Reasons for Contract Marriage - Chapter 112

At the evening banquet, the men who had held a separate gathering also joined.

Similar conversations to those from the tea party continued there. Curiosity, suspicion, and at times, questions that bordered on tests were directed at Brianna, and she handled them skillfully with sociable and intellectual responses.

Thus, Brianna believed today’s gathering had been relatively successful. She hadn’t fallen for any malicious tricks, nor had she made any major mistakes.

But the moment she saw Adelheid, who arrived late, Brianna immediately sensed that something was wrong.

“I’m sorry. I arrived far too late.”

Adelheid was not alone. A man stood beside her. And that man was a face far too familiar to Brianna.

Franz Linares. The youngest son of the current Count of Linares, and the very person who had forced Brianna to leave Harzen, where she had spent her entire life.

Why is he here…?

Brianna pressed her lips together and fixed her eyes on the unwelcome guest.

The Count and Countess of Linares had not sent their youngest son to the capital despite him being of age to marry. That was because they were well aware of his promiscuous behavior. While it might not be a big issue to seduce a few maids in Harzen, getting involved with the daughter of a powerful noble family could lead to major trouble.

The couple had intended to arrange a match between him and a suitable noble lady from the Harzen region, and Franz had always resented that.

And now, that very man had not only come to Bastogne but had even set foot into this gathering.

“It’s quite all right, Miss Kirchner. We were just about to begin the banquet in earnest. But who might this gentleman be accompanying you?”

Adelheid looked at Brianna’s stiffened face with a hint of satisfaction, then turned to the Marchioness and offered a smile as soft as a spring breeze.

“Actually, on the way here, I happened to meet an old acquaintance of the Duchess of Carlisle. He mentioned he wished to greet the Duchess after so long, so I brought him along. Marchioness, I do hope my interference hasn’t caused offense to anyone.”

At the mention of him being an acquaintance of the Duchess of Carlisle, the Marchioness quickly shook her head.

“Not at all. Offense? Of course not. If he’s an acquaintance of the Duchess, he’s always welcome here.”

As the host gave her permission, Franz offered a bright smile and greeted everyone. “Thank you for welcoming me despite the sudden visit. I am Franz Linares.”

The moment his name was spoken, murmurs of realization spread among the guests. They had realized what kind of relationship he must have had with the Duchess of Carlisle.

“Ah, could he be the youngest son of Count Linares? I’ve met the Count’s other two sons before, but I don’t recall ever meeting the youngest.”

In response to Marquis Schroeder’s comment, Franz Linares laughed heartily and answered, “That’s right. I’ve been helping my father with the domain in Harzen, so I haven’t had many opportunities to come to the capital. Now that I’ve finally come, I couldn’t miss the chance to greet Brie… No, I must call her the Duchess now. The Duchess of Carlisle and I have been close since childhood, so I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to greet her.”

He then approached Brianna.

Taking her hand, he lifted it and kissed her fingers. Since she had removed her gloves for the banquet, the disgusting touch of his lips met her bare skin. Brianna had to summon all her strength not to yank her hand away before he was finished.

“It’s been a long time, Duchess of Carlisle. You’ve become even more beautiful than before.”

Suppressing the disgust rising within her, Brianna forced a smile. She had come this far successfully—she couldn’t let it all collapse because of this man.

“It’s been a while. Have you been well?”

“Of course. I was so delighted when I heard of your marriage. I wished the two of you happiness from afar.”

At that, the Marchioness suddenly seemed to remember something and spoke up. “Oh, come to think of it, didn’t no one from House Linares attend the wedding?”

The people here did not know the details of Brianna’s circumstances. They simply assumed that she had been raised almost as an adopted daughter under the patronage of the Dowager Countess of Linares.

So, in their eyes, the House of Linares was no different than a benevolent family who had taken in the orphaned Brianna. It was only natural for them to find it strange that no one from that house had attended the wedding.

As Brianna hesitated over how to respond, Franz answered first. “We wanted to attend as well, but something urgent came up in the Harzen domain, so we weren’t able to make it. We were very disappointed.”

Even in response to Franz’s smirking reply, Brianna had nothing more to say. She wanted to leave immediately, but doing so could leave behind even greater suspicions.

“Then, since it’s been a while since the two of you met, I’m sure there’s plenty to catch up on. Please have a seat over here.”

The Marchioness guided Franz to the seat beside Brianna. Though meant as a kind gesture, it was the worst possible outcome.

Once the late arrivals had also taken their seats, the banquet resumed.

“I’ve heard many stories about Harzen from the Duchess of Carlisle. She says it’s truly a beautiful place.”

“It’s beautiful, sure, but just as dull. Life there is incredibly boring.”

“Then, Sir Franz, you must visit the capital often from now on. In the capital, something new happens every day.”

Brianna kept up polite conversation while continuing her meal. Her plan was to keep a low profile and quietly leave a bit earlier than the rest. For a noblewoman attending her first social gathering, it wouldn’t be strange to retire early out of fatigue from the tension.

As the banquet reached its peak, a small theatrical performance was held to celebrate the Marchioness’s birthday.

The lights over the nobles dimmed, leaving only the makeshift stage lit. The humorous performance with animal masks turned out to be surprisingly entertaining, and Brianna, for a moment, forgot the detestable presence beside her and laughed.

That was when she felt a hand on her thigh. So shocked she couldn’t breathe, Brianna shot up from her seat.

“…Duchess?”

The Marchioness Schroeder whispered beside her. In response to the question of what was wrong, Brianna glanced toward Franz and said quietly,

“…I’m going to the lounge for a moment.”

She promptly left the banquet hall and made her way quickly toward the lounge. Most of the staff were still serving in the banquet room, so the hallway was empty. Soon, Franz caught up behind her and grabbed her shoulder.

“Brie—”

The moment he turned her by the shoulder, Brianna swung her hand with full force.

Smack!

With all her strength behind the slap, Franz’s head jerked halfway to the side. He touched his cheek with a blank expression, stunned by what had just happened. Then he started laughing.

“Wow, look at you. Our Brianna’s changed a lot now that she’s a duchess. You even know how to slap someone properly.”

“What do you think you’re doing?”

He shrugged dramatically and giggled. “Brianna, I knew you were impressive, but never imagined you’d become the Duchess of Carlisle. Do you have any idea how shocked I was when I heard about your marriage? Everyone in Harzen nearly fainted. How on earth did you manage to win over the Duke of Carlisle?”

Brianna glared at him, her teeth clenched tightly. “I asked you what you think you’re doing.”

He shrugged. “Well, to get straight to the point—it’s nothing much. Since you’re a duchess now, how about having a little affair with me?”

The absurdity left Brianna speechless.

“…What did you say?”

“Oh, you sweet thing. Nobles keep their marriage and love affairs separate. If you’re going to have a lover anyway, why not choose me?”

“And you think that’s something worth saying…”

“What, you think the Duke of Carlisle is any different? Even if he’s into you now, it won’t be long before he finds himself a mistress. Maybe he already has one.”

There was no longer any point in listening. Brianna turned and walked away. His voice followed her from behind.

“That’s cold. I was even considerate enough not to bring up your embarrassing past.”

At those words, Brianna stopped walking. She turned back to face him.

“Embarrassing past?”

He grinned. “Oh, you know. How the poor orphan Duchess of Carlisle got kicked out of the count’s house for sneaking the young master into her room. Or maybe how she strung along two men at once like some temptress. I’ve been dying to tell everyone that story, but I held back—for your sake.”