Escaping the Archduke of the North’s Obsession - Chapter 93-1

“Why? What’s the reason, Isabella?  Was it because you think I’m not cut out for marriage?” Duke Kyar growled low, and Isabella quickly shook her head.

“That’s not it. It is something we can only feel when we are in a relationship. It’s my first time to be a part of something like this, so I’m very excited.”

Isabella didn’t have the chance to have a proper relationship with His Highness before.

It was a waste, and she felt sorry for both of them.

“Are you saying you had never been in a relationship before?”

Looking at Duke Kyar’s questioning gaze,  Isabella nodded.

“There are so many things I want to do with you, Your Highness.”

“What are they, Isabella? I’ll make your wishes come true.”

“Just the little things. I wanted to walk with you on a sunny day and go to the market to try some delicious food. Oh, and a festival! I’ve never been to a festival before. Rubella Castle had the Winter Festival, right? I would love to participate in it.” Isabella said excitedly, recalling the gorgeous snowflake festival scene depicted in the novel.

“The Winter Festival, huh? We will have to wait a long months before that happens.”

“It’s alright. I’m willing to wait.” Isabella answered.

Duke Kyar’s eyes twinkled at how adorable she looked when she was all excited.

**

Duke Kyar suddenly called Luches and Marc into his office.

When the two arrived, Duke Kyar put the documents down to stare at them.

“I’m thinking about holding a new festival in Rubella Castle.”

Mark and Luches’ eyes widened in shock at Duke Kyar’s random plan.

“Your Highness, do you plan on holding another festival besides the one we celebrate every November?” Luches asked.

Duke Kyar responded evenly. “November is  too long, don’t you think?” Duke Kyar murmured.

Mark and Luches glanced at each other in confusion.

“What kind of festival would be good? I am open to your opinions.”

Both of them were aware that they weren’t allowed to speak whatever they wanted for fear of  His Highness’ disapproving gaze.

Nevertheless, Luches chimed in,  “It’s your birthday soon, Your Highness. How about a festival to celebrate that?”

Duke Kyar frowned.

“I’m not prepared for that kind of embarrassment.” Duke Kyar rebuked, and Luches pursed his lips. “Give me some fresh ideas.”

“Perhaps, we could learn about festivals from the other regions first and make them our references,” Marc suggested.

Duke Kyar nodded in agreement.

“Yes, that would be good, but we will have to do this secret. I’m going to surprise someone.”

“Who–”

Marc elbowed Luches’ side to shut him up.

How could the assistant open his mouth without thinking?

“Yes, Your Highness. We will do our research, pronto.”

“I will only accept well-researched opinions next time, you understand? Both of you can leave now.”

Marc and Luches bowed to Duke Kyar before exiting his office.

“What’s wrong with His Highness? He wasn’t interested in the snowflake festival at all. Why would he hold a new festival?” Luches muttered.

Mark clicked his tongue at Luches’ tactlessness.

“It’s a festival for her, Luches.”

“Who are you referring to? No way!  Isabel—-!”

Marc quickly covered Luches’ mouth to stop him from uttering Isabella’s name.

“Stop it, or the Archduke might come for you! Let’s finish this discussion in my office.” Marc whispered.

Luches answered with a nod, and the two men hurried to Mark’s office.

“Would you like some tea?”

“Yes, please. I think we had a lot of things  to discuss.”

Luches appeared exhausted even if they hadn’t started a formal meeting yet.

Mark yanked the rope, calling for a servant to deliver their tea.

After a while, the servant entered his office carrying a tray of warm tea and cookies tray.

The two continued their conversation the instant the servant left.

“You’ve been to festivals in the Capital, haven’t you?”

“Yes, there are three big festivals in the capital.”

“Which festival was the most popular among women?”

At Mark’s question, Luches looked troubled for a moment.

“The Spring Flower Festival was the most popular one. Beautiful flowers will be decorated all over the street in May. I missed those times when I used to walk with .lovely girls while the flower petals rained over our heads. It was romantic.”

He shook his head as he watched Luches clasp his hands together and immerse himself in his old memories.

“Let’s look into the famous festivals in each region first.” Marc unfolded the map and drew a vertical line. “I’ll look into the festivals at the Eastern Region while you take care of the West.”

“Alright. But I don’t think His Highness is acting normal at all. Why would he create this new festival to surprise the pharmacist?”

“Well, the preparations might be tough, but this event will be beneficial for the people in Rubella. The festival will boost our market’s economy.” Marc chirped.

Luches suppressed a sigh, thinking that Marc might be more workaholic than Duke Kyar.

**