Chapter 16

“Duke. It is right to grant what the person offering kindness desires. I want to express my gratitude to Sir Pyrene, who made this fabric, in this way.”  

“Just one dance.”  

Lexion reluctantly gave his permission, though his expression was less than pleased.

‘It wouldn’t be bad for Adelina to maintain a good relationship with Jaeyon…’  

If she builds a friendship with Jaeyon, whom Prince Isya trusts more than the first son, it could be helpful in future endeavors.  

In fact, it would be wise to proactively send Adelina to Jaeyon, who had presented this opportunity for friendship. 

Nevertheless, Lexion was very displeased.  

“Thank you, everyone.”  

Adelina smiled brightly, like peach blossoms blooming in the spring sunshine.  

“…Thankful, indeed.”

Lexion held Adelina’s hand, which was still in his grasp, a little tighter.  

“Let’s buy one more dress.”

A little later, Adelina whispered to Stephan and picked the most splendid dress among the ready-made ones.  

“It’s for deception, dear daughter.”

“That’s right, Father. The maids will think I’ll be wearing this dress to the banquet.”

When Jaeyon signaled to Hailyn, she approached Adelina closely and spoke.  

“Miss, please change into the dress here tomorrow and go to the banquet hall. I will also help with your makeup and hair.”  

“Thank you. I will reward you well for that.”  

They promised to meet at the atelier the next morning and parted ways.  

+++

Evans headed to Sweeney’s room with a black jewelry box.  

Sweeney was just in the middle of finalizing the dress she would wear the next day.  

“Not wearing the dress I gave you?”  

Evans stood at the doorway opened by the attendant and looked at Sweeney’s reflection in the mirror.  

Sweeney was wearing a black and blue dress in the style of the Kingdom of Iberis.  

The square neckline and the wide sleeves from below the elbows made it look as if she were wearing a shawl when she raised her arms, adding to her elegance.  

“Since tomorrow is a formal banquet, I will wear this dress.”  

“As you wish.”

When Sweeney turned to look at Evans, he walked over as if it didn’t matter and stood beside her.  

“It is a treasure of our Empire. It will suit you well.”  

Evans took out a dazzling necklace made of diamonds and sapphires from the jewelry box.  

As the maids lifted Sweeney’s hair, he placed the necklace around her neck himself.  

“As expected. I knew it would suit you. Wear it to the banquet tomorrow.”  

Evans lightly embraced Sweeney’s shoulders from behind, looking at her in the mirror.  

‘There is no jewel like you. You are the finest jewel.’  

The dark-toned dress contrasted with Sweeney’s white skin. The jewels resting on her radiant skin seemed to lose their shine against her dignity.  

Evans’ hand brushed along the line of the necklace, grazing her collarbone.  

“If you wish, I can let you see a dragon. Aren’t you curious?”  

Evans buried his head on Sweeney’s shoulder, inhaling her scent. His hand gently swept down her body, stopping at her waist.  

Though engaged, Evans, who ruled Ernst, could only be with Sweeney for two months a year.  He longed for her greatly.

As Sweeney closed her eyes and held her breath, a thin vein stood out on her elegant neck.  

Evans pressed his lips gently against that area.  

“It’s alright. I heard that only a dragon knight can meet a dragon. Don’t break the rules for me.”  

As Evans’ lips touched her neck, Sweeney tilted her head to the right.  

It was fortunate that there wouldn’t be a kiss mark since there was a banquet tomorrow.  

“You are a special person. If you accept me tonight, I will grant you anything you desire. Be it a dragon or jewels.”  

Evans kissed Sweeney’s neck long and then gazed at her face in the mirror.  

‘Sweeney. What expression will you make?’  

He didn’t take his eyes off Sweeney’s face reflected in the mirror, wondering what light would appear in her eyes at the word “dragon.”  

For a moment, Sweeney’s gaze seemed to waver.  

“We will hold the wedding in the fall.”  

Sweeney turned to face Evans. She slowly closed and opened her eyes as if she had no interest in dragons.  

Evans, with a satisfied smile, cupped Sweeney’s cheeks with both hands.  

“Truly. You drive me crazy.”  

Evans’ lips mercilessly covered Sweeney’s.  

The ticking of the clock on the wall echoed slowly in Sweeney’s ears.  

Evans thoroughly explored Sweeney’s lips until he was satisfied and then released her.  

“See you at the banquet tomorrow.”  

With a light kiss on Sweeney’s forehead, Evans left the room with even lighter steps than when he came to see her.  

The head maid ordered everyone out and ensured no one could enter.  

“Your Majesty…”  

After seating the still Sweeney on the sofa, she removed the necklace and brought a glass of cold water.  

“Haa…”  

Only then did Sweeney take a deep breath and press her left chest.  

When the head maid handed her a warm, damp handkerchief, she rubbed it over her lips and forehead.  

‘I almost got caught.’  

When she heard the word “dragon,” Sweeney felt her eyes waver.  

“Tell them I will repay the debt this fall.”  

“Yes, Your Majesty.”  

Sweeney approached the terrace window and looked up at the western sky. It was the direction where Ernst was located.

That day, the sunset spread slowly in a crimson hue, just like the day Rose was killed alongside Evans.

-“We’ve discovered the weak spot. And he wishes to reclaim his debt.”-

Yesterday, Chellus brought good news. News that they had discovered the dragon’s weak spot and that Lexion was preparing for action.

‘Rose… I will repay the debt this fall. This time… I won’t betray you.’  

Sweeney’s eyes, turned away from the terrace, no longer wavered.  

+++

“Have a cup of tea before you go.”  

As soon as Lexion left the atelier, he looked at the next building.  

“I’ve had plenty of cold drinks… haha. I suppose a warm drink would be nice.”

Adelina, who had already had plenty of drinks at three ateliers, wasn’t particularly tempted, but she stood at the café entrance after seeing Lexion’s expression.  

‘Surely… he won’t be like this after we’re married, right?’  

Lexion’s expression was not a suggestion or recommendation but a command.  

I’ll buy the tea, so you just sit there and drink it quietly.

‘Let’s sit in a corner! There’s a dark, secluded spot over there!’  

Contrary to Adelina’s wishes, they were guided to a spot in the middle by the window, where everyone in the café could see them.  

“Duke, why… are we sitting here?”  

Lexion sat next to Adelina instead of across from her, which left Stephan sitting across.  

“We’re supposed to be a couple who fell in love at first sight.”

When two cups of coffee and the hot chocolate Adelina was to drink were set, Lexion placed one arm on the back of her chair.  

“Are we?”

Adelina made a reluctant face while drinking the sweet hot chocolate.  

‘Hey. You’re the only one who fell in love at first sight, not me.’  

Seeing her reflection in the shiny silver spoon, Adelina’s nose went up higher.  

“That’s right. That’s the concept. We’re a couple who fell in love at first sight and got married a week after meeting.”

Lexion whispered in Adelina’s ear, flicking her nose lightly.  

Adelina frowned but quickly smiled when she noticed people glancing at them.  

“Okay.”  

“So, we have to act so people believe it.”  

Seeing Adelina’s change in expression, Lexion chuckled softly and stood up.  

“Uh… what…”

Adelina, wondering why he was behaving like this again, subtly leaned back against the window.  

It seemed like something nerve-wracking would happen whenever this guy stood up.  

“Just stay still. I’ll take care of everything.”  

“Duke…”  

Sure enough, Lexion knelt down in this crowded café and held both of Adelina’s legs.  

Adelina placed her hands on his shoulders and brought her head close to his ear.  

“I already gave the telescope.”

“I see.”

‘Then stop the act and sit down properly! People are watching!’

Adelina removed her hands from his shoulders and glared at Lexion, urging him to sit down quickly.  

‘Why… why are you like this!’  

However, Lexion ignored Adelina’s signals, gazing at her with a deep look in his eyes.  

‘Don’t do it! Please! Don’t do it!’  

“Adelina. I fell in love with you at first sight.”  

Adelina’s face was filled with irritation.  

‘Still inexperienced at acting, Adelina.’

Lexion smiled brightly and bowed his head to kiss Adelina’s knee.  

“Duke…”  

Despite wearing several layers of clothes, including underpants, an underskirt, and an outer dress, Lexion’s hot breath penetrated them all, making Adelina’s knee warm.  

‘Get a grip! This is the real deal!’

When Lexion lifted his head and looked at her face, Adelina crafted a shy smile.  

“So did I, Duke.”  

Her face was burning, but she had to play along with this guy’s tune, so she blinked her eyes a couple of times as if embarrassed.  

Now stop. You’ve done enough.  

Lexion seemed to understand her gaze and straightened his knees to stand up.  

‘Phew… thank goodness. It’s better than yesterday.’  

If she had known this, she would have ordered a cold drink.  

Adelina, whose mouth was dry, debated whether to drink the still-steaming hot chocolate.  

When Adelina raised her hand to grab the teacup, Lexion took her hand.  

Apparently, the show wasn’t over yet as Lexion bent over and brought his lips close to Adelina’s ear.  

“I’ll get you a throwing star. Stick it on your calf… or thigh. On the inside.”  

Lexion’s lips brushed against Adelina’s earlobe, and they were so hot that his breath made the fine hairs on her ear stand up.  

‘Is… is this such a suggestive thing to say?’  

Though not a love confession, the words about arming herself because her life was in danger gave Adelina goosebumps all over.  

“Gasp…”  

When Lexion’s lips touched just below her ear, Adelina forgot to blink and held her breath.  

“Breathe.”  

“Haa…”  

Only when Lexion spoke with a mischievous expression did Adelina realize she had been holding her breath.  

“Duke, I told you I don’t do things like this.”  

Regaining her composure, Adelina whispered seriously.  

Her heart was pounding madly, and she wanted to press her chest with both hands, but somehow it felt like an affront to her pride, so she straightened her back even more.  

“Why? You seem to like it.”

“When did I ever!”  

“Darling. Mmph!”  

As Lexion smiled slyly and opened his mouth, Adelina quickly covered his lips with both hands.