PLMYP 51

Please Let Marriage Be Your Payment!

Chapter 51 —

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“Why are you kissing a ring so lovingly? If you’re going to do that, you should kiss me instea—”

Before she could even finish, a big hand cupped Irenea’s head and Leonard’s lips pressed against hers.

Surprised, Irenea froze, blinking rapidly. Leonard lightly bit her lower lip, then straightened his upper body.

As if nothing had happened, he pulled the blanket up over her again.

“Now sleep for real. If your eyes swell up, your sister might worry that you’re marrying without love.”

“Huh?”

Irenea’s eyes grew wide at Leonard’s suddenly different way of speaking.

Leonard smiled as if he had been waiting for that reaction, then bent down and kissed her lips once more.

“Good night, my person.”

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The moment their lips parted softly, Irenea opened her eyes and looked up at Leonard’s face right in front of hers.

Was it because of their talk last night? Or maybe because of all the excuses she used to push him into kissing her—had he finally grown used to it?

The stiff, stone-like reaction he had at their first kiss was nowhere to be seen now. Instead, there was warm affection shining in his eyes as he looked at her.

Seeing his face like that, Irenea beamed. Just then, the priest’s voice rang out.

“With this, I declare the two of you husband and wife.”

Cheers and applause exploded from the guests.

Playful whistles and words of blessing for a happy life echoed here and there.

“Congratulations on your marriage, Marquis!”

Walking back down the wedding aisle with Leonard, Irenea felt flower petals showering down on her veil from the guests.

It was said that if the bride’s veil was full of petals by the end of the wedding road, she would have a happy marriage.

Thankfully, when they reached the end of the aisle, her veil still had plenty of petals on it.

Since she couldn’t see her own head, the guests laughed, clapped, and congratulated her. As Irenea smiled brightly, Leonard suddenly stepped off the wedding aisle ahead of her.

What? The groom leaving the aisle before the bride? Guests gasped in shock and even forgot to clap.

Leonard reached into the flower basket held by the page boy and scooped up petals with both hands.

Then, carefully, he showered them directly over Irenea’s head, letting them pile up thickly on her veil.

Realizing what he was doing, Irenea tilted her head at an awkward angle, staring at his neck instead of lifting her face, and burst into laughter.

“Are you even allowed to do that?”

“Of course. Isn’t it my duty as a husband to make my wife happy?”

He spoke in such a calm and natural tone that several women gasped, “Oh my!”

“How romantic… so it really was a love marriage.”

“Right? Some husbands don’t even think to place a single petal on their wives’ heads.”

“Ahem, hm.”

A few men coughed awkwardly under their wives’ sharp gazes. Meanwhile, Leonard brushed off every last petal stuck to his gloves and placed them on Irenea’s head before offering her his hand.

Taking his hand, Irenea stepped off the aisle proudly.

Some petals shook loose and fell to the floor, but more than half remained.

Even without them, no one present could deny she looked every bit the happy bride.

Taking the basket from the page boy, Irenea grabbed a handful of petals and tossed them over her husband’s head, her face glowing with joy.

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For a businessman like Marquis Blair, a wedding day couldn’t end with just the ceremony. Even the reception—meant for laughter and enjoyment—was full of work.

At least Viscount Callio didn’t attend, so there was no need for a battle of pride.

“Congratulations on your marriage, Marquis Blair! But about our trade guild’s new project…”

“Your bride’s dress is stunning! Such fine color—was that frost silk from Ilum? When will it be distributed in the empire?”

“I heard Blair Beauty Salon will open soon, along with the launch of new cosmetics. Has the date been set?”

“Will cruise tickets be sold separately? I’m not confident I’ll win in the lottery. I’ll pay anything if you sell them to me!”

“I’ve heard when the railway opens, Blair Trading will have its own cargo trains. Could we perhaps share some freight space for our goods?”

From small curiosities to big investment proposals, Irenea busily walked around the banquet hall, answering endless questions.

Since every conversation began with introducing her husband, Leonard had to stay at her side from the start.

He thought that would be his only job—but unexpectedly, many people had business with him too.

“Count Elpheus, a mine was discovered in our land. Are you interested in mining rights? We suspect diamonds may be buried there…”

“Even now, countless children are starving and freezing to death. A regular donation of 100,000 larks could save many lives.”

“Our territory will host an art auction next month. Please do visit if you’re interested.”

‘Are they making these offers just because I’m the marquis’s husband?’ Leonard wondered, passing business cards to his attendant without even checking them.

Though he kept a calm face, Irenea noticed his hidden irritation and giggled secretly.

After more than ten cards had piled up, she finally dragged him onto the balcony for a break and explained.

“Ray, don’t you remember? The dowry I gave you.”

“Oh…”

He really had forgotten.

Other than paying debts, Leonard rarely spent money. Back in his mercenary days, Bin handled all expenses like food, lodging, and weapon repairs.

After clearing debts, sharing with Edward and Thomson, and giving generous pocket money to Janice, he still had nearly 400 million larks left.

No wonder people were practically drooling at the thought of it.

“You could leave it in the bank for interest, but I think using it for business, investments, or charity is fine too.”

“I’m not good at spending money…”

He didn’t know about investing, and charity was no easier.

Too many people set up fake orphanages or hospitals just to steal donations. Finding the ones who truly needed help was work in itself.

“I could pick out some reliable companies for you.”

“Wouldn’t that make you even busier?”

“There are plenty of capable people besides me. Actually, I already have someone I want you to meet.”

Irenea winked playfully. Whoever she was planning to introduce made Leonard more worried than expectant.

“By the way, I wanted to ask you something.”

“Mm, wait a second.”

A voice called from outside the curtained balcony.

As soon as Irenea gave permission, the door flew open and a woman suddenly entered.

“Irenea! Congratulations on your marriage!”

She wasn’t dressed in imperial style. Even Leonard, once a mercenary, thought her daring dress looked bold. With tanned skin and a bright smile, she rushed to hug Irenea tightly.

Leonard didn’t stop her only because Irenea looked so delighted.

“Oh my, Belma! How did you come? I thought you couldn’t make it since I sent the invitation so late.”

“Ha, even if you’d sent it one day before, I’d still come. You didn’t delay it on purpose to keep me away, did you? Then I’d look clueless.”

“Of course not! You know you’re always welcome. Ray, let me introduce you. This is Belma Rubivia. Just looking at her clothes, you can tell she’s from Parodia.”

Then Irenea held Leonard’s arm lightly and introduced him.

“And this is my husband. Belma, I respect Parodia’s free customs, but please don’t go suggesting affairs to my husband.”

“Pleased to meet you, Marquis’s husband. But… are you really not interested in one sweet night’s dream with me?”

What?! To a newlywed groom, with the bride right there?

Leonard was too shocked to speak at first. Then he quickly shook his head before she could mistake his silence.

“No, I am not. I’m Leonard Elpheus. My surname hasn’t changed yet, but please call me Marquis Blair’s husband.”

The refusal came before the introduction. Belma sighed dramatically at his firmness.

“I’m Belma Rubivia. Still unmarried, so just call me Belma. Or Belle, if you like.”

She winked at him, earning a sharp glare from Irenea.

“Sorry, but my husband doesn’t call other women by their first names. Nicknames are out of the question. Right, darling?”

It was the first he’d heard of such a rule, but instead of questioning it, Leonard obediently nodded.

“My wife is right, Miss Rubivia.”

“Darling, don’t be fooled by Belma’s lovely looks. She may be single, but she’s far past being called ‘Miss.’”

“Oh, Irenea! How could you reveal a lady’s age in front of such a handsome man?”

“If you hadn’t suggested a sweet night’s dream to my husband, I would’ve stayed quiet.”

A faint, chilly smile curved Irenea’s lips. Knowing it was her last warning, Belma gave a regretful sigh.