Chapter 4.3

The carriage of the Duke of Ephelmar was so lavish it bordered on extravagance. 

While the Geranion duchy was also quite wealthy, Erta was surprised at how plush the carriage seats could be. The ride was remarkably smooth with barely any jostling. 

But for Erta, it wasn’t quite so comfortable. 

From the start, being unable to return alone made the situation quite awkward. 

Her body felt heavy after reaching such an intense climax. She was exhausted and desperately wanted to rest alone. 

However, Erta’s small wish to lie down comfortably in the carriage and head straight home couldn’t be fulfilled. 

“By the way, Lady, I feel we still know too little about each other.” 

Reitan had offered to take Erta home in the Ephelmar ducal carriage, saying he wanted to talk more. 

And now, in the carriage heading back to the mansion, Erta and Reitan sat facing each other.

“I have something I’m curious about, may I ask?” 

“Yes? O-of course. Feel free to ask.” 

Since this meeting was arranged with the intention of getting to know each other as potential marriage partners, such conversation was to be expected. 

Perhaps it was better to converse during the limited time while returning home. 

‘Well, at least he didn’t suggest going somewhere else after the play.’ 

Erta came to this conclusion as she waited for his question. 

“I’m curious about your ideal type.” 

“My ideal type?” 

“Yes, what kind of man you prefer.” 

Erta’s mouth closed involuntarily. 

Of course, he had asked the question with pure intentions. 

For potential marriage partners, it was natural to be curious about what type of person the other preferred. 

But the problem was that the person being asked was Erta. 

‘My ideal type…’ 

Erta quickly tried to think of an answer. 

Someone with strong hands to spank my bottom…? 

Or perhaps someone skilled with tools or good at tying knots…? 

Rough words and actions in bed…? 

The stamina to bring me to climax multiple times…? 

These were all things she couldn’t possibly say out loud. 

‘How can I say that? Absolutely not.’ 

Erta came to a quick conclusion. 

Even if she wasn’t in the best condition, she had enough experience in social circles to be confident in her improvisation.

“Actually, I’ve heard about the teachings of your family.” 

“The teachings of my family?” 

Reitan smiled with curious eyes, showing interest. 

If Erta hadn’t known he was an ascetic man, his face would have been dangerously captivating enough to make her fall for him. 

“Yes, though I only heard it once, it left a deep impression on me.” 

Erta then recited three virtues. 

“Cherishing others, being mindful of one’s words and actions, and living a life of moderation and abstinence.” 

Her voice trembled moistly with apparent admiration as she mentioned each one. 

“I’ve actually been secretly hoping to marry a man who embodies such virtues.” 

Erta lowered her eyes shyly and covered the lower part of her face with her hand as if embarrassed. 

Then she waited for Reitan’s reaction. 

It was essentially the same as saying ‘My ideal type is someone like you,’ so she wondered how he would respond. 

“Is that so?” 

“Yes, of course. These days, many noble men behave improperly and become the subject of rumors, don’t they?”

Her actual ideal type was the complete opposite—she preferred someone promiscuous enough to be caught up in scandals. 

“So when I heard I would be exchanging marriage talks with a young master who received such excellent teachings, you can’t imagine how nervous I was.” 

After Erta’s response full of apparent excitement, silence briefly filled the carriage. 

“…I see. In that case.” 

Just as Erta was wondering why he was dragging out his words, he continued. 

“What would you do if I were not the kind of person you described?”

It was an unexpected response. She had thought he would simply show a pleasant face and say something like ‘Is that so?’ 

Moreover, there was a strange atmosphere in his voice. 

But that couldn’t be. Erta dismissed her puzzled feelings. He was just being humble. 

Since too much praise would make Erta herself uncomfortable, he probably felt awkward about her overly complimentary response. 

This was when one should take a step back. 

“That could be the case. But how could anyone marry their ideal type? It was just a passing thought, so please don’t dwell on it. I seem to have made you uncomfortable.” 

Not being able to marry one’s ideal type was something that applied to Erta herself as well. 

“You’re right. Marrying one’s ideal type is not an easy thing.” 

Reitan, unaware of Erta’s true feelings, seemed to agree with her statement. 

Did Reitan Ephelmar know? That he was the man furthest from my ideal type. 

‘What would it be like to marry this man?’ 

Erta briefly imagined marriage with him. The conclusion was simple and didn’t require much thought. 

There would surely be no s*xual contact except for the obligatory relations required for producing an heir. 

This was even more certain given that it was a political marriage, not one based on love.

She didn’t think he would perform better in bed than the mysterious undergarment that had just brought her to climax.

“Lady, I was wondering if your neck feels uncomfortable?” 

“My… neck?” 

Reitan suddenly asked about Erta’s neck. 

Erta was wearing clothing that came up over her neck. Like at the previous banquet, she intended to hide her neck. 

Due to the collar being pulled tightly, reddish marks remained on her neck, similar to those on her wrist from before. 

Even though he couldn’t possibly know this, she felt inexplicably tense. 

“The sun is particularly strong today.” 

“It is a bit, but I’m fine. I don’t get bothered by heat easily.” 

Erta smiled, indicating she was fine. 

Fortunately, she succeeded in preventing further conversation on the topic, but the timing of his question was quite peculiar. 

‘Come to think of it…’ 

The gloves at the banquet, and today asking if her seat was comfortable. 

It was almost as if he knew what Erta had experienced. 

But how could Reitan Ephelmar possibly… 

‘No, it must be a coincidence.’ 

It was true that the sun was shining strongly on the day Erta chose to cover her neck. 

And asking if the seat was comfortable was just him being considerate. 

She was probably being oversensitive due to the fatigue accumulated today. 

As the topic concluded, silence fell over the carriage again. The soft rumbling of wheels filled the space between them. 

After a brief moment passed, Erta asked him a question. 

“I heard that you studied abroad in the Holy Kingdom, is that correct?” 

Until now, all their conversations had started with Reitan’s questions. 

Erta felt she should lead the conversation at least once to avoid appearing disinterested. 

“That’s correct. I spent five years there. That’s why I’m still not very familiar with the Empire’s social circles. I would be very grateful if you could help guide me.” 

From what she had heard, Reitan Ephelmar was two years older than Erta. 

If he spent five years there, it meant he had lived in the Holy Kingdom since he was twenty. 

This suggested he had been there throughout his entire adult life.

“What kind of place is the Holy Kingdom?” 

“It could be described as a place where people who serve God reside. Is there something specific you’re curious about?” 

“I’m curious about the atmosphere, the lifestyle. Since it’s a foreign country, I wonder if the values might be somewhat different.” 

“The atmosphere is definitely quieter and more restrained. The lifestyle is similar. You couldn’t find facilities for entertainment or such pleasures there.” 

If he had lived there since becoming an adult, it was obvious. 

He probably had never even been with a woman. 

It seemed the rumors about him were not false after all. 

‘Yes. I’ve been too sensitive lately.’ 

There was no reason for Reitan, who had lived a long time in the Holy Kingdom serving God, to have any suspicious aspects. 

“Oh, I see.”

As Erta, now at ease, appropriately responded to Reitan’s story, a familiar landscape came into view through the carriage window. 

“Young Master, we have arrived.” 

The Duke’s coachman announced their arrival, and then Erta exited the carriage with Reitan’s escort. 

“Next time, I would like to invite you to the Ephelmar ducal residence.” 

Among the Empire’s nobility, there was a prevailing sentiment that even for political marriages, couples should meet at least three times. 

This invitation was part of that custom. 

Reitan and Erta had already become acquainted at the banquet, so this was their second meeting. 

And it was clear that Reitan was inviting Erta for their third meeting. 

Erta clasped her hands together and put on a pleased expression. 

“Oh, really? Of course, I’d love to. I’m looking forward to it.” 

“I’m glad. If you are pleased, that’s all I need to be happy.” 

‘Hmm?’

That sounded familiar. 

Erta tried to recall where she had heard such a manner of speaking before. 

‘Has someone said something like this to me?’ 

Now that she thought about it, she had felt the same way when she first spoke with Reitan Ephelmar at Her Majesty the Empress’s birthday celebration. 

Was it just a common way of speaking?

The question remained unresolved in a corner of her mind. 

“Then I must prepare many things for you who will be making the difficult journey. Please look forward to it.” 

Even as Reitan left after saying his farewell, Erta couldn’t find the answer to this sense of déjà vu.