My Favorite Smut Author Is My Husband! - Chapter 3
Her long hair, with not a single decoration adorning it, gently spilled down, as she had no particular desire to look impressive. In the early afternoon sunlight streaming through the front window, her silver hair and long eyelashes shimmered, making her appear pure and innocent. The Duke, captivated by her appearance, stood frozen, unable to respond properly.
“Ahmm. Your Grace?”
“Ah.”
Noticing the unusual expression on his master’s face as he stared blankly at the young lady, the butler narrowed his eyes slightly, prompting the Duke to hurriedly fasten the strings of his shirt.
“…?”
While Lily, who had been slightly bowing her head in apology, noticed the books scattered on the wide table in front of the sofa in the room. They were the works of ‘K,’ an author she recognized just by the spines from having read them over and over.
“You really don’t need to apologize that much. Actually, I should apologize for my parents pushing for such an urgent meeting…”
Unaware that Lily was moving from suspicion to certainty, the Duke, who had finished fixing his clothes, awkwardly started to speak, and Lily quickly finished her calculations.
“Is that so? Then how about we look the other way this time, Your Grace?”
Just seeing the cover of the book brought back memories of its most scandalous passages. Her pale face flushed red, and she smiled mischievously as she gazed up at the Duke with her eyes slightly curved.
As he awkwardly approached her, the Duke froze once again, and the butler’s gaze became sharp.
“You already know, but allow me to introduce myself again. I am Lily Artea, daughter of the Count.”
“…I am Ashulin Dike, the Duke.”
“Duke Ashulin!”
Unlike the Duke, who had come to a halt, Lily approached him without hesitation. Standing close, she could see why he was called ‘the door.’ He was an impressively large man.
Of course, he also had a chest that was as broad as his stature.
And perhaps, like her, he might enjoy reading e****c novels. What’s more, K’s novels were not just filled with passionate descriptions but also heart-fluttering, sweet stories.
“I won’t take up too much of your time. As long as you don’t object to the marriage proposal… Could you spare just a little time to have tea with me?”
“I don’t think talking with you would be a waste of time. Please don’t lower yourself so much. I’d like for you to feel comfortable.”
The Duke’s ears were burning red, but since Lily had to crane her neck to even see his ears, she was unaware of it. Only the butler looked on at the Duke, recalling the late Duke and Duchess, who were renowned as the greatest lovers of their generation and were likely enjoying a second honeymoon. Now, their only son was finding himself entangled in something of a similar sort.
“I’ll have the tea prepared. Do you have a preference?”
“I like all kinds of tea. But, if it’s alright, I’d prefer to have it here instead of going somewhere else.”
“In my room?”
“Yes. I want to get to know you quickly, Your Grace.”
“…My lady.”
“Is that not allowed?”
She was sure they would drink tea at that table. Lily wanted more certainty. As her actions became unintentionally more forward, the Duke’s face joined his ears in turning bright red.
‘He has such a calm and gentle face.’
Now, even Lily could see his flushed face. His smooth black hair and dark eyes made him look like a pious priest.
But Lily wasn’t too concerned. After all, she knew that her own face seemed innocent and pure, even though she was not ignorant of desire.
Everyone has at least one secret hidden behind their social mask.
And if this large-chested man shared the same secret, their marriage might turn out to be quite enjoyable, even if it wasn’t love.
“Your Grace…”
“There’s no reason not to! I-I’ll have the tea prepared here. My lady, I apologize that the room isn’t tidied up, but please, have a seat over here.”
Finally, she was led to the sofa in front of the table covered in books, just as she had hoped. Although the servants quickly cleared the table to prepare the tea, she had already confirmed
it—the title of the latest work by author ‘K.’
“I’m not very skilled in social graces, so I apologize if this sounds too direct. However, I believe the union between the Count’s house and the Duke’s would benefit both sides… What do you think, Your Grace?”
After all, as the daughter of a noble house, she was expected to marry by the age of twenty-three at the latest.
Lily covered her mouth, suppressing the smile that was threatening to appear, and then glanced up at the Duke. Yes, she had to marry anyway. This wasn’t a bad match at all.
She admitted that this man in front of her was truly the groom her parents had carefully chosen.
“Outwardly, it seems perfect. But I… I have certain beliefs.”
“Beliefs?”
The Duke clenched his fists under the table as he looked at Lily’s wide eyes. Back in his academy days, whenever he said things like this, people would laugh and call him a fool. But he felt that she would be different.
He had already forgotten the fact that today was the first time they had met, and that she had rudely barged into his room. Instead, he straightened up with a serious demeanor.
