“You, you’re not afraid of Grandfather blaming you?” Claire’s low voice traveled out of the carriage to Jean’s ear. Her words didn’t sound even the slightest bit concerned.
“My duty is to protect you.” Jean’s low voice floated into Claire’s ears without hesitation.
Claire didn’t say anything else. She leaned against the carriage wall and said emotionlessly, “Let’s go home.”
The next two days were strangely quiet. Lashia didn’t come home, and Duke Gordon never mentioned this incident. Whether it was he didn’t know or didn’t want to bring it up would remain unknown.
Claire still studied Humanities and Geography in the mornings, and horsemanship in the afternoon. Camille would appear on time everyday in Claire’s study. What puzzled Claire was that Camille’s injury still seemed the same. No getting better. Who would wound this respected scholar so seriously? And why did Camille want to hide it?
Soon, it was the weekend. Princess Maurice’s invitation had long since arrived. Duke Gordon, of course, received an invitation from the emperor.
Claire dressed up splendidly and got on the carriage with Gordon to go to this banquet.
“Duke Gordan arriving.” After getting off the carriage and stepping on the red carpet, the chamberlain at the door had already seen them and yelled out.
When Gordan and Claire appeared in the hallway door, everyone naturally looked towards them. The emperor and many other people of high status were here at this banquet, so creating good relationships was a must. When everybody looked at the person standing next to Gordan, they all blinked. It wasn’t Miss Lashia the genius but Claire! Duke Gordan had decreed before that this man-chaser was forbidden from attending anymore banquets at the palace, so why did he personally bring her here today?
Today Claire was wearing a layered white dress with lace at the edges. It was the standard attire for an imperial banquet. At her waist there was a unique, huge pink rose that made Claire look even more charming. Although her cold expression confused some people, she also radiated a wordless charm that made people not help but glance at her.
The star of the show today, Maurice, saw Claire arriving and felt extremely happy. But she still walked over slowly and gracefully.
“Your highness, congratulations for becoming one year older.” Gordan held Maurice’s hand as he bent down to lightly kiss the back of it.
“Thank you, your grace. It is my pleasure for having you here.” Princess Maurice had a smile fit for the court, and politely replied to Duke Gordan.
Claire curtsied from aside.
“Ah, my dear disciple, you’re here. What took you so long?” A voice interrupted abruptly. No need to look to know who this vulgar voice belonged to. It was Cliff, the perverted old man.
“Master.” Claire answered indifferently to Cliff, who was running over. Cliff was wearing his large magician’s robe and scampering over excitedly.
Cliff’s sentence was like a bomb exploding in the crowd. Dear disciple? And then that man-chaser called Master?! Must be a coincidence. One of Cliff’s disciples must have come. Everyone strained their necks at the doorway, but there was no one coming in.
Duke Gordon’s mouth curved into an imperceptible smile. This was exactly what he wanted. Tonight’s banquet was a perfect time to let everyone know about this. Nothing could shock people more than seeing it for themselves.
“Oh, I’ve missed you dearly.” Cliff reached out to hug Claire, but Claire’s gaze turned cold and she stepped back. Duke Gordon coughed slightly, and Claire twitched her mouth but stopped moving. Cliff, elated, hugged Claire. Or at least what it looked like to the people. Nobody saw that under his large robe, Claire had pushed against Cliff’s chest, not letting Cliff actually get near and hug her.
The whole hall boiled. Originally, the sole appearance of legendary Cliff at the banquet had astonished them. But this was even more shocking! Sir Cliff had called that male-chaser dear disciple, and hugged her so warmly.
Princess Maurice was also dumbstruck, not coming back to her senses.
Cliff withdrew his hands, but his eyes were fixed vulgarly on the fringe of Claire’s dress.
“I’ve told you, if you ever dare to lift my dress again, I’ll butcher you.” Claire squeezed out a sentence between her teeth icily. Not to mention it was this kind of an occasion!
Cliff also knew this, so he started grinning and pulled Claire away to the other side, completely ignoring Duke Gordon and Princess Maurice. Claire glanced back and nodded apologetically to Princess Maurice.
But Duke Gordon didn’t feel unhappy at all. Cliff was always like this, not even caring about nobles; he had the skill and power to be haughty. On the contrary, Duke Gordon was very happy. Everyone at today’s banquet had fame and prestige, and now they all witnessed for themselves Claire becoming Cliff’s disciple.