So I Was the Persecuted Grand Duchess Destined to Die? Chapter 87

Chapter 87

“So… you’re going to see the performance… with Grandmother?”

Xavier Celeste’s voice came out low and clipped, oddly fierce.

Intimidated by the tone, I blinked.

“Huh? You gave me two tickets.”

“Yes. I gave you two.”

“…?”

“?”

Then what’s the problem?

The conversation was looping again, and it was ridiculous.

Besides, things like this are twice as fun when fellow fans go together!

Of course I’d go with Diana Celeste.

Hmm… does Xavier not know that Lady Diana likes melodramatic novels?

Well, it was her secret hobby. It made sense that he didn’t know.

But I couldn’t very well expose something she hadn’t chosen to reveal herself…

While I was pondering, Xavier spoke again.

“I’ll get separate tickets for Grandmother.”

“Oh? Really?”

So…?

“Yeah. So— damn it— what I mean is…”

“?”

“It would be better to watch it with someone else.”

His face was bright red now. Completely flushed.

I stared at him blankly.

“Someone else? Katharina?”

“Ha.”

He let out a short, humorless laugh and muttered under his breath,

“Am I not within the category of ‘someone else’?”

“…Ah.”

…Ah?!

My face burned instantly.

Wait— was he asking to go see the opera together?

W-what is this, a date or something?

We’ve gotten closer lately, sure, but a man and a woman going to the opera alone—

That’s the kind of fluttery, heart-pounding event that happens when people are in the “something more” stage, isn’t it?!

And then reality struck.

Right. We’re married.

I keep forgetting, but I’m the Grand Duchess. He’s the Grand Duke.

If Marie from the Ga-Na Maid Squad saw this, she’d faint on the spot.

“Why? You don’t want to go with me?”

Xavier muttered stiffly.

He looked unmistakably sulky.

I panicked.

“No, no, it’s not that! I just thought you weren’t interested in opera.”

“I’m not uninterested.”

“…I see.”

Sorry, but that’s the first I’m hearing of it.

Why does he seem to be regressing into a five-year-old lately?

And then it hit me.

Ohhh.

He must really want to see this opera, but he’s too embarrassed to go alone.

Phew. Almost misunderstood.

But… does he really have so few friends that he’s asking me?

Feeling slightly sorry for him, I smiled gently.

“Alright. Let’s go together. When’s the performance?”

“Tonight.”

“…What?”

“We’ll change and leave immediately.”

Right now?!

How badly did you want to see this?!

“You’re going to the opera? Alone with His Grace?”

Betty looked startled for a split second.

Then—

“In that case, I absolutely cannot remain idle.”

Her eyes began to shine ominously.

I waved my hands frantically.

“Wait! I need to leave quickly!”

“What? But this is a rare date!”

“D-D-Date?! It’s not that!”

“Then what is it?”

“…Accompanied cultural activity?”

She stared at me for half a second.

“We usually call that a ‘date,’ Your Grace.”

“It’s really not…”

“Understood! Then I’ll dress you as quickly as possible. Which of the new dresses would you like?”

“Anything is fine.”

“Oh, my lady! The entire capital is focused on you right now. You may intend to go quietly, but that won’t be easy.”

“What? Why?”

“That’s— never mind. No time to explain! I’ll gather the others!”

That felt like a great deal of omitted information.

But before I could question further, Betty had already summoned the Ga-Na Maid Squad.

The moment they heard, every single one of them lit up like fireworks—while somehow dressing me at terrifying speed.

“Ah! It’s a shame we’re short on time, but as always, our lady shines in anything!”

“What if they mistake you for the prima donna and demand you take the stage? Hoho!”

“That won’t happen…”

Even as I protested weakly, I had to admit—I looked good.

My hair was styled high into two neat buns, like elegant dumplings, with long ribbons trailing down to my shoulders.

The pale pink sleeveless dress matched the ribbons, bell-shaped and ankle-length, giving off a light, playful charm.

Our maid squad is truly professional.

I felt deeply satisfied.

Knock knock.

“Your Grace, the carriage is ready.”

“Oh! I’m coming!”

As I hurried out, the maids called after me—

“Have a wonderful date, my lady!”

“Don’t enchant anyone else! Only make His Grace fall for you!”

“As if anyone could resist that face!”

“Haha… I’ll be back!”

Honestly, if I didn’t get dressed up and teased like this, I might feel something was missing.

Smiling softly, I followed Phil outside.

There stood the carriage—and beside it, Xavier, dressed sharply in dark formalwear.

Our eyes met.

“……”

He looked… stunned.

I stopped in front of him and looked up calmly.

I’ve had etiquette training from Diana Celeste, thank you very much.

I was waiting to be escorted properly.

“……?”

But Xavier remained frozen.

What’s he thinking?

Did he assume I’d forget and climb into the carriage first like usual?

Just earlier he was rushing me—what now?

Phil cleared his throat delicately.

“Your Grace. Lady Renée is waiting for your escort.”

“Ah.”

As if waking from a dream, Xavier hurriedly extended his hand.

It was so awkward I nearly laughed.

I took his hand and stepped into the carriage.

He really had changed.

When we first met, he was like a walking blizzard.

Now? There were… gaps.

He had seemed like a man who could cut down enemies without blinking.

But lately—he felt unexpectedly human.

“Why are you smiling?”

His tone was prickly, but I knew better now.

“You’re imagining things.”

“You were.”

“I wasn’t. Don’t act like a stubborn five-year-old and let’s go.”

“What?”

“Have a pleasant evening, Your Graces.”

Sensing the argument brewing, Phil smoothly shut the carriage door.

The carriage rolled forward.

I pulled the tickets from my handbag.

“Hehe.”

Just thinking about seeing my favorite novel adapted into opera made me giddy.

Who will play Mimi? It’s a dual role—they’ll need serious acting chops…

If tickets are this hard to get, the casting must be excellent.

Lost in my imagination, I barely noticed Xavier watching me.

“You’re that happy?”

He rested his chin on one hand, observing me.

His tone sounded gruff, but… he looked pleased.

“Yes! I’ve never seen an opera before. I never even imagined I’d experience something like this. Thank you so much!”

In my past life, I hadn’t even gone to a single concert.

Even if he wanted to see it himself—he still got the tickets.

So of course I thanked him sincerely.

But strangely—

Xavier’s expression darkened.