Standard Contract Guidelines for a Fraudulent Marriage - Chapter 87

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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 87

Adelia faltered, her gaze fixed on Loerston. His eyes gleamed with meaning, yet she couldn’t decipher what he was thinking.

“……Yes, even if I’m not nobility.”

After a long moment of thought, Adelia finally answered. Loerston continued studying her with that enigmatic expression before bringing his lips to the nape of her neck with a soft kiss.

“I wish I could be that way too.”
“……I’m sorry?”
“If you don’t understand what I mean, it’s fine not to know yet. We have plenty of time.”

With that, Loerston extended his hand as though suggesting they return.

Adelia took his hand without resistance, though her expression was dazed. How could she not understand? That was impossible.

‘He really wants to marry me? Truly?’

As she followed behind him, Adelia’s face flushed bright red, burning like flame.

***

Some time after returning from the ball, Adelia received a letter from Ellie Rumble.

[My Dear Duchess Adelia Whitten,

I wish once more to express my gratitude for attending the dance party.

Before you depart, I would very much like to greet you again. If it pleases you, might you allow me the pleasure of sharing tea together?

I await your reply.

With wishes for the wellbeing of both the Duchess and the Duke.

Ellie Rumble]

“……That’s what she says.”

Loerston, absorbed in the local newspaper, nodded.

“Why wouldn’t that be fine? You and Miss Rumble got along well enough, didn’t you?”
“That’s true. But meeting openly in public feels a bit embarrassing. Would it be alright to invite her here instead?”
“To the Villa?”
“Yes, to the Villa.”

Loerston turned his attention back to the newspaper, and as his eyes closed, a soft laugh escaped him.

Wondering if she’d said something amiss, Adelia tensed slightly—then the newspaper crinkled as he folded it. Loerston reached for her hand and drew her close, pulling her onto his lap.

“My lady.”
“My……lady?”
“Or what? You are my lady now, after all.”
“Ah……yes, of course.”
“And where is this place?”

Adelia, bewildered, rolled her eyes thoughtfully.

“The……Villa of House Insel.”
“Precisely. Then why must my lady seek my permission one by one before inviting her friends here?”
“That’s not……”
“If you wish, we could bring a circus and hold a show. You could set up stalls and distribute refreshments to guests if you like. A ball? If you want one, I’ll begin preparations at once.”
“No, no, not that much! Really, I wouldn’t do anything like that……”

Loerston’s lips brushed the back of Adelia’s hand with a soft kiss.

His gaze was so earnest as he looked up that Adelia suddenly didn’t know where to put herself, her eyes darting about nervously.

“Adelia, you don’t need to be so cautious. You are my wife, and everything I can do, you can do as well.”
“Your wife……”
“Yes. Do you remember the terms of our Contract? Article 3, Section 6—the Duchess will endeavor to participate actively in necessary social activities.”
“That’s Section 8.”
“Ah, is it? Well, there was some provision like that. And ‘necessary social activities’ doesn’t mean only attending balls hosted by others or accepting tea invitations. Sometimes we must extend invitations or hold parties from our end as well.”
“Ah, so it’s like Equivalent Exchange?”
“Exactly. If one side offers value, the other must offer value in return. That’s the courtesy of noble society.”

Adelia clenched her small fist as she answered.

“I understand what you mean. Then I’ll invite Miss Rumble.”
“One more thing.”

Adelia, who had been about to spring up and write her reply, sat back down heavily and looked at Loerston.

“One more thing?”
“Yes, one more thing. You don’t have to invite someone only as reciprocation. I told you—you are my wife. If you wish to spend time with a new friend as a Duchess, you’re free to do so. And while we’re at it, it might be nice to set up one of the unused rooms in the Mansion as your own salon.”
“A salon? Ah, no, that wouldn’t be right. I don’t have many close friends among the nobility……”
“Anyone will do. Decide what kind of salon you’d like and promote it first. Have you ever thought about what you’d like to discuss with people?”

What would she like to discuss? This was something she could answer with confidence.

‘Of course—microbiology!’

“Well, um……I think I’d prefer to discuss microbiology. I could talk about such things all night. Tales of charming fungal spores, newly discovered bacteria……”
“Then let’s establish a salon where you can discuss those things. If we gather people interested in microbiology and learning, wouldn’t it be wonderfully stimulating?”
“R-really? A salon like that would be acceptable?”
“Of course. In the Capital, Dorothea holds a salon with similar aims, but it attracts many dilettantes. Since Dorothea has such wide connections, people try to use her for networking.”
“Then I……”
“You can create your own salon. Dorothea would be delighted if you invited her. Well, I’ll make the arrangements when we return home.”
“Is there……anything I should do?”

A mischievous smile played at Loerston’s lips.

“Let’s see. If you kissed me while imagining how the salon might look, I might find myself more motivated.”
“Don’t tease me like that!”
“I’m not teasing.”

Adelia fanned her reddened face with her hand, then looked at Loerston intently.

She doubted such a thing would actually work, but seeing his expression, he seemed serious……

“P-please close your eyes.”

At her words, Loerston closed his eyes, biting back a smile.

As he sensed her trembling breath draw near, an urge seized him to pull her close, but he exercised superhuman restraint.

Soft lips brushed against his, then withdrew. The retreating red mouth was beautiful and tempting, like a piece of ruby freshly bitten.

“Is that……all that’s needed?”

Instead of answering, Loerston cradled the back of her head and drew her to him.

And gave her a longer kiss—until breathless Adelia began to strike his shoulder.

“……Hah, good heavens. You’re terrible!”
“Now that’s enough.”

He drew his tongue across his damp lips.

With the corners of his mouth tilted upward and that simple gesture of tongue against lip, Adelia felt her throat go dry.

What’s wrong with me? Adelia thought.

‘No, this won’t do. Lately, just seeing him makes my mind wander to such strange places! Stop these improper thoughts, Adelia Whitten!’

While she was inwardly tearing at her own hair, Loerston spoke.

“Now go write your reply to Miss Rumble. It’s best to respond as quickly as possible.”
“Oh, that’s right. I’ll go write my reply!”

Adelia sprung to her feet and spun around, dashing toward the second floor.

Left alone, Loerston rubbed the still-damp corner of his mouth with the pad of his thumb and gave a rueful smile.

“I wonder how much longer I can hold back. This is getting serious.”

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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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