They say it takes two hands to clap, and human relationships are like whetstones that create sparks when they clash even slightly. In that sense, the friction between these two might have been predictable. Problems were bound to arise when what they sought and desired diverged.

It was very unfortunate for Eurene, who abhorred the waste of complicated emotions. Especially since the other party was a self-centered person who could never accept when things didn’t go his way.

What could she do? Indecisiveness sometimes amplifies problems.

Her hardship actually stemmed from letting herself be pushed around without asserting herself, allowing situations to escalate. She had become completely intoxicated with a man she was meeting for the first time, drank even more until she passed out, and became properly entangled with Van. Then, unable to properly end that mistake, she fell in deep and had an affair behind the backs of her relatives and family, just as Van wanted. She had vaguely enjoyed the pleasure without assuming any definite conclusion, thinking it would end someday. On top of that, she had accepted an invitation from his wife because her brother told her to.

Eurene felt somewhat wronged since she had never strongly asserted herself in anything, but that was precisely the problem. She had to deal with the consequences of what she had allowed to grow.

The real starting point began when she mindlessly accepted a free strawberry cream cake cafe tasting voucher from her sister-in-law, the countess. Today, as usual, she was rolling around in bed eating snacks and flipping through novels and magazines—though she wasn’t interested in fashion, she enjoyed sitting quietly and looking at them, along with the horoscope and fortune-telling sections in the back—when the countess entered with her usual modest demeanor after knocking. Eurene rolled over and blinked as the countess sat gently on the edge of the bed.

“Sister-in-law, what is it?”

“Miss, are you free today?”

Of course, someone lying down eating snacks couldn’t possibly be busy, but the countess asked kindly and carefully.

Eurene, propping her head up with one hand and brushing away cookie crumbs from the bedspread with the other—an action she considered maintaining cleanliness—looked at her. The countess held out an envelope she had brought.

“I know a cafe owner who’s apparently introducing a new cake menu. They’re looking for gourmets to taste it before the official launch, and I thought of you. You like cake, don’t you?”

At the mention of cake, Eurene’s blue eyes began to sparkle like stars had fallen into them. Of course! As she vigorously expressed her agreement, the countess asked with a slightly awkward smile.

“Would you like to go then? It’s an unlimited buffet pass, so you should enjoy it plenty.”

“Wow, that’s amazing! But aren’t you coming too, sister-in-law?”

“Well…… I don’t really have a taste for cake.”

After hesitating for a while, a small answer came to Eurene’s natural question. But Eurene, distracted by the beautifully drawn cake picture, didn’t notice this. She examined the gold-embossed invitation with uncharacteristically shining eyes before jumping up with an “Ack!” sound.

Oh, my goodness! This, this is!

Gloria Cake Boutique!

That’s the place rumored to sell the most delicious cakes in the world, impossible to find even if you scoured the entire capital! It was so expensive and had such long, snail-like queues that even decent nobles couldn’t taste it!

“Wow! Gloria! I’ve been craving cake since the day before yesterday!”

If Count Eifel, her brother, had heard this, he would have chided her about when she had ever not craved snacks, but Eurene didn’t care. Truly, sincerely, she had been strangely craving cake. It was likely due to her period that had ended yesterday. Women particularly crave sweets during that time. And Eurene had this tendency stronger than others.

She had been constantly grumbling to Van about wanting cake while he, unable to touch her due to her period, had held her tightly, restlessly fondling her pink curly hair and br*asts like someone with unfulfilled desires. Van had smiled gently and soothed her, promising to take her to a nice place someday and let her eat delicious things to her heart’s content.

Eurene suddenly felt a bit sorry. She knew it was quite remarkable that he always accepted her, patiently listening to her increased complaints and chatter when she became as sensitive as a cat during her period. In fact, she had found it strange when he asked to meet during her menstruation. What for, when they couldn’t have the s*x he so enjoyed?

But she had readily agreed because she enjoyed talking with him and being held quietly in his arms. When they first began their relationship, they had been busy frantically intertwining their bodies, but at some point, just meeting itself became enjoyable. Few men were as pleasant and charming to spend time with as Van.

Eurene couldn’t know what he was thinking, but seeing him lowering his long eyelashes with his face languidly relaxed, lips buried in her hair, she thought that he didn’t entirely dislike these quiet trysts either. Well, if he found it bothersome or unpleasant, he wouldn’t have suggested meeting in the first place. Van was someone who would never do anything he didn’t want to, regardless of who the other person was—even if they were his political enemy.

After reminiscing briefly, she dismissed the thoughts. The cake was important now.

“So when should I go? Right now?”

Eurene left the house after thoroughly bathing and even receiving a full-body massage from the maids assigned by the countess. She wore a new, beautiful cherry blossom-colored dress matching her hair, along with pretty pearl earrings and a necklace the countess had given her to wear. When she wondered if this was excessive attire for eating cake, the countess explained that the cafe owner, her acquaintance, was aesthetically particular and scrutinized guests’ attire carefully. Well, if a little inconvenience meant more delicious food, she was willing to endure the trouble.

The carriage drove diligently and arrived at the cake shop, which was a splendid golden building as its reputation suggested. Eurene gazed with moved eyes at the ivory columns that seemed densely sprinkled with golden pearls. It was like a shining temple surrounded by an aura.

Amazing. Is this where they make the world’s most delicious cakes! I never thought I’d see such a day in my life. Almost tearfully excited, Eurene carefully climbed the stairs, holding her skirt. With a trembling heart, like an actress at an award ceremony, she entered through the glass doors held open by an employee.

The male employee promptly guided Eurene to a table after she presented her invitation. Walking excitedly with clicking steps, she suddenly stopped in surprise.

Someone was already at the table.

“Excuse me, that’s my seat……”

Eurene’s voice trailed off as she saw the young nobleman rising from his seat upon seeing her. His face seemed familiar somehow. She hadn’t seen him in person. He was someone she had seen in a portrait. Uh…… As she stood awkwardly frozen, the man smiled and offered her the seat.

“Please sit, Miss Eifel. I’ve been waiting.”

After staring blankly at him while standing stupidly, she reluctantly sat down as he kept gesturing for her to do so. But Eurene couldn’t understand the situation. Why was the man who had sent a marriage proposal to the Eifel family, with whom unofficial marriage talks were ongoing, popping up here? Moreover, it seemed he had made an appointment for this specific seat. Having received no prior notice and hearing this for the first time, she gaped.

The man introduced himself pleasantly to her, who was full of bewilderment.

“I am Dustin Dorn. It’s an honor to meet you.”

He looked exactly like his portrait, no more, no less. It seemed to have been painted honestly, without any corrections or embellishments. He was of average height and a decently handsome man. The type who wouldn’t lack female attention. Still holding an incomprehensible view of his proposal, Eurene fidgeted with her fingers and feet. She felt uncomfortable and awkward.

“Um, I’m Eurene Eifel.”

“You’re much more beautiful than your portrait.”

……In what way? His comment only amplified Eurene’s wariness. She had accepted Van’s peculiar tastes and unusual quirks, but the man before her looked too normal! Eurene timidly glanced at the polite man before hesitantly asking.

“Um, what’s going on here…… I wasn’t told about meeting anyone.”

“Ah, is that so? You must be surprised. I apologize.”

“No, you don’t need to apologize.”

She suddenly remembered her sister-in-law’s somewhat embarrassed expression. It was clearly mixed with apology. Oh geez. How could you do this without telling me, sister-in-law! It was probably her brother’s doing, but she couldn’t help feeling deceived. She felt this even more strongly because she wasn’t keen on the marriage, though she had said she would think about it. Ugh, so I’m basically on a blind date without any notice! Eurene puffed her cheeks.

A waiter brought coffee. She took a sip and grimaced. No syrup added. As much as she loved sweet things, she absolutely hated bitter ones. The man quietly watched her as she irritably asked for cocoa instead, then said,

“You don’t like me, do you?”

“Eh? No! It’s just……”

I find you suspicious. Eurene mumbled the questions in her mouth. Eventually, she couldn’t hold back and asked while glancing around nervously.

“Why did you propose to me? We’ve never met, I’m not pretty, and my family isn’t that wealthy.”