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“The start of any romance begins with the first move.”
Lady Carnier of the Duke’s household, ten days away from her arranged marriage with Crown Prince Servante, finds herself in turmoil.
Though their engagement had been set since childhood, his distant attitude has only caused her silent heartache.
Encouraged by her sister-in-law’s advice, she finally musters the courage to make a bold move.
“I… I want to experience romance before our wedding.”
“And who, exactly, would the partner be?”
“…Who else could it be, other than the person standing right in front of me?”
Meanwhile, Servante, buried in state affairs and oblivious to her feelings, interprets her semi-confession as a request for a contractual relationship.
Under the condition that their romance doesn’t interfere with their schedules or official duties, he agrees to a “pre-marital romance” as long as they maintain proper decorum…
***
“I know better than anyone that you’re no child.”
His hand seemed to grasp Carnier’s delicate neck before slowly sliding downward. Carnier flinched slightly.
“That’s why I’ve been holding back, suppressing the urge to tell you to cover yourself up, even in the peak of summer, so not an inch of your skin is exposed. Are you satisfied now?”
“…?”
“Does it make you feel relieved to know your fiancé has harbored filthy desires toward the little girl he’s known since childhood?”
“Ah…”
His fingertips, which had been tracing her collarbone, reached the dip of her chest. Carnier held her breath. Wherever his touch lingered, it felt as though heat blossomed.
Looking into her flushed face, Servante whispered,
“That’s why I told you not to say any more. What will you do if the ‘next thing’ this kind of man wants isn’t a conversation?”
