Actually, I Was The Real One
Chapter 23

Keira knew that the man in front of her did not care about her. He didn't care about what he did as long as it didn't affect their family.

So, if she reacted negatively to something she was going to do, it was not because she was worried about her daughter, but the reputation of the family.

Ludwig: “If you start accepting invitations now, many might interpret it as something else.”

As expected, Keira was right.

After the first Grand Duke declared that he would remain neutral in politics, the Parvis family was never involved in it.

If Keira who had rarely participated in social activities decided to start now, many eyebrows would be raised. And many would suspect that the woman's sudden change was under the orders of the Grand Duke.

Ludwig: “I hate getting involved in disputes between noble families. You can do whatever you want as long as it does not affect our surname. ”

Keira: "Yes, I'll remember it."

Ludwig: “What will you do when people wonder if your presence is more than just attending?”

So, she was worried about how she would maintain family neutrality. Ludwig is such a man. A man who is strict to his family and duties.

Still, it was not an unfounded worry.

Keira had no plans to end it at just one banquet or party, and had thought long and hard about what to say when people became suspicious.

Keira: "There's one good reason."

Keira answered, raising her index finger.

Keira: “I am old enough to get married, and I am looking for a husband?”

The heavy silence fell.

Ludwig gasped in shock, a rarely seen reaction from the Grand Duke.

No, Ludwig wasn't the only one surprised. The butler, the waiter who passed by, everyone in the area fell silent.

Keira looked around the room, suddenly anxious to see their reaction.

There were many nobles who chose to remain single and unmarried throughout their lives, but about 40% of the noble population had married and started families.

So, it shouldn't be too surprising for Keira to make such a statement.

Ludwig: “...What?”

Keira: “No, doesn't mean I'm really getting married.”.

Feeling awkward for no reason, he scratched his cheek.

Keira: “That's why it's a reason. An excuse. Marry…"

'...I had no plans to do it' died in her throat when she suddenly recalled the romance novel she had just read.

Men's. Relation. Weddings.

He suddenly blushed.

“By the way, if anyone questions my intentions, that's the reason. It's common to participate in social gatherings when looking for a marriage partner, right? ”

His cheeks were still flushed when he said that.

'W-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w- am I wrong? My girl-?'

'From everyone, Lady Keira?!'

Such thoughts filled the heads of everyone who heard Keira.

After a moment of silence, Ludwig was the first to regain consciousness.

Ludwig: “Why are you suddenly interested in going to a party? Why do you use that as an excuse? ”

Keira wondered too. He had no interest in doing things he shouldn't be doing, so why now?

Why now?

“I'm also curious. I thought you wouldn't care what I did as long as it didn't hurt the family name? ”

Ludwig's mouth was locked as Keira answered.

After a long moment of silence, he opened his mouth as if forced.

Ludwig: “. We'll talk about this again when your reasons don't work.”

Keyra: “Ya.”

Keira left her seat in a hurry for fear of making the situation even more awkward.

He deliberately sped up his pace when he felt an intense stare at the back of his head.

As soon as Keira disappeared, the remaining people in the room started whispering amongst themselves.

"Miss, is she really thinking of getting married?"

"She said it was just an excuse."

"But I've never seen him make that face before ..."

“B-actually, me too.”

They imagined an ice-cold woman, a woman cold enough to wonder if blue blood was flowing through her veins. Seeing her flushed cheeks must have surprised them.

“So, the family will take the daughter-in-law [1] ?"

"W-is it worth celebrating?"

"Who knows."

Ludwig, who had sharp hearing, heard everything the servant said.

Why is he upset? Was it because he was clearly drawing the line, telling her not to worry about his business? If not, for what reason?

Robert, who had noticed the Duke's dark mood, spoke carefully.

Robert: “...Your Majesty, what should we do? Madam invited– ”

Ludwig: “Bawa. Mail is not prohibited.”

Robert: “Ya.”

Keira is a sincere child. He did not neglect his duties or cause trouble.

If he decides to interact with others, there will be good reasons.

He wanted to believe so, but …

'He said he wanted to take a break from the Knight's duties, and it looked like he was in a slump.'

The atmosphere around him has changed. He couldn't show it exactly, but something had changed.

Is puberty too late?

He shook his head at that absurdity. Whatever the reason for his change, as head of the Parvis family, he was responsible for organizing family affairs.

Especially when it comes to correspondence with other families. The Parvis family must remain neutral no matter what.

Ludwig: “Robert.”

Robert: "Yes, Your Majesty."

Ludwig: “Report everything to me. What events does she attend, who does she meet, and what does she do.”

That was his duty, and he would never neglect his duty.

......................

Early in the morning, a pile of invitations arrived at his desk. It's a little tangled but still clean.

Keira checked every invitation she received.

There is a purpose to go outside the house…

'The place where I can meet my grandfather will naturally be good.'

It was almost impossible to avoid the eyes of the Grand Duke in the Parvis mansion, so he had to meet his grandfather outside.

Parvis's mansion is located outside the capital. It would be better to attend a banquet closer to the Edinburgh property. That way, it seemed unnatural for them to meet.

"I'd rather go to the banquet held by the Marchioness Francais."

The talkative Marchioness Francais would definitely open her mouth when she saw that the members of the Parvis Family had accepted their invitation. Most likely the news would reach his grandfather's ears.

In his last letter to his grandfather, he mentioned that he wanted to meet at a dance party hosted by another family.

A smart man will not ignore what he says.

'I'm sure Dad knows I sent a letter to my mother's family. It would be dangerous to send one more.'

The Grand Duke does not want his children to interact with their grandparents. Since it was Parvis's family's duty to remain neutral, he didn't want to look like he liked a certain family.

Keira thanked the Marchioness Francais for inviting her to the dance.