Chapter 06
“…Why?”
Lillian was completely confused. Just moments ago, she had been sure everything was over. Her head filled with question marks.
Could it be that he actually likes women who act however they want…?
Her eyes turned toward Cartan, silently demanding an explanation—but instead, in a flat, emotionless voice, he proposed exactly what she wanted to avoid most.
“Since we’re talking about it, how about next Saturday?”
His tone was like a superior casually checking a schedule with a secretary. Lillian wanted to jump out of the carriage right then and there.
“N-Next Saturday…?”
When she asked in a flustered voice, Cartan’s expression instantly turned cold.
“Why? Are you busy? As far as I know, gardeners have weekends off.”
It felt like if she said no, she’d be resting forever. Feeling intense pressure from his ominous gaze, Lillian nodded her stiff neck repeatedly.
“I-I’m free. I have time.”
She clenched the hem of her skirt and lowered her gaze, unable to look at him properly.
What in the world went wrong? I was sure he’d lost all interest.
She could still vividly remember Cartan’s stiff expression when he saw her eating the muffin with her hands.
And yet he’s talking about a next date? “Next” means… we have to meet again?!
Lillian screamed internally. The more she thought about it, the less she understood, which only made her more distressed.
After driving for some time, the carriage finally came to a stop. Lillian jumped up and escaped the carriage before Cartan could even follow her out.
Bang.
The moment she slammed the gate shut, Lillian collapsed to the ground. The relief of finally being separated from the Grand Duke made her legs give out.
“Hah… this is bad. What am I supposed to do now?”
She grabbed her head. She had clearly acted opposite to everything the book advised. That should have resulted in rejection. Did that mean the Grand Duke really had bizarre tastes?
No matter how much she thought about it, she kept circling back to the same questions.
On top of that, the guilt of feeling like she was doing something truly awful as a person washed over her.
“No, this won’t do. I’ll have to use something stronger!”
She had tried to avoid this method at all costs—but now she remembered one forbidden tactic from the book.
The way to get dumped is by making unreasonable demands.
As she wondered what kind of demand she should make, something suddenly came to mind.
The one thing you should never do in human relationships—regardless of gender.
“This time, I’ll make it quick and decisive! I’ll end it in one blow!”
Lillian clenched her fist, steeling her resolve.
***
The day of Lillian’s second date with Cartan arrived. This time, she styled her long hair normally to one side and wore a plain, patternless dress. Though her appearance was modest, her expression showed firm determination.
The place Cartan had reserved wasn’t a restaurant but a dessert café famous for its whipped-cream cakes. She didn’t know why they were skipping a meal and going straight to dessert—but honestly, that worked in her favor.
Eating awkwardly is worse. A café is better since I can leave quickly.
Normally, the café would be packed, but today there wasn’t a single customer. It felt strange, but she walked toward Cartan, who was seated in the center of the room.
“You’re here. Sit.”
He glanced at her briefly with a dry expression and gestured to the seat beside him. There were plenty of other seats—why the one next to him? But she was too late. A staff member had already pulled out the chair for her.
“What would you like?”
“Coffee, please.”
The moment she said it, she realized her mistake. This place was famous for cake. Hearing her answer, Cartan added,
“Two coffees. And a whipped-cream cake.”
She almost said she wanted some too but missed the timing.
Soon, their order arrived. Cartan only sipped his coffee and didn’t touch the cake at all. Watching him quietly, Lillian’s gaze naturally drifted toward the cake he had ordered.
She swallowed as she looked at the whipped-cream cake struggling to support a large strawberry—then shook her head.
This isn’t the time to be thinking about cake.
She had no idea how Cartan would react once she said what she had prepared. He might get angry. He might spit out cold insults. Either way, no matter how delicious the cake looked, it was better to focus.
“There’s something I want to say!”
She had gathered her courage, but Cartan didn’t even look at her. Instead, he casually slid the plate with the cake toward her.
“Eat.”
At that moment, Cartan lifted his eyes and stared at her. It felt like he was glaring, making Lillian’s heart tighten.
“Th-Thank you… I’ll eat it.”
Despite everything, she was happy she could eat the cake she wanted. Picking up her fork, Lillian mechanically ate the cake, like a soldier obeying orders.
Now I know why it’s famous. It’s delicious!
The sweetness instantly lifted her mood. Watching her quietly, Cartan asked,
“So. What was it you wanted to say?”
“Huh?”
Focused on eating, Lillian looked up with a startled expression. At that moment, Cartan frowned slightly and reached out.
“Ah… w-why…?”
Was this how your body froze when death approached? The pressure felt like a beast lunging at her, and Lillian completely froze. Then, a warm, firm thumb brushed across the corner of her mouth.
“Ah.”
Her face instantly burned. What did His Grace just do to me?! Her head spun as Cartan’s cool voice followed.
“I asked what you wanted to say.”
Why is he making me say it twice? Feeling that unspoken pressure, Lillian quickly straightened her posture, placed both hands neatly on her knees, and lowered her gaze.
I have to cross this mountain anyway. Say it already, Lillian!
Her inner voice urged her on—but her mouth stubbornly refused to open.
The plan she had decided on was simple.
Ask the Grand Duke to lend her money.
You didn’t even need a book to know this—asking for money was the fastest way to be cut off in any human relationship.
“This is already our second date, so I think we’ve grown pretty close. So, Your Grace… Could you lend me some money?”
Cartan’s expression hardened into something terrifyingly serious. Only then did Lillian feel victorious.
Yes, this is it! Why would a grand duke trust me enough to lend me money? I wouldn’t either.
She remembered how many people had asked her for money in the past—and how awkward it always was to refuse. If it was hard for her, it would be even worse for him.
Just as a smug smile began to creep onto Lillian’s lips, Cartan spoke.
“How much?”
“…What?”
Cartan didn’t even blink. Lillian froze, lips twitching. Come to think of it, she hadn’t decided on an exact amount. She had assumed he’d refuse without even asking.
How much would make the Grand Duke lose his mind?
Given his status, a normal amount probably wouldn’t even faze him. Lillian thought of the largest sum she knew—then suddenly had a brilliant idea.
“A blank check.”
No matter how rich he was, a blank check would be impossible. There was no way he’d agree.
Certain of her victory, Lillian looked at Cartan with a shameless expression. His lips slowly curved upward into a dark, dangerous smile.
“…Fine. Let’s do that.”
For a moment, Lillian wondered if she was dreaming. No matter how many times she blinked, Cartan didn’t disappear.
Is he really saying he’ll give me a blank check…? Does he know how much I might write?
As confusion swallowed her whole, Cartan spoke again.
“But there’s one condition.”
