Trapped in a Secret Room With the Magnificent Duke - Chapter 13
Reyna headed straight to Duke Gerard’s residence. Although she hadn’t scheduled an appointment, it was urgent and important.
If she was to be trapped there again, Duke Gerard would be subjected to memory-erasing magic.
Fortunately, Duke Gerard was at home. Contrary to her expectation of being turned away, the Duke’s steward guided Reyna to the sitting room.
Reyna sat on a sofa and surveyed the room. The decor was simple, with just a sofa, a table, and a few pieces of artwork, but one of the paintings on the wall was so priceless that it couldn’t be evaluated.
Though her family was wealthy, it paled in comparison to the Duke’s opulence. As Reyna felt the stark contrast in wealth, she experienced a relative deprivation.
“Long time no see, Lady.”
A deep voice came from behind her. Reyna turned her head in the direction of the voice and was startled to see Duke Gerard walking toward her, his golden hair still damp from a bath and being dabbed with a towel.
Reyna quickly stood up from her seat.
“Hello, Duke. I apologize for the sudden visit and any inconvenience it may have caused. Thank you for welcoming me.”
Duke Gerard gestured for her to sit and took his place opposite her.
“I had just finished my midday training and was about to take a break, so please don’t worry about it.”
As Reyna bowed and took her seat, she was composing her thoughts when a few droplets of water from the still-damp towel trickled down Duke Gerard’s neck, falling onto his thigh, right between his legs. Reyna’s gaze lingered on that spot for a moment.
‘Ah, it’s the bulge again.’
As such thoughts crossed her mind, memories of the heated night with Duke Gerard resurfaced, causing her cheeks to flush with embarrassment.
Reyna clenched her thighs tightly and sat up straight. Unlike her body, who reacted like a dog with a bell, he appeared relaxed.
She was the only one feeling so flustered, which made her feel somewhat unjustly treated by Duke Gerard, who had no recollection.
“Do you have something to discuss with me?”
Duke Gerard asked with a meaningful smile. Reyna, who had been organizing her thoughts, briefly looked up, causing Duke Gerard to quickly compose his expression.
“I need to discuss an important matter concerning your well-being.”
Duke Gerard nodded as if to encourage her to continue.
“Even if it seems somewhat absurd, could you please listen to what I have to say until the end?”
Reyna, who preferred quick talks, had lengthened her introduction to prevent Duke Gerard from leaving midway or deeming the conversation nonsense.
She looked at Duke Gerard with earnest, pleading eyes, but he did not respond immediately, instead continuing his thoughtful silence.
After a while, Duke Gerard finally lifted his gaze, seemingly having finished his contemplation.
“I will.”
Reyna felt a bit of relief at his unexpected agreement and began to speak.
“Before we proceed, there’s one thing I would like to ask.”
Clearing her throat, Reyna continued.
“Have you ever… engaged in a secret contact between men and women before?”
Duke Gerard’s blue eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected question.
“Lady, you are asking something very personal.”
He brushed his damp hair aside while looking somewhat troubled.
“I apologize.”
Reyna immediately apologized and Duke Gerard responded.
“Such experiences… have not occurred.”
Reyna grasped the hem of her dress tightly. This meant that Duke Gerard had been a v****n up until now, though not anymore.
“I understand that personal questions might be uncomfortable, but thank you for answering honestly.”
Reyna offered a formal apology before adding.
“I realize you might find it hard to believe, but this is a genuine concern, and it was essential for me to bring it up for the sake of your mental health… Please understand that.”
Starting from there, Reyna recounted everything that had happened: the abduction, getting trapped, the magical tools and parchment, and the two nights she had spent with Duke Gerard.
“……”
Even after hearing everything, Duke Gerard remained silent with his gaze lowered. His silence was longer than Reyna had anticipated, who had expected him to dismiss her as nonsense and leave.
As the silence dragged on, Reyna grew increasingly anxious.
“Understood. May I now ask you a question?”
Reyna swallowed nervously and nodded.
“Have you discussed this matter with anyone else?”
“No, I haven’t told anyone. It’s not only my personal issue but also yours,” Reyna replied, shaking her head to emphasize her point.
She then recalled the side effects of the memory loss magic.
“If you end up in that situation with me again, it will severely affect your mental state.”
Reyna didn’t need to elaborate on the side effects of memory loss magic, as Duke Gerard would likely be aware of them himself.
