Hello, Readers! I am celebrating my birthday with extra chapter updates, so please enjoy this special chapter release of 4 bonus chapters! 🥳
(Lurelia’s Birthday Bonus – Update 1/4 🎉)
♡ To all readers who purchased these chapters before my Birthday: I can’t express this enough – Thank you for your support. (*ˊᗜˋ*)/ᵗᑋᵃᐢᵏ ᵞᵒᵘ*
***
「Secret Contract Article 2, Section 1. The two shall meet privately at least once a week to appear as lovers.」
“Mikhail, I’m dressed! Let’s go!”
It took over two hours just to choose clothes for the first date.
But I finally completed it. The ultimate fashion look for a date with Admiral Richard Aquilus.
Mikhail was so deeply impressed by my bold and creative date look that he was silent for quite a while.
And when he finally spoke, this is what he said.
“Did you forget that it’s August starting today?”
“I didn’t forget.”
“And you know we’re in the south?”
“Of course.”
“Then why on earth are you dressed like this?”
I responded to Mikhail’s gaze, which seemed to question my sanity, with a shameless smile.
“Oh my, my, Mikhail. You must not know much about fashion since you study too hard. True fashionistas dress warmly when it’s hot, and lightly when it’s cold.”
“I don’t know who these fashionistas are, but I know that living like that will get you killed. Please change your clothes.”
He wasn’t just being firm with his words; Mikhail tried to usher me back into the dressing room.
Since I couldn’t possibly tell him this was actually fashion for survival, I quickly made up another excuse he might accept.
“Actually, after taking a break from dating for a while, I’ve become quite shy. Even physical contact with the Admiral feels a bit burdensome now. That’s why I dressed like this.”
Ignoring the first part and only hearing the latter, Mikhail’s silver-gray eyes sank coldly.
“Wouldn’t it be better to terminate the contract now?”
“But Callia wants that 456 billion golden~”
When I even poked my finger against my cheek, his contorting expression was truly a masterpiece.
My aegyo must have been so horrifying that Mikhail turned his head away and surrendered.
“Do as you wish, My Lady.”
I smiled contentedly at such a Mikhail.
Three days ago, when Mikhail saw the wound on my neck and declared ‘This contract is void!’
When he realized I had absolutely no intention of breaking the contract, Mikhail strongly insisted that we should at least claim compensation for what Zipfel had done.
“In cases of injury between high nobles, one can claim up to 300 billion golden in compensation from the other noble.”
Adding my labor costs to that, we agreed to receive a total of 456 billion golden from this contract.
In fact, this was even after I reduced it from the Admiral’s offer of 500 billion.
“If that fellow ever becomes violent towards you, even in the smallest way, tell me immediately. This includes verbal threats as well.”
“Yes, I will.”
“Don’t just brush this off. There are ways to handle it without violating the contract.”
“Yes, I prefer peace.”
Seeing Mikhail about to launch into another lecture, I quickly changed the subject.
“So, how’s my fashion?”
“It’s fine.”
His words say it’s fine, but his eyes are quite honest.
“What if Richard asks why I’m dressed like this?”
“Tell him it’s trendy.”
“You truly are my butler.”
“……”
Mikhail ignored my words with practiced ease.
***
When I boldly walked out to the mansion’s main gate, Richard was already waiting in front of the carriage.
His eyes widened when he spotted me.
“You……”
Wow, I’d believe it if someone said this suit fit was bestowed by the Sea God himself.
During the last tea party, I had praised the Southern Navy’s white uniform while looking at the picture book, but perhaps due to his perfect figure, the Admiral looked stunning even in a black suit.
It’s rare to find someone who can pull off such a classic suit, which exudes both traditional and noble vibes, in such a wild way.
Who said slim men look better in suits? Forget that. All hail muscles.
Phew. I almost drooled.
After momentarily losing my words, I swallowed and opened my mouth.
“Richard! You look amazing! That’s my man!”
When I clapped enthusiastically and made a fuss, Richard hesitated for a moment, but only for a moment.
Skillfully composing his expression, he strode right up to me.
When the distance narrowed to half a step, he leaned down and whispered to me.
“Are you planning to expose all of my curse?”
Given how close we were and his gentle expression, it must have looked like sweet nothings to other servants.
Of course, to my ears, it clearly carried the nuance of ‘Are you crazy?’
“Of course not.”
Though I answered nonchalantly, I knew exactly why this man was saying such things.
After all, I had come out fully armed from head to toe, without a single exposed spot.
The navy blue chiffon veil on my head covered everything down to my waist, completely hiding my face.
The long black dress, suitable for early winter, covered from neck to ankle without a hint of exposure.
And to top it off, I wore large black quilted mittens.
Richard spoke briefly, with a face that said he had much to say but wouldn’t.
“Get in first.”
After helping me into the carriage, he looked at me with an exasperated expression as soon as he closed the door.
I quickly spoke before he could say anything.
“Isn’t it easier if we’re both being careful rather than just you being careful alone?”
“So that’s why you’re dressed like this?”
When I nodded vigorously, he pressed his hand to his forehead.
“Don’t saints feel the heat?”
“Do you happen to have a fan?”
“……”
We silently stared outside for a while at the blazing sunlight.
Although this place has a Mediterranean-like climate if compared to Earth, with high temperatures but low humidity.
That didn’t mean it was an environment suitable for a fashionista of my caliber to survive.
‘Must stick to indoor activities no matter what.’
As I took off my left glove to fan myself, Richard, who had been watching me, muttered suspiciously.
“You didn’t get those gloves from the kitchen, did you?”
They might look similar, but they’re not!
“What’s wrong with my gloves that an artisan stitched with care? There’s even a large sapphire embedded in the middle!”
Of course, that artisan was Sarah, the sewing maid at the Rabius villa. She has very meticulous hands.
“This will definitely become trendy.”
“Well… it might have a chance in the North.”
Richard responded in a voice of resignation while looking at my large and beautiful gloves.
The carriage was now running on well-paved stone roads.
Beyond the well-maintained flowerbeds and street trees, luxurious boutiques, tea rooms, hotels, and restaurants passed by.
“If you want, we can still turn the carriage back to the Rabius villa.”
Richard said calmly while watching me put my glove back on, but that wasn’t possible.
Who knows when I’ll be ready to go out again! Now that we’ve come this far, I’m going to make the most of it.
With that determination, I looked straight at Richard.
“Don’t worry, Admiral. After all, the face is what completes fashion.”
I proudly said while slightly lifting the chiffon veil to show my face, causing Richard to let out a small laugh.
“We’ve arrived at Biselium Street, Admiral!”
The Aquilus family’s coachman announced our arrival right on time.
Lowering my veil again, I took a deep breath.
‘Will I be able to act the villainess part well?’
I had practiced alone at home using Callia’s scattered memories as reference, but now that the moment has come, I’m worried.
After all, Han Su-a, the 29-year-old office worker, was such a polite person.
***
Biselium Street, also known as “Noble Street.” The South’s largest shopping district is lined with luxurious and splendid stores.
In short, the perfect place to show our faces to the southern nobles and announce that Richard and I are dating.
So, am I performing my mission well?
“Don’t cling to Richard!”
“Wh-when did I…!”
“Now! Don’t come within three steps of him!”
Of course, I am. The heat has turned me into a completely hysterical madwoman.
“If anyone approaches my man, they’ll regret it! huff huff…”
The nobles who had initially approached eagerly when Richard first stepped out of the carriage were now strictly maintaining a 2-meter distance and hurriedly going their own way.
It was entirely my achievement.
“Are you giving me the evil eye?! It’s hot!”
“You’re the one who dressed warmly…”
“Maybe your eyes need to burn to understand my heat?! Come here!”
“Eek! I’ll just leave!”
The topic seems to be shifting from Richard to the heat, but as long as I chase them away, huff, isn’t that what matters?
Honestly, I didn’t have the mental capacity to consider minor details.
“Aren’t you overdoing it?”
“How long has it been since we got out of the carriage?”
“About 10 minutes.”
“Ha……”
Damn it. I was planning to strut around for at least 30 minutes to create the impression that messing with me would be trouble.
“This is enough. You’ll collapse first at this rate.”
“That’s true.”
“We should move to a tea room and have some cool drinks.”
“I love you.”
That was sincere just now. Though I probably would have said the same to anyone else who suggested that.
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Happy birthday Lurelia~ May your birthday filled with abundant blessings, joy, and success✨ Thank you so so much for all the bonus chapters~ (≧○≦)ﾉ💖