People around who recognized Miss Galina naturally also saw the interaction between Shard and the Duchess. Previously, no one had ever seen the Duchess in such a manner in public, so they became somewhat more convinced of the rumors about the Duke and his lover.
The two didn't linger too much among the magician's crowd but continued their walk in the garden. The Witch held Shard's arm, softly introducing him to the notable guests attending this exclusive banquet. She seemed very happy, more relaxed and content than Shard had ever seen her.
They sampled the snacks on the tables, strolled through the garden, and greeted familiar people together. The red-haired lady even watched Shard play two rounds of Roder Card with others, although there was no betting involved this time. With Mia not around, they even fed the pure white pet cat raised by Velarde Manor together, and Galina laughed as she speculated about what Shard's cat at home would think of such an act.
