Chapter 22

She wanted to shout at her to take off those earrings immediately.  

She was determined to drive this woman out of the Ducal residence no matter what.  

Only after making up her mind did Sophia lift her teacup. Now that her resolve was set, she could finally sense the fragrance of the tea.

* * *

Returning to her room, Astrid closed the door tightly. The maid offered to assist her with a bath, but she shook her head. All strength had left her body, and she just wanted to be alone as soon as possible.  

After changing into comfortable clothes, Astrid headed to the study. Recently, she had spent most of her time reading in her room, but she couldn’t resist her curiosity about the ending of the book she had been reading that afternoon.  

If not for that tea time, she would have finished it.  

In truth, Astrid found the subtle social tactics of noble ladies and young misses uncomfortable. Hiding one’s true intentions behind refined words, and banding together to torment a single person, did not suit her temperament at all.  

Even when she was Hamilton, she put social gatherings aside to help with her family’s affairs and studied to enter the Academy.  

Her mother was appalled at Astrid’s focus on academics, thinking it unbefitting of a noble young lady, and insisted on hiring the best teachers to make Astrid into a proper lady.  

Thanks to that, she learned etiquette so thoroughly that there was nothing to criticize wherever she went. Still, the vague conversations among noble ladies did not suit her.  

She actually got along better with her father.  

He recognized his daughter’s nature and let her do as she wished. That was why, when Astrid declared she would compete with Andrew for the Hamilton Marquisate, he encouraged her to try her best.  

As unwelcome memories resurfaced, she paused to catch her breath.  

She didn’t think she would be able to sleep in this state anyway, so she decided to read until she became drowsy.  

Throwing a shawl over her thin indoor dress, Astrid stepped into the hallway.  

Fortunately, the study was empty.  

She picked up the book she had been reading in the afternoon, but her hand was drawn more to a popular novel. At times like this, she wanted to read something entertaining. As she turned the pages in anticipation, she realized the protagonist happened to have red hair.  

Suddenly, the red-haired Princess she met in the greenhouse came to mind.  

Astrid had lived as a noble lady of a distinguished family and, as an employee of the Mason Merchant Guild, had dealt with countless people. That was why she could respond appropriately to the provocations of the Marchioness Douglas and Sophia.  

Sophia, with her innocent appearance and princess-like grace, seemed quite a good match for Kaiden.  

The reason she remained in the mansion and summoned Brielle even when Kaiden was absent was likely out of wariness toward a young woman entering her man’s domain.  

Sigh.  

The contract with Kaiden was for one year. She didn’t know how much more Sophia would try to keep her in check, but if she had to confront her every time, Astrid’s body would wear out first.  

She found herself thinking it would be easier to haggle seafood prices with rough fishermen at the merchant guild. A helpless laugh escaped her lips.  

Astrid shook off her thoughts and put the novel back on the shelf. After all, she didn’t want to read a story with a red-haired protagonist. After some thought, she picked a book with a blonde heroine.  

As she leaned back on the soft sofa, the days when she ran the merchant guild felt like a distant memory.  

Next year, she would have to return to the West.  

She would ask Declan for help with some paperwork and then take charge of a specific area.  

The grains she managed last year had a big impact on people’s lives, so it might be good to oversee them again next year. Or perhaps she could use the insight she gained as a Marquis’s daughter to focus on liquor and luxury goods.  

Next time she met Declan, she would have to discuss her future work at the head office in advance.  

With renewed determination, Astrid took out a book about the specialties of the Raselles estate. Since various fruit wines were produced in the Raselles territory, it might be a good idea to talk with Kaiden about distributing them to the West if the opportunity arose.  

After all, the Duke said he would spare no support for the West.  

Astrid smiled as she imagined the Mason Merchant Guild obtaining exclusive rights to the fruit wine.  

“Do you like wine?”  

“D-Duke!”  

“Speak comfortably. It’s just the two of us.”  

Startled by the voice from behind, Astrid shrank her shoulders, but he stood there with a nonchalant expression.  

Kaiden tilted his head slightly and glanced at the book she was reading.  

Perhaps because he was a trained soldier, Kaiden often moved about without making a sound. But was there a need to do so in the quiet study?  

His fingertips traced the map of the Raselles estate, then gently tapped her fingernail. As the man drew closer, a cool and clean scent wafted over, making the nape of her neck tense.  

“I don’t really drink. I was just curious about the local specialties.”  

“You can’t judge alcohol with just a merchant’s eye.”  

Kaiden leaned in closer. His long fingers slowly traced Astrid’s lips. Her plump lower lip softened along the path he drew. As his fingertips touched her delicate skin, even his breathing was no longer calm.  

Astrid’s heart fluttered, but she tried not to show it. She did not avoid his touch and stared at him with wide eyes.  

“You don’t have to taste it to know. You can judge the value of wine by its color and aroma alone.”  

“Why just look at it if it’s meant to be drunk?”  

Wasn’t that just being evasive?  

Kaiden let out a small laugh, facing the tense Astrid. When his golden eyes deepened, she flinched and backed away. Although his eyes were light in color, they felt like a bottomless abyss.  

The moment her slender back touched the bookshelf, the man pressed in. Overwhelmed by Kaiden’s large frame, Astrid caught her breath.  

Kaiden lifted her chin and pressed his lips to hers. As he took in her soft lips and mingled their tongues, a sweet taste lingered. He licked her upper lip and even her teeth with his tongue, and it was just as sweet.  

“Haa.”  

Consumed by passion, Astrid clung tightly to his clothes. Watching her, Kaiden cupped her soft cheek with his large hand.  

As Kaiden’s tongue delved deeper into her mouth, Astrid lifted her arms and wrapped them around his neck. What started as a gentle kiss could no longer remain so.  

“As…”  

Swept up in the strange sensation of their tongues intertwining, Kaiden explored her eagerly. His mind, overtaken by desire, could no longer think, and the breaths exchanged between them grew rapid.  

Each time their lips, wet with saliva, met, indecent sounds echoed in her ears. Kaiden caressed her moist skin and entwined their tongues desperately. Saliva, whose owner was uncertain, trickled down her chin.  

“Ah!”  

With a low sigh, Kaiden suddenly lifted Astrid into his arms. Startled, she struggled reflexively, but he simply walked over and set her down on the sofa.  

Astrid was mesmerized by the beauty of the man’s golden eyes before her. She looked up at the man who settled above her, breathing heavily. After repeated kisses, his lips were swollen and red. The lamplight shone softly, making the scene feel even more sensual.  

Astrid gently touched the man’s lips, slick and shiny with moisture. In response, he closed his eyes and placed a brief kiss on her fingers.  

Kaiden’s large hand undid her clothes. As the ties binding her body loosened, her full br*asts were revealed. When the man roughly grasped the soft flesh, Astrid spoke up.  

“W-What are you doing?”  

“What do you mean?”  

“I’m your sister-in-law now.”  

I know.  

Kaiden’s words were muffled against her lips. As Astrid’s mouth fell open in surprise, he invaded her mouth at once. He sucked in her lips as if to devour them, mingling their tongues.  

With their tongues intertwining and moist membranes stirring, she could think of nothing else.  

At first, Kaiden gently caressed her chest, but gradually his grip became firmer.  

“Mm…”  

As another deep and heated kiss followed, Astrid let out a sigh. At that moment, Kaiden’s large, strong hand lifted her dress and pulled down her undergarments.