# 24
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Episode 24
"What is that? That look like I saw something I shouldn't have?"
Ruelia stared at the Crown Prince with a displeased look.
Gallion coughed and pushed his elbow into Caelce's side.
“Kaylus, are you okay?”
"nothing."
Kyles raised his head.
He looked out the window with indifferent eyes.
But Ruelia clearly saw the corner of his mouth twitching. His ears looked a little red as well.
'Is he happy that Miss Ayla praised him?'
Big dog.
It was an inappropriate word for her master, but he was... a bit nice.
If only Ayla understood this side of Caelis.
While Ruelia was watching in amusement, Cales' face suddenly froze.
At that moment, the carriage stopped.
“Mr. Duke.”
Belen opened the carriage door, turning his gaze to Caelus.
But the countess's family atmosphere was strange for some reason.
“Ruelia, don’t come down, wait.”
Kyle's face looked more annoyed than ever.
Ruelia tensed at his words, and looked out the window. She frowned.
“What are all these decorations?”
It was supposed to be a celebratory party.
“It's amazingly sacred.”
Ayla looked out the window and frowned as well.
From the outside, things seemed just glamorous decorations. But the decorations were similar to what is seen in temples: symbols of the sun and stars, and the eagle, the sacred animal.
These decorations, which were not appropriate for a festive party, were mixed inharmoniously.
“Countess Bellona seems to have a complete lack of artistic taste.”
Ayla trembled as if she was disgusted.
Ruelia inwardly agreed.
Countess Bellona had no eye for ecting goods. The business was doing poorly at the time, and it was Ruelia who saved him.
Ruelia sighed to see the Count's family back to normal after two years. But that was no reason to stay in the wagon.
Ruelia looked curiously at the direction Caelus and Belin were warning about.
'Priests?'
There were many people wearing gray robes.
“Are you sure?”
“Of course, so we should be...”
“Hush, someone might hear us.”
The group of priests, who were whispering, discovered the Duke's family carriage.
They looked nervous, so they bowed quietly to Cales and disappeared into the Count's house.
“It seems that the Countess invited the priests to the party.”
Ayla noticed their appearance and said so. She frowned, as if she were disappointed in the Countess.
Ruelia felt the same.
But instead of disappointment, it was more curiosity.
'Since when did you become such a deep believer?'
The Countess occasionally donated to the temple, but for promotional purposes for her business, not out of faith.
It was so realistic that it was far from a temple.
“Caelus, those faces look familiar.”
Gallion came down late and frowned.
“Didn't you see them in the temple?”
“No, I saw them today.”
Cayce's gaze became sharp. He looked inside the carriage, then took Galleon and Belen to a corner.
With the seriousness of the men, the atmosphere inside the car became heavy.
“Miss Ruelia’s first appearance in high society, but it looks like you won’t be entertained.”
"An appearance? That's too much of a compliment. It's just a short adventure."
“The ladies of high society are curious. They wonder who the Duke of Abert’s first partner will be. Your prayers will flow in.”
“I am only here at the invitation of Countess Bellona, and I am not the partner chosen by the Duke.”
Ruelia answered, rubbing her hands nervously, glancing at Caelus and the men.
'Is this something I should get involved in?'
If she had a role, Caelus would have summoned her.
So, she decided to stop thinking temporarily and focus on the goal in front of her to support the Duke.
“By the way, Miss Emil, do you dance society dances well?”
“Yes, I learned it from a young age. My father was always my training partner.”
“Wow, that's great. I'm not confident. Maybe because of the bullying I suffered at the academy, I'm afraid.”
Ruelia answered with sad eyes, excitedly telling stories about her academy days.
As she expected, Ayla reacted.
She held Ruelia's hand affectionately.
“Oh my God? Bad people.”
"Isn't it? So I'm feeling anxious and nervous. What if I'm embarrassed in front of them?"
“I get it. It makes you want to excel, doesn’t it? I felt the same way when I first appeared.”
Ayla's eyes became dreamy.
"I'll try to hold on today, but I'm worried. What if I hurt the Duke?"
Ruelia lowered her head.
She tried to look like a rain-soaked puppy, lowering her eyes and watching Ayla's expression.
Ayla looked upset.
Does this mean that she succeeded in influencing her?
“The Duke is Miss Ruelia’s first priority?”
“Of course, he is my master.”
"Really? That's all?"
Ayla asked with a calm smile.
“I have received many blessings from him...”
"So what? This isn't the end, is it?"
Ayla asked, leaning her chin.
Ruelia smiled at her gorgeous appearance.
"He's someone I really respect and love. I want to protect him and always be there to help him."
She spoke sincerely, hoping that Ayla would see Kayles' merits.
Ayla's eyes curved.
“Ah, I see.”
Ruelia wondered what that meant, so she looked at her. Ayla held her hands tenderly.
“I support you, Miss Ruelia. If you need help or advice, let me know.”
“Yes… If something happens, I will definitely ask for your help.”
Ruelia blinked her eyes.
She felt like she got the promise she wanted, but there was something unsettling. But since she had prepared the ground well, she decided to move on to the next step.
There won't be a chance for them to talk alone once the party starts.
“Miss Emil, may I ask for advice now?”
Ruelia looked at Ayla's eyes seriously.
“Of course. What is it?”
“What kind of person do you want to marry?”
Was the question too personal? Their relationship was not deep yet, so she was afraid that he would be rude, so she quickly added an excuse.
“I'm looking for a husband for my sister. I'm trying to find an ideal man I can trust for her.”
Ruelia laughed embarrassedly.
Inside, she was cursing Belén.
'His efficiency is bad.'
The information she received from Belén was detailed: the wine and champagne Ayla liked, sweets, flowers, favorite colors, and even animals.
Her dress today was her favorite shade of sky blue, which indicates the accuracy of the information. It overlapped with Ruelia's tastes, which surprised her.
'What next?' The most important part is missing.'
But the most important thing was absent: the ideal person.
“Hmm...”
“If there is a quality that you consider most important in choosing a husband, you will help me find a husband for my sister. Everyone around me are proud knights, and you are the only one I can ask for advice.”
Ayla nodded at Ruelia's excuses.
After serious thought, she finally opened her mouth.
“Hmm, I think the ideal man to marry is like my father.”
“Count Emil?”
“Yes, he is always meticulous and kind to my mother. They say he spoils me, but my mother is always his priority.”
A normal answer, like a typical answer prepared for this question.
It was not enough to understand why she chose the Crown Prince or her taste.
Ruelia had to risk a direct question.
“So, among Their Highnesses the Crown Prince and the Duke, who is closest to the ideal husband?”
Ruelia's heart almost exploded.
If Ayla chooses the crown prince, she is determined to give up changing the future, submit her resignation, and escape quickly.
Ruelia swallowed, watching Ayla’s lips slowly open.
“The Duke? Are you seriously asking?”
Ruelia's heart sank.