How The Sub-Male Lead’s Stepmother Teaches Love Chapter 245

“Honey, I’m going to talk with Nell for a bit.”

 

“Don’t go too far.”

 

“It won’t be far. Just over there.”

 

Rebecca, who was not resentful of Duke Khalid’s overprotectiveness, took my wrist and led me a little ways off.

 

A distance where there is no one, and if anyone approaches, Duke Khalid and my husband can easily step in.

 

She stopped next to one of the sixteen marble columns holding up the Queen Rose Hall’s ceiling, then leaned in to whisper.

 

“So how did it go?”

 

“What is it?”

 

“What do you mean what? The Blue Diamond!”

 

“Oh… You heard about that too?”

 

“Heard about it? Is there anyone in the capital who hasn’t? And wasn’t that the one the First Princess had her eyes on?”

 

She pretends to be worried, but her voice is excited and lively.

 

The full eyes were enjoying this very much.

 

Clearly, she thought I had deliberately snatched the jewel out from under the princess’s nose.

 

“No… I didn’t know it was the one Her Highness wanted. If I had, I wouldn’t have bid on it.”

 

“You really didn’t know? I heard that the other nobles were told not to bid even if the price was raised.”

 

Rebecca openly criticized the First Princess, calling her disgraceful—what kind of royal tries to snatch up a rare jewel without the money to pay for it?

 

I nervously whispered for her to lower her voice in case anyone overheard.

 

Then Rebecca puffed out one cheek and said, “It’s because it feels good. We’ve been fooled by that woman once or twice.”

 

“That’s why I’m so grateful to you, Becky.”

 

“Grateful? I didn’t even do anything…”

 

She blushed shyly and gave me a soft smile.

 

And honestly, her smile was stunning—no wonder the Duke of Khalid had fallen for her.

 

“Anyway, that diamond is in Paul Herbina? Before you go back north, please invite me, because I want to see what it’s like.”

 

“You’re welcome anytime, Becky. But actually, you can see the blue diamond right here today.”

 

“Wait, what? Nell, don’t tell me… you’re wearing it?”

 

“Of course not. I’m more timid than I look.”

 

Blue dresses and blue diamonds were banned at today’s banquet.

 

Not following the dress code clearly stated on the invitation would be a direct challenge to the host’s authority.

 

‘Wasn’t it the Marquise of Calvin who became notorious for defying the Empress’s dress code? Only someone like her could get away with that kind of rebellion.’

 

Being a homebody and a total coward, I hadn’t worn a single thing that could even look blue. Everything I had on was green or white.

 

“But isn’t that dress code only restricted to women?”

 

“Well, yes… but wait, don’t tell me…”

 

Rebecca, her eyes wide open, turned her head and looked at Leonhard.

 

“Oh my god! Surely the Marquis did not personally order that ring, did he?”

 

“Yes, I gave it to him as a gift.”

 

A gift that left me with a staggering 1 billion gold debt.

 

“I couldn’t have imagined it. Right now, everyone in the capital is trying to guess which banquet and in what form Nell will present that blue diamond!”

 

“Why did everyone think I would have that? It looks so good on my husband.”

 

“You’re right—it’s exactly the same color as his eyes.”

 

Rebecca, who was still looking at my husband’s left ring finger with a face that was still filled with surprise, soon shouted in a voice full of joy.

 

“Oh my goodness, you gave His Highness a new wedding ring?”

 

* * *

 

The Marquis of Ajas and his wife instantly stole the spotlight the moment they entered.

 

Why not? There is no other topic as hot in social circles as them these days.

 

‘If I could just get a 5-million-gold investment, I could cover the deficit…’

 

‘If the Marquis backed me, investors would be begging to throw money at me…’

 

Several nobles watched the Marquis of Ajas with covetous eyes but didn’t dare approach him.

 

Because every single one of them had something to feel guilty about.

 

‘He probably remembers my name… damn it. If only I hadn’t gotten drunk and talked nonsense!’

 

They had all requested an audience and had been rejected.

 

No one knew if the Marquis of Ajas would remember their names, but if they made a wrong move, it could be worse than doing nothing at all.

 

Of course, not everyone lacked courage.

 

But if they dared to take a step forward, the Marquis of Ajas would somehow know and send them a murderous look.

 

As if to say, “Interrupt our sweet moment and see what happens.”

 

‘He’s like a guard dog. Try to approach and he’ll bite.’

 

‘How is he not tired of seeing his wife’s face every day?’

 

‘Well, it wasn’t a face that you would get tired of seeing dozens of times.’

 

Maybe it was because people were starting to forget she was once a poor country noble and adopted child.

 

The face of the Marquise smiling brightly while looking at the Marquis of Ajas could not have been more beautiful and lovely.

 

Her white, round forehead, clear eyes, long hair that naturally flows down beside her ears, and her rosy cheeks are also lovely.

 

But what truly kept people’s gazes fixed on her were her eyes—

the way she looked at the Marquis of Ajas with a love as delicate as spring flowers.

 

Genuine affection wasn’t exactly a prized trait among nobles,

but the pure emotion in her eyes could stir even the most cynical hearts.

 

‘Tsk… If the Marquis steps away for a second, maybe I could ask her to dance?’

 

Whether it was him or her, everyone wanted a chance to talk—but none of them dared. They just hovered awkwardly nearby like anxious puppies.

 

Meanwhile, Countess Dillas stood quietly off to the side, out of view.

 

The noble ladies she used to hang out with were gathered far away, gossiping among themselves.

 

Sometimes their glances went toward the couple, but often they flicked toward Countess Dillas too.

 

She tried to act indifferent, but when she accidentally made eye contact with one of them—the woman snapped open her fan as if to block out the sight, with clear disdain.

 

Then, as if he was unlucky, he spread out his fan and blocked the view.

 

‘Those witches…’

 

The reason why their expressions suddenly changed was simple.

 

Just like Countess Dillas, they had gossiped about the Marquis and his wife—and their husbands had scolded them harshly for it.

 

Now they decided to stay away from her, blaming her for all the problems.

 

And Countess Dillas was furious.

 

‘Like I was the only one having fun gossiping? You all laughed and gossiped just as much— and now you’re pretending I was the only one who said anything!’

 

“Look at that. The Marquis is feeding his wife chocolates himself.”

 

“I thought Northerners were supposed to be rough. But he’s sweet and handsome. My husband only cares about filling his own mouth.”

 

“Can you see? When his hands are empty, he immediately wraps them around his wife’s waist.”

 

“It’s touching, it’s wearing out. Maybe that’s why her waist is so tiny.”

 

“They’re such a lovey-dovey couple. Who even started those divorce rumors?”

 

Clearly, they were saying it loud enough for Countess Dillas to hear.

 

She took a sip of wine, her face burning, and several noblewomen giggled before approaching her.

 

“Countess, your face is all red. The Empress hasn’t even arrived yet—

Have you had too much to drink?”

 

“I’m fine, so don’t worry…”

 

“Okay, then. Don’t drink too much!”

 

The woman who had spoken to Countess Dilas walked away from her, laughing brightly along with her group.

 

The laughter was pure and innocent, making the mockery even more evident.

 

Countess Dilas swallowed a curse and fanned her heated face.

 

‘Why am I being humiliated like this… This is all Julia’s fault!’

 

‘What? They two don’t get along? That she cries herself to sleep every night? That the Marquis has a mistress?’

 

The Countess of Dillas had been in high society for nearly thirty years. With that much experience under her belt, even the most oblivious person would’ve developed some discernment.

 

From grand banquets hosted by the palace to masked balls where no invitations are checked.

 

How can she, who has personally seen well over a hundred couples and partners, not be able to distinguish between fake affection and real affection?

 

Seeing them up close, she understood immediately.

 

The way the two of them leaned in, whispering words no one else could hear, their eyes fixed solely on each other—it said everything.

 

Even the unconscious smiles that crept across their faces, or the occasional annoyed glance that still couldn’t hide the deep-rooted affection underneath.

 

The way the man stood so close his shoulder brushed his wife’s, and still looked at her like he wanted to be even closer—how could anyone mistake that look for anything but love?

 

He is not blinded by love. He is just completely in love.

 

‘A man with eyes like that has a mistress?’

 

If Countess Dilas had seen that sight first, she would not have believed anything Julia said.

 

* * *