The Duchesses

Chapter 69 : Eirene Festival (1)

As the opening ceremonies began, the air was filled with the sounds of drums and bass from marching groups. The audience then began to shout, roaring so loudly that they could be heard for the anticipated event. However, when the Duchess of Light is in the company of many people, she begins to feel her eardrums bulging and her social energy evaporating.

The idea that the Emperor and Empress have passed away seems unreal. Since the Eirene Festival encourages people to live in peace and harmony with one another, Medea is uncertain whether or not Ares is fortunate for it, given the events that have taken place within the Empire. Still, Aurora's sudden onslaught caused some shakiness in his reputation.

The sapphire eyes keep holding his sight at the Duchess Valimos, the woman who gets away from his grasp again. Today, he will never let go of her again.

"She is more familiar with Eirene Festival than anyone else, which would result in bloodshed in the arena. However, because people have pointed out that she benefits from nepotism as a Duchess, she wants to participate in this festival to demonstrate her ability. Medea is stubborn, as usual," he sips on his tea as he chuckles afterwards.

He motions for Julius to approach him by moving his hand forward. But instead of doing so, the man bows down and bends toward the new Emperor while Ares covers the man's mouth and whispers something into his ears. The Duchess of Valimos is aware of this and has some unease.

After that, he proceeds to make a speech to the people of the Empire.

"As the new Emperor who arose unexpectedly owing to the death of my parents in recent weeks, I am overjoyed that we can dedicate this occasion to those who work tirelessly to make the Empire grow even more than before. Emperor Atticus, my father, came up with this notion. He was an excellent Emperor---" Duchess Smith leans on Apollo to hide her yawning.

"Can I use your body as my pillow, Apollo?" the Duchess asks groggily.

Out of all things about the ceremony, she hates waiting for a long empty speech.

"Who told you to join this earlier? You could've rested comfortably," Apollo retorts back, still unsatisfied that the Duchess is joining the festival.

"I am concerned over you who don't even experience any relationship with a woman yet. Don't you see some ladies are eyeing you now?" Duchess Smith wriggles her brows, pinching the man's muscle.

Marquess Hector glances at her, for her rudeness but hiding his chuckle. If someone told him he would tolerate Duchess Smith from the past, he would kill them without hesitation, but that woman is amusing and catches his attention for her rash moves.

"What are you laughing for, Hector?" Duchess Valimos asks, as Hector almost jumps from his place due to the sudden question.

Duchess Medea is too close to him right now, causing the blood to rush into his face in a second.

"About something," Hector gives an indirect answer to the woman.

"Thus, as the Emperor of Angelos Empire, other than real swords, I permit the use of horses to intensify the anticipation for this Eirene Festival!" Ares suddenly improvises the battle.

The moment he lets out the orders, all of the allies change their face into a frown, some fuming with anger and some chuckling in disbelief. Eirene's battle will be bloody enough. That's why the contestants must sign the consensual of any injuries from the battlefield under their own responsibilities. This is to avoid any people demanding compensation from the Empire and any crisis later on.

"This is lunacy! People who move into the arena will not follow the chivalry code this way!"

Duchess Valimos looks around, only to find some teams looking directly into them, possibly crushing them under them. She looks at them expressionless, not bothered by the stares.