Chapter 8
After the Explanation
Thud. Thud.
Hearing the heavy metallic knocking at the front door, Serenia reluctantly lifted the curtain a little.
She was already worried about what kind of article the reporters would write tomorrow after seeing a handsome “host” visit the Count’s house early in the morning.
But unexpectedly—
The one knocking at the door was a delivery man.
‘At least tomorrow’s paper won’t have something like: [Shocking! The Betrayed Duke’s Pure Love — Who Is the Host Visiting the Bahishat Estate Early Morning?!]’
Thinking that, she quickly went outside.
Of course, she wrapped a headscarf around her face so no one could recognize her.
Even so—
Click! Click! Click!
Camera shutters exploded everywhere.
It was so loud that she could barely hear the delivery man.
“Good morning, my lady. I’m sorry to come this early.”
Seeing the familiar delivery man bowing with a tired face, Serenia felt a little guilty.
His dark green uniform was wrinkled all over. It was obvious how hard it must have been for him to push through the reporters.
“Whew… Anyway, this is an urgent delivery.”
He wiped his sweat and pointed behind him.
Serenia followed his hand—
And froze.
A huge box sat in front of a large delivery wagon.
It was covered in warnings like Fragile and Handle with Care.
It was big enough to fit an entire wardrobe.
Her mouth slowly opened.
‘Did Rascalo send this…? No way… a gift set of poisons?’
While she was lost in that terrible imagination, the delivery man handed her a pen.
“Please sign here.”
While she signed absentmindedly, he struggled to carry the box to the entrance.
After placing it down, he bowed.
“Then I’ll take my leave, my lady.”
He turned—
Then suddenly shouted back,
“Ah! Congratulations on your marriage!”
“……”
With a stiff expression, Serenia watched him leave.
Then she dragged the box inside with difficulty.
After locking the door and taking a deep breath—
She coldly said,
“Come out. Right now.”
The moment she spoke—
The box began to shake.
Rustle—crack—
The top burst open.
And from inside—
A head with bright red hair popped out.
“This is unfortunate. I’ve been found.”
It was Ain, smiling as usual, wearing his tinted glasses.
“How did you know? I didn’t even make a sound.”
“Is that really the important thing right now?!”
She shouted angrily,
“Why would you hide inside a box and get delivered?! Do you know how dangerous that is?!”
He made a sad face.
“But that was the only way to get past those reporters. And I couldn’t break my promise to pick you up.”
His pitiful, flower-like appearance made her pause.
Without realizing it, she felt like comforting him.
“I—I’m sorry! I didn’t mean it like that…”
Taking that chance, he quickly stepped out of the box.
Then—
He straightened his clothes.
And his expression instantly changed.
With a charming smile, he said,
“I risked my life to keep my promise, but you broke yours without even apologizing.”
“…What?”
The atmosphere suddenly shifted.
He clicked his tongue.
“Oh, my mistake. I should call you future Duchess, not my lady. Right?”
Only then—
Serenia remembered.
“Ah… the newspaper!!”
She had completely forgotten.
“No, no! That’s not true! It’s really not!”
But he ignored her.
He took out the newspaper and read it calmly.
An article claiming Rascalo proposed—
And that their marriage was already decided.
He smiled.
“Well… for the Duke’s family, six million crobat is nothing.”
“That’s not it! I’ll explain everything!”
“Since things turned out like this, I guess a commoner like me should just take the money and leave.”
“Wait! Listen to me—!”
“Congratulations on your marriage. No need to send me an invitation.”
“Hey! Please!”
“Also, please pay the compensation within this month.”
He turned to leave.
Panicking, Serenia rushed forward and blocked the door.
She grabbed his collar and shouted,
“Listen when someone is talking!”
“…I am listening.”
“No, you’re not! It’s all a misunderstanding!”
“Hmm? A misunderstanding?”
“Yes! I can explain everything! From start to finish!”
He looked at her silently—
Then smiled.
“Alright.”
His low voice made her shiver.
Only then did she realize—
They were too close.
She tried to step back—
But the door blocked her.
He gently loosened her grip and whispered,
“Then let’s hear it.”
And then—
Bam!
Ain was punched in the jaw.
Later
Serenia handed him a cold compress filled with snow.
Ain sat on the old sofa, pressing it against his bruised jaw.
Watching him carefully, she spoke,
“I’m sorry for hitting you. I was just surprised…”
“…No. It’s my fault.”
She quickly replied,
“Well, that’s true.”
“….”
“Anyway… at least nothing broke.”
“…Yes.”
“You can cover the bruise with makeup, right? It won’t affect your work?”
“…Yes. Thank you for your concern.”
His reaction felt… off.
But she changed the topic.
“Anyway, that newspaper is completely fake.”
Ain narrowed his eyes.
“Completely fake?”
She hesitated.
“Well… something did happen… so maybe 90% fake…”
“Something happened? What exactly?”
His gaze sharpened.
She avoided his eyes.
“Well… there was something like… a proposal…”
Before she could finish—
Ain spoke.
“My lady, just so you know—double contracts are considered fraud.”
