Standard Contract Guidelines for a Fraudulent Marriage - Chapter 62

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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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Episode 62

Adelia closed her mouth without finding words to say.

‘Something’s been off lately.’

She didn’t know exactly what felt strange—whether it was herself or the situation spiraling in an odd direction—but the thought persisted.

Whenever a gap opened in her mind, her thoughts turned to Loerston. She found herself wondering what he might be feeling, what he might be doing, and these musings had grown far more frequent than before.

“What’s wrong, Adelia?”

Adelia pulled herself from her reverie and offered a bright smile that suited the sea.

“Nothing at all. Just lost in thought for a moment.”
“Thinking about what?”

About you, she murmured silently to herself.

She was curious how Loerston would react if she actually said it aloud.

He’d probably be surprised or laugh it off. If he were surprised, should she claim it was a joke? But if he laughed it off instead…….

“I was thinking about Number 9 Fungus.”

Loerston raised an eyebrow playfully.

“Work on your mind even out here?”
“But listen! Professor Siern says he might actually be able to prepare a place where we can cultivate the fungus in large quantities! I didn’t even expect it!”

Loerston’s expression shifted subtly again, but Adelia was too caught up in her excitement over the new topic to notice.

“To determine whether Number 9 Fungus has real practical value, mass cultivation was absolutely necessary. I was so worried about where to find a space, how to get the equipment—it was a real problem. But then the professor just came through at once…….”
“Ah, Adelia. Look over there. I see dolphins.”
“What? Where? Where?”

Mid-sentence, Adelia scrambled toward the railing again.

Loerston wore a subtle smile of triumph as he stood beside her and pointed out toward the sea.

“Over there, see? Watch it leap out of the water.”
“Huh? Where……. Oh! It just jumped! Wow, unbelievable! Real dolphins!”
“Amazing, isn’t it? They say dolphins are frequently spotted in this area. If you’re lucky, you can see other whales too.”
“Really? How incredible.”

Adelia’s eyes sparkled with wonder.

“Whales really are the most beautiful creatures.”

Loerston’s words made Adelia look at him with curiosity.

“Do you like whales?”
“I do. There’s something magnificent about them—sailing vast oceans alone, never ceasing, never stopping. I saw a real whale once when I was very young, sailing out with my father and mother. Watching it spray water and glide gracefully into the depths left such a vivid impression on my young mind.”

Adelia listened to his story with a radiant expression.

Imagining him as that young boy, eyes bright with wonder at the sight of the whale, her heart felt inexplicably warm.

“Did you know there are songs that are popular among whales?”
“Really? Is that true?”
“Yes! I read about it in a paper once. Whales communicate using their unique calls and can actually sing. Popular songs spread like fashions among whales.”
“That’s hard to believe.”
“I thought the same thing when I read it. I even considered majoring in marine biology. I’m very interested in whales, especially ambergris……. I’ve heard that many whales are sacrificed for ambergris. If we could research the special microorganisms or bacteria inside ambergris, or its chemical composition, couldn’t we synthesize it artificially? Then whales wouldn’t have to be sacrificed anymore.”

Adelia’s words spoke of such advanced technology it was practically a dream, but Loerston listened with genuine interest.

He was aware that a considerable number of sperm whales were sacrificed for ambergris.

The Regan Kingdom officially prohibited intentional whaling, but whales were massive creatures that yielded so much that many attempted illegal poaching regardless.

If Adelia’s dream became reality, even a few sperm whales might be spared from death by that strange mass.

“You could have made an excellent biologist rather than a microbiologist.”
“Really?”
“Yes. As I said before, a marine biologist would’ve been wonderful, but if you’d studied biology broadly……what I mean is, you’d have considered a more humane coexistence.”

Adelia laughed shyly. That smile was so lovely that Loerston almost kissed her on impulse.

He only just managed to hold onto his sanity, but his hand was already at her waist.

Even as he drew her close, Adelia simply smiled softly—no startled gasp, no protest like before.

To Loerston, that reaction felt like a small hope.

Perhaps…….

Perhaps Adelia felt the same way he did.

Like sunlight breaking through clouds in a single beam at dusk, a small spark of hope flickered to life within him—a warmth so tender it was almost painful.

‘Just a little longer.’

That’s what Loerston thought.

Drawing Adelia’s waist closer still, he breathed in deeply.

He would have to wait just a little longer.

***

Dinner on the ship was an unfamiliar and magnificent experience.

Adelia and Loerston sat in a place specially prepared for them, watching the glittering night sea through the glass.

Dining while watching the waves rise and fall, sometimes gently and sometimes urgently, was one of the few truly beautiful experiences of Adelia’s life.

“So this is what they mean by romantic?”

Loerston smiled softly at her words.

“Do you feel romantic?”
“I think I do. I never understood why my friends enjoyed reading romance novels, but now I realize—this is the feeling they were drawn to.”
“Shall we deepen your sense of romance a little more?”

Adelia looked at him with eyes full of anticipation.

The meal was finished now, with only dessert remaining, and she was curious what else he’d prepared.

Just then, the ship’s chef brought out the dessert plate.

With a soft clink, as the plate settled on the table, Adelia was so startled she couldn’t even gasp in wonder.

“Enjoy.”

After the chef withdrew with a respectful bow, Adelia, whose lips had only been opening and closing silently, whispered softly:

“Senior……what on earth is this?”
“Have a taste.”
“How am I supposed to eat this!”

Adelia looked down at the plate again and shook her head slowly. It seemed impossible to eat.

It was a dessert shaped like a small sea. Fluffy cream foam represented the waves, while gel in shades of deepening blue reflected and shimmered as it grew darker.

Around the harbor rendered in chocolate, real gold dust was scattered to create a glittering shimmer. It was a dessert that seemed ready to produce the sound of waves at any moment.

“It’s so beautiful.”
“It’s as delicious as it is beautiful. The chef worked hard to make it especially for you, so taste it.”

At Loerston’s words, Adelia suddenly understood.

This was a gift he was giving her. He must have asked the chef to make it specially.

“Thank you, senior.”

At her thanks, Loerston chuckled with his chin propped on his hand. He didn’t ask what she was thanking him for.

“Have a taste. And tell me what flavors you experience.”
“Like the practice from last time?”
“Exactly.”

Adelia hesitated, then carefully scooped a piece from the deep sea portion and placed it in her mouth. After savoring it for a moment, she looked up at Loerston with an expression of surprise.

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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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