Because of his status as the most powerful family and close friend of the Wise King, the Duke of Madison was also living in a large room close to the royal chambers. Since he was in charge of guarding the entire royal family at the National Foundation Day, he would probably stay at the royal palace until the end of the party. Rumors had already spread throughout the royal palace that many aristocratic women would be taking advantage of this opportunity to enter his room. As the two kings said, however, he was not the type to display or express his interest in women.
River also stayed in another room connected to the Duke’s big room. Ellen had never been in there yet, but he did say so. She was a little curious about what River’s room would be like but refrained from asking as she was afraid he would take her for the clinging type.
The guards guarding the room were the Duke’s private soldiers. They didn’t look at her with a frown or a look of surprise, and they just bowed their heads and asked her what her business was.
“I am here to discuss with the Duke about the founding anniversary. I’m Ellen, the Queen’s maid.”
A soldier opened the door, exchanged words with someone inside, and a moment later opened the door wider for her to come in. Ellen carefully went in. The servant, who was in the hall inside the entrance, politely guided her to the room. When the servant opened the door, the Duke of Madison was sitting at the table at the drawing-room that was nearly as spacious as the chambers of the royal family. As soon as he saw her, he stood up.
“Lady Ellen.”
“Duke.”
Ellen bent her knee in reverence. She heard the servant closed the door behind her. She was facing no danger in being alone with the Duke, but somehow she was nervous.
“Come and sit down.”
The Duke of Madison’s voice was lower and colder than River’s. Ellen bit her lips, carefully stepped forward, and sat on the chair. The Duke also sat down and looked at her. Ellen quickly lowered her eyes so as not to look rude.
It was truly amazing that the brothers looked so alike but on the other hand, were also so different. River did not seem to have any worries, but the Duke of Madison seemed to bear all the burdens of the world. Of course, being a duke came with great responsibilities. Still…
As the silence lengthened, Ellen hesitated and carefully talked.
“…His Majesty said that you have decided to do my dress.”
The duke’s eyes did not look away from her. He just kept staring at her, as if he was expecting something or trying to find something, and then nodded.
“My brother seems to be very interested in you.”
Ellen blinked for a moment and then blushed as soon as she understood what he said. Jesus, the Duke knows. The Duke knew about their relationship… No, is that even a relationship? One affair, and one brief incident in the hallways of the royal palace. Could she even call it an “affair”? She did not know how to define it. She was not even sure if their relationship could be called a “relationship.”
But she could quickly see why the Duke cared about it. She responded in a small voice with her head down.
“I never dream too much. You don’t have to worry. I am not asking of Lord River anything that might be a problem or issue… ”
“My brother doesn’t tell me about his one-night affairs. When he tells me about you, it means he’s seriously interested.”
Ellen, a little surprised, looked up at the Duke. Unlike River’s eyes, which change into winter lakes, stormy seas, clear skies, and all sorts of colors, the duke’s eyes always remained the color of a frozen winter lake. It has a calm yet unchanging chill.
“As the Count of South Horn’s daughter, you are not lacking. My brother has no title, but I was thinking of giving him some land if he were to marry. That would be enough to make a living. And you can think of the dress as a gift from me. Even if you came into our family, I would not object to it as you have pictured.”