Trapped in a Secret Room With the Magnificent Duke - Chapter 14
“Is the reason you came to tell me all this, to hide the truth?”
“I apologize for not telling you sooner. You can call it a cowardly excuse if you like. But I was hesitant to tell you because I didn’t think Duke would believe me. It would be hard to believe even if it were me.”
After revealing the secret she had been struggling with, Reyna felt both relief and guilt. She regretted not confessing sooner. As Reyna’s expression darkened, Duke Gerard spoke.
“I don’t think Lady’s actions are cowardly. Rather, I am grateful for your concern about my mental health. And…”
Is he not going to reprimand her?
Duke Gerard’s unexpected response did not lighten Reyna’s guilt but rather intensified it. However, she soon shook off the feeling. After all, she too was a victim in this situation.
“…I apologize for making you bear the secret and worry alone.”
Reyna reflected on her past assumptions about Duke Gerard based on rumors. He had been imprisoned by someone and had his chastity stolen. He was subjected to such meticulous memory erasure that he hadn’t even realized it until today.
Yet, he was still concerned about Reyna.
“So, you came to discuss how to handle this situation with me?”
“Yes.”
Reyna began organizing her thoughts about what to do next. Whether there were similar incidents in the Empire or finding ways to avoid the side effects of memory loss magic.
“I have a good solution for this problem.”
“What is it?”
Reyna was impressed. Although she believed Duke Gerard, with his intelligence and abilities, could find a solution, she did not expect it to come so quickly.
“It seems that the person behind this wants you and me to be connected.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
The problem was that this connection was physical.
“Then we should do as the person wishes.”
A clear solution.
“But if we do as the person wishes…”
Since it implied establishing a physical relationship by mutual consent, Reyna could not continue the sentence and merely fidgeted with her lips.
“I will formally submit a marriage proposal to the Count Hendrick family.”
Reyna’s violet eyes widened in surprise.
…All of a sudden?
‘Wasn’t it just about the physical connection? But now, a marriage proposal?’
Reyna could only blink in surprise.
“Do you hate me, Lady?”
Duke Gerard asked with a strangely hurt expression. It was unlikely, but for a moment, he appeared like a discarded puppy.
“No, it’s not that…”
Reyna shook her head instinctively, but she found it hard to find the words to respond to a marriage proposal.
“Is there another reason why Lady thinks you shouldn’t marry me?”
Duke Gerard’s question only confused Reyna more. While the s-x with him had been very, very pleasurable, but marriage was a different matter.
“Resolving this issue is important, but marriage is a significant decision in life…”
Reyna, who had been pouring out her words haphazardly, took a moment to collect her thoughts before continuing.
“More than that, Duke Gerard, you are the object of admiration for many unmarried young ladies, and there are various options for you beyond just me.”
“Does that pose a problem for Lady and I to get married?”
Reyna felt as if she was bound and unable to move under Duke Gerard’s intense gaze.
‘What is this?’
Reyna couldn’t answer and only moved her lips as Duke Gerard said, with a pleased smile.
“Ah, I see. You are uncomfortable with the attention I receive from unmarried young ladies. Is that it?”
“That’s part of it…”
In the Empire, there are many young ladies with better family backgrounds and who love Duke Gerard. Even the youngest princess, who is favored by the Emperor, has long admired Duke Gerard.
Although Reyna’s family is not insignificant, it does not compare to theirs.
“I will make sure that no one will be interested in me after we are married. Will that make you accept?”
Is that even possible? For a moment, Reyna wondered.
But she thought Duke Gerard could probably achieve it if he set his mind to it. Still, she continued to question why marriage was suddenly part of the equation when physical connection seemed sufficient.
“Or, are you using the mention of other young ladies as an excuse not to marry me?”
Duke Gerard’s brow furrowed slightly. As she sensed the dangerous atmosphere, Reyna immediately denied it.
“That’s not it.”
“Then?”
When Reyna failed to answer immediately, Duke Gerard continued.
“Lady, you’ve shared a difficult and sensitive matter with me. It must be due to your concern for my well-being.”
Though aware that it was flattery, Reyna’s cheeks flushed slightly at Duke Gerard’s praise.
“And I believe that our union is indeed the only way to avoid the side effects of memory erasing magic.”
That wasn’t entirely wrong.
“Even so, marriage isn’t something to decide so easily…”
Reyna trailed off and her gaze dropped.
“Ah, I see. So, the issue isn’t with other excuses but rather that you simply don’t wish to marry me.”
Duke Gerard’s expression turned a bit harsh.
Unable to withstand his intensity, Reyna blurted out a response.
“It’s not that I hate you, Duke.”
