Don’t Trust the Lying Duke!

‘Am I going to become your mistress from now on?’

A new figure appeared in the quiet countryside village of Manolie—Robert.
All sorts of rumors spread through the village about the unfamiliar gentleman from the capital, Laurent, yet no one actually knew his true identity.
Despite being surrounded by endless gossip, this man showed special kindness only to Sasha.

“If you want, you can come see me again.”
“Whenever I want? Then what can I do for you in return?”
“I don’t need money. If it truly troubles you, paint me a picture worthy of hanging on the wall.”

With Robert’s permission, Sasha began freely coming and going from the mansion, painting her artwork.
Meanwhile, the Duke of Guillen—one of Laurent high society’s most famous figures and the greatest tycoon in Brissen—initially approached Sasha out of mere curiosity, but gradually began to feel something else.
It was close to desire, yet a troubling impulse that could not be explained by that alone.

* * *

“I’ll be careful from now on. So please do the same.”

Robert even thought he was in a good mood this morning—at least, until Sasha brought up those words.

“So that I won’t mistake you for someone too close to me. Please.”
“That almost sounds like you’re saying I’ve been bothering you.”

Robert’s voice dropped in an instant.