Chapter 67: House of Risher History

“Pardon?” Ailea replied, confused.

“It was only one dance and you had already given your permission,” Rita said, feeling sorry for Norton. “What in heavens did you say to Captain Clint, no, the Great Duke, that he would say such harsh words to Lady Norton?”

“No, I said that it’s okay for him to dance—”

“You’re too much.” As Ailea was about to explain, Norton, grieving from the rejection, interjected with a teary-eyed look.

“Did he do something out of line?” Ailea asked, puzzled.

“He said it was disrespectful for Lady Norton to ask for the first dance, and insulted her on the spot. Did you tell your husband to reject her?” Rita answered.

Ailea was silent for a brief moment. “Considering the Great Duke’s reputation, he’s not someone who would say those things casually without reason.”

Though he can be a bit…

Daisy looked at Ailea with a piercing gaze. She had been caught up in Rita’s pace, looking like a little prey about to be eaten by the hunter. Though she had been rejected by the crown prince and accursed with a disease, she became the envy of the kingdom. The noble ladies practically resented that she was wedded to a dashing knight. Daily was about to speak, that is until Ailea opened her lips.

“He’s really not the type of person who means to hurt others on purpose,” she said, voice tinged with sincerity and affection. “He’s different from his reputation. He’s a good person with a good heart. He didn’t mean to hurt you, Lady Norton, but even so, I apologize if you felt that way.”

Daisy held back her laughter and forced it down her throat. She wondered whether Ailea said those words because Clint was a stranger to her, or maybe because she knew Clint all too well.

After Ailea’s small speech, a moment of silence lingered in the air. The only thing that could be heard was Daisy’s small sipping sounds. It would seem that Clint’s reputation far exceeded what Ailea initially thought.

Ailea hesitated to speak first, but after overcoming her nervousness she turned to Rita and said, “Ah… Lady Rita, do you remember the flower? The one that I used for the ball.”

“Yes.”

“I hung it up so it can dry prettily.” Ailea donned a proud look. What Rita said to her that night concerned her.

Rita’s lips stiffened, twitching even. Daisy, on the other hand, smiled sweetly.

Meanwhile, Lawrence walked up to them. “Rita, stop what you’re doing and be with me now.”

Aile’as body trembled at his voice. Noticing her reaction, Rita smiled, nodded, and left to be with the crown prince. “I’m sorry, Princess Daisy. It seems like Prince Lawrence wishes to be accompanied,” Rita said

“Ah, just go… oh?” Daisy noticed Clint from a distance. “Great Duke! Do you have anything to say before heading to Excalibur? Crown Prince Lawrence and his bride-to-be are here together. Care for a little chat?”

Clint notice Lawrence approaching the table, and he too moved in that direction. Nodding, he sat at an empty chair. His action indicated that he had something to say to the crown prince.

“Should I say something?” Daisy smiled, while Lawrence turned his head lightly. “I’m sure you know how the House of Risher came to be. We were originally from the Khanna Empire.”

The history of the House of Risher was known to those who learned basic history.

“When the House of Philbert came to be, so did the emergence of a new royal family in Khanna Empire. When the House of Philbert revolted against the previous empire, it was Tranen Risher, a distinguished knight, who helped the House of Philbert emerge as the new ruler of the empire. But the Philbert Family didn’t give Tranen much reward after becoming emperor. Tranen was from the border, and those at the border couldn’t be trusted. Instead, he was given a small castle. Angered at what felt like a betrayal, Trannen came over to Teniac.” Cint held Ailea’s hand, and took a sip from her tea. He continued to speak. “He made Moore Theresia de Calise, who was stationed in Excalibur, into an emperor. With his magnanimity, Emperor Moore gave Tranen the title of duke while the House of Risher aided the emperor. The House of Risher was treated well in Teniac.”