Marriage B - Chapter 10

Chapter 10 – Marquis of Bethelgius (1)

Instead of immediately returning to Alte’s residence after the talk about ending their engagement was over, Terio remained in Rubiet’s residence. And the reason was because he wanted to wait for Duchess Rubiet and Melissa Rubiet to return.

And he looked especially nervous when he asked her when Melissa would be back, causing Goyo to laugh gently. However, his excitement soon turned to nervousness once the couple returned with Melissa.

After all, there was the promise between Alte and Rubiet households about their engagement. And at this time, he was about to talk about ending his engagement with the eldest daughter of the Rubiet with the duke and duchess. So, it was awkward and burdensome for him.

Furthermore, he also wanted to get engaged with the younger step-sister, Melissa Rubiet. Thus, making the situation even more disconcerting for Terio since he couldn’t expect to be given justified consent.

However, despite Terio’s nervousness, the duke easily gave his permission regarding the relationship between Terio and Melissa. Of course, that was after he asked Goyo whether she was okay with that or not.

Nevertheless, Goyo could tell how the duke truly felt when she saw him looking at Melissa’s joyful expression. It was not only him, but also Mrs. Kazel. She looked incredibly delighted at the news.

Still, Melissa and Terio had to wait until the imperial ball was over to hold their engagement ceremony. And that was because Terio had to fulfill the condition Goyo set forward. To escort her to the ball. After all, not only would it be inconvenient, but it would also be uncomfortable for Terio to proceed with his engagement to Melissa before that particular event.

Nonetheless, despite the lack of formal announcement, the news of Terio and Goyo’s separation seemed to have slipped out of the mansion and spread out in the capital. It was so widespread that even now there weren’t just one or two glances thrown at the two as they entered the ball.

And this shocked Terio. Because, although Terio had known that he couldn’t exactly keep the information a secret, he didn’t expect the news to spread this fast. As such, he carefully apologized to Goyo.

“I’m sorry Goyo. I guess I was being too hasty.”

“You don’t have to be. I’ve long expected this situation.”

“But…”

Before he could continue, Goyo thanked Terio for the escort, neatly cutting off his apology. She then let his hand go and proceed into the ballroom. In any case, the reason Goyo asked to be escorted by Terio to this ball was because of the useless condition imposed for the participants.

Since the imperial ball had a rule that forbade people to participate, should they be without a partner. Thus, now she had entered the ballroom, there was no need for Goyo to hold Terio Alte’s hand any longer.

Goyo looked around and noticed that the ballroom was exceptionally crowded. However, that was to be expected since it was the first imperial ball held after a long time. And that was why so many people swarmed in like bees.

Still, despite the crowd, the imperial ball was not lacking in any way in regard to the ambience. The musical performance it chose resounded above the chatter and filled every corner of the venue. Furthermore, the food found on every table was abundant, seemingly enough to feed half of the capital.

But as Goyo walked under the yellow light provided by the chandelier, a frown crossed her face.

Ever since the Rubiet’s extermination, Goyo had rarely stepped into the ballroom. If it wasn’t for the royal family’s birthday, then she wouldn’t even step out of the mansion. She mostly stayed in the mansion. And near the end of her life, she didn’t even attend that event.

Since Terio was reluctant to escort Goyo there. Then again, she was fine with that because she felt it was better than being among the whispering crowd.

Though it seemed that she couldn’t escape the whisper since even now, people were still whispering about her. But that didn’t bother her anymore. Her heart had turned into stone, and nothing could create a ripple in her heart any longer. Goyo’s heart was already immune to being hurt by such things.

So, she walked forward with a straight back and elegant demeanor in place. Although she could hear Terio calling her from behind, she didn’t turn back nor care about his call.

She continued walking forward. And once in a while, someone would recognize Goyo as Miss Rubiet and came to greet her. And at the same time, they tried to dig up information about the latest news surrounding her situation with Terio. Not having the patience to deal with this, Goyo merely passed by them after she had swept their attempt at digging in a slightly rude manner.

Whether it was before or after her return to this time, Goyo held no interest in the ball. But for today, there was a reason why she was here.

In actual fact, it didn’t have to be today. Even if it was not on this occasion, there would be another ball for her to achieve her aim. And even if she couldn’t find it at the next one, there would still be the talk about marriage between them soon. So, even if Goyo didn’t go around to look for him, she would still have the opportunity to see his face. No, in fact, she would have no choice but to see his face.

Still, despite that fact, Goyo insisted on looking for him right now. And the reason was because she wanted to see his face before the talk of their marriage commenced.

It could be called curiosity or perhaps determination. Nevertheless, she was stubborn. Fortunately, after looking around for a few minutes, Goyo stopped on her track. Her gaze locked on a man that stood at a height above the crowd.

It was Marquis of Bethelgius