The Evil Empress Adores Me

Duke.

Mmm?

Please dont make that expression, it looks like youve just challenged me to a duel.

The Dukes expression was so intense that I threw in a joke to lighten up the mood

At that moment, the duke started nagging me.

Kid, why did you just stand still when you heard those words?

I didnt stand still. I shot back at Lady Bennett.

When I answered the Duke, I sighed.

Actually, I shouldnt have done that.

What do you mean you shouldnt have?!

Its wrong, isnt it? Its my first debut into the social world, I should have put up with it.

You shouldnt tolerate that!

The Duke raised his voice.

What? Why is he getting emotional?

I chose the following words carefully.

But its better to avoid than stir up trouble.

What are you avoiding? Baron Bennett doesnt educate his children on manners, kid!

The Duke looked at me in anger.

That lady was acting in an unruly manner, shes rude and a brat who needs some sense knocked into her! She ought to know better.

Really, Im fine.

No, you shouldnt be fine in this situation!

The dance began soon thereafter.

Hmm, its amazing how elegant he was, without a single flaw in his movements.

It would have been difficult for me to dance properly while being as angry as he was.

Then, the Duke looked at me with a sharp expression.

Kid, are you still bad at ballroom dancing? I saw you step on the Crown Princes foot earlier.

Ah, that yes.

Did you really have to point out my mistake like that?

Inwardly, I was embarrassed.

At the same time, it was clear each slow step the Duke took was on purpose.

I widened my eyes and looked up at the Duke.

Wow, youre being considerate of me?

Dont get me wrong. Im moving slowly because Im afraid youll step on my feet.

The Dukes face was still sullen.

I ended up chuckling to myself at that.

The Dukes eyes were still on me as he shook his head, brushing off my laughter.

.I should have made you a princess of Rochester.

Hey, why bring that up?

If you were a member of the Rochester household, at least you wouldnt have to endure those rude comments directed at you.

The ferocious tone he had as he whispered made me laugh awkwardly.

But, if I were a Rochester.

I wouldnt have been engaged to Damian.

Even if our temporary engagement was decided by necessity, itll probably be a memory Ill cherish for the rest of my life.

But then.

The Duke looked at me fiercely.

That smile, I dont like it.

what?

Dont smile like that. Its annoying.

I was a bit stunned.

Hey, youre picking on me for smiling now?

Havent you heard the saying, Its hard to get angry at someone whos smiling?

The Duke dismissed my antics and was keen on asking more about me.

By the way, kid.

Yes?

Since when did you become close with the Crown Prince?

Huh?

Close with Damian?

I stared blankly at the Duke.

The Dukes brow became crumpled in response.

Before your first dance with the Crown Prince.

Yes, what about it?

..you brushed the Crown Princes lips with your finger.

The Duke spoke somberly, as if the world would end the next day.

I asked with a confused expression.

Whats wrong with that?

Well, youre a woman and hes a man. Youre both at that prime age in your lives. I mean

Seeing the Duke speechless, I was surprised at where he was going with this.

Um, are you asking me if his Highness and I are in a romantic relationship?

Yes, thats it!

Were not like that.

I narrowed my eyes.

The Dukes face brightened upon hearing my answer.

Really?

Yes, were not.

But you touched his lips.

I did that because I was worried he would hurt his lips, I didnt mean anything else beyond it.

Haaa.

I sighed deeply.

Honestly, what is it with just touching his lips?

Damian and I have grown up together since we were kids.

People would be stunned and probably faint if they knew we had held hands before and hugged each other.

I see. I didnt know that, I thought you and His Highness had developed a deeper relationship .

Seeing the Dukes face undoubtedly relieved, I smiled ambiguously.

But that doesnt mean Im not attracted to Damian.

I tried to push these genuine feelings I had for him away from my heart, but I couldnt.

****

At the moment, Damian was looking very upset.

His scarlet eyes had been fixed on one scene in the entire ballroom.

To be precise, Charlize was in the arms of the Duke of Rochester.

Sienna, who wasnt aware of that, called Damian.

Your Highness?

Yes, did you call me?

Damians attention remained fixed on his fiancee.

Sienna let out a long annoyed sigh.

Well, Im grateful that youre at least replying to me.

Im going to have to punch a hole in Lady Charlizes face for this.

Im sorry, Viscountess Antes.

What?

An apology out of the blue?

A bewildered Sienna looked at Damian.

I have to go see my fiancee.

Parting on those words, Damian bolted through the crowd towards Charlize.

With a bewildered expression still on her face, Sienna watched Damian leave before laughing to herself.

Well, even when he was in the north, he sang about Lady Charlize every day.

Its nice to see Damian like this.

More than anything else, it was fun to see Damian be so jealous.

Sienna couldnt hide how intrigued she was.