Chapter 103

‘Right, stew might be easy. But meat pie? It’s a pie! How in the world do you make that?’

For Clarette, cooking was a realm of mystery. Especially since she was weak with anything involving fire, the only things she’d ever made for herself were salads and sandwiches.

Meanwhile, Lionel left the kitchen, passed through the living room, and went out onto the terrace, calling for her.

“Clarette, look over there.”

She approached Lionel and gazed out at the scenery spread before the old house.

The tranquil lake glittered with dazzling summer sunlight. Clarette had seen this view many times during her previous visits, but for Lionel, who was here for the first time, it was awe-inspiring.

“It really feels like a secluded villa. I used to dream of living in a place like this.”

“When was that?”

“While on deployment. I thought, if I retired safely from the army, I’d buy a house like this.”

So he had plans for after retirement.

Clarette smiled, imagining Duke Valentin living in a much larger mansion than this old house.

“Do you still want to live in a house like this?”

“Well, the ducal residence is obviously more comfortable…”

Lionel gently wrapped his arm around Clarette’s waist from behind. He pressed his cheek to her long, loose hair and whispered,

“I like being here with you better. Should we live here together? Forever?”

Clarette hesitated, stroking his large hand. Lionel’s temptation was sweet, but it felt like an unattainable wish.

Their relationship would only last until next spring.

Clarette gently pushed Lionel’s hand away from her chest and stepped back.

“Lionel, don’t think naughty thoughts. Let’s unpack first.”

Watching her leave the terrace, Lionel laughed softly.

“Hm? I wasn’t thinking anything naughty. Were you?”

Clarette saw his playful smile and ended up laughing with him. Returning inside, she approached the canvas wrapped in cloth and called Lionel.

“Come on, hurry up. Help me move the easel and canvas so I can start working right away.”

“Aren’t you tired from riding in the carriage all morning? It’s hot outside.”

“I’ll paint the portrait in uniform outside tomorrow. Today, I’ll work indoors.”

“What indoors?”

Clarette dramatically pulled off the cloth covering the canvas. Lionel paused at the already finished sketch.

“I brought the painting of the God of Hope here to finish it quickly. According to my plan, I can complete both your n*de and your portrait in uniform in these two weeks.”

Clarette’s voice brimmed with enthusiasm. Lionel moved the supplies as she instructed, then paused.

Clarette approached with a bright smile, holding a white scarf.

“Take your clothes off, Lionel. I’ll tie you up tight.”

* * *

The next morning, Clarette woke up in a daze.

‘…I shouldn’t have prepared to paint the n*de.’

She glanced at the white scarf tied near the headboard and sighed. Lionel, who had modeled for her n*de painting at her request, revealed his true colors as the sun went down.

<Clarette, don’t you need to move anything to the bedroom?>

They each carried their belongings to the second-floor bedroom. As she was unpacking her clothes, Lionel came up behind her and kissed her ear. She jumped, glancing at the door.

Unlike at the ducal residence, the door was wide open. But Lionel had no reason to be concerned.

<Why, Clarette? Where are you trying to escape?>

<Wait, Lionel. It’s still too early.>

<So what? We’ll do it in the morning and in the afternoon anyway.>

<But, if we start like this on the first day…>

She was dragged to the bed, and after dusk, she found herself in the deep night, then woke at dawn to his caressing hands.

At some point, Clarette stopped counting. Including what happened in her sleep, it must have been quite a few times, but she was so dazed she couldn’t even remember what had happened.

‘I’m sleepy…’

She blinked slowly, listening to the sounds outside the blanket. Birds were chirping.

It was already morning, and sunlight filtered in through the white curtains. The bed was empty, Lionel already gone.

‘Even though he’s a former soldier, his stamina is unbelievable. Doesn’t Lionel ever get tired?’

She knew he rarely slept in. But after last night, she thought for sure he’d be beside her for breakfast.

When Clarette woke, she was alone and the bedroom door was closed. Her body was tired, but her mind was clearing, so she finally got up.

She slipped on light loungewear and went downstairs, where she was greeted first by the smell of delicious food. At the same time, she heard bubbling and the clatter of dishes.

Clarette stopped in her tracks, staring at the sight of Lionel in the kitchen.

“Lionel, what is all this…?”

“Ah, Clarette. Did you sleep well?”

He was busy preparing breakfast, wearing a neat shirt and light brown trousers. He hadn’t bothered with an apron, but Lionel handled the utensils confidently and calmly.

Clarette approached the kitchen, still astonished.

On the wide counter, warm, steaming food was laid out. Clarette stared blankly at cheese toast topped with bacon, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and salad.

Before she could even express her amazement, Lionel ladled onion soup from a small pot hanging over the hearth.

“…Lionel, were you a cook?”

“No. I was an officer.”

“A cooking officer?”

“Clarette, there’s no such post in the Imperial Army. I was, of course, a combat captain.”

“But… why are you so good at this?”

“Cooking? Or what I did last night?”

“Cooking. Why would you bring up last night here?”

Clarette stepped back, wary. Lionel brought the kettle from the stove and poured tea, laughing softly.

“You seemed very satisfied last night. You never said no and accepted everything.”

“I couldn’t help it. By the end, I didn’t have the energy to say anything.”

“So, you didn’t like it?”

“No, not really… I didn’t dislike it…”

“Good. Don’t hate me, Clarette.”

Carrying plates of neatly arranged food, Lionel whispered softly.

“I’m actually pretty happy right now. For the first time in my life, I’m doing something like this.”

“‘Something like this’?”

“I’ve never made breakfast for anyone else before.”

He’s showing this much skill for his first try? Or maybe he put in extra effort because it was the first time.

Clarette watched Lionel head to the terrace with the plates, amazed. Even if it was his first time, he seemed so relaxed, as if he’d always done this.

‘But it really is his first time. Lionel never lies to me.’

Clarette had heard plenty about Lionel’s history with women, but she didn’t mind.

As his lover, Lionel never told her obvious lies. He didn’t do anything to upset her over women.

In fact, he often acted like he was excited to have a lover for the first time. He wanted to do everything for her, missed her even when apart for a short while, and was devoted every night.

‘He’ll be a good husband, for sure.’

Admiring the future duchess, Clarette gathered the teacups and soup bowls from the counter. When she went out to the terrace, Lionel, having set the table, kindly pulled out a chair for her.

His endless affection, handsome smile, and gentle touch brushing her shoulder—all luxuries that only she could enjoy for now.

Even if it ends someday, it’s best to enjoy it while she can.

A cool shade covered the table set for a late breakfast. Warm sunlight spilled near their feet. Clarette picked up her fork with a faint smile.

Feeling as if a perfect day awaited her, she leisurely enjoyed her gift-like breakfast.