The Male Lead isn't Following the Script!
Chapter 94: Protectiveness

Chapter 94: Protectiveness

The Duke shifted his gaze to Dimitri, his expression stony. "Dimitri, was it?" Taking one step forward, "Perhaps you forgot your place in the household?"

"And what is his place? Your Grace?" Adeline interrupted. She strutted towards Dimitri and stood before him with confidence. Her arms were crossed.

Her gaze challenged him.

The Duke’s brow furrowed slightly, surprised by her intervention, but Adeline continued before he could speak.

"It seems to me, Your Grace," she said, it was surprising to hear such sharp words from a child.

"That Dimitri is exactly where he belongs- as a valued representative of the Western Marquess and a guest invited personally by the Duchess. And as the daughter of the Western Marquess, I have every right to ensure he is treated with the respect he deserves."

"As a Duke, I must oversee those who cause a ruckus in my house." His eyes narrowed.

"If you want to talk about ranks, then you might have to start with that child over there. Is he not a commoner? I’ve come here to learn etiquette, perhaps you should join me too." She laughed mockingly.

"If I were to talk about ranks, Miss Adeline, you would have to bow before me. You are simply the daughter of a Marquess, while I am a Duke."

"Since you are a Duke, you must know that not just titles, but also influence matters in society. Are you sure you are valued more than my father?" She simply came to the point. Straightforward.

The Duchess might have called her behaviour vulgar. But, she wasn’t here so who cares? Adeline shrugged. She looked straight into the Duke’s eyes fearing nothing.

Perhaps this was the kind of confidence that overcomes you when you know that you have your family’s support.

Was he more important than the Western Marquess? No. He was a Duke in name. He became a Duke through marriage. The Duchess held the utmost authority here. While the Marquess of the West was only a Marquess in name... He was the Emperor’s friend...

He would’ve been the Archduke but he declined. He was content with the title of ’Marquess’ as titles meant nothing to him.

Was the Eastern Duke willing to die on this hill? Definitely not. He was frustrated with them. Why were they poking their noses into the Eastern Duchy? It was none of their business.

The Duke’s jaw tightened, eyes narrowing at Adeline’s bold stance. His hands clenched momentarily before he forced a composed smile.

"I commend your confidence, Miss Adeline," he began, his tone icy. "However, as I said, this is my household, and I expect my guests to respect its rules. I don’t know how it works in the West but here, we believe in fairness."

"Fairness?" Adeline’s smile didn’t falter. "I believe in fairness too, Your Grace. I would not mind asking the servants around here how the argument started."

Everett was already on the edge. His father had whispered into his ears ever since he was born that he would be the future Duke of the Eastern Duchy.

He believed it was his birthright. But now, Dimitri’s presence messed up all of their plans. His mere existence was enough to rile Everett up.

Adeline was sure that Dimitri did not start the fight. And she was right.

Once she said that, Everett immediately jump in, "Your Grace... I-"

The servants around them would not cover up for the Duke. They would give a correct account of what happened, and most importantly, if they had to choose, they would have chosen Dimitri.

They were not dumb, they heard of the rumours too. That the Duchess brought him with the intention of adopting him. He was a noble, he had the backing of both the Duchess and the Western Marquess.

As for Everett, he was an arrogant boy and... He was just a commoner. Although they were commoners themselves, they were used to the status quo. They had disdain for Everett, it would be beneath them to serve another commoner.

The Duke’s expression darkened, still, he managed to bring forth a smile to conceal his growing irritation, "I believe we can find a way to avoid further misunderstandings. Everett, apologise and leave for your room immediately."

Everett didn’t want to bow his head in front of Dimitri, he protested, "But f- Your Grace-"

"Shut up." He snapped. Because of this boy, he lost face in front of two children. "I said apologise." He gritted his teeth and spit out.

He would remember this... This was the reason he wanted to have more power. Even a five-year-old child dared to go against him like this. He will make sure they pay for this insult.

"I am sorry, Dimitri... Miss Adeline." Everett looked at both of them and bowed. His fists were clenched. He could barely control his anger.

The father and son were too much alike.

Adeline inclined her head, a satisfied gleam in her eyes. "I’m glad we could come to an understanding, Your Grace."

She turned to look at Dimitri who was still a bit surprised by what had transpired, "Shall we, Dimitri?"

As they left, the Duke’s expression hardened, his fury barely held in check. Everett stood silently at his side, his pride visibly wounded.

He turned to look at the servants that had gathered and watched it all unfold. Seeing him glaring daggers, they dispersed immediately.

Until the Duchess came back, they would have to listen to the Duke.

He hadn’t let the news of the Duchess’s arrival and her staying in a remote building reach the servants. Only a few people knew and he would like to keep it that way.

While Adeline and Dimitri made their way back to their rooms, there was still silence. No one said a thing. Dimitri felt confident when he was fighting with Everett back then but now he hoped he hadn’t caused too much trouble.

The silence bothered him, so in an effort to ease the situation, he spoke up, "Have you found what you wanted, My Lady?"

Adeline turned towards him and smiled. Even after the tense situation he found himself in, he worried about her.

"That’s not important, Dimitri. I have to say, I am proud of you. You stood strong and oozed confidence, that’s very admirable."

A small blush crept up on his ears. He had to admit, he felt proud too. He never thought that he would be in such a position, much less ’win’ the argument. He wasn’t used to it.

As much as he loved to show off the power of the Western Marquess, there was a tinge of pain in his heart. He too was a commoner... No, even worse, he was a refugee and had to struggle.

Flaunting his newfound status like this felt... Wrong.

Adeline understood Dimitri as she had the same thought. She didn’t bring up ranks for this reason, well not until the Duke pulled ranks. She was worried about what Dimitri would think.

"I hope you know I don’t think less of you... Status doesn’t matter. Behaviour does. What’s the point of having the title of a ’Duke’ when he behaves like that? My point is... Titles are just names."

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