The Contract Wife Tries to Leave - Chapter 164
“Fine… I understand that Miss Lucerne is a very conscientious person.”
When he spoke again, his voice had dropped to a chilly tone, and he’d reverted to addressing her as “Miss Lucerne.” Johanna knew that when he called her that, it meant his mood was distinctly sour.
“Take this. I bought it because I couldn’t just pass it by.”
“…?”
He thrust the large box into her hands, leaving her holding it in confusion. Hugging the box tightly, she blinked, uncertainly watching him. With an exasperated sigh and a fleeting glance her way, Leonid turned and left the drawing room without another word.
Johanna returned to her room and opened the box. As she’d suspected from its weight, it was an art set. Inside were various sizes of pencils, brushes, watercolor paints, colored pencils, and more…
Why would he suddenly give her something like this?
…Could it be a birthday present?
The thought crossed her mind, but she quickly dismissed it with a chuckle.
No, that couldn’t be it.
It made sense if he’d simply bought it on a whim after seeing it.
In any case, he’d thought of her in his own way, and a warm feeling of gratitude welled up inside her. Perhaps she could paint something in return. Yet, she wasn’t entirely sure if he’d appreciate it.
Regardless, she felt she should express her thanks in some form or another.
* * *
Friday. It was the day she was scheduled to meet the Viscount of Bantwood.
Their appointment was set for 2 p.m. In weather like this, meeting in the bright daylight hours seemed most appropriate.
The problem was that, ever since the kidnapping incident, going out had become anything but easy.
Whenever Johanna wanted to go somewhere, Leonid insisted on accompanying her himself or assigned ten bodyguards to follow. Having ten bodyguards trailing behind was far too conspicuous, and being accompanied by Leonid felt burdensome and uncomfortable.
This time was no different. When Johanna requested permission to go out, Leonid immediately asked for her destination and purpose. Unable to lie to someone who was practically her employer, she told him the truth, and his expression instantly turned icy.
‘You’re meeting with Lucas Bantwood?’
‘I’m meeting Daniel’s sponsor.’
‘Ha…’
He let out a disbelieving laugh and, after a brief moment of thought, declared that he would accompany her.
‘Who knows what you’ll discuss with Lucas Bantwood if I’m not there? I need to go, don’t I?’
She almost retorted, asking if he didn’t hear it all from Nella anyway, but she quickly closed her mouth.
Leonid arbitrarily set the meeting location at the Weimar Estate, and Johanna had to send her apologies to the Viscount of Bantwood in advance.
The Viscount, in his usual polite tone, responded that it was no problem, though she couldn’t be entirely sure he’d actually be fine with it.
And so, at 2 p.m. sharp, the Bantwood family’s carriage arrived at the Weimar Estate.
The carriage smoothly pulled to a stop in front of the main building, and the door opened. Lucas Bantwood and his attendant secretary stepped out in turn.
And, unexpectedly, Daniel had come with them.
“Sis!”
“Daniel, you came too?”
“I wanted to surprise you!”
Daniel chatted excitedly with a big grin, then suddenly paused, straightening his posture and putting on a serious expression. The attempt to act mature looked so out of place that Johanna couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Don’t laugh, Sis. I’m trying to be more grown-up lately.”
“You’re still young, though…”
“I’m not a kid anymore!”
It seemed he might be entering his rebellious phase. Amused, Johanna ruffled his hair, and Daniel pouted in response. Perhaps it was time to break the habit of ruffling his hair… though his soft, fluffy hair was hard to resist.
“It’s truly heartwarming to see such a close sibling bond, Marchioness Neubitz. How have you been?”
At that moment, Lucas Bantwood greeted her with a warm smile. Realizing she’d been too focused on her brother to properly welcome their guest, Johanna felt a bit embarrassed. She quickly approached Lucas and extended her hand for a handshake.
“I’m sorry, Viscount Bantwood. I was just so happy to see Daniel… I’ve been well. And you? I hope you’ve been doing well.”
“I’ve been managing just fine. It’s good to hear you’re well, too. Thank you for inviting me today.”
“Oh, not at all… I’m the one who should be thanking you for supporting Daniel.”
With casual conversation, they headed toward the mansion’s largest drawing room. As the heir to a duchy, Lucas was accustomed to this level of formality, yet he seemed sincerely grateful for each small gesture, expressing thanks at every turn.
“But… I thought the Marquis Neubitz would be joining us. Is he not?”
Seated on the opposite sofa, Lucas asked quietly, a hint of nervousness peeking through despite his attempt to remain composed. Smiling gently to ease his concerns, Johanna replied,
“He had an urgent matter come up suddenly. He said he’d join us around three, so I hope you don’t mind waiting a bit.”
“Oh… I see.”
Lowering his gaze, Lucas appeared slightly worried and anxious. Though Johanna wasn’t sure if he’d completely let go of his former feelings for Leonid, he looked far more at ease than he had in the past.
