Chapter 2: The Grand Duke’s Lady (2)

Repeating the same words, her eyes, looking up at him closely, sparkled more than usual.

Perhaps because she was in a good mood today, or because she was under the bright sun.

‘Maybe both.’

Tehis quietly looked down at Chloe, who was demanding his attention.

Having lived a life of constant warfare, he wasn’t used to physical contact with others. If someone else had tried to invade this space, he might have instinctively cut them down, just as he had flinched before.

But he questioned himself why he welcomed the weight leaning on him now. 

Maybe because there was no killing intent?

Or was it because I was currently playing the role of a lover?

‘This is problematic.’

Tehis found himself liking his relationship with her. More than he had expected.

A warmth that wasn’t dangerous, painful, or suspicious. Eyes that didn’t look at him with contempt or fear.

A relationship where they casually touched, needed each other, and at least outwardly loved each other.

‘Getting addicted would be troublesome.’

He could never have her for life.

Tehis stared quietly at the orange eyes. When she showed her curiosity at his silent action, he finally spoke.

“If you wish, gladly.”

Hearing the Grand Duke’s polite answer, Chloe smiled and said in a sing-song voice.

“I said I’d think about it earlier. I came up with something that benefits us both.”

“Is that so?”

Thinking it might be a contractual matter since it would benefit him too, Tehis signaled for them to board the carriage first. Ignoring the coachman sweating nervously beside them, they both got in.

Since it was a carriage reserved in connection with the restaurant, there was no need to state their destination, and it started moving on its own. Feeling the occasional jolt, Chloe continued.

“After the meal, let’s go on a date in the shopping district. I want to buy a gift for a dear friend.”

Accompanying her to the shopping district would certainly be beneficial for him.

Tehis briefly thought and then recalled a clause in their contract, subtly asking.

“Am I the one buying it?”

“That’s why it’s beneficial for me too.”

“……Yes, Chloe.”

* * *

“We’ve arrived.”

It didn’t take long to reach the reserved restaurant. As the coachman opened the door and stepped aside, Tehis got out first to help Chloe.

Holding her fake lover’s hand, she got out and met the gaze of a noble couple who were just leaving the restaurant. Recognizing the distinctive ruler of the North, they looked flustered, and she linked arms with him and pressed close.

“Let’s go in quickly, darling. I’m hungry and want to eat right away.”

“Yes, Chloe. It should be ready on time, so there’s no need to worry.”

“Oh, how thoughtful!”

……Does she always have to speak so exaggeratedly?

Without showing any reluctance, Tehis walked with Chloe. The astonished gaze of the couple who stepped aside followed them.

Since it was the most luxurious and opulent restaurant in the capital, most of the patrons were nobles. Naturally, those who knew about Grand Duke Escalante and his general information whispered their questions quietly.

Why is he here, who is the woman beside him, and what is their relationship?

Ignoring the prying eyes, they confidently crossed the restaurant and were guided to a VIP seat on the terrace of the second floor.

“Welcome, Your Grace. And Lady. We will start serving the drinks and appetizers you reserved.”

“Hmm.”

With the Grand Duke’s simple response, the man bowed deeply and soon brought out the tea.

Sitting opposite, Chloe took a sip from the warm cup and found it to her taste more than she expected. She glanced at Tehis, thinking he must have figured out her preference after seeing her drink tea a few times.

When the staff who brought the aromatic bread, soup, and salad left, Chloe spoke.

“You’re more popular here than in the North, Tess. Everyone seems focused on you.”

“It’s not this bad when I’m alone. Are you uncomfortable?”

“Not really, I’m just curious. I expected it, but not to this extent.”

Thinking it must be tiring for him, Chloe poked her salad with a fork and ate it. She liked the sweet and refreshing dressing and was about to take another bite when Tehis’s answer interrupted her.

“People find it strange that I’m with a beautiful woman.”

“Oh my.”

See, it’s interesting.

Laughing a little, Chloe decided to fan the flames of the people’s murmurs. She was half curious about what this man thought of her.

“Am I only beautiful?”

“……You’re also wise and capable, so others have reason to be jealous of me.”

Laughing out loud at his answer, she offered him a forkful of salad.

“Here’s your reward, darling. This is tasty, try it.”

Chloe gently coaxed him with an “Ah” sound, forcing him to open his mouth. Hesitating for a moment, Tehis leaned forward, resting his hand on the table, and took the salad.

To anyone watching, they looked like a loving couple. The nobles, visibly startled, whispered loudly.

Clang!

Somewhere, the sound of a glass breaking and the ensuing commotion erupted, but Chloe ignored it completely.

“Good boy, my love. How is it? Not bad, right?”

Unlike Chloe, who smiled as if enjoying it all, Tehis couldn’t look her in the eye.

Even though he was just following her lead, all these actions were new to him. With the added pressure of others’ gazes, it was hard to distinguish which feeling was stronger: awkwardness, bitterness, ticklishness, or discomfort.

‘For now…… I don’t dislike it.’

He extended the time he spent chewing the salad, having exceeded his capacity for affection in one go.

“……Yes, Chloe. It’s delicious.”

Swallowing the salad she fed him, the Grand Duke averted his gaze and answered, looking like a man in love.

While those unaware of their contract relationship struggled to accept the reality, the main course was served.

“Your orders of Calamari Ripieni and Baked Scallops are here.”

Stuffed squid filled with various ingredients and butter-grilled scallops were placed on the table with side dishes. Seeing the golden-brown, appetizing food, Chloe suddenly thought.

‘Did he order this because I kept talking about seafood?’

Is this his way of saying to eat this instead of Kraken?

Unable to hold back her laughter, she let out a low chuckle and poked the squid with her fork.

“Thoughtful menu choice. As expected, you’re so considerate.”

“I hope it suits your taste.”

“I think it will. Thanks, Tess.”

Before the Grand Duke could respond, a man interrupted from the side.

“Tess, what a cute nickname, Duke Escalante.”

“Lord Fernand.”

The red-haired knight lightly bowed at Tehis’s call.

About to greet with a smile, the Grand Duke’s cold voice interrupted.

“How rude. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t disturb our meal.”

“Haha…… My apologies. Seeing you with such a lovely lady, I couldn’t help but speak.”

“Lord.”

Despite the man’s cheeky words, Tehis’s call carried a clear message.

‘Get lost.’

The coldness in his eyes chilled the air.

As the knight narrowed his eyes to respond, a lively voice, out of sync with the atmosphere, interrupted.

“Who is this? Won’t you introduce him at least?”

“He’s not worth your time, Chloe.”

“That’s harsh, Duke. Since the lady is curious, I’ll introduce myself. I am Demian, the eldest son of Duke Fernand.”

Placing his hand on his chest and bowing slightly, the man introduced himself, and Chloe realized.

‘That young duke? The one rejected by the princess?’

She knew this information because she had helped create a magical tool for his proposal. The commission was canceled when it was 30% complete due to the high difficulty, and she received 30% of the payment.

Chloe vividly remembered the mage who had confided in her, grumbling about the situation. The man who couldn’t even confess and got rejected because Princess Helena was chasing after Tehis. It was enough to make a young man hold a grudge.

‘No wonder the Grand Duke is so hostile.’

Chloe chuckled. Upon closer inspection, the knight’s eyes were quite disrespectful.

Disliking Tehis but coming to bother him, his cold treatment was understandable. But pretending to know nothing, she greeted brightly.

“Nice to meet you, Young Duke. I’m Chloe.”

“An honor to meet you, Lady Chloe. If it’s not too much trouble…….”

“It is too much trouble, so stop. Lord Fernand.”

Tehis cut off Demian’s words.

The young duke’s face showed slight irritation as he turned to Tehis. But before he could say anything, the Grand Duke continued.

“The food is getting cold. If you have something to say, send a formal letter to the Grand Duke’s residence.”

“……Grand Duke, I’m speaking with Lady Chloe.”

The red knight’s handsome face twisted before forcing a smile. His dark brown eyes returned to the lady, but she was looking intently at Tehis.

What’s so great about that ice-cold murderer, anyway?

Demian smirked crookedly and tried again.

“Lady Chloe, if it’s not too much trouble…….”

“It certainly is too much trouble.”

The same sentence was cut off by the same words.

As the young duke looked at her in surprise, a fresh smile greeted him.

“The food is getting cold, so could you please leave?”