Really, making someone speechless like this was quite a talent.

“…Really.”

“Really?”

“Your language is quite harsh.”

‘Perhaps even more than mine’, she thought, but wisely swallowed those words. In response to her honest assessment, Ludwig replied with an indifferent face.

“I’m being careful.”

“…”

There was no sincerity in his casually uttered words. Sezlin was dumbfounded by his brazen response.

Who exactly was being careful here?

“You were quite dangerous when speaking with the Second Prince as well.”

“You saw it last time. That guy also twists his words like a snake.”

Friedrich’s way of speaking was typical of royalty. Outwardly appearing friendly, but inwardly contemplating how to twist the other person’s neck. Thinking about it, calling him snake-like was actually accurate.

“You’re a bit…”

In contrast, Ludwig was more direct. Or perhaps it was better to say he spoke without filtering his thoughts. While Sezlin was busy searching for the right words, Ludwig opened his mouth once more.

“I’ve never been good at lying since childhood.”

“I’ll call it being direct.”

“You’re seeing it positively.”

As if knowing she had filtered her thoughts considerably, Ludwig accepted it with a somewhat satisfied expression. His demeanor was quite amusing, causing Sezlin to inadvertently smile.

His pupils dilated slightly as they fixed on her.

“Much better.”

“Pardon?”

“That’s much better than looking like you’re about to die.”

Sezlin tilted her head, not immediately understanding his words. But she seemed to catch on quickly, as her smile vanished instantly.

“I wasn’t smiling.”

“I didn’t say you were.”

…He wasn’t even joking. Sezlin shot him a playful glare.

“You dislike Friedrich more than I expected.”

His words carried a hint of curiosity. Sezlin turned her head away, pretending not to notice.

“That’s my private business. Contract clause.”

“…I won’t ask anymore.”

“Thank you.”

“Are you really going to skip dinner?”

“After meeting a certain someone, I’ve lost my appetite.”

Her expression turned cold at the thought of Friedrich. His unpleasant face appeared in her mind.

After fidgeting with her feet for a moment, she rose. Sezlin approached the sofa where Ludwig was sitting and took a seat opposite him.

“You could have stayed there.”

“It seemed impolite.”

She could have simply said she came over, but she was too honest. Ludwig let out a laugh of disbelief. If it had been anyone else, he might have stopped them, but for some reason, he didn’t feel inclined to do so.

Adjusting her posture, Sezlin spoke first.

“Please prepare just one ring for me.”

“A ring?”

Ludwig questioned the suddenly mentioned accessory. Sezlin added in a calm voice:

“I want to cast some bait.”

Bait to catch Violet. Ludwig understood what she meant without difficulty.

“So you’re going to catch the spy.”

“We can’t drag this out too long.”

With so many things to do, she had no time to be distracted by a mere spy.

“Seems like you have a good idea.”

“Shall I tell you?”

“It doesn’t matter. As long as it doesn’t harm our contract, anything is fine. Though if you’re planning to kill someone, I’d appreciate advance notice.”

“Ludwig.”

Her calm voice admonished his manner of speaking. Ahem, Ludwig cleared his throat and
continued.

“I’ll prepare what you asked for.”

“Please do it by the day after tomorrow at the latest.”

At the latest, the day after tomorrow. Quite a tight schedule.

“You plan to finish this before the auction.”

“I told you.”

That she didn’t want to drag it out.

“I’ll leave some room for maneuver, so it won’t end in one go.”

So the Duke could come looking for her and reveal his hand. Sezlin intended to drain the Duke’s cards completely.

‘He’ll come running on his own.’

Until all his resources were exposed.

After gradually tightening the noose, the Duke would eventually be the first to give in.

“How long will you be staying?”

“Well…”
Ludwig pondered Sezlin’s words and looked out the window. Outside, the sunset had already painted the sky. At this rate, night would fall soon. Looking at the trolley full of food, Sezlin said:

“A couple of hours should be enough. For others to see.”

Night would fall soon, and maids would come in to serve. If this was just for show, that would be
an appropriate time. He could also leave naturally then.

“Or you can leave whenever you see fit.”

After all, there was a door between their rooms. The fact that he deliberately came from outside suggested he wanted to make it known he was visiting her. If he left through the connecting door, no one would question their relationship.

“…I’ll do that.”

Ludwig, who had been staring at his pretend wife, answered slowly.

Then, as if organizing his thoughts, he soon moved his lips.

“Or we could practice now.”

“Now?”

Ludwig nodded and gestured toward something. Sezlin naturally looked at the wall clock and moved her lips.

There wasn’t anything particular to discuss. No urgent news to share.

As Ludwig said, they had time to spare.

After a moment’s hesitation, Sezlin pressed her hand against the sofa. Her thin slip brushed the floor.

When the subtle scent of perfume reached him, Ludwig’s face stiffened momentarily. The emotion passed too quickly to be called surprise, leaving him unable to say anything.

“What’s wrong?”

Sezlin, who had already taken the seat beside him, extended her hand. Her slender, white hand drew his gaze as if inviting him to take it.

Feeling inexplicably uncomfortable, Ludwig reached out. His rather tense appearance was visible even to Sezlin. Watching him carefully touch her fingertips, she couldn’t help but smile.

‘Yet he takes lives as easily as swatting flies.’

He seemed to be unnecessarily nervous about the strangest things.

“Why are you smiling?”

“It’s fascinating.”

Ludwig glanced at her slightly upturned lips. His neat eyebrows furrowed in dissatisfaction.

“I wasn’t nervous this time.”

“I didn’t say you were nervous.”

“…”

A strange sense of déjà vu arose. Holding her hand, Ludwig examined Sezlin’s expression. Her face showed no sign of discomfort, only composure. While he was glad her complexion had improved, her attitude made him want to respond in kind.

Ludwig somewhat impulsively moved his fingers.

“!”

His thick knuckles smoothly slid between her fingers. Applying slight pressure, he held Sezlin’s
hand like a chain, preventing escape. Ludwig’s lips twitched.

As their skin rubbed softly, Sezlin wrinkled her nose.

“Ugh!”

“What’s wrong?”

His voice carried a subtle playfulness. Her downcast eyes shot up in response.

But Ludwig’s face was too calm for her to confront him directly. His expression of complete innocence even bordered on naivety.

“…Nothing. It’s nothing.”

Sezlin answered while biting the inside of her cheek.

What made it even more ridiculous was that there was nothing inappropriate about the slow caress of her hand. It didn’t suggest any desire for her, making it very awkward to object. And she couldn’t say it felt unpleasant either.

If she complained, she’d likely just be asked why she was being so sensitive.

‘Is he teasing me?’

Sezlin silently sighed. That was most likely the case.

After all, Ludwig was now doing exactly what she had done to him previously.

After much contemplation, Sezlin finally asked:

“Are you getting revenge right now?”

“Revenge?”

The response was remarkably concise.

His puzzled face looked at Sezlin. His tone of questioning like a child was incredibly vexing.

“Ha!”

Sezlin exhaled sharply at his bold response.

The back of her neck tensed involuntarily.

She naturally realized that pursuing this conversation would only disadvantage her.

Sezlin looked down at her hand. She hadn’t noticed it well last time.

Now that her nerves were on edge, even the rough calluses suddenly felt irritating.

Just then, his slightly sharp nails brushed the side of her palm. Looking up, she saw his rather
playful expression. His satisfied upturned lips seemed to be gauging her reaction.

A strange sense of pride and defiance pricked at Sezlin’s hand. Even if it wasn’t revenge, he was clearly teasing her.

The thought that he believed she was startled by this made Sezlin increasingly annoyed.

“…Ludwig.”

Sezlin called him calmly and asked:

“Shouldn’t we also try linking arms or embracing, besides this?”

Ludwig looked puzzled at her words. Each word she spoke seemed to have thorns attached. But since they had discussed this before, Ludwig first expressed his agreement.

“…That’s right.”

Ludwig trailed off, slightly narrowing his eyes. There was a subtle sense of foreboding.

Sure enough, Sezlin’s expression brightened as if she’d found an opportunity.

“There will be parties coming up soon anyway.”

Her casual tone pierced Ludwig’s ears. The confident fingers that had been teasing her lost their direction. Sezlin glanced at his stiffening neck and raised the corner of her lips. His solid shoulders gradually hardened.

“What do you think?”

A triumphant smile spread across her entire face.

“Shall we try more?”

She raised their interlocked hands.

“I’d like to.”

At those words, Ludwig bit his lip.

But by the time he collected himself, her pale arm was already wedged between his firm sides.

Ludwig flinched in surprise. Beyond his stiff face, bewilderment was visible. Sezlin blinked at this rather rare sight. Even for practice, such a reaction made her want to tease him more.

Using their intertwined arms as an excuse, Sezlin pulled herself closer. Ludwig’s gaze darted away from her approaching body. He was flustered. His embarrassment was clearly visible.

“You need to get used to this quickly. It would be troublesome if you’re startled every time.”

“…Move away a bit.”

“If we keep our distance, people will be suspicious.”
A small curse escaped at Sezlin’s words. Reluctantly composing himself, Ludwig said with a sigh:

“You’ve really picked your moment.”

“When else would we do this?”

“What?”

“This is practice. Get used to it, Ludwig.”

Quickly changing her words, Sezlin tilted her head. She could feel his firm muscles beyond his hair. He likewise felt her fluffy platinum hair through his shirt. Ludwig swallowed a rising sigh.

A subtle plant scent emanated from her body so close to his. Realizing it was similar to the smell of his own bedroom, Ludwig became somewhat confused.

“…Haah.”

The sigh that finally escaped resonated softly.

He muttered in a grave voice:

“Just you wait.”

Next time would be his turn.