Chapter 85: Chapter 85: The Duke’s Heir VS The Underdog Female Supporting Character (Part 25)
Lately, there’s been quite a buzz at the Duke of White Rose’s Mansion.
“Have you heard? His Highness returned from his adventures and brought back a man.”
“Of course, I saw them too. Wow, he’s really handsome, a perfect match for our Highness.”
“It’s just not clear what status he holds, after all, our Highness is the next Duke of White Rose…”
When his daughter returned from her journey and brought a lover with her, even Duke Richard, who was normally composed, felt somewhat bewildered at the news.
The Duchess, however, was very pleased with the man her daughter brought back.
The Demon King was handsome and charming. Within a day, he had the Duchess beaming with joy whenever she saw him.
The Demon King, deeply understanding of human nature, knew exactly which strategy to use on whom.
He won over the Duchess’s affection in less than half a day. Winning Duke Richard’s approval took even less time.
The process was simple. He and Duke Richard had a fierce duel at the mansion’s training grounds.
Having gained the approval of the Duke and Duchess, the Demon King didn’t slack off, as he couldn’t possibly continue living in the Duke’s mansion with his beloved.
Even if Gu Shengyin didn’t mind, there would surely be rumors. He couldn’t bear to see his treasure slighted.
So, half a month later, the Empire’s Emperor joyfully announced to his ministers that the Empire had gained a new Sword Saint and personally awarded him an Earl title.
While rivals of the White Rose Family mocked the heir’s choice of companion, the Demon King proved them wrong with his actions.
The days that followed were filled with His Highness Roman and the newly-made Count Norman displaying their affection.
At the opera, a casual glance upward would reveal His Highness Roman, with Count Norman carefully picking out the disliked ingredients from the snacks before her.
During Imperial court banquets, whenever a man appeared near His Highness Roman, Count Norman would immediately move to his fiancée’s side, possessively wrapping his arms around her waist to assert his claim.
Do you think His Highness would be displeased? Look, who is that woman smiling so sweetly?
Residents of the Royal Capital often saw the Highness and the Earl strolling down the streets together, as His Highness disliked servants following them. The Earl, noble and a Sword Saint, cheerfully carried all the knick-knacks His Highness fancied along the way.
This directly caused the unmarried ladies in the Capital to set their standards to match Count Norman, leading to a surge of spinster nobility.
Married women also complained to their husbands about how thoughtful and attentive Count Norman was to his fiancée, questioning why there was such a big difference between them.
Historians later dubbed this phenomenon the “Count Norman Effect.”
Eve is now a squad leader of the Duke’s private guard.
Watching His Highness and the Earl together, she sometimes fantasized that if she had stayed by the Earl’s side from the start, perhaps she would be the one beside him now.
“Captain!” Eve turned around—it was one of her guards, reportedly a minor noble whose family had once had a Viscount.
Eve looked at him curiously.
The guard, his face flushed red, finally blurted out, “There’s a bonfire party tomorrow night hosted by my family. Would you like to join me?”
Eve gave him a thoughtful look, then suddenly smiled and said, “Sure.”
She, too, should pursue her own happiness.