I Married the Mad Duke Who Killed My Husband - Chapter 77
“Asil, your answer?”
“……”
This is starting to get a bit creepy. I didn’t expect him to be this persistent in pressing for an answer. People change between entering and leaving the bathroom, or is that expression even appropriate?
Anyway, before the trial, everything seemed like an obstacle interfering with Cassion and me, and I thought I should answer his confession once those were resolved. But now that it’s really all over… I find myself with a lot to think about.
“A man who’s too pushy isn’t popular, you know.”
“I don’t need popularity. I only need to hear one person’s thoughts.”
“……”
“So, what’s your answer?”
“I told you before that I had practically already answered. Didn’t you know without having to hear it?”
“No, I don’t know. I need to hear it.”
Cassion insists as if nothing matters except my answer. It’s troublesome, but the fact that even this behavior seems cute to me probably means I’m wearing quite thick rose-colored glasses.
“We’re at an important juncture right now. The streets are in turmoil, and there’s also the matter of His Highness the Second Prince’s investiture…”
“That means our contract is coming to an end soon.”
“…Hmm.”
“You’re not planning to run away after the investiture ceremony when the contract ends, are you, Asil? I’d like to believe we’re not that shallow of a relationship.”
I hadn’t actually planned to do it, but I did have such a thought once, so I rolled my eyes, feeling a bit guilty inside. Cassion then approached me with his red eyes flashing.
I unconsciously stepped back, but soon my back hit the wall. And Cassion extended his arms on both sides of my face, trapping me. Did he just do a kabedon on me?
“No, really. Where did you learn something so uncharacteristic… oof.”
I’m fine with taking the lead, but I’d rather pass on such embarrassing situations. As I tried to bend my waist and slip away from my seat, Cassion’s arm swiftly came down and caught my waist like a snare.
“You know I’ll just go to that rider if you run away. Wherever you go, I’ll chase after you and bring you back, so why waste the effort?”
“…It’s Jenin. At least remember the name of your protégé. She even helped us. Come to think of it, I wonder if the trial results have reached there yet; we got a letter this morning…”
“Changing the subject won’t work, Asil.”
“Tch.”
“It’s cute, but I’d like you to stop teasing me now.”
“What do you mean teasing? There’s no baby here to tease.”
“……”
“…Come on, I could misspeak, you could at least play along a little. You said you liked me.”
I knew it was a rotten joke, but I threw it out there because I had nothing else to say. But if you’re going to be that serious, won’t I be the one getting hurt?
“I don’t think my affection for you is big enough to laugh at such jokes yet.”
“What did you say?”
This time I really got upset. Without realizing it, I turned my body that had been struggling to escape from him and grabbed his collar, pulling it taut.
As we faced each other at a distance where our noses could touch, Cassion’s eyes curved widely. Contrary to Cassion’s words about lacking affection, his feelings for me seemed to overflow along the corners of his eyes.
Chu-
“Huh?”
“If you answer me, I could laugh heartily at even worse jokes than that.”
I clicked my tongue at his bold action of kissing my forehead just like that. When we made the contract, he was a blockhead in the palm of my hand, but when did he grow up like this? I raised my hand and lightly pinched his impertinent nose, and Cassion pretended to be hurt, furrowing his brows and releasing me.
“Put on your clothes.”
“I am wearing clothes. Did you mean to say take them off?”
“… You’re not Cassion, are you?”
“I’m just trying to joke around too, Asil.”
My, he’s so confident, not thinking for a moment that he might be rejected.
“I meant change into your outdoor clothes. Let’s go on a date, it’s been a while.”
Of course, I won’t reject him. But I can’t give him an answer right away, if only out of spite.
“They say rumors about the trial have already spread widely among the commoners, but I want to check for myself… I’ll give you my answer while we’re on our date.”
No matter how complicated my thoughts are or how much I want to delay the answer, it’s time to decide the outcome of this contract.
The Second Prince’s investiture as Crown Prince is almost a foregone conclusion, and it would be better for both our hearts and minds to clarify our relationship before we become more emotionally attached in what’s just a contractual relationship.
***
“Lorang, which one do you think looks better? Of course, anything would look beautiful, but I need a man’s perspective too.”
“Your Grace’s expression is so radiant right now, like a blooming flower, that both suit you well.”
“There’s a sting in your words? Is your expression like you’ve eaten ten-day-old bread?”
“No… It’s just that you’ve turned my insides upside down and now you’re preparing for a date… Never mind. The dress on the right is more beautiful.”
Although Lorang is a bit of a fool, he does have some aesthetic sense as a portrait painter.
Normally, I wouldn’t have asked for his opinion, let alone listened to it. But for some reason, unlike before, I’m feeling anxious about the upcoming date, and I’m even holding back Lorang, who just came by, to ask for his opinion.
“You’ve been saying the First Prince was your son since we met. Isn’t it too late for your insides to be turned upside down now? Pia, show me something else besides this.”
“How about this one? As expected, my lady, everything suits you well. I’m glad the bruises and wounds on your face have completely disappeared.”
Even so, it’s too ornate for a street date, not a ball. My facial features are strong enough that even small accessories as accents are sufficient, but for some reason, I find myself trying on various things, feeling unsatisfied with everything.
Because of me, Pia is excited after a long time, while Lorang, crouched on the sofa behind, hangs his head even more dejectedly.
“But seeing it in person was different. The face resemblance is so strong…”
“Didn’t you see the portraits of the Empress that were distributed to the entire nation when you met her and got deceived? Haven’t you seen the First Prince’s portrait either? You’re at the center of world affairs; shouldn’t you pay a little attention?”
“Did I ever think I’d meet members of the imperial family?”
Pia and I turned to look at Lorang simultaneously, dumbfounded. The rumor that he’s the First Prince’s biological father has spread throughout the entire empire, yet he’s thinking like this.
“Well, as promised, if you stay in the capital, I’ll provide ample support, but considering your nature, it might be better for you to just live in the outskirts.”
“Why? I want to paint in the capital!”
“Why do you think?”
We were able to win the trial because our preparation and evidence were so solid. Although Lorang did better than expected, our initial expectations were incredibly low to begin with.
With such a naive personality, I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets backstabbed by someone else while living in the capital.
“Well, your safety will be guaranteed for the next few years, but making money and succeeding is all up to you. Whether you get scammed somewhere or not has nothing to do with the Duke’s family, so I hope you’ve become a bit more aware of reality through this incident and the trial.”
“Your Grace, I’ve changed so much because of this incident. How can you say that?”
“It’s surprising that there’s been undeniable significant progress, yet this is still the result.”
Pia’s gaze, filled with shock, landed on him at the realization that this was progress despite his current state. But I took my eyes off Lorang, who was curling up in distress, and finished my preparations.
I’m not the type to make someone wait by pushing and pulling just for the sake of it.
Of course, even if I’m not late, it’s obvious that Cassion will be out there waiting first.
“Well then, I’m off!”
“Take care, my lady~.”
Pia, who saw me off, turned around and shook the still gloomy Lorang, asking him to paint my portrait. I left the room, leaving them behind.
Just before leaving, I checked my satisfactory appearance in the mirror, but just in case, I checked the hem one more time when I heard footsteps nearby.
“Asil.”
“Oh, why did you come all the way here?”
I knew Cassion would be out early, but I thought he’d be in the drawing room or at the bottom of the stairs. I didn’t expect him to be standing right outside my room. Feeling embarrassed as if caught in the act of dressing up, I approached him with a light scolding, and he averted his gaze.
“…I’m not rushing you. My feet just brought me here.”
What’s with this cute answer?
For someone who seemed determined to hear my answer to his confession today, isn’t this too ticklish? Is he trying to seduce me right now?
“You’re really determined today, aren’t you?”
“What?”
“It’s fine, keep going. I’ll fall for it.”
Anyway, it’s pleasant to see and hear, so let’s enjoy it. We’ve finished all our tasks, including the trial, and we’re still officially a married couple, so isn’t it okay to enjoy this much pleasure?
I immediately linked arms with Cassion and clung to him, leading him out of the Duke’s mansion. As always, his large frame is gently and lightly led by me.
“I don’t know what it is, but since you said you’ll fall for it, I’ll try my best.”
As his expression naturally relaxed, I could hear the mansion staff seeing us off, giggling.
This feeling of embarrassment mixed with excitement isn’t too bad.
