Chapter 2

When Vivian opened the book, instead of starting at the first page as she had intended, it naturally fell open to a page marked with a purple bookmark. Since it was Grace’s book, the bookmark must have been placed there by her. 

Thinking it must be a passage that Grace found particularly moving, Vivian decided to read that page instead of starting from the beginning. After all, it might be more interesting than the introductory chapters.  

[In the deep of night, when everyone else was fast asleep, Vivian left her bedroom. Her steps were cautious and quick. The moon was absent, and the corridor was dimly lit. She stopped in front of the Marquis Rimor’s bedroom. Slowly, she turned the doorknob without making a sound, and as the door opened, she slipped inside as if gliding.]  

Vivian swallowed nervously, feeling a strange tension as she read. The character in the story happened to share her name, which only added to her unease. 

Grace, resting her chin on her hand and leaning against the table, watched Vivian with amusement, though Vivian failed to notice this and continued reading.  

[“Marquis Rimor, my marquis, my Ian.”  

Vivian grew bolder, calling the Marquis Rimor by a name she would never dare use during the day. Her voice was sweet and affectionate. Though the one she addressed remained fast asleep and unaware of her presence, she didn’t mind.  

She slowly approached his bed, her light steps causing the hem of her thin nightgown to flutter. Climbing onto the bed, she felt the mattress shift slightly under her weight. Despite knowing the Marquis might wake up, she couldn’t suppress the emotions and desires overflowing within her.  

She pressed her lips against his, then began to remove his nightwear and her own, leaving herself bare. Even though he was asleep, the thought of exposing herself completely in front of someone she admired filled her with a thrilling mix of fear and excitement.  

“Marquis, soon we will become one.”  

She whispered as if declaring it to the Marquis, then climbed atop him. Her pale, bare body began to move atop his firm figure. Though it was a one-sided act, Vivian felt happy. The intense sensations left her in a state of euphoria.]  

Vivian stopped reading, her face flushed with embarrassment.  

“This is an erotic novel!”  

She exclaimed, unable to hide her shock, and turned to Grace.  

“Haha, yes, it is!”  

Grace laughed heartily, clearly amused by Vivian’s reaction.  

“But what does this have to do with anything?”  

Still confused, Vivian demanded an explanation from Grace.  

“Well, you see, I was so moved by this book that I couldn’t stop thinking about the scene you just read.”  

Grace pointed to the book in Vivian’s hands. It seemed she had deliberately marked that passage for Vivian to read.  

“Oh, I see… it was certainly… provocative. No, very much so.”  

Vivian couldn’t help but agree to some extent. If Grace hadn’t been there, she might have continued reading out of curiosity about where the story would go.  

“Right? In this book, the male lead, Marquis Rimor, is described as a young man with divine looks, great abilities, and a good personality. On top of that, he has silver hair and eyes like amethysts.”  

“Uh…”  

Listening to Grace, Vivian couldn’t help but think of someone.  

“Vivian, you’re thinking the same thing as I am, aren’t you?”  

Noticing Vivian’s reaction, Grace smiled knowingly.  

“Yes, probably.”  

“That’s right. While reading this, I couldn’t help but think of my brother. As his sister, I don’t find it particularly pleasant, but objectively speaking, it’s somewhat accurate. Considering how famous he is, I thought maybe he was the inspiration for the male lead in this novel.”  

“Hm, that does make sense.”  

Vivian nodded in agreement.  

“Right? Now, let me explain the female lead. Her name is Vivian, and she’s a guest staying at the Marquis’ estate. She harbors feelings for Marquis Rimor.”

Grace read the explanation about the female protagonist.

“……”

Vivian listened quietly, keeping her mouth shut. Somehow, she wanted to remain silent here. The coincidence of the heroine’s name being Vivian was purely accidental. Isn’t it a common name? If you searched for her name in the capital, there would be at least thirty more.

“Vivian, do you know whose name this heroine shares?”

Grace asked as if she wouldn’t allow her silence. It was a mischievous act, wanting to hear the fact both knew from Vivian’s lips.

“…Yes, it’s the same as my name.”

Vivian reluctantly fell into Grace’s intent. Grace smiled brightly at the satisfactory answer.

“Right? So, while reading this book, the images of the male and female protagonists I imagined were my brother and you, Vivian.”

“……”

Grace casually brought up an astonishing story. Above all, imagining the two of them as the faces of the sensual novel was surprising to Vivian. Meanwhile, Grace, excited by something, continued to chatter.

“And it just so happens that the Vivian here has the same chestnut brown hair, though her eye color is different!”

“…Why is that good…?”

“Of course, it makes imagining the Vivian here easier. The match is perfect!”

“Please don’t make such strange imaginations with us!”

Vivian shouted, feeling teased.

“Oh, you said ‘us.’ Vivian, you naturally linked yourself with my brother! Does this mean you’re emotionally very close?”

Grace was moved, giving great meaning to a single word. Vivian was at a loss for words, seeing Grace looking so delighted.

“You know, Vivian. So, can’t you sneak into my brother’s bedroom and surprise him?”

Vivian was already mentally exhausted by Grace’s verbal bombardment.

“What is that…? I don’t understand how the story leads there.”

“This book is my favorite among recent reads, and Marquis Rimor and Vivian are my favorite couple. And, isn’t it just perfect that two people resembling that image are beside me? As a reader and fan of this book, it’s one of the few opportunities to see that scene in reality! I’m so proud to be born into the Lofaere Marquis family and to be your friend, Vivian.”

Grace was excitedly delivering her passionate speech.

“…Aren’t there more things to be proud of?”

Couldn’t she think of other good reasons besides that strange one? 

Vivian was troubled.

“That’s what I’m most proud of now!”

Grace was firm. Vivian became more troubled.

“Well, that can happen….”

Though hard to understand, Vivian decided to respect Grace’s thoughts.

“Wow, then are you granting my request?”

“…No, I think that’s difficult.”

“What? Why? Is it because my brother looks good on the outside but lacks substance? So it’s satisfying just to see him? Well, my brother may be a bit much for you, Vivian.”

Grace pressed Vivian with unexpected expressions. Shocked, Vivian waved her hands desperately denying it.

“No, not at all! I didn’t mean that! I just think it’s not right without the Marquis’s opinion. Besides, the Marquis is too much for me.”

“What? Don’t worry about that. Just do what you want, Vivian!”

“What about the Marquis’s human rights?”

“Haha, human rights? My brother doesn’t have such a thing.”

To Grace, her brother Cassius seemed to be less than a pebble on the roadside.

“……”

Vivian briefly mourned for Marquis Lofaere, who was being tossed around in such an absurd conversation.

“Oh, isn’t this Grace and Miss Vivian?”

It was then. A pleasant voice was heard from behind, accompanied by light footsteps.

“!”

Vivian froze. The owner of the good voice was none other than Marquis Lofaere, Cassius Lofaere, who had been the topic of conversation. Realizing it was impolite to keep her back turned, Vivian turned around.

“Oh, hello, Marquis Lofaere.”

“Welcome, brother.”

Following Vivian, Grace greeted. Cassius nodded slightly towards Grace and pulled Vivian’s hand, kissing the back of her hand. His warm lips pressed gently on the soft skin of her hand, and his silver-gray bangs tickled Vivian’s wrist.

Vivian felt she might lose her mind at the intensely stimulating scene. Not only did the excessively handsome face come close, but he also kissed her hand. Even though she received greetings like this every time, it felt like dreaming.

“Miss Vivian, you look beautiful today.”

Cassius slowly lifted his lips from her hand and smiled brightly. His eyes, resembling amethyst, curved gently, making his already gentle eyes look even more docile.

“Th-thank you….”

Knowing it was a polite greeting, Vivian’s heart fluttered for no reason, causing her to stammer.

“Wow…. That scene was so good. Brother, please do it once more.”

Meanwhile, Grace, excited, interrupted with a delighted voice.

“…Huh?”

Cassius blinked, tilting his head, not knowing her intention. It was like a curious puppy tilting its head. The unexpectedly strong impact made Vivian stare at him blankly.

“So, a hand kiss. No, if you’re going to do it, I think a deep kiss would be nice!”

Vivian had no choice but to regain her senses due to Grace’s unrefined words, which seemed to have come out reflexively.

“Deep…. Ahem….”

Cassius, who heard Grace’s absurd words, unconsciously uttered them, then met Vivian’s eyes. Embarrassed, he quickly turned his head and cleared his throat. His cheeks, turned away, were flushed red. Vivian began to pity him, seeing his figure overlapping with hers when Grace teased her.

“Sorry. Grace is currently immersed in a recent favorite romance novel. Please forget what you heard.”

“A novel? Ah…. I see….”

Understanding what was happening, Cassius nodded.