HRNGDS 70

~Chapter 70~

Delphina nodded.

She really had poured tea on Ivelina’s head.

The nobles Ivelina had invited began to whisper.

“Lady Delphina poured tea on Lady Ivelina’s head?”

“Wasn’t it Lady Ivelina who sued for someone pouring hot soup on her?”

“So what now? Did they each do it once?”

“Is that man really Lady Delphina’s lover? Did she have a lover even before leaving for the North?”

“Then she was cheating on Sir Kassen before breaking the engagement?”

Delphina looked at Duke Rikeion with a blank face. He was red with anger.

“What a sight. I raised a snake in my own house. It’s not enough that you deceived the Grand Duke, you even bullied Ivelina to cover your ugly truth?”

Duke Rikeion glared at Delphina with sharp eyes.

But inside, he was sighing. He knew Ivelina was plotting something.

Still, he didn’t actively stop Ivelina. Her actions had always helped trigger the black magic on Delphina.

If she succeeded in breaking the trust between Delphina and Elcayan, they could control Delphina again.

He glanced at Elcayan.

He was sure even Elcayan wouldn’t take Delphina’s side in a situation like this.

Even Kassen was shaking with betrayal after the banquet.

‘The Northern Grand Duke probably doesn’t fully trust Delphina either.’

He thought Elcayan wouldn’t defend Delphina.

People also tend to believe the more dramatic stories.

The other nobles began whispering again when Delphina didn’t say anything.

“Wow, maybe she really did have something with that man.”

“Did Sir Kassen get betrayed too? What is Lady Delphina thinking?”

Duke Rikeion gave a crooked smile. Negative feelings made the black magic even stronger. He thought Delphina would shrink away from the criticism, just like always.

But someone stepped forward.

Elcayan stood in front of Delphina, blocking people’s stares.

“Are you alright, Delphina? The weather’s chilly—you might get sick.”

Ivelina was shocked.

Elcayan had seen her taking the clothes from Delphina’s carriage, but he didn’t seem to care at all.

It was as if nothing had happened.

“It’s cold out. I’ll get you new clothes; let’s leave. There’s no reason to stay here.”

Elcayan took off his coat and put it over Delphina’s shoulders. Delphina looked at him in surprise.

“Elcayan, your coat will get wet.”

“It’s fine.”

He hugged Delphina.

She felt her face flush.

‘He’s probably just acting like my lover because we’re pretending.’

Delphina looked into his eyes. There wasn’t the slightest doubt in them.

He wasn’t trembling with betrayal like Kassen, or glaring with suspicion like the others.

‘What is he thinking right now?’

He must have realized this was Ivelina’s trap.

Still, he couldn’t be sure Delphina and Alphong weren’t involved.

But Elcayan’s eyes were full of trust.

‘Just look at Kassen.’

Unlike Elcayan, Kassen’s eyes were full of betrayal and anger.

When Elcayan tried to take Delphina away, Kassen blocked him.

“Your Grace, I have something to say to Delphina. After seeing all this, I think you’ll understand my situation.”

Elcayan looked at Kassen coldly, and Kassen stepped back without realizing it.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

“Your Grace?”

“It’s rude to block my way.”

Elcayan’s words left Kassen speechless.

He stared at Elcayan in disbelief.

“You’re just going to ignore what you saw? Shouldn’t you at least check if it’s true? Your fiancée might be cheating.”

Elcayan answered firmly.

“Of course I won’t just ignore it.”

Kassen’s face brightened, thinking Elcayan also felt betrayed.

He felt even angrier thinking Delphina may have cheated before they broke up, and was sure Elcayan would feel the same.

Elcayan smirked.

“I’ll find out who set this up. I won’t forgive anyone who dirtied my fiancée’s name.”

“W-What do you mean? Who ruined Delphina’s name?”

“I trust my fiancée more than this situation or any evidence people show.”

Kassen hit his chest in frustration. He couldn’t stand Elcayan’s attitude.

“Well, if you trust her that much, I have no choice. Then I’ll be the one to reveal Delphina’s immoral actions.”

He clicked his tongue, unable to understand Elcayan.

Elcayan, seeing no point in arguing, hugged Delphina tighter.

“If you say another word, be prepared, Kassen Huart.”

Kassen wanted to argue more, but shut his mouth at Elcayan’s warning.

If he said more, he felt Elcayan really might cut him down.

Kassen stepped back, nervous.

‘What’s with this pressure…’

He moved away from Elcayan, who tried to lead Delphina out of the dessert shop.

But Delphina stopped him.

“Wait, Elcayan. Let’s watch a bit longer.”

Before Elcayan came, Delphina had felt tired facing Ivelina.

But now, she felt strangely secure.

‘I want to see what they’ll do next.’

Delphina watched from Elcayan’s arms.

Kassen, unable to get anywhere with Elcayan, turned to Alphong.

“Hey, you. Were you really Delphina’s lover all along? Ivelina says there’s lots of proof. Did you two have a relationship even when I was engaged to her?”

Ivelina quickly added,

“Let me explain, Kassen. Don’t push her too hard. Delphina probably didn’t think things would go this far.”

“But I can’t just let it go. This is a betrayal of trust.”

At that, Sana, who’d been listening, shouted in disbelief.

“What? You’re the one who cheated first!”

The onlookers snickered. As fellow nobles, they all knew Kassen had cheated with Ivelina first.