I Had No Complaints About This Marriage - Chapter 23
It was the mine where the male lead—who, as a second son, had no significant inheritance—had bought for the female lead, claiming it was the best he could offer, only for it to later strike it rich when an enormous vein of high-quality gems was discovered deep underground.
‘It’s not like I’ll be punished for getting one little head start, right?’
The main leads would have their own golden future waiting for them anyway.
Maybe she could ask for one of the gemstones when they were mined. Herman had plenty of money—he’d probably give it up easily. What should she do with that money?
As she hummed to herself, the excited chatter of guests still lingering in the music’s afterglow drifted in from outside.
“By the way, what about the Young Duke of Telloien?”
Her humming stopped abruptly. She shouldn’t be enjoying this moment—she needed to get out of here quickly. Her hands moved with renewed urgency.
She was almost fully dressed, struggling with trembling hands and an aching waist, when the bathroom door opened again.
Herman, who had finished washing up and tidying himself, stepped out, his eyes locking onto Esina.
“…What are you doing?”
“Getting dressed.”
Though he sounded incredulous, Esina simply fumbled with her clothes. Rustle, rustle. The sound of fabric shifting mixed with the gradually cooling water in the tub Herman had prepared.
He had drawn the bath for her, only to find the water had gone cold. Then, after reheating it, he’d gotten distracted adding oils and salts to make it just right.
But when he finally opened the door, Esina was already dressed.
‘…She’ll probably feel neglected and cling even harder if I don’t dry her off.’
That’s why he’d intended to take care of her thoroughly—until the very end.
Yet here she was, wiping herself off with an indifferent expression, her movements brisk. Each time she shifted, thick droplets of fluid dripped from between her legs onto the floor.
Ignoring the renewed heat pooling in his lower body, Herman watched her blank face.
“How many times do I have to tell you not to get too attached, Esina?”
“Ah…”
“You’re making this difficult for me.”
‘Was it because he’d said that? You’re making things difficult for me.’
Even as she told herself this was the wise response—that she should understand his words—she couldn’t help feeling a little upset. And then, realizing there was no reason to be upset, she grew even more irritated.
“…Herman.”
Having dressed herself haphazardly, Esina turned to look at him. Herman, who had been about to fix her disheveled clothes, froze when he saw the shadowed expression on her face.
That look wasn’t fake. After struggling to dress herself, she had completely drained the last of her energy.
“I…”
“…”
“Can I go rest first?”
She looked utterly deflated—nothing like the bold, confident woman from before.
Somehow noticing the hint of dejection in her expression, Herman stiffened slightly as Esina let out a long sigh and pushed herself up from where she’d been leaning against the desk.
“I know it’s improper for the lady of the house to leave her seat like this.”
“……”
“If you teach me more next time, I’ll learn diligently.”
Esina deliberately layered her face with exaggerated exhaustion as she continued speaking.
As much as it had been exhausting, the pleasure that had swept through her left her slightly embarrassed at having lost all reason and enjoyed herself in front of guests. So she wanted to vacate the spot quickly, take a nice bath, and indulge in blissful laziness.
“Please.”
At her weakly spoken words, Herman watched her with dark eyes. Eventually, he too let out a long sigh and gave his permission.
“Fine.”
“……”
“I can’t look after you. I have guests to attend to.”
“I know.”
Before Herman could change his mind, Esina quickly turned and left the study.
Left behind in the space she had vacated were traces of his own spilled seed, and Herman stared at them blankly for a moment.
“Ha.”
This was for the best. If Esina started drawing lines, it’d be easier for him too.
So why did it feel so foul?
A dry laugh filled the air. Herman flexed his fingers lightly.
* * *
