It—it's him!
I could still remember how the book described him—
A man cloaked in elegance, yet cold as winter.
A gaze so piercing, it felt like daggers cutting through your soul. Just one look from him was enough to freeze you in place.
A shiver ran down my spine.
I knew what staying with this man would mean for Dane.
I knew the events that were bound to unfold if I let it happen.
"Mother? Are you okay? You're shaking," Dane's voice broke through my thoughts, filled with concern.
I quickly tore my gaze away from the duke and looked down at my son.
"Y-yeah… I'm okay."
I stood slowly, still keeping my hands on Dane's shoulders for support.
Then I looked up—and met the duke's eyes again.
Even though he wasn't speaking, even though all he did was look…
He still sent a chill straight through me.
After that intense encounter, we returned to the room where I had been resting earlier. Dane and I took our seats directly across from the duke. He sat opposite us, legs crossed, his expression unreadable.
"How are you feeling?" he asked—without even glancing in my direction. To anyone else, it would seem like he was talking to himself. Who wouldn't think that? His eyes were closed as he spoke.
"Pardon? What do you mean?"
This time, it was his butler who replied. A well-composed young man, likely around my age, with long gray hair that brushed his shoulders, a sharply defined nose, and eyes the clear shade of morning brown.
"You were stabbed not too long ago," he explained calmly.
Stabbed?
Yes, it came back to me—the crazed man, the blade, Dane nearly losing control. I stepped in front of the knife to protect him… then everything went dark.
"That was a reckless move," the duke remarked dryly, sipping his tea as his butler stood beside him.
Some might hear concern in his words.
To me, it sounded more like mockery—an insult wrapped in civility.
Still, I steadied myself before responding.
"Yes, it was reckless. But I did it to protect my dear son from danger."
"To which you caused your dear son to cry and panic in your absence."
"That only proves how deeply he loves me. He couldn't bear the thought of losing me."
"Well, congratulations."
"Mother? Your Grace?" Dane looked back and forth between us, like he was watching a heated table tennis match.
Oops.
I nearly lost my composure.
"I am greatly S.O.R.R.Y., Your Grace. It wasn't my intention to speak to you that way," I said, choosing my words carefully.
"Pay it no mind," he replied smoothly, setting down his cup and flashing me a very fake smile. "You were merely expressing your thoughts about your caring son. There's no need to apologize."
"You flatter me, Your Grace," I said with an equally false smile. Our eyes locked—sparks practically flying between us.
The butler, who had been silently observing the exchange, blinked in disbelief.
Did… did that woman just talk back to His Grace?
Not even royalty dares speak to him like that. And if someone ever did, the duke would issue a warning—if not worse. He hates being challenged. But this woman—this commoner—actually retorted. And His Grace… he just let it slide? This is insane!
Duke Darwin von Vente—the Duke of Vismar—was infamous for his cold demeanor. People said no one could speak with him for more than thirty seconds without trembling. Being in the same room with him felt like standing on thin ice. His mere gaze was enough to send most nobles into a cold sweat.
If looks could kill, many whispered, we'd all be dead already.
The duke kept everyone at arm's length—even the Emperor and the Crown Prince. He was cold, calculated, and detached. And yet, despite that, his influence ran deep through the noble circles. From an early age, he had racked up achievements, honors, and recognition. Add to that the mountain of love letters and marriage proposals that flooded his estate.
To the noble ladies, he was the perfect man—handsome, accomplished, powerful. But the Duke had no interest in romance… or anything he deemed "trivial."
And yet, the butler thought, glancing at Adeline again, this woman… this commoner… she just stood her ground. Spoke to him without trembling. And His Grace didn't even bat an eye.
Just who is she?