“Please take a look at this.”

“What is this?”

“If you look, you’ll understand, Father. I think I’m going to need a shield.”

Viscount Dante, who had been silent for a while, sighed and put down the contract.

“What is this… Berenice. Father doesn’t think this is right. And it doesn’t seem right to depend your life on something like this.”

Berenice laughed bitterly.

This was not a matter of weighing things out.

Berenice wasn’t in a place to pick and choose. Moreover, Berenice risked not only her life but also her life’s work. For the sake of her future.

“It’s okay, really. I’ve already made up my mind. Besides, Cyrilov’s identity is completely different from Cornell. And with this contract, even if I get a divorce, I can guarantee my safety afterward. Also… Father, the thing you’re worrying about, it won’t happen again.”

Viscount Dante sighed deeply once again.

But how could he stop Berenice, when she looked like she had firmly made up her mind. She had a face that wouldn’t listen, no matter what he said.

As a parent, what more could he do other than support and watch over Berenice.

And as Berenice had said, Cornell couldn’t get past Cyrilov’s barrier.

What kind of person was Roberto Cyrilov?

A man of integrity who picked up the pieces of the crumbling Cyrilov. In addition, Roberto was so clean-cut when it came to women that he seemed cold-hearted and had no history of causing any other scandals.

He was different from Livio, who had a dirty backstory.

With such conviction, Viscount Dante was struggling to suppress his anger.

He had tried to raise her to be self-reliant, but the sight of Berenice taking matters into her own hands broke his resolve.

It seemed like all of this was due to his incompetence as her parent. What’s the point of achieving wealth that was highly regarded even in the Empire? Even if you have a lot of money, you can’t guarantee your daughter’s happy future…

‘What’s so special about that guy’s status.’

Berenice bit her lip while looking at Viscount Dante’s deepening face.

‘I’m sorry…’

But it was Berenice who loved Livio and married him despite her father’s opposition.

Every crisis that befell Viscount Dante was caused by Berenice.

She had to resolve this issue, even if it meant sacrificing herself.

This family was made with the blood and sweat of her ancestors and her father.

This couldn’t crumble because of Berenice.

‘I’m truly sorry… Father.’

Berenice swallowed her heavy emotions.

Both of them avoided each other’s gaze and looked away.

“I’m… no.”

Viscount Dante lowered his head.

He was convinced that anyone would be a better choice than Livio.

But a strong sense of guilt welled up within him.

Viscount Dante was well aware of the incident that had occurred with Berenice at the restaurant.

She tried to pressure the security guards to make Livio pay a fair price, but all she received in return was a response stating that they should handle it themselves.

That was the position of a viscount and a count.

Perhaps Livio Cornell would receive no more than a fine as punishment.

He felt nothing but self-disgust at his own powerlessness to protect Berenice as her father.

If only he were not a viscount.

If only he had received a higher title than Livio Cornell.

If he had held more power, he could have protected his daughter himself, and Berenice would not have had to make such a choice.

But from a position where he could do nothing…

“…If something happens, promise me you’ll come to me first, okay?”

All he could offer was this feeble plea.

“Father…”

“Then I will stake all my power and everything in our company to protect you, even if it means putting everything on the line. Can you promise me that you will let me do that for you?”

“…I promise.”

Between the two, there was a long silence.

A silence that wouldn’t easily be broken.

Chapter 3. This is how we pretend to be close

Berenice and Roberto had agreed to have regular dates according to the terms they had settled on. 

And today was the first day. 

Even though it was just fulfilling their agreed-upon conditions, he couldn’t help but feel excited.

Roberto meticulously adjusted the clothes he had rarely changed three times. 

He also repeatedly tidied his hair, combing it neatly and then letting it fall again several times.

“Why are you doing that?”

The aide asked with a puzzled expression. 

Roberto had never shown much interest in dressing up, even when prompted to do so, so it was hard to understand why he was acting this way.

The only special thing that had happened to Roberto recently was… 

The rumor that he had been involved with Berenice Dante at the restaurant and that she had come to this mansion. 

Considering that Roberto had never been involved in any scandals with women, it was quite a special occasion.

But why did he suddenly start scrutinizing his attire?

Understanding the aide’s intention, Roberto threw out a weighty remark.

“… I have a date.”

“A date?”

“Yeah, a date.”

“A daate?”

“That’s right.”

“A daaate? Really?”

“Hey.”

“Wow…. I never thought I’d hear such words from the Duke in my lifetime! Whoa! What the hell!”

The aide stomped his feet with an excited expression.

He clapped his hands and cupped his cheeks, like a child who was about to go on a picnic.

“Hey, Alfonso.”

“I didn’t mishear you, did I?”

“As if that could happen. And there’s nothing special about it.”

“Do you realize that this is the first time I’ve heard such words since I started working here, Your Grace? And I thought I’d never see a mistress in a ducal household!”

“Hmm.”

Roberto cleared his throat and glanced at his aide.

Then in a subdued voice, he asked, 

“If the lady of the Dante family and I were…. to engage in such a relationship…”

Before Roberto could finish his sentence, the aide interjected.

He was completely excited, as if the difference in their status didn’t matter at all.

“Yes! You can expect a very favorable effect. A union with one of the wealthiest families! I can hear House Cyrilov’s prestige and influence rising! You’ve made a very good choice. Of course, although Lady Dante has a history of marriage, we have our own flaws as well.”

“Alfonso? That’s not what I was asking.”

“It’s not?”

The sparkling-eyed aide cleared his throat.

“Terenzio.”

“The young master?”

“Wouldn’t this have a negative impact on Terenzio?”

“It doesn’t seem likely. Terenzio has a positive personality and seems cheerful in all matters, so he might actually like it. He has always been very interested in your love affairs. He will be pleased.”

“Is that so? Well, then I’m glad.”

“In any case, I’m truly happy. Our Duke is experiencing love as well. How wonderful is that! It feels like I’m seeing my eldest son getting married.”

“But you’re not married.” 

Roberto asked incredulously.

Of course, if the aide had been inclined to such matters, he wouldn’t have brought it up in the first place.

“Is that important? What matters is how I feel. After Your Grace gets married, I might try dating. Perhaps you’ll look for me less when the mistress comes in.”

“Is that so? Am I something worth looking at? I don’t exactly give off an impression that women would like.”

“…Your Grace needs to take a look at yourself. Anyway, please go in quickly. Isn’t this your first date? Making a lady wait is not good. I’ve never taught Your Grace to do that!”

With a hint of regret, Roberto looked back several times before leaving through the door.

***

The location of their first date was chosen by Berenice.

Roberto, feeling inexperienced in such matters, politely asked Berenice if she could take charge, and she did not refuse his request.

One of Berenice’s hobbies was attending opera performances, especially those showcasing the rich vocal abilities of opera singers. Cornell had never accompanied her, claiming to be too busy. As a result, she had almost forgotten about her love for opera.

It was one of Berenice’s dreams.

To attend an opera performance with her husband or lover.

She wanted to share a mutual hobby, build rapport, and discuss things that they liked.

That’s why she decided to attend a recent popular opera performance in the capital together to fulfill this small desire.

Coincidentally, the opera was praised for its poignant melodrama and was widely recommended for couples to watch together.

Besides, since it’s very popular these days and the opera tickets are said to be sold out every day, it was perfect for attracting attention from others.

“It’s been a long time since you’ve seen an opera.”

“That’s right.”

Berenice swept back her flowing hair.

It hadn’t just been a long time since the opera.

But it had also been long since she had spent so much time dressing in front of the mirror. 

It seemed like the excitement she had forgotten had awakened slightly.

Berenice tidied her tousled hair and checked her makeup.

Seraphin, who was dressing Berenice, adjusted her attire and placed a hat that complemented her dress on her half-up, half-down hair.

“You should have fun at the opera.”

Seraphin patted Berenice’s shoulder affectionately.

“Yeah. I don’t know how long it’s been since I’ve had a day like this. Maybe that’s why I feel so strangely excited.”

This was just a mere contract.

Berenice finished applying her lipstick and rose from the dressing table.

It was time to meet Roberto.