The Archdukes Carpentier were considered wealthy outsiders in Kevland. Despite holding a high-ranking noble title, that recognition came from the King of another country; therefore, it lacked true power in that region and was barely acknowledged by the local nobility.
Even so, the riches the Archdukes brought with them allowed them to live surrounded by privileges, earning the sympathy of Kevland's monarch as well. Leroy was the first to receive an invitation to become one of the candidates chosen by the Marquise.
Understanding the reason was not difficult. Since the Carpentier family had settled in Kevland, only the Zehren Marquises had shown them sincere respect. Despite this, the sole heir of that small noble family never had a true interest in holding the title of Marquis in a land that did not recognize him as such. However, he accepted being part of the candidates as a gesture of gratitude.
Until that moment, the days had been pleasant. He could easily say that he enjoyed living alongside the other four candidates. His deep blue eyes had already grown accustomed to the daily life surrounding him. Only recently had he developed a particular interest in the actions of one of them.
—Young Master Leroy, you have an invitation from Miss Eilith to meet for a gathering.
The butler of the Archdukes' only son spoke calmly as he allowed entry to the maid sent by the young noblewoman.
—Everyone has been invited. The Duke's granddaughter awaits you.
The lady seemed ready to withdraw after delivering the message, but she was stopped before she could leave.
—Has Delilah been informed? —Leroy asked.
—I am on my way to inform the young lady right now.
—In that case, there is no need for you to go.
Leroy returned his gaze to the window, where he had been observing before being interrupted.
—I will tell her personally.
The maid took a moment to respond but finally nodded formally before departing.
Delilah was in the garden, as on many other occasions. Kneeling among the white rosebushes, she patiently removed the weeds growing around the roots, using her delicate hands without worrying much about the dirt. That girl with the distracted air held a strange importance within the Bathory house. It was a fact that demanded prudence.
Leroy was curious. Who wouldn't be? But to go beyond that interest would mean crossing boundaries that were not his to cross. His thoughts, however, returned again and again to the night Cain returned from Yuor. The face of the Count's son had looked far too sad. If Leroy hadn't appeared at that moment, he was almost certain Cain would have followed Delilah. Perhaps he would have even tried to reach her… and hold her back. The real question was: Why?
Meanwhile, the girl before him seemed completely oblivious to those suppositions. She wore loose and somewhat dirty clothes. Her hands were covered in earth, and her hair was slightly disheveled. Her appearance was neglected. But it was also… unusually dejected.
When Leroy personally informed her of Eilith's invitation, he perceived a brief silence. It was enough to understand that she would have preferred to refuse. But the invitation came from Eilith Billeter. In that place, the Duke's granddaughter held a social weight even greater than that of the Marquise herself.
—I should change my clothes —Delilah murmured.
Her hands were dirty and sweat glistened slightly on her skin. Then something unexpected happened. Leroy reached out and carefully adjusted some strands of her hair. The gesture took her completely by surprise. He had always been kind to her, but that was the first time they had shared such direct closeness.
He then led her toward the garden fountain. He helped her wash her hands. He dried them carefully. He even gently wiped her face. Not even the butler intervened to stop him. Leroy's intentions were clear. He intended to attend the meeting alongside her. He made it evident when he extended his arm to escort her.
Delilah walked by his side through the hallways with a certain unease. Her thoughts were disorganized when they finally arrived at the hall. Only upon hearing Lucrecia's voice did she manage to focus on what was before her.
—What are you supposed to be doing? —the woman spat with evident annoyance—. Showing up in those dirty clothes in front of someone so important.
Lucrecia rarely remained silent when something displeased her. Her obsession with an impeccable appearance could be exaggerated, but at that moment, Delilah had to admit she was not entirely wrong.
—Lucrecia, what is bothering you so much? —Raguel intervened with a provocative smile—. That humble girl has quite close ties to Neil Bathory. You should treat her with respect.
Lucrecia looked at him as if she had just heard the greatest nonsense in the world.
—Have you gone mad? There is no way someone like her...
The words hung in the air. Delilah's gaze, cold as crystal, left her momentarily without a response.
—Delilah... are you alright? —Eilith's sweet voice intervened with apparent concern. —Your skin looks quite pale.
Delilah never liked becoming the center of attention. And upon being forced to lift her face to respond to the Duke's granddaughter, her discomfort was evident.
—I am fine... I am sorry for the trouble.
—Cain... don't you think she looks thinner?
The Count's son immediately directed his gaze toward her. Delilah was not prepared for that. When their eyes met, she looked away instantly.
—Eilith —Cain said calmly—, you shouldn't meddle in other people's business.
His voice was soft, but firm.
—It is completely natural for girls to want to look thinner.
That brown-haired demon could be terrifying many times. But he also knew when to intervene. As long as Raguel spoke, Delilah had a small refuge to breathe.
—Of course —Eilith responded with a radiant smile—. We always want to look beautiful for our special person.
Her eyes rested directly on Delilah.
—Tell me... do you have a special person?
The question was so absurd that Delilah could not answer. Her hollow eyes reflected the young noblewoman's smile in silence.
—Clearly it is someone from the Bathory family —Lucrecia responded for her, having not yet managed to contain her irritation.
—You shouldn't say that —Raguel replied with an amused smile— when you are the only one interested in Neil Bathory.
The woman stepped toward him without thinking twice and threw one of the empty bags from the gifts that had already been opened. For a brief instant, the tension in the room transformed into something almost comical. And, for the first time in a long while... Delilah managed to feel slightly relieved.
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