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“The start of any romance begins with the first move.”
Lady Carnier of the Duke’s household, ten days away from her arranged marriage with Crown Prince Servante, finds herself in turmoil.
Though their engagement had been set since childhood, his distant attitude has only caused her silent heartache.
Encouraged by her sister-in-law’s advice, she finally musters the courage to make a bold move.
“I… I want to experience romance before our wedding.”
“And who, exactly, would the partner be?”
“…Who else could it be, other than the person standing right in front of me?”
Meanwhile, Servante, buried in state affairs and oblivious to her feelings, interprets her semi-confession as a request for a contractual relationship.
Under the condition that their romance doesn’t interfere with their schedules or official duties, he agrees to a “pre-marital romance” as long as they maintain proper decorum…
***
“I, more than anyone, know that you are no longer a child.”
His hand seemed to grasp her slender neck but then slid down slowly. Carnier flinched slightly.
“That’s why I’ve been holding back, suppressing the urge to tell you to cover yourself up, even in the peak of summer, so not an inch of your skin is exposed. Are you satisfied now?”
“…?”
“Does it make you feel better to know that your fiancé is a man who has harbored impure thoughts about the little girl he’s known since childhood?”
“Ah…”
The hand that had been tracing her collarbone moved over the curve of her chest. Carnier held her breath. Wherever his touch landed, it felt as if flames were blooming on her skin.
Looking into her flushed face, Servante whispered.
“That’s why I told you not to say any more. Because what a man like me wants next isn’t conversation.”
