Prologue

“Sir Guilford, we haven’t known each other for long, but we’re connected at heart, aren’t we?”  

Clear, pure blue eyes gazed at the man.  

“…That’s correct?”  

The man answered her question with a bewildered expression. Although her words weren’t true, he felt compelled to respond that way.  

Due to unforeseen circumstances, they had suddenly become lovers, and for now, he was merely pretending to date her.  

The man’s name was Leon Guilford. He was a knight of the Imperial Knight Order and the eldest son of the Guilford Count family.  

Leon, who was meticulous even when choosing a single item and took a long time to develop attachments, found himself with an unexpected lover due to a wager proposed by a fellow knight.  

‘If you, the noble Sir Guilford, confess your love to Lady Novary and ask her to date you, regardless of the outcome, I’ll grant you whatever you desire. What do you think?’  

The condition of the wager was simple.  

He, who had shown no interest in women, was to suddenly confess to a woman named Ellen Novary.  

It didn’t matter what her response would be. He only needed to say, “I like you, let’s date,” upon meeting her.  

It was an absurd proposition.  

Since it could potentially damage someone’s honor, Leon immediately intended to reject the offer. However, the stakes were tied to his family, making it difficult for him to refuse outright.  

What should I do…?  

After hesitating for a moment, he decided to accept the wager after much deliberation, thinking this would be the one exception to his usual disinterest in such bets.  

‘Lady Novary, would you date me…?’  

He had expected to be rejected.  

‘Yes, I’d love to.’  

Contrary to his expectations, the woman accepted his proposal. Since then, he had repeatedly missed opportunities to reveal the truth, and as a result, he found himself unintentionally continuing his relationship with Ellen.  

Today, I have to tell her the truth….  

He felt sorry for the woman who might be hurt, but continuing to date her without genuine feelings weighed heavily on his conscience. Leon resolved to end this relationship.  

However, every time he tried to confess the truth, he failed, and now, once again, he found himself responding affirmatively to her question about being connected at heart.  

Damn it. I have to say it today.  

“Connected at heart….”  

“In that case, how about spending the night with me today?”  

“What?”  

Although he intended to say that while their hearts had been connected, he no longer felt the same and planned to act like a bad man, Ellen’s unexpected words caught him off guard.  

Unlike Leon, who stared at her in shock with wide eyes, Ellen blinked her clear eyes and smiled innocently. Her face looked as if she hadn’t just suggested spending the night together.  

How could she make such a proposal when we haven’t been together for long!  

Leon was so taken aback that he couldn’t find the words to respond.  

Unlike the past, when chastity was highly valued, free love was now trending in the social circles, and the importance of chastity had diminished. Some people even consummated their relationships within a day.  

However, for Leon, who had never dated anyone, this was a distant story. He still valued chastity before marriage.  

“It’s too soon for that.”  

Thus, he firmly rejected her suggestion.  

“I don’t make such suggestions lightly either. Sir Guilford, you felt desire for me last time, didn’t you? I’m embarrassed, but I found courage recalling your reaction back then. So, please don’t reject me.”  

Her gentle gaze and shy voice were directed at Leon.  

Damn it.  

Leon cursed himself inwardly for having acted on instinct in the past.  

Why did I do that! 

Although he had apologized at the time, the mistake he had already made couldn’t be undone.  

“I think it’s best to maintain chastity until marriage. No matter how times have changed, we don’t need to follow others.”  

He calmly rejected her proposal in a composed voice.  

“Ah….”  

Ellen’s eyes were filled with disappointment. Her expression darkened as if she had been hurt.  

He couldn’t understand why she was in such a rush to make such a suggestion, but Leon saw this as an opportunity.  

If he missed this chance, he would continue to be dragged along. He thought it would be best to part ways since their thoughts didn’t align.  

Leon, who was not typically indecisive, felt as though he was constantly being pulled along by Ellen. For both their sakes, he needed to end this relationship quickly.  

“!”  

Just as he resolved to act coldly toward her, no matter how hurt she might be, soft lips pressed against his.  

Even though it was just the touch of her plump lips, his mind went blank.  

Soon, the soft sensation that had been gently brushing against him delved sharply inside. The clumsy movements exploring every corner of his mouth were unskilled, but her awkward kiss only made Leon’s body heat up.  

The woman, who was usually not assertive, was being bold only at this moment. She was igniting his desires, heating him up.  

Although he could push her away with force, he didn’t. Instead, he pulled her waist closer, making their bodies press together.  

No! I have to say it now! 

If he missed this chance, he felt as though he wouldn’t be able to turn back.  

As her lips dominated his mouth and her hand touched his lower body, his mind went completely blank.  

Ah….  

In the end, Leon gave up resisting. He devoured her lips and began to untie the strings of her dress.