I was stuck in a dilemma. Should I call her ‘Your Grace,’ or simply ‘Beatrix’? I wasn’t sure which was the right choice.
Considering the nobles’ mindset, societal decorum, and her dignity, the former seemed correct. However, the latter felt more fitting when thinking about her happiness and our relationship as an engaged couple. Either way, there were bound to be consequences. It was a frustratingly complex problem.
“Baby?”
Ah.
It wasn’t until I heard her voice that I realized my mistake. She had spoken first, and I hadn’t even replied. That was rude, regardless of our respective statuses.
What was worse was that I noticed a faint unease flickering in her eyes from being ignored. It was subtle, but the fact that she felt it at all was a problem.
It wouldn’t have been such a big deal if I had just responded immediately and called her ‘Your Grace.’ It might’ve been slightly disappointing, but she would have understood given the many eyes watching us. But hesitating to the point where she became anxious, only to then address her with a stiff title? That would likely hurt her feelings.
Specifically, she’d probably start thinking, ‘Does he not want to acknowledge our relationship in front of others?’ and nurse that wound silently.
That’s highly likely.
It might seem like a silly misunderstanding, but I couldn’t afford to take any chances. The Mage Duchess had already had her self-esteem hit rock bottom once during the potion incident. She was delicate, like fragile packaging, and I had to handle her with care.
“Yes. I’ve been well, Beatrix.”
I responded a little late, smiling but still polite. Even in this situation, my final shred of sanity kept me from speaking too casually.
Using her real name had its justifications. We’ve exchanged rings, after all, so addressing her with a formal title just felt odd at this point. On the other hand, speaking informally to someone a hundred years my senior would be absurd. It would probably be fine after years of marriage, but using informal speech right now would be awkward.
This level of formality seemed like a reasonable compromise—using her name but maintaining respect. I should stick to this approach when we’re in public. It was a balance both she and the nobles could accept.
—Or so I thought.
“Th-thank goodness... I’m so glad to hear that.”
The moment I called her by name, the unease in her eyes vanished, and she began to fidget, her ears twitching nervously. Her face turned a shy shade of red, unmistakably the appearance of a woman in love.
What? Why was she reacting like this? I didn’t even speak casually and just called her by her name. Did she take being called by her name more seriously than informal speech?
“...”
And next to us, I could feel Iron-blooded Duke’s silent shock. He seemed too flustered to even laugh or gasp.
The other nobles weren’t any different. The previously bustling surroundings, filled with greetings and requests, fell silent for the first time.
Damn it.
I misjudged the situation. I thought calling her by name would be surprising but still acceptable. But apparently, even that was sacred ground to these nobles, like she was Voldemort or something. Well, she is a wizard.
But now that I thought about it, it made sense. To these people, she’d been the Mage Duchess for over a century, a figure who served multiple emperors. They probably never even imagined that someone would address her by name.
This was a disaster. If just using her name caused this reaction, then what would happen if I spoke informally? Beatrix might blush, but the nobles? They might all die of shock.
“...It seems like you two are very close. It’s heartwarming to witness. My congratulations in advance on your upcoming wedding, Your Grace.”
Finally, one of the stunned nobles managed to speak. No matter how confused they were, they still knew how to say the right thing—that was a noble’s instinct.
“Indeed. I was concerned about the challenges Your Grace and the Executive Manager might face, but it seems my worries were for nothing.”
“A difference in species is no small matter, but overcoming that only makes the bond stronger, wouldn’t you agree?”
Others quickly followed suit once one person broke the silence.
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