Only Amira understood Adam’s heart and shook her head sadly. Predicting that one day Adam’s hair might be longer than her own.
Unaware of this, Ariella smiled brightly and enjoyed the small party.
Her happiest Friday morning in her life passed like that.
Duke Bedford’s face grew more ominous with each passing day.
His vassals scratched at his nerves every day with talk of appointing a new heir as soon as possible, the wine business led by Bedford was experiencing difficulties from the start, and the nobles ridiculed him, saying that the Bedford family, which seemed destined to succeed forever, was finally about to collapse.
As a result, the Duke was on the verge of exploding at the slightest touch. His already sharp eyes became sharper, his patience grew shorter, and his temper flared twice as much.
The servants were always careful with their words and actions, lest they scratch his nerves.
Some of those who had witnessed Ariella’s beating predicted that the Duke would soon call his fake daughter into his study and whip her as a way to vent his anger.
But unlike those assumptions, Duke Bedford could no longer touch Ariella.
The reason was, as always-.
“…Really, you’re going to pay that much?”
Because it was more reasonable.
“Yes, Father. The Grand Duke promised me.”
Ariella answered demurely, clasping her hands together.
Grand Duke Nobert Royster of Royster promised a huge price to make Arrie Bedford his mistress.
An amount that could not only revive the struggling business, but also win back the hearts of the nobles who were turning away due to Aaron’s recent health condition.
“As you said, Father, I did my best to get the highest price. I think things worked out well thanks to your advice.”
The Duke stared blankly at Ariella’s face.
Perhaps because he hadn’t been sleeping well lately, the face of a woman he missed so much that he hated her overlapped with her face.
He clenched his fist tightly to escape from his thoughts.
“…When. When did he say he would give it?”
“He didn’t say the exact time, but it seems like it will be soon. He said he would have to have a conversation with you soon, Father.”
“Hurry him up as much as possible. Flatter him too. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Father. I’ll meet him often and try to persuade him. I’m going out with him today, so don’t worry too much.”
As Ariella smiled prettily like a flower, the Duke nodded.
“Yes, don’t do this and go get ready to go out. You have to do well without giving him anything to criticize.”
“Yes, I understand.”
The Duke waved his hand, meaning for her to leave quickly. Watching his daughter’s back as she bowed politely and turned around, he took a deep breath.
Still, a path has opened up thanks to raising a beautiful daughter. This was a worthwhile investment.
He was feeling relieved when suddenly.
“Oh, Father.”
Ariella, who was leaving, suddenly turned around.
“When should I come to receive my punishment again? The wound on my leg healed a while ago, but you haven’t said anything.”
The content of her words was quite brutal, considering the bright smile she wore while saying them.
To ask for the date of her own flogging, no less.
One of the butlers attending the Duke widened his eyes as if doubting what he had just heard, and the knight guarding the door seemed equally surprised.
On the other hand, Duke Bedford narrowed his eyes and gave her a chilling stare.
He was quick-witted enough to understand why Ariella brought up that topic at this particular moment, and what her intentions were.
He, who had taught his young daughter the importance of every single word before sending her out into society, understood it even better.
‘She’s getting cocky.’
He found it distasteful that she was so quick to show her confidence, now that she had secured a decent backer.
However, the profits she would bring were quite satisfactory, so he decided to show her mercy, for once.
“…That matter is settled. Focus on taking care of your body until you become the Grand Duke’s mistress.”
Ariella nodded, smiling brightly.
Yes, she knew her calculating father would say something like that. It would be a disaster if he inflicted more wounds on this body, only for Grand Duke Ashbon to change his mind upon seeing them.
“Yes, Father. I will.”
She answered cheerfully and turned around. Her steps were light, almost bouncy.
Just before leaving the study, she turned back one last time to look at her father.
The Duke had already turned away from her and was looking down at something. She couldn’t see what it was, obscured by his large back, but he seemed quite focused.
Shifting her gaze slightly, she saw the bright summer sunlight streaming in through the large window, and along with various ornaments, the whip proudly displayed on the cabinet, and the red carpet, which would easily conceal any blood spatter.
‘Looks like I won’t be in pain for a while.’
At least, she wouldn’t be in pain from being hit by that whip in this room.
That was a relief. She could fulfill Nobert’s request.
“Please, don’t be in pain where I can’t see you.”
He had pleaded so in the townhouse, and Ariella wanted to grant his wish if possible.
‘Whether I can keep it up is another matter.’
But she had to at least pretend. With that thought, she left the study.
Now was the time to temporarily forget the chaotic reality mixed with hateful memories of the past, and go on a date with an utterly unrealistic man.
Ariella had been on quite a few dates in her life. Unfortunately, the partner had always been Aaron.
Before he completely lost interest in her, Aaron had prepared what other women called ideal dates.
A man who picked her up at her house, dressed to the nines, with a large bouquet of flowers in his hand, and a smooth yet courteous escort… He diligently fulfilled all the textbook standards.
He also planned out date courses that noble ladies would enjoy.
For example, visiting and appreciating a glamorous performance or opera, or an art museum, followed by a meal at a luxurious restaurant.
Although Ariella had never dated anyone other than him, she had heard from her friends, who were once her friends, that dates between nobles were usually all the same.
Therefore, she didn’t expect today’s date to be particularly special.
Or rather, that’s what she thought.
But from the moment the Ashbon Grand Duchy’s carriage stopped in front of the Bedford mansion, she realized that her state was different from before.
Her heart was beating strangely fast. Her chest was already swelling with emotion, even though she hadn’t even met him yet.
She was simply excited. The very fact that she would soon meet him and go on a date.
And the moment the mansion’s front door opened and she faced Nobert, who had come to pick her up, the fluttering intensified tenfold.
Nobert, too, seemed conscious of today’s date, and he had taken some care with his attire.
Not as much as Aaron, who loved to dress up, but he definitely put in more effort than usual. Especially considering he was wearing a tailored overcoat, even though it wasn’t even hot.
A man appearing dressed to the nines. It was expected. But this excitement was not.
“Good afternoon, Ariella.”
Nobert greeted her in his unique low voice, a slight curve to his lips.
And Ariella couldn’t tear her gaze away from that radiant face.
Black hair, as dark as ebony, swept back, sharp eyes softened beneath thick eyebrows, a gentle smile erasing his fierce impression. He looked as if he had stepped straight out of a painting.
