CH 20.1

From what she heard, the center of the main castle where Cade lived had the widest banquet hall.

Columns made in similar material as what she had seen in the hall were erected everywhere.

Embossed stone panels were placed all over the wall, too.

Several black metal chandeliers were hung on the ceiling.

The quiet atmosphere intimidated her.

The mahogany table in the middle of the space was wide and long.

At a glance, she could tell it would accommodate over thirty people.

A heavy iron chair was placed at the upper seat, and the man who sat on it was Cade.

The stiff muscles in his upper body flexed in his tight shirt.

His dark hair—-swept back from his forehead—-was combed neatly, making his beautiful appearance shine even more.

Wow.

Cherryl forgot her mission for a moment and admired her groom’s heart-shaking image.

When their eyes met, she clutched at her skirts and curtsied as a sign of respect.

“It’s been a long time, Your Grace. I’ve been under the weather.”

When she greeted him with a pointed complaint, Cade remained silent.

“Welcome. Please take a seat.”

The servant pulled out the chair next to Cade.

As she settled down, he persistently scanned Cherryl this time.

It was the same look as the first one.

He appeared like a predator lowering himself from beyond the meadow to watch a tail-wagging deer eat grass.

However, Cherryl felt uneasy every time she looked into that unusual golden gaze of his.

Nerves settled over her.

When Cade realized he had been staring at her for too long, he turned his eyes slightly to avoid the awkwardness.

Only then did Cherryl exhale a breath that had been stuck in her throat.

When the servant poured them wine, the two drank simultaneously.

Cade’s eyebrows drew together as he looked at her again.

“I’m thirsty, Your Grace.”

When Cherryl muttered the excuse, the Duke clicked his tongue.

“Drinking on an empty stomach will make you sick.”

“Isn’t it the same for you?”

He let out a short snort before he emptied his glass.

He was as thirsty as Cherryl.

“I hope you’re not experiencing discomfort in my castle, My Lady,” Cade spoke, his hand patting the table. “You must have noticed a lot of differences here compared to the central region. Is it still difficult for you to adapt to our climate?”

“It’s not hard, Your Grace. I’m fine, thanks to you. I had no idea I would be so ecstatic living in a place where I’m not allowed to go anywhere else.”

Cherryl uttered the subtle yet thorny remark in a sweet voice.

Cade observed her silently as he smoothed his glass.

“I hope you enjoy dinner. I ordered the chef to prepare all of your favorite food.”

“Thank you for your concern, Your Grace.” She replied formally.

Soon, appetizers decorated the table.

Despite many thoughts clouding her mind, her mouth watered when she saw the food in front of her.

The lobster dish with lemon sauce was so delicious.

It was regrettable how it was just an appetizer.

Cherryl also gobbled the pickled tomato and sour plum salad.

The salad was paired with a soft and savory flour bread that she couldn’t help but keep getting her hands on them.

Even before the main dishes came out, she was getting full bit by bit.

It was getting a little hot here now that her appetite was satisfied.

Cherryl began to unbutton the cloak that had been tightly closed around her.

Her collarbone, cleavage, and light green dress’s low neckline were slightly revealed through the gap of her open cloak.

Cade eyed Cherryl before turning his head to the other side.

Noticing the questionable, quick movement, she tilted her chin at him.

Come to think of it.

There was no plate on the table in front of him.

Only a glass of red wine was placed.

Was he not eating again?

Aside from Cade, who had no appetite or favorite food, Cherryl enjoyed all the fancy dishes at dinner.

As soon as she arrived at the castle, a maid requested that she write down a list of her favorite foods.

In addition, the Balkan men couldn’t have preferred the one-by-one, full-course meal.

So, today’s dinner was prepared only for a noblewoman like Cherryl.

It would be a lie if she didn’t resent Cade for imprisoning her in his tower, but she would also like to thank him for taking care of her despite not seeing each other for a while.

“Well.”

Cherryl put down her tableware for a minute to express her gratitude, but Cade didn’t even want to look at her.

He was busy talking to a man she believed to be a butler.

When she unbuttoned her cloak earlier, she could feel the way he was looking at her—-

“Your Grace.”

The Duke still didn’t pay her any attention.

“He’s so busy that he can’t even hear my voice. Let’s just eat.”

Cherryl poured a small amount of gooseberry wine and took a sip.

It was sweet and sour, but the bitter taste lingered at the tip of her tongue.

She was confused about whether that was the original taste of the alcohol or that was just how she felt.

As she emptied the glass, a familiar voice came into her ear.

“Cherryl, do you want me to pour it for you?”

Lecter grinned at her while holding a bottle of wine.

She wasn’t aware that Lecter was sitting next to her because she was only paying attention to Cade.

She smiled after wiping her mouth with a napkin.

“I’d appreciate it if you did.”

“What would you like to drink? This? I don’t know much about alcohol.” He asked, showing three to four bottles.

When she pointed to a plain red wine, Lecter poured alcohol into her empty glass.