Chapter 104 Will You Be.
Claus?
The most dangerous man in the empire? The man who, in the original novel's plot, loved to behead villains without mercy? Including Ilse's own neck.
He is here? This early in the morning? What on earth is happening now?
"You're not joking, are you, Elara?" Ilse asked, her voice trembling, trying to figure out if the maid was hallucinating or purposefully messing with her stressed-out mistress.
"There's no way I misheard, Miss," Elara replied, enthusiastically straightening her apron. "He's standing right in the main drawing room, wearing a stylish cloak with the Duke's gleaming badge. Your father has even gone down to greet him."
Oh my god.
The Varannes family was among the most respected families, with vast lands, a grand mansion, and enough inherited wealth for generations of extravagance.
Ilse's father was not the type to warmly welcome every guest.
But still, receiving a grand duke's visit so suddenly in the morning was something else entirely.
Especially because that person was Claus.
Ilse ran to her dressing table, checked her messy hair, made sure there was nothing unsightly on her face, and then hurried out of her room, rushing down the wooden stairs.
As soon as she reached the bottom, her father's cheerful laughter rang out.
Viscount Varannes looked absolutely radiant. His face was beaming, his eyes sparkling with joy—like a merchant who had just landed the biggest contract of the century. He sat across from a tall, handsome man whose presence dominated the entire room.
Claus.
The man sat upright on the velvet sofa. Arrogant. Cold. And exuding such a deadly aura that anyone would want to run for their life.
"Ah, Ilse! My beloved daughter, come here!" her father called loudly, waving at Ilse. "Look who's come to visit us early this morning. It's a great honor for the Varannes family!"
She swallowed hard.
Her feet slowly carried her into the sitting room, trying to put on the most natural smile she could manage, even though she'd rather jump out the window right now, seeing her father's over-the-top behavior.
Claus set down his teacup and turned his gaze.
His blue eyes looked deeply at Ilse. His lips curled slightly, a small smile.
"It's been a while, Lady Varannes," Claus said in a deep, masculine voice.
Ilse immediately bowed respectfully, performing the lowest and most proper noble greeting she could in front of him.
"It's an honor to receive your visit, Your Grace Duke Claus," she said, trying to keep her tone as calm as a public relations officer. "May I ask what brings Your Grace to our humble home?"
Lord Varannes chuckled a little at Ilse's question and looked apologetically at Claus.
"Ilse, mind your tone. Don't act like that in front of the Duke," her father scolded, then turned back to Claus with hopeful eyes.
Claus ignored Ilse's father's rebuke. His eyes remained fixed on Ilse, as if studying every inch of her reaction.
He slowly rose from the sofa. His black cloak draped over his broad shoulders.
Then, standing right before the beaming Viscount Varannes, Claus stepped forward. He stopped directly in front of Ilse.
"I have not come without reason," Claus said calmly, his voice echoing through the silent parlor.
Ilse looked up, staring into those sharp eyes, her heart pounding—the same fluttering she'd felt not long ago.
"I would like to officially invite Ilse de Varannes to be my partner at my brother's engagement party."
Thud.
The sentence slipped from Claus's lips without a hint of hesitation.
Her brain stopped working. Partner? Me? Attend Prince Didier and Lysandra's engagement party as Duke Claus's date?
Meanwhile, beside her, her father stood up from his seat. His face was flushed with excitement, his wide grin nearly splitting his cheeks.
"Oh my..." Her father's voice shook with overwhelming joy. "What an extraordinary honor, Your Grace! Our family... we would be delighted to accept!"
Ilse's father patted her shoulder gently, his eyes gleaming at his daughter with triumph.
But Ilse?
She could only stare at Claus in horror. All she wanted was a peaceful life, yet this man always found her.
This man wasn't just dragging her into the lion's den. He was throwing her straight into a blazing dragon's lair.