Chapter 9

“It’s fine. It doesn’t hurt at all.”

“That’s a relief.”

Seth’s hand slowly withdrew. Evelyn felt a slight sense of regret as she opened her eyes.

However, the ticklish warmth didn’t disappear immediately. It lingered, faint but present, wrapping around her body like a cozy blanket.

So, it was possible to leave it like this without transferring it to fabric. 

Before, she had no desire to hold onto such feelings, so she never realized this. Enjoying the tickling warmth, Evelyn spoke.

“See? I was right, wasn’t I? It doesn’t hurt when you touch me.”

“You should have been honest from the beginning.”

“Well… yes, I should have. I’m sorry.”

Evelyn, who had been about to make an excuse, quickly apologized. No matter what she said, this perceptive man wouldn’t be fooled. It was better to confront him directly.

“I thought you might tell me to stop acting as the stand-in if I told you the truth. But it doesn’t affect my work at all. Even if someone I dislike touches me, I can endure it, so don’t worry.”

“I’m not telling you to stop. I’m saying there’s no reason for you to endure it.”

“Pardon?”

“No one will touch you without my permission.”

Blinking in confusion, Evelyn belatedly nodded.

“R-right. Because I’m acting as the Duchess.”

After all, as the Duchess, no random person should lay a hand on her.

Seeing Evelyn trying hard to rationalize it, Seth gave her a peculiar smile.

“Yes, you understand well.”

…Then why are you smiling like a villain?

She wanted to ask, but she couldn’t bring herself to. Somehow, she had a feeling she would regret hearing the answer.

***

In her previous life, Evelyn dreamed of backpacking.

She had worked hard to save money, hoping to visit Europe. She had imagined walking through streets that still bore traces of the Middle Ages and admiring the grandeur of castles. She had promised herself countless times that she would go someday.

“In a way, I’ve achieved my dream.”

The dazzlingly ornate palace was decorated with gold in every corner. True to its name, the Sun Palace, even the waiting room sparkled brilliantly. But Evelyn was too nervous to notice any of it.

“Right foot back, left foot forward, bend the knees, and lower the head…”

“Eve.”

Seth called out to her as she paced around the waiting room. Startled, she turned to see him gesturing.

“Stop that and come here.”

“I haven’t practiced enough yet.”

“That’s enough. Come here.”

Reluctantly, Evelyn sat down next to Seth. Her already churning stomach felt even worse. Seeing her pale face, Seth asked.

“Are you alright?”

“I’m not alright. Can I throw up here?”

“No.”

Despite his firm refusal, his cautious hand touched her forehead. The warmth felt through his glove eased her anxiety a little. Closing her eyes, she let out a small sigh.

“Should I get you some water?”

“No, more than that, just keep talking like you are now.”

“Hmm?”

“Listening to your voice seems to help.”

Seth’s voice was low and cool, making it pleasant to listen to. There was something oddly addictive about it. She thought it would be nice if he read her a storybook in that voice.

After a brief pause, Seth spoke.

“Suddenly saying that puts me on the spot. I don’t know what to say.”

“Anything is fine. If it’s too hard, you can sing.”

Oh, come to think of it, a song might be even better.

Evelyn’s eyes sparkled as she looked at Seth. Momentarily taken aback by her expectant gaze, Seth smiled faintly.

“I just thought of a story you might find interesting.”

Was it my imagination, or was he trying to change the subject?

“What is it?”

“Recently, a student who took the academy’s transfer exam scored a perfect score. I hear they might even skip a grade after transferring, and people are calling them a promising talent with a bright future.”

“Oh, don’t tell me…”

Evelyn’s eyes eagerly asked if it was about her brother. Seth gave a subtle nod, and her lips curled up into a smile.

“You’re finally smiling.”

Though Seth’s comment made her a little embarrassed, she soon grinned widely. She didn’t want to hide her joy. Seeing Seth’s relaxed expression as he looked at her made her want to tease him a little.

“And then?”

“Hmm?”

“You haven’t said much yet.”

Evelyn’s sparkling eyes focused on him. Unable to resist her blatant plea, Seth opened his mouth again.

“You look beautiful today.”

Hmm, it was an obvious compliment, but it wasn’t bad. Evelyn swayed her skirt playfully.

“Keep complimenting me. I worked really hard to wear this since morning.”

“I’ve already complimented your dress several times on the way here. Don’t you remember?”

“…Oh?”

Evelyn blinked in surprise. Honestly, she was so nervous that she couldn’t even remember what they talked about on the way here. Seeing her reaction, Seth spoke gently.

“I mean it. It suits you well.”

“Really?”

The dress she had chosen for today was a very pale pink. Layers of thin, rustling silk were stacked to create a shape like a blooming flower. Following the trend, the neckline exposed her shoulders slightly, and the short sleeves and puffed skirt gave it a very cute design. Most of all, she loved the ribbon that circled the hem of the dress.

“You look very cute and lovely.”

But hearing such direct praise was a bit embarrassing. Flustered, Evelyn fidgeted with her hands and subtly changed the subject.

“Come to think of it, I heard something strange this morning.”

“Hmm?”

“The people working at the mansion helped me put on the dress. When I said I’d do it myself as usual, they said you gave them permission and wore gloves.”

Until now, Evelyn had avoided being attended to. She found it burdensome to feel others’ thoughts and emotions whenever they touched her. The only way to prevent it was to make sure they wore gloves.

However, asking them to wear gloves while attending to her seemed like it would sound rude no matter how she phrased it. So, she had always handled her grooming on her own, but today, an unexpected situation arose.

“Come on, Madam, the Duke has given permission, so please let us assist you.”

The maids, wearing gloves, had smiled so ominously that she couldn’t refuse.

At first, she thought Seth had told them about her abilities. But the staff’s attitude had become even kinder than before. They didn’t hesitate to touch her either. Thanks to that, she received a massage and had her hair styled properly, but she was really curious about what kind of magic Seth had worked.

“What did you say to them? And what’s this about permission?”

“Hmm.”

Seth looked away, seeming troubled.

“What is it? If you confess now, I won’t get mad.”

Evelyn prodded his hand as she urged him. Seth, holding her hand lightly to stop her, finally spoke as if he had no other choice.

“I told them I love you so much that I can’t bear the thought of anyone else touching you.”

“What?”

“But since I can’t forbid you from being attended to, I asked them to always wear gloves.”

Evelyn stared at Seth with wide eyes.

“You’re lying, right?”

“No.”

“Really? Did you really say that?”

“Yes.”

Seth chuckled softly at her shocked expression and added.

“I told you, I’ll make you a beloved Duchess.”

“What does that even… Oh no!”

Come to think of it, that was the concept!

Seeing how she had completely forgotten, Seth’s eyes narrowed. Holding her hand close, he asked.

“Or should I tell you how much I love you so you never forget again?”

“No! I respectfully decline!”

“No, I’ll tell you. So you’ll never forget.”

“Please spare me!”

“I can’t quite understand what you’re saying.”

Please stop. I’m begging you.

Just as she was desperately struggling, the door suddenly burst open. Right before she was pulled entirely into Seth’s embrace, she turned her head in relief. A tall, expressionless woman strode confidently into the room. Her platinum blonde hair was swept up high, and she wore a blue uniform that perfectly complemented her icy demeanor. She looked like she was drawn to match it flawlessly. And she looked uncannily like Seth—so much so that one might believe they were twins, despite slight differences in coloration.

‘Wow, there are two faces like that in the world.’

Evelyn marveled at the wonders of nature. At that moment, Seth whispered in her ear.

“That’s the Royal Majesty, the King.”

Excuse me, what?

Before she could fully process her shock, Seth smoothly helped her to her feet. Almost simultaneously, the King, who had stopped directly in front of her, spoke in a sharp voice.

“Are you the impudent one aiming to become the Duchess?”

Having missed the timing to greet the King, Evelyn opened and closed her mouth like a fish. She couldn’t decide whether to confess, ‘Yes, I’m that impudent one,’ or beg for forgiveness, saying she had committed a grave sin.

As she stammered, Seth, who had his hand on her back, stepped in at just the right moment.

“I didn’t expect you to personally come all the way here,Your Majesty.”

“Hmph, is there any place in my palace where I cannot go?”

“Since you’re here, please accept my fiancée’s greeting first.”

At Seth’s signal, Evelyn pulled herself together and offered a polite bow.

“I-I am Evelyn Hynes, and I greet you, Your Majesty.”

It was good, she stuttered a bit, but there were no mistakes. Holding her breath anxiously, she heard the cold voice again.

“Raise your head.”

Cautiously gauging the mood, Evelyn slowly straightened her upper body. The King was glaring at her. It felt as though her face was being pierced with holes.

“Everyone, leave.”

At the King’s gesture, the attendants who had followed her in quickly exited the room.

Evelyn, who instinctively tried to follow them out, was caught by Seth’s hand. 

Let go of me, you wretched man.

“You seem to be getting along very well.”

The King, watching their bickering, spoke disapprovingly. Seth smoothly responded to the barbed remark.

“She is someone I sincerely cherish.”

It sounded so genuine that it gave Evelyn goosebumps. 

Wow, look at him lie through his teeth without even blinking.

“We’ll see about that.”

The King, coldly dismissing Seth’s words, gestured at Evelyn with her chin and asked.

“What is your name?”

“Evelyn Gran.”

What the—? What did I just say?

Shocked, Evelyn clapped her hands over her mouth, but the King pressed further.

“Then why did you lie and say you were Evelyn Hynes?”

“Because the Gran family was destroyed for treason, and I became a slave. Ahhh!”

This was something Evelyn had said, but it wasn’t her who had decided to say it. She hadn’t even planned to speak, yet her mouth moved on its own.