I Seducing the Black-Hearted Duke Wasn't Me - Chapter 10

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 10
‘Wait, that’s…….’
I froze solid the moment I caught sight of the teal-blue silk box peeking between his fingers.
There was no way I didn’t recognize it as the box from the most prestigious accessory shop in the capital of Orden.
He set down the box, which filled his palm and looked unmistakably significant, and watched me quietly—as if savoring my reaction.
“Marriage right now would be too sudden and burdensome, wouldn’t it? So, for now.”
For now?
“I’d like us to continue seeing each other on the premise of an engagement.”
“……I’m sorry?”
Before I could even finish processing his words, his hand flicked open the ring case.
An Emerald Ring emerged—its green the exact shade of my own eyes—and I was left speechless.
This is serious. This man means it.
“So this is.”
“A shackle, of sorts. A beautiful form of binding through contract.”
“……I suspect you’re the only one who’d call an engagement ring that, Your Highness.”
“Yet you do grasp that it is one.”
How fortunate, he said, pushing the box toward me again.
I hesitated to touch it when the Duke suddenly extended two sealed envelopes.
“This is an Engagement Pledge Document. I don’t distrust you, but better to be safe. I’ve already had our lawyers handle the authentication, and I’ve signed it myself. All you need to do is sign. Once you sign and give it to me, I’ll register it with the Imperial Palace.”
“A pledge?”
“No matter how much I wish I weren’t, I’m still a member of the Imperial family. So the procedures are far more complicated than for ordinary nobility.”
The Duke spoke as if it were rather tedious.
“And this other one is…… well, you might call it an advance betrothal gift of sorts. A kind of bribe, really.”
“A bribe for me? I must be difficult to please indeed.”
“That’s why I took great pains. I think you’ll like it.”
Will I, though?
I regarded him with suspicion, and he spoke first.
“Port Monopoly Rights.”
“Pardon?”
“Specifically, exclusive usage rights to a harbor.”
Wait—what?
I quickly snatched up the documents, stunned by what this bribe actually was.
Inside was a certificate transferring authority over the harbor at Balka, exactly as he’d said.
“Among my territories, there’s a place called Balka—it’s on the coast, and I’m currently having a harbor built there. It should be completed within this month. This is a certificate granting the Roar Trading Company exclusive rights to use that harbor.”
“I…… this is…….”
“Effectively, a harbor that only Zacherete can use.”
……
“Do you like it?”
“Do I like it? Of course I do! This is truly enormous!”
Currently, all the tea leaves cultivated by Roar were being transported overland.
The problem was that the terrain between the capital—where the plantation and factory were located—was mountainous, and without proper roads, shipments had to take long detours.
This meant transport took time, and the losses mounted considerably.
On top of that, what little passed for roads made the local nobles demand tolls whenever they saw an opportunity.
But if maritime transport became possible instead of overland routes?
“I’m glad you’re pleased. So now, shall we do the engagement?”
Ah, no.
A bucket of cold water suddenly doused me back to earth.
I’d been spinning through business schemes when reality yanked me right back down.
I cleared my throat awkwardly and set the documents down slowly.
Right now this was a very sweet and delicious candy.
But it felt wrong to just accept it outright.
“My signature is already on the transfer certificate. Once you sign, the rights will transfer immediately—provided you also sign the engagement pledge at the same time.”
“But what if I sign only the transfer certificate and tear up the engagement pledge?”
“I’m afraid that won’t be possible.”
“Pardon?”
“That’s precisely why I’m here today.”
The corner of the Duke’s mouth curved up ever so slightly—as if he actually wanted such a scenario to play out.
“If you’re really curious, by all means try. But I wouldn’t recommend it.”
“Why not?”
“Because you’ll certainly regret it.”
At his wink, I swallowed hard as he flashed that radiant smile and answered.
“Don’t worry. Soon enough, you’ll understand whether you like it or not.”
I stared at him blankly, my throat dry.
It didn’t sound like a simple warning.
“That’s my proposal. Think it over carefully.”
He rose from his seat with perfect composure once he’d finished speaking.
The languid pace of his stride seemed to reflect his unshakeable state of mind.
But just as he reached the door, he suddenly turned back.
“Oh, before I go—I should collect the earnest money this time too.”
Earnest money? My God.
The memory of his kiss from last time flashed through my mind, and I froze.
Bracing myself for another kiss, I was tensing up when Leon’s dazzling face drew steadily closer, as though determined to meet my expectations.
Should I close my eyes? Or keep them open?
And if so, when?
I was still deliberating earnestly over this.
“Leon.”
“Yes?”
“Call me by my name.”
“L-Leon?”
As I stumbled through his name, a bright smile bloomed across his lips.
It was such a sweet smile that all my worries and concerns seemed ready to vanish.
Just for calling his name—and he looked so thoroughly satisfied by it.
“Good. From now on, call me by my name. We’re close enough for that, aren’t we?”
Perhaps he feared I’d refuse if he said “betrothed” outright. He didn’t say it directly, but the omitted part was easy enough to infer.
Of course, it’s all contingent on me signing those papers lying on the desk—but that’s beside the point.
At his suggestion that we address each other informally, I nodded. It wasn’t difficult, after all.
“Then I’ll take my leave, Erna.”
Leon bowed once more and turned slowly. Then he slipped quietly out the door.
After he left, silence descended over my study once again.
Through the second-floor window, I watched his retreating figure, and perhaps he sensed my gaze.
After walking a ways, Leon suddenly turned and looked directly at where I stood.
Caught red-handed watching him, I was flustered—but he only grinned and waved.
Almost reflexively, I waved back.
What was this feeling?
My chest tickled strangely.
Lost in the rising confusion, I was repeating the same question over and over in my mind when—
“What on earth has happened! Tell me everything, and I mean everything, from start to finish!”
Bang! The door flew open, and Lora burst in.
Judging by her ragged breathing, she’d run all the way here, and she’d clearly figured something out.
“All right, all right. Calm down, Lora. Just take a breath……”
“Do I look calm to you?! Heavens above, the legendary Marquess who brought down the Grand Duke Bernstein was right here before my eyes……!”
Brought down. Conquered.
I’d always disliked those expressions.
“Enough of that. Just give me the bottom line. So the Marquess is the Grand Duke from the rumors? His lover?”
“Lover, I don’t know.”
Yes, lover or whatever. I honestly had no idea what to call this relationship right now.
“But I definitely caused some trouble.”
“T-Trouble?”
Yes, trouble.
Lora’s disappointment at hearing I wasn’t his lover was instantly replaced by fierce interest at the word “trouble.”
Her eyes gleamed with predatory hunger—like a wild beast that hadn’t eaten in days, poised to pounce at any second. Her trembling shoulders made me deeply uncomfortable.
“Oh my stars!”
A cry erupted from her like a roar.
“Our Marquess, who always spurned men like cold stone, has finally, finally done something so scandalous!”
“S-Scandalous?”
“It was that night, wasn’t it? The night you came back from staying out! I knew it! I had a feeling something was different about that day! I have good instincts!”
“L-Lora. Calm down, please……”
“Calm down?! I feel like running barefoot down Rodan Street screaming right now!”
Screaming? What would she say?
That our Marquess had slept with the Grand Duke from the rumors? Like that?
“Ah, I thought even an older man—age gap doesn’t matter—if only you’d bring me one unmarried nobleman with a decent face, I’d be over the moon. But, good heavens, the Grand Duke Bernstein! Wait, wait, hold on. Then—!”
Lora, who had been flustered and exclaiming loudly, suddenly froze mid-sentence, her face draining of color.
I stayed quiet, wondering what strange notion was about to spill from her lips.
“It’s all right for you to just… stand there?”
“What are you talking about?”
“What do you mean, what? There might be an heir to His Majesty and the Grand Duke inside your belly!”
I’m going to lose my mind.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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