of the Biblius National Academy and wanted to invite special instructors. Ian has been recommended as a fencing instructor.”
My grip loosened, and the spoon nearly slipped out of my hand again. I managed to catch it just in time.
“…Do they want Ian…as a teacher?”
The Publius National Academy was a prestigious institution in the Nomos Empire, offering comprehensive education in everything from sword fencing to magic, music, physical education, and the arts. Graduating with the Headmaster's Seal from Biblius Academy was a ticket to success anywhere on the continent.
But that wasn't the problem.
The problem was that Diana was there!!!
Diana, my dear heroine, was currently studying at the Biblius Academy, majoring in fashion design at the Faculty of Fine Arts. After being heartbroken by Ian's marriage, she immerses herf in her studies and is accepted into the academy. Diana was simply amazing.
'But that's not the point now.'
I came back to reality.
'Ian, are you going to Biblius Academy? This wasn't part of the original story!'
I screamed internally. The academy was vast, but if Ian accepted the invitation, word of his visit would undoubtedly spread. Diana will hear about it, and if they meet by chance...
What if they meet by chance and they are not prepared?!
Who knew what Ian would say in a situation like that?
Just thinking about it made my head hurt.
“Can I go with him?”
I said without thinking, still holding my spoon awkwardly.
Everyone turned to me again.
"Duchess? Do you want to go?"
"my lady?"
I can't let Ian go there alone. I nodded, determined.
"Well, yes! I've always wanted to visit Biblius Academy. It's the best educational institution, after all!"
The Emperor tilted his head curiously.
“Are you interested in higher education, Duchess?”
Before I could stutter out an excuse, the Empress leaned over and whispered something into the Emperor's ear, making him smile knowingly.
His gaze moved between Ian and me with a satisfied look.
“Ah, I see. That's it.”
It seemed like they thought of a big misunderstanding, but I didn't have the energy to clear it up.
“Well, since he's going to be there for five days anyway, it would be better for the two of you to go together rather than separately. Why don't you make it a ten-day trip? You haven't had a proper honeymoon after all,”
The Emperor suggested, laughing.
I almost choked on nothing.
“…honeymoon?”
How did we end up here?
Contrary to my confusion, the Emperor seemed to have made up his mind.
'Wait, if we extend the duration of the trip, Ian's chance of meeting Diana will be greater.'
I realized this and I was in a state of increasing panic.
“Your Majesty, I am very grateful, but I don’t think-”
“We will,” Ian interrupted, agreeing without hesitation.
I stared at him in shock.
You're supposed to be on my side!
Why do you shake your head with the Emperor?
Ian, unfazed by my reaction, continued calmly.
“If you want to see the academy, you better have plenty of time. I think the Biblius Academy offers a week-long visitors’ program. You can even participate if you’re interested.”
I may not be in love with Ian, but now he's just talking nonsense.
Before I could protest, the Emperor nodded in agreement.
“How considerate of you both. The matter is settled then. The Duke and Duchess will visit the Nomos Empire together this summer.”
The Emperor laughed merrily, and I couldn't help but let my hands fall weakly under the table.
'Did I just dig my own grave?'