Chapter 59 – ​59

As ​Euro ​flashed ​a ​bright ​smile ​toward Lady Molton, ​her ​face ​flushed ​slightly. ​Seeing this, Dent, who ​was ​following behind the ​two, shook his ​head.

‘Does ​he ​have ​any ​self-awareness ​at all…?’

There had ​been ​various ​rumors regarding Euro’s ​origins, but in Dent’s ​eyes, based ​on appearance ​alone, he ​was undoubtedly ​of ​the ​Norden royal bloodline.

After ​all, his ​half-sister Clope was renowned ​as a peerless beauty. ​Regarding Euro, there were ​plenty of ​rumors ​here and there, but almost nothing ​was known about his ​looks. ​This ​was ​because ​he had almost ​no public ​activity.

But ​come to think ​of ​it, since Euro mentioned he ​had met ​Melione ​before, this wasn’t ​his ​first ​visit ​to ​Paltreon. Thus, ​it ​was actually ​somewhat puzzling that his face hadn’t become ​more well-known.

Euro Leches ​was far too ​striking a person to ​dismiss as ​merely a result ​of ​Clope Leches’s overshadowing ​presence or his ​status as ​an ​illegitimate child. ​The ​various scandals ​following ​him proved ​as ​much.

If ​that were the ​case, ​it wouldn’t ​be ​strange ​for ​anyone to say, “His behavior is odd, but his looks are absolutely stunning,” yet such rumors were completely nonexistent.

Appearance and status are the easiest things to use when tearing others down, yet it was as if one of those had been intentionally carved away with a knife. Despite it being the perfect kind of gossip to spread.

To the nobles of Paltreon, the Norden royal family was essentially like a piece of candy after a meal. This was because no one would object to them gleefully criticizing and consuming them as gossip.

It was only natural, given that the Emperor of Paltreon himself viewed the Norden royal family as a thorn in his side. He similarly stolen contentdisliked [unauthorized copy]the existence of Clope Leches, who threatened the position of unauthorized copyCrown Princess—a position coveted by all prestigious noble families.

In the midst of this, an entirely unexpected person like Euro had become the Duchess, and Euro wondered what the capital’s nobles were whispering about.

Of course, Melione was a figure outside their interest. Although he was hated by the Emperor, he belonged to a family of founding contributors and headed the only Dukedom in the empire, so they could not touch him recklessly.

To put it simply, it wasn’t that they lacked interest, but rather that they had to pretend he was outside their sphere of interest. With rumors rampant that anyone who married Melione would be infected by the curse and die, there were likely no one who envied or was jealous of Euro.

If anything, they probably thought to themselves that it would be difficult for him to leave an heir. Thus, if Euro did indeed remove Melione’s curse as he claimed, a battle for the position of second wife might actually break out.

Even if Euro and Melione did not divorce, the place would surely be swarming with nobles trying to entangle themselves with the Dukedom. After all, if they could somehow produce a child, they could enjoy that glory in full.

On the other hand, what would happen to Euro? That was what Dent worried about. Even if he returned to Norden, he wouldn’t be treated well, and staying wouldn’t be any different.

Remaining in the position of Duchess was also a problem. While most vassal families were currently favorable toward Euro, there was no guarantee that would continue after the curse was lifted.

Pressure regarding an heir would certainly arise. For a man who could not have children, remaining in the position of Duchess would be nothing more than a gilded cage.

Euro likely knew this, which was why he intended to step down from that position. There was only one way around it: for Euro and Melione to develop a special relationship.

‘And yet, he only keeps his interest elsewhere.’

Dent sighed inwardly at the sight of Euro, who was laughing incessantly while conversing unauthorized copywith Lady Molton. The image of Euro fretting over what on earth to talk [unauthorized copy]about during tea time had completely vanished.

If Euro had mingled so affably with the nobles in other official settings before his marriage to Melione, there would have undoubtedly been all sorts of rumors following him.

Should he consider it a blessing that there were almost no rumors regarding his face or demeanor? In truth, all of this happened because Kim Euro had entered the body of Euro Leches, but Dent could not have known that.

‘Does he have a thing for older people? Come to think of it, His Grace is also older. His face is prettier than most women, and his hair is long….’

Having thought that far on his own, Dent tapped his cheek and snapped back to his senses. He was clearly going mad, wondering what on earth he was thinking.

Euro, who had been following silently, frowned at Dent’s strange behavior—sighing, shaking his head, and eventually slapping his own cheek—but then spoke to Lady Molton as if nothing were wrong.

“I see, so the spring festival originated from a small feast held to wish for the safe return of trading ships.”

“Yes, that is correct. It was because many ships usually set sail in the spring. As you know, Silon is a port city, and trade goods make up a large portion of the territory’s revenue, so people from other territories flock here around the time the ships depart.”

“To work as sailors?”

“Yes, some board the ships, and many come to see them off. Usually, lovers and families come together. Because that sight might be the last time they see them.”

There was no guarantee that everyone would return safely. No matter how large the ship, it could not be called safe. It was frequent for them to be distressed by storms, and cases of falling ill or starving to death were not rare.

Yet, there were always many who wished [stolen content]to stolen contentboard unauthorized copythe ships. Because if they only returned, they could earn a great deal of money.

“Many ships still leave in the spring. Nowadays, unless there is a major accident, most sailors return safely, but the feast has remained as a festival.”

“Are there ships departing during this year’s festival as well?”

“Yes, there are.”

“I see.”

“Additionally, while Silon has mild weather throughout the year, the spring is somewhat hot and humid, and the summer becomes very dry. The rainy season is long in winter. The spring festival also feels like welcoming the sunny weather after the long rainy season ends.”

Euro nodded as he listened to the Viscountess’s explanation. Preparations for the festival were in full swing throughout the plaza and the bustling streets.

Carpenters were consulting with shop owners to build stalls, and the shop owners were preoccupied with decorating their displays. Euro felt a bit energized by the vibrant energy of the people.

“Everyone is working so hard. It’s nice to see them enjoying it.”

“Of course. It is the largest festival in Silon. In the daytime, concerts are held in the plaza. The members of my theater also participate.”

“I’m really looking forward to that.”

“Actually, our members were very visit our sitehappy to receive the gifts Read on Read BL Novelsthe Duchess sent. I offer my thanks on their behalf.”

“It was a reward for a great performance. It was so good that I couldn’t sleep at night.”

“Please visit us anytime. Everyone will be delighted.”

Watching those who sang and danced with all their might on stage, a strange sense of exhilaration had bloomed in Euro’s heart.

Despite having met his death while performing on stage, he was overcome by the urge to stand upon it once more. Once he freed himself after breaking Melione’s curse, Euro wanted to leave for wherever and become an opera singer.

It might not be easy because of his healing ability, but Euro wanted to live a life of singing in front of people as much as possible.

“Oh, on the night of the festival, a dance party is held in the plaza. Regardless of status, everyone wears white clothes and decorates their hair with flowers.”

“A dance party?”

“Yes. They dance a traditional dance that has continued since the time of the Molton Kingdom. Did His Grace not mention it to you separately?”

At the Viscountess’s words, Euro turned his head and stared at Dent. Dent immediately snapped awake.

“Dent, you should have told me that I need to practice dancing.”

“Ah, that is….”

“….”

“His Grace likely doesn’t know the traditional dance well either. He has never danced it once.”

“Then it would be lovely if you both learned it together this time.”

The Viscountess spoke with a benevolent smile.

“Provided, of course, that his health permits it.”

“…I’ll discuss it with him.”

Euro gave her an awkward smile. He didn’t know about himself, but he felt Melione likely wouldn’t learn to dance separately.

However, if they danced regardless of status, his partner didn’t necessarily have to be Melione. If Melione disliked it, Euro intended to learn and enjoy it alone, or even grab Dent to join him if necessary.

It would be too wasteful to miss a pleasant moment by relying on that man’s whims. After all, it was a festival he didn’t know when he would be able to enjoy again.

“After the dance party, this year’s May Queen is chosen. The May Queen is selected from among unmarried women, and she can ask anyone she desires for a date. This cannot be refused under any circumstances.”

“How interesting. I’m looking forward to seeing who it will be this year.”

“Right? I’m embarrassed to say, but twenty years ago, I was the May Queen.”

“Then Viscount Molton must have enjoyed the honor of that date.”

“Not at all. My dear, I have standards too.”

At those words, Euro burst into laughter. Lady Molton gave Euro a mischievous look.

“If only I were twenty years younger, I probably would have given flowers to the Duchess.”

“I’m deeply honored, but I’m already married….”

“I told you.”

“….”

“The May Queen’s date request cannot be refused for any reason. So, it’s a perfect opportunity.”

“….”

“That is why I am looking forward to this year’s festival more stolen contentthan ever. I wonder what [stolen content]stolen contentkind of amusing sight will unfold?”