The Duchess and the Devil - Chapter 106

Numerous rumors surrounded Judith and Derrick’s marriage. Some claimed they were a perfect match, destined by the gods, while others were puzzled by the seemingly sudden and unexpected union. The critics argued that Derrick might come to regret being swayed by momentary attraction.

Despite this, most had anticipated the outcome, given the longstanding rumors about Derrick’s pursuit of Judith.

Judith had grown strong enough to dismiss the gossip that would have once troubled her deeply. Her past wounds had healed, and a renewed sense of life had emerged.

With a steadfast man by her side, who always acted as her shield, there was no reason for her to feel intimidated.

“My lady.”

“There’s nothing to worry about.”

Helen, who had raised Judith like a daughter, could no longer hold back her emotions and began to cry. Judith embraced her tightly, feeling a mix of embarrassment and gratitude for Helen’s outburst.

Just then, a servant arrived to announce that the ceremony was about to begin.

As they entered the hall, Judith saw the many guests filling the seats on either side of the aisle.

The rumors of her alleged involvement in a murder had begun to fade, and more people were eager to align themselves with her. The fact that she was once again becoming a duchess and Derrick’s wife likely contributed to the large turnout. Many had come to offer their congratulations.

Judith cared little about the sincerity of their well-wishes. Having found true happiness, she no longer worried about the hypocrisy or envy directed at her.

At the end of the flower-adorned aisle stood Derrick, dressed in a sharp black suit. As Judith took one step after another toward him, it felt like a dream.

The lively music began as she stepped onto the aisle, and all eyes turned toward her. Compliments and cheers for the beautiful bride flowed endlessly. Yet, Judith’s entire focus was on the man waiting for her, to the extent that she barely noticed the attention she was receiving.

She briefly recalled her previous wedding, which had been marked by cold formality and tension. The memories quickly dissipated. Back then, she had been unaware of how joyful a wedding could be and had scarcely known the man she was marrying.

Judith had once viewed her earlier marriage as a failure, a bitter experience rooted in her naivety. If marriage were a business, she couldn’t imagine a greater loss. Reflecting on her former husband’s infidelity, the judgmental stares, and the days filled with regret despite her new status as a duchess, it was no wonder she felt this way.

But now, all that was in the past. The painful memories that had once haunted her were no longer relevant. Derrick Vaisil and Sylvia Wirrel were mere shadows of a bygone era.

The past was something to leave behind, and Judith was finally ready to do so.

When she reached Derrick’s side, he extended his hand.

My love, my man, my… devil.

Judith’s gloved hand, wrapped in white silk, rested in Derrick’s.

“By the grace and will of the holy Lord, I shall now conduct the marriage ceremony of Derrick Maximillian and Judith Lipis.”

With the solemn pronouncement of the high priest appointed by the emperor, the wedding ceremony began.

***

Footsteps occasionally echoed through the mansion’s hallways.

A small child dashed into the garden, seeking refuge behind a large bush and curling up tightly. Even amid the lush greenery, his cold, blood-red eyes were difficult to conceal. His silver hair, fluttering in the gentle spring breeze, contrasted strikingly with his dark pupils.

The child, visibly sulking, seemed oblivious to the concern of those searching for him. Yet, his beautiful features rendered even his pouty behavior endearing.

As a maid approached the garden, the child recognized her as Marie, the girl who had served Judith devotedly at the Vaisil household.

Though he liked the gentle and affectionate Marie, he wasn’t in the mood to see her. He quickly tried to escape, but before he could move, a hand grabbed him by the waist, lifting him off the ground.

“Ah! What the—!”

“Young Master Nathan.”

The child, Nathan, who had been struggling, froze at the eerie voice. Turning his head slowly, as if it were a rusty machine, Nathan recognized the man holding him as his father’s aide, Nocturn, and began flailing his arms.

“Let me go, Nocturn!”

“Were you trying to run away again?”

“None of your business!”

Nocturn, though he often felt the urge to smack the little brat’s forehead, restrained himself. Losing his position over a tantrum wasn’t worth it. He suppressed his irritation with well-practiced patience.

“The Duke and Duchess are waiting for you. Let’s go.”

“No, I don’t want to!”

Nathan was particularly rebellious today. Understanding that forcing a screaming child to go anywhere usually ended in disaster, Nocturn sighed and gently set him down.

Instead, he firmly grasped the little lord’s hand to prevent him from running away and met his gaze. The child’s features, a perfect blend of his father and mother, were sullen.

“Why are you so angry this time?”

Though he had a good idea of the reason, he asked gently, hoping to soothe Nathan’s mood.

“I don’t want to see Father and Mother! They don’t even like me.”

“That can’t be true.”

“If that’s not the case, they wouldn’t have gone out without me!”

Nocturn couldn’t help but chuckle at the sharp little boy who grasped some truths but missed others. Despite his elevated status as a young lord, he was still just a child.

“Even if Mother doesn’t seem to care, Father really does.”

“Well, that’s…”

It was well-known throughout the empire that Duke Maximilian was famously devoted to his wife. In fact, his devotion was often considered bordering on obsession. Nocturn decided to keep that particular detail to himself, choosing not to delve into where the line between devotion and obsession might blur.

Nathan’s pout deepened at Nocturn’s tacit agreement.

“Come on, if you don’t go, you’ll regret it later.”

Nathan’s curiosity was piqued by Nocturn’s gentle coaxing. Still just a child, he found it hard to stay mad at someone so unlikable. With the boy in tow, Nocturn headed towards the mansion’s drawing room.

Judith, who had been pacing restlessly by the window after hearing that Nathan was missing, turned her head at the sound of footsteps. When she saw Nocturn carrying her child, she sighed in relief.

“Where did you go off to this time, Nathan?”

Nathan, seeking comfort, reached out to Judith and nestled into her arms. Judith swept back his soft silver hair, which resembled her own, and held him tightly. This child, born after the tragic loss of her first, was a treasure she would never trade for anything.

“I’m sorry. I wanted to be here for your birthday.”

Yesterday had been Nathan’s birthday, and the Duke and Duchess had just returned from their vacation that morning. Nathan, wrapped in his mother’s embrace, didn’t respond, instead pressing closer, as if to say he was hurt by their absence.

“Aren’t you going to show me your face?”

Despite his earlier anger, Nathan’s mother’s gentle coaxing began to melt his sullenness. He pouted and lifted his head, his anger waning as he didn’t want to disappoint her.

Judith tried to cheer him up with a kiss on his soft cheeks.

Suddenly, Nathan was grabbed by the collar and lifted into the air. Startled, he widened his eyes and only relaxed when he realized he was safely in his father’s arms.

“Derrick! I told you not to handle him like that…”

Judith sighed as Derrick scooped up their child with the same rough affection he reserved for catching wild prey. It was moments like these that reminded her of his devilish nature.

Nathan, who had been pouting at his father for always prioritizing his mother over him, finally noticed what Derrick was holding.

“I ordered this to be made just in time for your birthday. I was late bringing it, so try not to be too upset.”

Nathan’s eyes sparkled as he saw the long sword Derrick handed him. After watching his father wield a sword, Nathan had been eagerly asking for one of his own. Derrick had commissioned a unique, handcrafted sword, one of a kind in the world.

“It’s still a bit too big for you to use now, but once you’re strong enough to wield it, I’ll gladly spar with you.”

Judith had been hesitant about Nathan holding a sword at such a young age, but for his eighth birthday, she had finally agreed. A young lord’s first sword should be exceptional, not just any common weapon. To ensure this, the couple had taken a vacation to another empire known for its exquisite swords and had commissioned this special gift.

Nathan’s previous sulkiness was now replaced with pure excitement. His face, so much like his father’s, made Judith smile softly. Derrick, unable to resist his wife’s joyful expression, covered Nathan’s eyes and captured her lips in a kiss.

Before the kiss could deepen, Nathan, feeling trapped, began to wriggle in Derrick’s arms. Judith and Derrick burst into laughter at his innocent reaction. The ruby necklace around Judith’s neck shimmered with the movement.

Sunlight poured endlessly into the drawing room, its warmth as gentle and comforting as the love they shared.

[End of Main Story]