“Just so you know, besides His Majesty, I’m the only person in this empire who can buy those jewels at their true value. Adrian can’t. He doesn’t have the means.”
“…Oh, really?”
“Yes. So if you’re planning to sell it later, you should give up on that idea. If you need money, just tell me. I’ll give you as much as you want. Got it?”
Ashid gazed intently at Daniella, as if urging an answer.
Daniella looked back and forth between him and her reflection in the box’s mirror. It was truly a beautiful necklace, the more she looked at it.
‘Isn’t this a little too much for a first-date ?
Despite thinking that, she was secretly thrilled. A delicious meal, fireworks, and now such a magnificent gift. She felt like the true heroine of this world’s story. Daniella gently touched the necklace and said shyly,
“…I know. I’m not planning on selling it.”
“Good.”
“Thank you. I’ll cherish it.”
“You’re welcome.”
Ashid responded with a soft smile. His gaze, looking at her so sweetly it could melt her, was truly romantic.
Daniella’s heart pounded so fast and her breathing became so ragged she couldn’t help but feel breathless.
Late at night, Daniella and Ashid returned to the townhouse in the capital. The servants followed behind them, observing the awkward and slightly cringeworthy atmosphere between the two. Soon, they stood in front of each other’s bedrooms.
Daniella cleared her throat unnecessarily and said to Ashid, who was staring at her by her bedroom door,
“…Good night, Your Highness.”
“Wait.”
Ashid placed his hand on top of Daniella’s, which was on the doorknob. He felt it would be a shame to end their first date like this.
This posture made it seem as if he was hugging her from behind. Daniella involuntarily held her breath and asked awkwardly,
“W-what’s wrong?”
Ashid swallowed hard as he looked down at Daniella’s slightly reddened neck and ears.
Throughout their date, she hadn’t shown any sign of displeasure. So, maybe he could be a little more greedy. He tried to hide his trembling voice and spoke nonchalantly.
“Your maids are watching us.”
“And…?”
“It would seem too cold for a couple on their first date to just say good night and go into their separate rooms. So, about that…”
“…?”
Ashid felt his heart pound wildly as he looked into her lovely eyes staring up at him, and he spoke with difficulty.
“I want to say goodbye to you like any other normal couple in the Empire. …Will you allow it?”
Daniella hesitated for a moment. She couldn’t remember what Adrian and Camellia, the original protagonists of the novel, did in this situation. Her mind had gone blank from the suffocatingly cringeworthy atmosphere and her rapidly beating heart.
But she didn’t want to refuse him when he was asking for permission.
‘Right, the maids are watching. If I just go inside like he said, they might think it’s strange.’ She rationalized this and said to him, who was waiting for her answer,
“Okay. I’ll allow it.”
Ashid gave a meltingly tender smile. Then, with a careful touch as if handling something precious, he cupped her cheek and briefly kissed her forehead.
“…!”
At that moment, Daniella’s eyes widened in surprise. His lips on her forehead were hot and soft. Because of this, she felt as if his lips had left a mark on her skin. Even though he had stayed for just a brief moment before pulling away.
Ashid was thrilled by the fragrant scent that brushed past his nose and the soft skin of her forehead against his lips. He wanted to enjoy this moment a little longer.
He even considered being a little more greedy, letting his lips slide down to kiss her small, cute nose and red lips.
However, that was not yet allowed for him. Ashid felt a pang of regret in his chest and slowly pulled his lips away from her forehead.
And with a look of longing, he said,
“…Good night.”
“You too, Your Highness.”
Daniella lowered her reddened face. Then, she quickly opened the door and went inside her bedroom. Ashid’s gaze stubbornly followed her back until the door closed and he could no longer see her.
She sat down in front of her vanity and placed her hands on her flushed cheeks. A little while later, she heard the sound of Ashid entering his own bedroom.
Some time after that, a careful knock was heard from outside the door. When Daniella responded, Mela and the maids came into the room.
Mela smiled brightly for a moment at her mistress’s flushed face and the luxurious necklace. Then, she composed her expression as if nothing had happened and said,
“Did you enjoy your outing with His Highness?”
“…Y-yes.”
“You must be tired. The bathwater and a new dress have been prepared, so please wash up and get some good sleep.”
“I will.” Daniella replied briefly and stood up. Mela and the maids took off her coat and dress one by one. Just as their hands were about to touch the necklace, Daniella stopped them and said,
“I’ll take this off myself.”
“Yes, My Lady.”
Mela replied with a soft laugh. Daniella unclasped the necklace and instructed a maid to bring a jewelry box.
After taking off the necklace, she carefully placed it on the box the maid had brought. Once it was off, it looked even more beautiful and splendid than it had in her reflection.
Daniella looked down at it and remembered Ashid’s words.
[Besides His Majesty, I’m the only person in this empire who can buy those jewels at their true value.]
[So if you’re planning to sell it, you should give up on that idea.]
A smile spread across Daniella’s face.
‘I’ll never sell it. No, I can’t sell it.’
She thought at the same time.
She would never forget this moment.
Even if Camellia appears and Ashid’s heart turns to her as fate dictates.
So even if their contract ends as planned and she is no longer the Grand Duchess, this necklace and this memory will remain deep in her heart.
Daniella felt a painful tightness in her chest and carefully closed the box. She then followed the maids to the bathroom.
As if to wash away and forget the part of herself that kept noticing, caring about, and giving meaning to Ashid’s kind and embarrassing words and actions.
Daniella went into her bedroom, as if running away from his gaze.
Ashid smiled to himself, recalling her flushed cheeks and neck.
‘Yes, keep noticing what I do. I hope you get a little fluttery.’
And he hoped she would never forget the moment he created for her.
With these unforgettable memories and a gift, he would slowly win Daniella’s heart. He would permeate her life.
Until she completely let go of any lingering feelings for Adrian and chose him. Until he was the only one left in her heart.
So that when he confessed his love to her one day, she could never refuse. So that she would stay by his side, even after the contract ended. Forever.
‘Please, let me achieve this unrequited love.’
He placed his hand on the closed door and prayed with a fervent heart for a moment.
Afterward, he took his unwilling steps and headed to his own bedroom.
The imperial capital, Gloria Road. The main office of the Marquis of Cadogan’s mansion.
The owner of the office, Marquis David Cadogan, stood like a criminal in front of the desk. His uncle, Duke Rodian, sat at the desk. He crumpled the letter he was holding and threw it at the Marquis of Cadogan. He then glared at the Marquis with a fierce look and shouted,
“You already know, don’t you? That the Duke of Blackwood told his vassals to nullify all our business dealings. And that he won’t have any personal interactions with us anymore!”
“…I apologize.”
“You fool, how could you ruin all of this with a moment of reckless indiscretion! I can tolerate you messing around with that Strand girl. But you should have hidden it completely! How did you get caught by that wretched Ashid!”
“…I have no words to say about that. But who would have expected him to bribe all the messengers of the Strand family and me? He even bribed the servants who came into my reception room…”
Marquis Cadogan, pale with shock, kept bowing his head and making excuses. Duke Rodian pounded the desk with his fist, exploding with anger.
