Chapter 38. Show Me Your Great Husband First

I glared at him, signaling to drop the pretense.

“You’re not hurt.”

“True.”

Sezad chuckled, finding it amusing. He seemed intrigued by how unfazed I was by his intimidating demeanor.

Well, it was natural. I had known him since he was a scruffy boy, so he didn’t scare me.

I handed him a document.

“Anyway, I didn’t call you because of my wedding. It’s about this.”

“What’s this?”

Sezad glanced at the document and asked. I smiled and explained.

“Paris Blanche is planning to start a business soon. I want you to mess with it.”

“Ah, this kind of thing.”

Sezad picked up the document with his fingers, looking somewhat disappointed. He seemed more interested in ruining the wedding.

Despite his casual demeanor, he was meticulous when it came to such matters. After thoroughly reviewing the document, Sezad grinned.

“This is my specialty.”

“Then I’ll leave it to you.”

“But are you sure? This person is part of your in-laws. You say you’re marrying for love, yet you’re planning to backstab your in-laws.”

“I’m marrying Aster Blanche.”

“So, you’re really marrying for the person, not the family.”

Sezad looked at me, more surprised than when I said I was marrying into Blanche.

“I’m really curious now. What kind of guy is he that the great queen would be this devoted?”

“He’s not as promiscuous as you, at least.”

“That’s a relief. If he were like me, I’d be a bit dumbfounded.”

“Anyway, take care of it. And while you’re here, try not to acknowledge me.”

“Fine. But—”

Sezad placed the document on the table and said,

“Show me your great husband first.”

“Why Aster?”

“I’m curious about how amazing his face must be.”

“No.”

Of all people, you’re the last one I want to introduce him to.

When I refused in disgust, Sezad chuckled.

“Why? It’s said that men can judge other men best.”

“If you were a decent man, maybe.”

Sezad Vaikan was a difficult hunting dog to handle. Loyal, but unpredictable.

Moreover, it felt a bit uncomfortable to introduce Aster to a man who had once proposed to me. I didn’t mind, but Aster might be bothered by it.

Normally, sharing everything was in my nature, but strangely, I felt cautious when it came to Aster.

After repeated refusals, Sezad tried to provoke me.

“What? Are you afraid I’ll seduce your husband?”

“Not a chance.”

Absolutely ridiculous.

I let out a hollow laugh, and Sezad leaned back in his chair.

“Well, fine. I can just see him at the wedding.”

“I didn’t invite you to the wedding. I just told you that knowing we’re acquainted would interfere with our plans.”

Don’t even think of coming.

I glared at him in warning, and Sezad lifted the corners of his mouth into a sly smile.

“Who said I’d go as your acquaintance?”

“Then?”

“I happened to find someone to take to the wedding.”

Sezad grinned mischievously.

“A person?”

“Just wait and see. You’ll be surprised.”

I looked at Sezad, who seemed overly confident, with unease. I had no idea who he was so pleased about.

I frowned and warned him.

“Just in case, don’t cause any unnecessary commotion.”

“I won’t. Have you ever seen me do anything that would harm you, my savior?”

Sezad raised his index and middle fingers, signaling me not to worry. Still unconvinced, I glared at him, and he said,

“Dirty work is best left to someone like me. Just leave it to me.”

“Alright.”

I answered reluctantly and discussed the remaining plans. At least we trusted each other enough not to betray one another.

I was on my way out after parting with Sezad when my communication stone vibrated. It was a message from Aster.

“Aster.”

— Where are you?

“Oh, I was at Moss. You know, where we first met.”

— Alone?

Aster’s voice darkened at the mention of the tavern. He knew I didn’t like drinking alone.

“I met a friend.”

— Can I come pick you up? I’m nearby.

“Oh, then could you come to Alley 12? This alley is narrow and crowded.”

— Understood.

I ended the communication and headed straight for Alley 12. A carriage stopped in front of me shortly after.

“Camilla.”

Aster jumped down from the carriage and greeted me. Seeing the unmarked black carriage, it seemed he had snuck out from Blanche again.

I accepted his escort and climbed into the carriage. He asked,

“Is your friend gone?”

“Yes, we parted ways before you contacted me.”

“That’s unfortunate. I was curious about your friend, Camilla.”

Well, you wouldn’t say that if you met Sezad.

Introducing that dangerous man was out of the question. Although Aster wouldn’t fall for him, Sezad was a troublesome person to know. To protect Aster, I would thoroughly prevent any meeting between them.

“I’ll introduce you later.”

“Well, if he comes to the wedding, I’ll meet him then.”

“Oh, I told him not to acknowledge me at the wedding.”

“What?”

“I asked him to handle the matter about Paris that I mentioned before. If they know we’re acquainted, they’ll be wary, so we plan to act as strangers.”

Aster nodded briefly when I mentioned Paris. We had already shared the plan to get Paris out of the Duke’s favor.

It was called the ‘Paris Trap Operation.’ The strategy was to isolate Paris completely, making it impossible for him to remain as the heir. Even as the Duchess, she couldn’t protect a son who caused great harm to the family.

Ultimately, the goal was to drive the entire Blanche family out and give Aster their position.

After that, I planned to divorce him and receive a substantial alimony, but this was still a secret from Aster. I hadn’t made up my mind yet, and it was a distant future anyway.

“I’ll introduce him properly once the operation starts. For now, it’s crucial to get Paris on board.”

“Understood.”

“Oh, and the formal succession by the elders will proceed right after the wedding, right?”

“Yes. I’ve already secured agreement from some elders. By the time the Duchess’s faction notices, it will be too late to stop it.”

“Good.”

Thanks to giving the Rain Mine and the Imperial Family welcoming this marriage, the Duke was quite lenient towards us. If we could secure the formal succession and get rid of Paris, everything would proceed smoothly.

Imagining a rosy future made me feel good. Of course, the ultimate targets were the Blanche couple, so there was still a long way to go.

“You seem happy.”

“Of course. There’s nothing more enjoyable than giving Blanche a hard time.”

It’s not something to say in front of Blanche’s young duke, but it was my honest feeling.

“I feel the same.”

Aster smiled lazily, as if everything was fine as long as I was happy. Then he gently touched my cheek, giving me a subtle look.

“Camilla, once we’re officially married, how about we consummate right away?”

“Consummate?”

I widened my eyes at the sudden proposal, and he smiled slyly.

“You promised, remember? To fulfill our duties once we become a married couple.”

He whispered softly, sliding his fingers from my cheek to my jawline. Then, he carefully grasped my chin and lightly kissed my lips.

“You’re not thinking of backing out now, are you?”

“O-of course not.”

Strangely, I always felt tense when alone with him. It was better when we talked business, but especially when he gave me those subtle looks.

Feeling a sudden rush of heat, I tried to pull my chin back, but he pulled me closer effortlessly.

He held my cheeks with a bright smile. His innocent smile contrasted sharply with his red eyes filled with impure intentions.

“I can’t promise we’ll just hold hands and sleep.”

“……”

“In the bedroom, you’ll do everything I say.”

His determined vow made me swallow hard.

What exactly does he plan to do?