A few days after receiving a death threat, a household gathering was held at the mansion after 10 p.m.

Even though no invitation cards had been sent, the famous noble ladies of Elruk flocked to see Ertel.

Since she already had a pile of letters from them, she decided it was time to make an appearance.

The aide advised Ertel to take this opportunity to build connections as the duchess.

At the designated time, the chandelier in the reception room lit up.

Ertel, dressed in an evening gown, appeared before the ladies carrying a large teapot.

“Thank you all for traveling such a long way. I’ve prepared cookies, cakes, and chess games for you to enjoy together. Please have a wonderful time.”

As she had learned from her tutor, Ertel straightened her back and spoke in a low, steady voice. When she spoke, her tone carried a rhythm, as though she were singing a melody with varying pitches.

The ladies from various noble families began to flatter her in their own ways.

“It’s an honor to meet the Duchess of Juan in person. I wanted so badly to attend the wedding, but I couldn’t make it that day. I’ve prepared a small gift for you today, so please accept it.”

“I’d love to take some of the duchess’s charm, which managed to steal the heart of the famously independent Duke.”

“Thank you for graciously welcoming us, Duchess. Next time, I’d like to invite you to our family’s home. I’d also love to show you some of my knitting projects.”

The sound of the ladies’ laughter filled the room, and the gathering proceeded in a warm and pleasant atmosphere.

Whenever the refreshments ran low, the servants promptly replenished them.

From the terrace, Icarus watched the scene with satisfaction.

“She’s doing well.”

It was more observation than surveillance. He was curious about how the woman who had taken the coveted position of his wife would conduct herself.

He hoped she was genuinely enjoying herself—basking in the envious gazes of everyone, the looks filled with jealousy and admiration.

He wanted her to take pride in being part of the Juan family.

After observing the reception room for a while, he moved. He headed toward the area where the ladies were gathered in a circle, engrossed in a chess game.

As they were deeply focused on the game, Icarus slowly approached from behind. This had not been discussed with Ertel beforehand.

“Duchess.”

The warm and gentle tone of his low voice reached her ears, and Ertel quickly turned her head, startled. Her eyes, filled with surprise, made it hard for Icarus to suppress his laughter.

Instead, it was the other ladies who were captivated by his alluring voice.

Seeing this as their moment, the ladies all looked up at once.

“Oh my, it’s the Duke!”

In truth, their real reason for visiting was to catch another glimpse of Icarus.

He was a famously handsome man who rarely appeared in social circles, which only heightened their curiosity.

As all the women’s gazes turned to the Duke of Juan, he leaned in even closer, as if to flaunt himself.

He positioned himself so that Ertel’s body fit snugly into his embrace.

“It’s delightful to see my wife enjoying chess with the ladies.”

“……!”

“Even your back is so beautiful that it makes my heart flutter.”

His tone and manner had completely changed, leaving Ertel dumbfounded.

Icarus leaned closer to the table from behind, and his breath touched the nape of her neck.

A tingling sensation ran from the tips of her toes to her legs.

‘What is he scheming now?’

Despite her flustered feelings, Ertel’s ears turned bright red in an instant.

Icarus’s shamelessness didn’t stop there.

“To think that my wife enjoys chess this much. There’s still so much I don’t know about you. As your husband, I’ll make sure to enjoy more hobbies with you from now on.”

“……!”

“Please give me the chance to bring you joy, Duchess.”

Then, as the final touch, he gently kissed her cheek.

Ertel’s body froze like ice.

‘I’ve been completely played.’

Whether his provocation had worked or not, the ladies burst into exclamations.

“Oh my, oh my…!”

Icarus, as if giving fan service, made eye contact with each lady and responded to their reactions.

“Now that such esteemed individuals are here, please enjoy your time with my wife. If the opportunity arises, I’d also like to invite you to my office in the royal palace. For now, I must excuse myself as I have business in the study.”

Though brief, the women who made eye contact with him fell into a daze of admiration.

They stopped playing chess and began showering Ertel with envious comments.

“He’s known to be so cold, yet he’s completely different when it comes to his wife. You must be so happy, Duchess.”

“Exactly! How can he be so affectionate? Truly, Duchess, you have everything. I’m so envious.”

Ertel, who had barely regained her composure, forced a smile.

“Ha-ha, yes…”

Her forehead threatened to wrinkle, and her face felt frozen with the forced smile.

‘What a ridiculous display.’

While Ertel was fuming internally, Icarus was feeling quite pleased with himself.

Alone in his study, he smugly speculated about her feelings.

‘She must be feeling incredibly proud right now.’

It was an utterly misguided assumption.

***

After the household gathering ended, the ladies all departed.

Ertel, her tension finally released, sat at the dining table. Perhaps because she had been smiling so much earlier, her facial muscles felt stiff.

Although everyone else seemed to have enjoyed themselves, Ertel felt empty inside.

She had to say things she didn’t mean, endure countless stares, and accept expensive gifts that left her unmoved.

“Ah, I’m exhausted…”

A maid approached her.

“Duchess, shall I prepare your bathwater?”

“No, it’s fine.”

Waving her hand dismissively, Ertel headed straight for Icarus’s study without hesitation.

Her footsteps, heavy with anger, echoed as she walked.

Through the crack in the study door, she caught sight of the man who had caused the kissing incident. His lips were curled upward as if he were pleased with himself, and Ertel was at a loss for words.

Hearing her scoff, Icarus turned to look in her direction.

“Ertel?”

When he called her name, she didn’t respond. Instead, she held up a handkerchief.

“……?”

Then, as if to make a point, she wiped her right cheek with the handkerchief—the exact spot where Icarus’s lips had touched.

She scrubbed it thoroughly.

That action alone was enough to provoke Icarus.

And provoke him it did. His brows furrowed, and he bit his lower lip. Taking a deep breath, he forced a smile and spoke in a calm tone.

“What are you doing?”

“Why do you do things without discussing them first?”

Her expression clearly showed how displeased she was, leaving Icarus momentarily flustered. His reaction only made her angrier.

“Don’t misunderstand.”

“Misunderstand what?”

“I did it for your sake, not mine.”

His absurdly confident attitude left Ertel speechless.

“How so?”

“Thanks to me, all the ladies are envious of you now.”

“What?”

“Just taking my surname is already an achievement, but being the only woman the Duke of Juan has opened his heart to? Being portrayed as noble and loved is the ideal for women of this era, isn’t it?”

Before he could finish speaking, Ertel let out a dry laugh.

“Ha-ha.”

She had come to learn something new about the Duke of Juan. She hadn’t realized he had such a rigid side or that he took such pride in himself.

His confidence was truly unmatched.

Noticing her odd reaction, Icarus’s smile faded.

“Why are you laughing?”

“Well, I’m not impressed.”

“What?”

“Even if this is a strategic marriage, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t act so impulsively.”

In her past life, she might have been flustered by a sudden kiss, but not now. The closer he tried to get to her, the more repulsed she felt.

The man before her lacked any sense of shame and probably expected her to smile happily because of him.

Ertel decided she needed to make her stance clear.

“If you want to do something, discuss it with me first.”

“……”

“Don’t assume I’ll go along with everything you do.”

Her sharp tone left Icarus momentarily speechless.

Her unexpectedly firm attitude caught him off guard.

A thin sigh escaped between his lips. He wondered if he really deserved such harsh scolding.

Touching his forehead lightly, he reluctantly nodded.

“Fine. I’ll discuss things with you.”

“Good. Then, rest well.”

Having said her piece, Ertel saw no reason to stay any longer.

‘Is that it?’

For a moment, Icarus felt a pang of anxiety and wanted to stop her.

“Ertel!”

“……?”

“If you’re going to treat me so coldly, why did you heal me?”

“……What?”

“You used your ability on me.”

His aide had advised him not to press Ertel about why she had healed him.

He had said it was a pointless question and not worth dwelling on.

But Icarus couldn’t suppress his curiosity.

His voice, tinged with irritation, spilled out.

“Was it just an experiment?”

Ertel was dumbfounded.

‘Is that even a question? Isn’t it obvious it was an experiment?’

She couldn’t tell if he was hoping for an answer driven by sympathy, but she couldn’t understand why he was acting this way.

Ertel, who had been about to leave, turned back to face him.

“Why? Were you about to thank me for healing you? If so, don’t bother. I just…”