Chapter 15

At that moment, the Bartman Ducal residence was filled with a chilling air, even though winter had yet to arrive.  

“Rivera is going to a marriage meeting? What do you mean by that?”  

Adrian, who had just washed himself with cold water, was more alert than ever.  

Seth bowed his head.  

“…My apologies. They sent the letter so discreetly that we were a step behind in figuring it out.”  

“Who is the other party?”  

“…It’s said to be the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Lenin.”  

Seth knew very well what kind of storm his words would bring. Looking at Adrian, who seemed ready to overturn everything with his fierce aura, Seth even considered changing careers.  

Adrian had memorized information about all the key figures on the continent. Among that information was the profile of the next in line for the throne.  

Even though he didn’t know the details, it was impossible not to know how bad the reputation of the Crown Prince of the minor kingdom was.  

“Isn’t he notorious for his promiscuity?”  

“That is correct.”  

“I’ve heard rumors that the number of women who’ve been in his arms is in the triple digits. Why would such a man show interest in Rivera?”  

“The letter claims he’s fallen in love with her.”  

“That’s nonsense.”  

“Yes. The Crown Prince of Lenin approaching Lady Rivera has only one motive.”  

Even before Seth could say it, Adrian had already confirmed it through his eyes.  

“To build a connection with me through her and solidify his position.”  

Adrian bit his lip. He was too afraid to approach directly, yet he didn’t want to give up the opportunity to form ties. That’s why he targeted Rivera.  

“Does the Iaron family know about this?”  

“It seems they don’t. If they did, the Earl of Iaron wouldn’t have passed the letter to Lady Rivera.”  

“That makes sense. The Earl, who cherishes his daughter so much, would hold back only because this could escalate into a national issue. If he knew the Crown Prince was at fault, he would’ve found a way to politely decline.”  

Now that Adrian knew everything, he couldn’t hold back.  

“When is the meeting?”  

“Tomorrow, after the party hosted by the Hontana family.”  

What if she goes to the meeting and shows interest in someone else?  

It was a bit harsh to say, but Rivera had terrible taste in men. It was almost miraculous how none of the men she met were decent.  

“Did Rivera agree to go?”  

“She initially refused but seems to have reluctantly agreed after her family’s persuasion.”  

Adrian clenched his fist tightly.  

“Prepare the carriage. I need to meet her in person.”  

* * *  

Although there was plenty of time until the scheduled hour, Adrian showed up unannounced, looking displeased. Curious about what was wrong, Rivera served him sweet hot chocolate and asked,  

“Is something wrong?”  

Adrian glanced at the drink Rivera handed him but didn’t drink it.  

“Don’t you have something to tell me?”  

“Huh?”  

“You’ve been invited to a marriage meeting, haven’t you?”  

Ah, so that’s why he was upset.  

Rivera chuckled and looked at him as if he were adorable.  

“Yes, I have.”  

“And you agreed to go? Are you out of your mind?”  

“Don’t you trust me?”  

“No.”  

“…Hey!”  

Forget calling him adorable.  

Adrian anxiously took a sip of the drink and let out a deep sigh.  

“You’re the type who doesn’t stop men from coming or going. If the Crown Prince proposes marriage, you might just go along with it.”  

“If you’re that worried, why don’t you come with me?”  

“……?”  

“Why would I go to a marriage meeting when I already have a boyfriend? I told my parents I’m seeing someone, but they insisted I meet him anyway, saying he could be a better match.”  

“Does that even make sense?”  

“As you know, I’ve had a history of dating trashy guys. Just the other day, I got drunk and came home after a breakup. So, when my parents begged me to meet him, I couldn’t say no. They were crying in front of me—what could I do?”  

“Then why did you say I should come with you?”  

“They were so adamant about it, I decided to go. But as soon as I see him, I plan to say, ‘I have a boyfriend, so let’s pretend this never happened.’”  

Adrian looked into Rivera’s eyes and realized she was being sincere.  

“I can’t believe someone would fall for me at first sight without even meeting me. Besides, he’s not my type.”  

Rivera didn’t live in an era like the Joseon dynasty, where one couldn’t see their groom’s face until the wedding night. Nor was she in a rush to marry. She wanted to fall in love with someone she truly liked.  

‘That person happens to be Adrian right now….’  

Rivera subtly glanced at Adrian. Lately, she’d been feeling it more and more—she might actually fall in love with him. In the past, she didn’t think much of it, but Adrian was starting to look manly and charming.  

‘How could I even think of meeting another man when I have someone like him?’  

Not wanting to show her feelings, Rivera tried to ignore them, but she could feel her heartbeat growing louder.  

‘I want to kiss you and share love with you. I want to strip you down and lock you in a room so you can’t go to work.’  

She wanted to go on dates every day, but Adrian was always so busy. When they did occasionally find time to meet, it wasn’t enough even to undress each other and kiss. After such passionate encounters, she would return home, longing for simple, ordinary dates like holding hands and walking through the streets like other couples.  

‘Someday, when I feel like getting married, I want to introduce you to my parents.’  

At that time, she wanted to introduce him not as the Duke of Bartman or an old friend, but as the person she would spend her life with.  

‘Until then, you’ll just have to put up with me.’  

She wanted to keep seeing him jealous and restless.  

Rivera chuckled, took a sip from her mug, and noticed Adrian fanning his collar as if he were hot. He then gulped down the drink she had given him.  

“That’s hot…!”  

Even though steam was rising from the drink, Adrian seemed unfazed.  

【The Fate of the Cheating Man】  

The next day, Rivera arrived at the meeting location. She had asked Adrian to come with her, but he said he trusted her and didn’t come. To be precise, his aide Seth had stopped him.  

– With all this work piled up, where do you think you’re going?  

– It’ll only take an hour.  

– That’s fortunate. Since it’ll be over quickly, trust Lady Rivera and stay here to work.  

– What if the Crown Prince gets rejected and retaliates? How can you send her alone?  

– If you’re worried, assign the family’s knights to guard her. 

Adrian glared at Seth and quietly drew his sword, muttering that his aide’s mouth was especially loose today.  

But Seth trusted that Adrian wouldn’t spill blood in front of Rivera. More than that, Seth felt overwhelmed by the mountain of paperwork.  

– I’ll handle it well, so just stay here and work.  

Rivera stationed the Bartman family’s knights at a distance. There was no benefit in having many witnesses see the Crown Prince get rejected. However, to prepare for any unforeseen circumstances, the knights were stationed close enough to intervene if needed.  

“Hmm… Did I come too early?”  

Rivera sat down at the meeting spot. Being back here brought back memories.  

“I wonder what that idiot is doing now.”  

This was the same place where she had broken up with a crazy ex who had claimed his mother told him to break up with her.  

“Adrian said he’d send him back to the military, but I wonder if he really did.”  

She had been so absorbed in her relationships that she hadn’t kept up with the gossip around her.  

‘I should check on that later.’  

Rivera ordered a drink and told the staff to prepare something for the knights as well. Adrian, who didn’t care much about others, probably wouldn’t have thought to look after his subordinates.  

This place was popular among nobles for its delicious desserts and fresh fruit juices.  

‘I should pack something for Adrian too.’  

What would taste the best?  

Rivera planned to decide after tasting a few. Just as she finished placing her order, a man in dazzling attire entered.  

‘Is that the Crown Prince of Lenin?’  

From head to toe, he was adorned in gold. That man must be her meeting partner.  

‘But what was his name again?’  

She remembered his face from his portrait but couldn’t recall his name.  

‘What was it? Radon? Ramen? Ra… whatever.’  

Rivera gave up trying to remember. She figured she could just call him “Your Highness” or wait for him to introduce himself. After all, they wouldn’t meet again after today.  

“I didn’t expect you to arrive first, Lady Iaron.”  

“I just got here myself, Your Highness.”  

“Haha, please, call me Raphael.”  

Ah, so his name was Raphael.  

The two sat facing each other.  

The drinks and desserts Rivera had ordered arrived, filling the table with cakes. Raphael seemed momentarily speechless.  

“Haha… It’s a lot, isn’t it?”  

“It’s not a problem, is it?”  

Raphael smiled kindly, rubbing the back of Rivera’s hand as if to reassure her.  

‘He looks worse up close. The portrait was better.’  

He had a sly, cunning face. Rivera stared at him while eating her cake, wondering when she should broach the main topic.  

‘Rejecting him the moment I see him might be rude.’  

The ring on her left ring finger felt heavier and heavier.  

It was the ring Adrian had given her. Since he couldn’t come in person, he had said to wear it, so anyone could see she was already in a relationship. But she doubted the Crown Prince would notice.  

Time passed, but the conversation didn’t progress. Raphael bragged about his country, claiming that if Rivera married him, she would become the Crown Princess and gain even more wealth and honor. He emphasized that what belonged to the husband naturally belonged to the wife.  

“Next time, I’ll show you the Ars Mountain Range, the pride of our kingdom. Once you see it, you’ll understand the kingdom’s wealth….”  

“Excuse me.”  

Rivera put down her utensils, looking apologetic.  

“To be honest, I came here today to decline this proposal.”