Chapter 21.1

‘What I did before?’

Realizing what he meant, Livi’s expression tensed faintly.

“If you mean the magic circle from the canyon, I’d rather not discuss it. It’s not a particularly pleasant memory.”

“I understand you don’t hold the Knight Order, or the commander, in high regard. But even so, that doesn’t change the fact that you are the Duchess of Celsion.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“I only mean that you shouldn’t take what happened today to heart. If you give them a little more room, the knights will grow used to your presence—”

“Don’t waste your breath.”

Livi cut him off at once.

“If you’re going to keep that up, I’ll be going.”

Just as she grabbed the door handle again, Jeff quickly lowered into a deep bow. He did so with such force that Livi took a startled step back.

She clicked her tongue, her expression one of disbelief.

“Stand up.”

Straightening back up, Jeff spoke with utmost respect.

“His Grace is someone of great importance to us. Had he not granted permission, I never would have been able to arrange for you to draw the magic circle in the canyon.”

“It’s hard to believe the approval of a man who changes his mind as easily as flipping a coin is worth much.”

Livi muttered in a voice laced with sarcasm.

Permission? What a load of bullshit. She remembered all too clearly how Dominic had tried to drag her away just before she finished the magic circle. She could never forget the dismay of realizing such an irrational man was tasked with protecting the northern front.

Livi spoke sharply, her tone a warning.

“Don’t you dare try to give the duke credit. He gave a reckless order. One that could have endangered not just Celsion, but all of Sevarium. It’s hard to believe someone who nearly ruined everything out of a personal grudge is in command of the north.”

“…That’s not how it was, my lady. It took you half a day to calculate the formula, and everyone was on edge. It would’ve taken just one man to snap, and the situation would’ve turned volatile.”

“…”

“But because His Grace stepped in first, the knights had no chance to turn their frustration on you. Even if you had failed right then and there, no one would have been able to blame you, because it was the commander himself who gave you permission.”

Livi looked up at Jeff with a cold expression. Anger welled up in her chest, even hotter than when she had remained calm while the knights insulted her earlier.

“I don’t understand why you’re so intent on defending him to me. What’s the point?”

Even if the maids were clueless, it wasn’t as if the knights didn’t know she was nothing more than the duke’s plaything. He had publicly thrown her over his shoulder and discarded her like trash more times than she could count.

Why the vice commander would go out of his way to come here, to appease her of all people, was incomprehensible. What did it matter how she felt about the duke? Whether she rejected him or not, he would always do exactly as he pleased.

As Livi’s expression darkened, Jeff hurried to speak again.

“You truly don’t understand why His Grace suddenly launched a campaign? There was no urgent situation that called for his direct presence, yet after returning from his trip with you, he pushed ahead with an unplanned expedition!”

“So you’re saying it’s my fault?”

“I swear, that’s not what I mean. I only wanted to ask you, my lady. If anyone might know what His Grace is thinking, it would be you.”

A spark flared in Livi’s eyes. She barely restrained herself from jumping to her feet and instead forced the words out, one by one, through clenched teeth.

“How should I know? Not even his loyal knights seem to know what he’s thinking.”

“…I understand that it’s hard for you to view His Grace in a favorable light. But please remember that he’s taking on responsibilities he doesn’t have to bear, just to protect you.”

What nonsense was that supposed to mean? Livi glared at him, incredulous.

“I don’t know what you and the other knights think you know, but let me be clear. I have never once begged the duke for my life. Whatever responsibilities he takes on, it has nothing to do with me. That’s what I’m saying.”

Jeff listened in silence, offering no reply. Livi didn’t wait for one. She grabbed the door handle and turned it. She thought she heard Jeff say something her as she left, but she didn’t stop walking.