Chapter 21. Her Fiancé’s Friend

‘Do you like it here?’

‘Ah, there!’

Camilla blushed at the sudden memory. His cautious yet passionate touch had been unforgettable.

Even after climaxing once, Aster’s desire hadn’t subsided. Instead, he explored every part of her body even more fervently.

As the night deepened, Serri didn’t come looking for them. Growing bolder, they clung to each other, forgetting to keep quiet.

Aster had discovered all the places she liked and reacted to. In the midst of their intimate whispers, she had unwittingly answered honestly.

As a result, Aster became adept at driving her wild.

‘Stay still.’

His gentle whispers turned into firm commands, leaving her breathless.

‘Stop.’

‘Don’t say that.’

‘Ugh….’

‘You can do more, right? I want more. Give me more, Camilla.’

His coaxing words made her accept everything without realizing it. Aster was diligent and cunning even in bed.

Camilla’s ears itched as she recalled his whispers and touch. His presence now made her nervous.

‘Do you like my body too? Your body is quite honest.’

His words, though undeniable, made Camilla feel shame.

As she stood still, unable to retreat, Aster whispered in her ear. His tone was as soft and quiet as that night.

“You’re very suspicious.”

“Well, you were laughing while looking down….”

“Are your suspicions cleared now?”

The feeling of his lips brushing her ear made Camilla shiver.

“Yes, well….”

I wish you’d move away.

Camilla mumbled the last part quietly, fidgeting. Aster laughed softly at her reaction. He stepped back and extended his hand.

Whenever she reacted adorably, he felt an urge to tease her. It was hard to resist the impulse to play with her like a cherished toy.

Aster managed to regain his composure and said,

“We’re late. Let’s go.”

His voice was smooth, as if he had never been tempted. Inside, a hot fire was burning, but his voice remained calm, revealing nothing.

Camilla tucked her hair behind her ear and frowned. She felt awkward realizing how sensitive she was to the s*xual tension.

She clasped her hands together.

“Yes, let’s go.”

Aster, sensing Camilla’s fleeting emotion, raised the corner of his mouth lazily. She seemed disappointed.

To soothe her, he pressed his lips gently against the back of her hand. Keeping his gaze fixed on her, he whispered softly,

“Yes, Camilla.”

Then he slowly lifted his lips from her hand. Seeing her face turn bright red from his subtle action, Aster began to walk.

* * *

‘There’s really no chance to let my guard down.’

I kept touching the back of my hand where his lips had been, glancing at him. The carriage was moving to the designated location. He sat across from me, smiling brightly.

It was hard to believe that the person dazzling me with his intense gaze moments ago was the same person now acting so nonchalantly.

‘He definitely did that on purpose. Just to tease me.’

I never imagined he would try to display affection even inside Francis Castle.

Luckily, there were no maids around. If there had been, it would have reached Father’s ears, and I would have been in big trouble.

Deciding I needed to set things straight, I spoke up.

“Just in case, please don’t mention our contract relationship to my family.”

“Why not?”

“Father is already in a bad mood about the dowry. If he finds out we’re in a contract relationship…”

“Then just tell them we’re in a real relationship.”

“They’ll believe that even less. They’d probably think you’re blackmailing me.”

“Do you really think so?”

“That’s because you don’t know my family, Aster.”

While I could manage Cathy and Eddie, Father was different. I remembered what Father said while looking at Aster’s portrait.

‘Hmm. He looks like a weasel.’

Father’s expression was nothing but cynical as he evaluated Aster. He didn’t even properly look at the portrait before starting to criticize it, suggesting he just wanted an excuse to do so.

When I awkwardly laughed, Father threw the portrait onto the sofa and said,

‘Looking at his face, I can tell. He’s an ugly man with no taste. Tsk. Does he think just having eyes, a nose, and a mouth makes him handsome?’

No, Father. It’s actually quite the opposite; he’s too much my type, which is the problem.

I wanted to say a lot that day, but I couldn’t bring myself to speak. I felt that no matter what I said, Father wouldn’t listen.

Then Aster said leisurely with a smile,

“Don’t worry. I’ll do my best to make a good impression on your family.”

“That might not be something you can achieve with effort. My siblings alone will be a challenge for you.”

They were adorable and sweet in front of me, but to others, they were notorious troublemakers.

Having been hailed as geniuses from a young age, they often stood out in the royal kindergarten with their behavior.

Because they were born with great power, they didn’t have many peers who treated them comfortably, so they always played together. I worried a lot about them becoming spoiled.

Aster muttered to himself,

“Well, I think your siblings are worth a try.”

“You’ve met my siblings?”

When?

At my questioning tone, Aster smiled and replied,

“It’s just a feeling.”

“Don’t underestimate my siblings. They’re known as little devils…”

“I’ve never underestimated them. I meant that sincerity always gets through.”

Aster spoke confidently. He seemed quite assured, talking about sincerity. Even if it was baseless confidence, he’d realize it once he faced them.

“Well, don’t come crying to me later.”

I was still worried, but it seemed silly to keep worrying when he was so confident.

He’ll manage somehow.

I stopped worrying and adjusted my position.

Soon, the carriage entered Vogt Castle.

* * *

Upon entering Vogt Castle, the Countess was the first to greet us.

“Thank you for coming, Lady Francis.”

“Thank you for inviting me. Happy birthday to the young count. This is a small token of my appreciation.”

When I handed over the gift through Serri, the Countess smiled gently.

“You didn’t have to.”

“I heard Count Vogt has a deep knowledge of wine. This wine is made from grapes harvested during a bountiful year in our estate, so it tastes even better.”

“I’ve heard that the wine from Francis estate is famous. I finally get to taste it.”

The Countess laughed and instructed the attendant to take the gift. She seemed quite pleased, as she immediately ordered some to be served at the banquet.

Thanks to the information from the Marchioness of Letia, choosing the gift wasn’t difficult. We happened to have a famous winery in our estate, making it easy to procure.

Judging by the Countess’s expression, it seemed like a good choice.

“If you like it, I’ll send more.”

“Thank you.”

The Countess’s face lit up with a satisfied smile. Nobles never disliked gifts, especially those that matched their tastes.

‘Everything’s going smoothly.’

Following the Countess’s guidance, I entered the hall and engaged in occasional conversations with other guests.

Since this was my first appearance in the social scene before my debutante, other debutantes were also noticeable.

While I was deep in conversation, someone approached us from afar. Judging by his red hair, he seemed to be from the Vogt family.

He stood before Aster and me, then greeted Aster.

“It’s been a while, Aster.”

“Brix.”

“I was surprised to hear you were coming. When did you arrive in the capital?”

“A while ago.”

“You should have let me know. You’re still as heartless as ever.”

The man called Brix lightly tapped Aster’s shoulder while teasing him. His casual demeanor suggested familiarity. Given his name, he must be the second son of Count Vogt.

Brix seemed genuinely happy to see Aster, while Aster appeared somewhat indifferent.

“I think it’s the first time I’ve seen you at a party like this. You usually don’t like them.”

‘Not liking parties, I like that.’

Many noblemen attended parties just to flirt with various women. Paris was a prime example.

I was pleased to know that Aster hadn’t led a dissolute life during his studies abroad. Brix’s gaze turned to me, hinting that he wanted an introduction.

I lifted my dress slightly and greeted him first.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Camilla Francis of the Francis family.”

At the mention of my name, Brix greeted me warmly, his face full of goodwill.

“Indeed! So, the lady is the young duke of Francis, Aster’s fiancée!”

“Pardon?”

“I’ve really wanted to meet you. I have so many questions for you. Ah! I’m Brix from the Vogt family.”

Brix finally introduced himself with a sly smile. His reaction was as if he was meeting someone he had heard a lot about for the first time. Come to think of it, Christopher was also very excited to see me for the first time.

What on earth did Aster say about me while he was studying abroad that all his acquaintances had the same reaction?

It was strange. I had never met Aster before.

Unable to contain my curiosity, I asked directly.

“Did Aster talk about me?”