Are you aware… of how beautiful you are?"
I murmured, my voice soaked in a tone I didn’t even recognize, like mist over a moonlit lake.
My gaze was fixed—no, nearly branded—on Eric’s lips… and I might’ve drooled just a little.
“What?”
Eric suddenly furrowed his brows, as if sobering up on the spot.
But it was too late by then.
With the hands that had once been caught by his, I now pinned both of Eric’s wrists down against the bed.
“What… are you doing?”
“What do you think? Just once…”
“…?”
“Should we do it one more time?”
“…Do what?”
Eric asked in disbelief.
Seriously? With how I’m eyeing your lips like a starving beast sizing up spiritual fruit, you still don’t get it?!
“M-My… my…”
To the abyss with it.
“A kiss! I’m saying let’s just kiss once more!”
“Are you insane?”
Eric stared at me as if I’d just suggested toppling the imperial palace.
The dreamy haze that had blanketed his features moments ago began to fade, clarity replacing it bit by bit. Meanwhile, my rationality was draining fast, like spiritual energy slipping through torn meridians.
Eric grit his teeth. “If I use even a bit of force, you’ll get hurt. So let go.”
He looked down at my hands grasping his wrists and muttered with exasperation.
“…Why are you suddenly sober now? Is it because you’re so big your body can purge even a love potion in seconds?”
“Love potion?”
Eric finally glanced over at the bottle beside us, then let out a long sigh.
“…That’s what it was?”
“I didn’t know either! My own mother tricked me!”
My heart’s about to combust here! My body’s burning up!
“What kind of family does stuff like this?!”
“Then why are
you
still drunk?!”
“Because… it was just
alcohol
!”
I clutched his wrists tighter, leaning forward to capture his lips. But Eric flinched away in horror and tumbled backward onto the carpet.
And because of that, we fell together—our limbs tangled, our bodies pressed close against the plush floor.
Eric, likely worried I’d hurt myself, hurriedly grabbed my waist. His movement gave me just enough room to free one of my hands.
In that fleeting chance, I moved in to steal a kiss—
“...?”
Only for Eric to cover my lips with his hand at the last moment. He looked at me like I’d completely lost my mind.
“You… slave to desire.”
“N-No! I’m not some desire-ensnared cultivator!”
Saying it out loud just made me sound guiltier. As if the fiery haze that had wrapped my entire body until now suddenly dissipated into thin air.
I was frozen, unable to act. I simply stared at the look in Eric’s eyes.
And before I could blink, Eric rolled us over with precise strength, flipping me beneath him like a martial arts technique. His hands seized my wrists like a guard shackling a rogue cultivator.
He stared down at me with a mix of exasperation and suspicion, as if he were restraining a dangerous criminal.
“Kisses… are for those who share mutual love.”
That’s what Eric’s crimson lips said.
And so—
Who exactly is the one
you
love, Young Lord? Could it be… that there’s someone you treasure even if you have no official companion?
The question hovered on the tip of my tongue, threatening to ruin the already twisted atmosphere.
I held it back and chose my next words instead—something far less incriminating.
"Make sure to say that to the Princess. She’ll probably laugh you right off the stage."
This is all because of that damn Love Elixir!
I could still feel my heart thundering like a storm of qi in my chest.
“I don’t care. I’m not changing the way I live just to please others.”
Eric spoke firmly, then shot me a sideways glance.
“Anyway… it’s not like you love me.”
It wasn’t quite a question. Not quite a statement, either.
I don’t love Eric.
There may be no other phrase more difficult for me to deny right now.
So why is he saying something so obvious like it’s a question? Or… maybe it’s not a question at all?
Still, Eric stayed quiet as if he were waiting for an answer.
And in that fleeting moment—one that felt like an eternity locked in a time-realm—I couldn’t come up with anything to say.
Only one ridiculous sentence floated up instead.
“…I
do
want you, though.”
“…Want
me
?”
Eric flinched and practically leapt off of me. I laughed helplessly as he scrambled away.
He looked like he genuinely thought I might pounce on him and devour him like a spirit beast.
I sighed deeply and dropped my head.
Of course I want you too, obviously, but…
“I mean I want
all of this
—everything that comes with you.”
I scrunched my brows and motioned toward the luxurious bedchamber.
“A grand manor. A competent steward. People who are actually kind. Elegant robes… a life where money flows like spiritual stones… even a husband who boldly declares he’ll protect me every day.”
“…”
Eric pressed his lips into a thin line.
I glanced at him, then looked away. The moonlight streamed through the window, slicing across the floor in perfect squares.
I clenched my fist.
“…All things I’ll have to return once this sham of a marriage ends.”
I didn’t look at Eric’s face.
I knew I probably shouldn’t have said that. Some unspoken rule, maybe.
But I was done with unspoken rules. Even someone like Eric needed to be reminded to stay cautious.
“You think I wouldn’t covet it?”
Even someone like me has a heart. There are moments I can’t control. When I see a life like this… gentle people… a home that feels real… I feel greed, too.
Even that kind, gentle man needed to keep that in mind.
If he hadn’t forgotten, we wouldn’t be in this mess.
Even now, I could still feel the Love Elixir’s effects bubbling through my spiritual veins, pushing at my will.
“…Then go ahead. Covet it.”
That was Eric’s answer.
Covet it?
I whipped my head around, startled.
“W-what’s that supposed to mean…?”
Eric didn’t answer. Instead, without a word, he lifted me into his arms.
“…?”
And then tossed me onto the bed.
✵
✵
✵
That night, I remained tied to the bed the entire time.
“This is so humiliating! Isn’t it usually the
other
way around?!”
My wrists were bound to the headboard with silk sashes, and I glared at Eric.
All because he was afraid I might try to
mount
him.
Eric, lying peacefully next to me with his eyes closed, responded calmly.
“There’s nothing more humiliating than the fact that you nearly surrendered to your desire. Sleep with that knowledge heavy on your soul.”
And with that, he really did close his eyes and drift off—just like that. A short while later—
“Are you… asleep? Seriously?
Seriously?!
”
I called out to Eric beside me, but he had already slipped into what seemed like a deep, peaceful slumber.
How could he?! He bound me up and then
slept
like nothing happened! Meanwhile, I felt like I’d be staring at the ceiling till dawn!
I writhed on the bed, inwardly screaming.
Fine. I’ll stay awake all night. Eyes wide open till daybreak…
…Or at least that’s what I thought…
As soon as I opened my eyes, I was met with the awkward brightness of morning.
Truly, nothing beats goose-feather bedding.
Clicking my tongue, I turned my head to the space Eric had been lying in.
But instead of Eric, I was greeted by Nina, smiling sweetly by the bed.
“…Nina?”
She answered in a hushed voice, an oddly mysterious smile playing on her lips.
“…You’re awake?”
What’s with
that
look on her face?
I tried to lift myself up, but couldn’t.
Because—right. My wrists were still bound to the headboard.
‘Ah, that’s right…!’
Seeing me struggle, Nina cleared her throat, her cheeks burning red as she asked,
“Sh-Should I… untie you?”
Why are you blushing?! There’s nothing like that going on!
Nothing at all!
I didn’t even
do
anything! If I had, I wouldn’t be so mortified by the misunderstanding!
“Untie me. Now.”
Nina quickly undid the rope binding my wrists.
I looked down at my arms—Eric had tied them so expertly, I wasn’t even sore. And that made me grind my teeth even harder.
“Where’s Eric?!”
I wanted to say
Where’s my darling?
but even as a joke, the words wouldn’t leave my mouth.
The nerve of that man, tying me up! Sure, I
did
try to pounce on him, but still! He could’ve shown a
little
leniency!
“His Grace sent a message saying his schedule was delayed, so he’s gone into the city to attend some business in his stead…”
He went to the
city
in this situation?!
I looked over to the table for the wine bottle—it was gone. I should be grabbing it and chasing after him right now.
But there wasn’t even a trace left. He must’ve cleared it away.
“Take me.”
He’s the one who stirred things up first!
Then he turns around and treats me like some perverted rogue cultivator?! Unforgivable. I
must
confront him.
But just as my fury reached its peak, it fizzled out at the memory of something else—
“…Then covet me.”
Why did he say that?
What exactly did he think I’d be coveting? How far did he think I’d go?
I looked around the luxurious bedchamber.
I could empty this whole place out and still not be satisfied…
Did he really understand what scale I operate on?
Well… he was probably just drunk.
I sighed, ruffling my hair in frustration. What a ridiculous thing to say…
Nina, her voice laced with shy curiosity and something clearly unspoken, asked hesitantly,
“Should I prepare some restorative dishes? You must be… very tired from last night.”
Tired?
Tired from what?!
“W-Why are you glaring at me like that…?”
“When did I glare?”
I glared.
Come on, Nina. Use your cultivation-honed instincts.
I jumped up from the bed.
“Forget the food—I have somewhere I need to go. Get me ready to head out.”
I
have
to meet someone—no matter what.
I scanned the area with a cold, sharpened gaze, the kind one develops in a thousand tempering trials.
Just then, the steward burst into the room, robes fluttering like a disrupted qi current.
“Where are you off to
this time
, Young Mistress?! You must attend your lessons today, all of them!”
Ugh,
that
steward again.
I take back everything I said to Eric last night about him being a good one—nullified, completely!
“Didn’t Eric say I could skip lessons if I was exhausted…?”
I let my voice trail into a pitiful whimper.
“You have to
be
exhausted for that excuse to work! You just woke up and haven’t done anything!”
Ugh. That’s… disturbingly sound logic.
But let’s see if it holds up to
my
counterattack.
I lowered my gaze, then whispered in a soft murmur,
“I’m exhausted from a night of fierce dual cultivation with Eric.”
“Young Mistress! That is… most improper talk—!”
“What improper talk?”
Nina looked at me with wide eyes, pure as untouched snow. I gestured toward her with a mischievous smirk and turned back to the steward.
The look on my face clearly said:
Should I share the full 'improper' details with her too?
The steward, witnessing the full demonic bloom of my smirk, groaned and closed his eyes in defeat.
“…Please, just go.”
“Thank you~ I’m sure our little Rose would thank you too~!”
With that, I stroked my belly like it contained a nascent golden core and dashed into the dressing room.
There, I grabbed the most extravagant and regal-looking robes I owned.
After all… I was going to meet
Mother
.
✵
✵
✵
“You’re dressed up all proper. What’s the occasion?”
Mother’s voice cut through the air as soon as I stepped into the manor, eyes scanning me like a sect elder evaluating a disciple’s progress.
I pulled off my gloves with precision.
“Yeah, I dressed up.”
This was war now.
Who gives their own daughter a
Love Elixir
? That’s not family—that’s demonic sect behavior!
She even
cried
when we parted outside Lady Margaret’s manor, the nerve of her!
Mother lounged back on the sofa like some complacent elder and greeted Lily, who had followed behind me.
“Long time no see, Lily.”
“It’s been a while, Madam.”
“…It’s only been three days. Are all the people in the Duke’s household so dead inside?”
I shot back flatly,
“Still better than you.”
At least no one at the Duke’s estate has scammed me!
I coughed and gestured toward Lily.
“Give us a moment alone, please.”
Lily seemed more than happy not to be part of this conversation and quietly stepped back.
Once it was just the two of us, Mother groaned as she sank back into the cushions.
I sat across from her, eyes sharp as a flying sword.
“What the hell did you spike the wine with?”
“You actually
drank
it?”
Mother leaned forward, eyes sparkling with anticipation.
“…Yeah. I drank it…”
I mumbled with the weight of a thousand regrets.
Mother clapped her hands and let out a delighted laugh.
“How was it? Effective, right? That tonic’s supposed to boost yin-yang harmony, stoke your inner fire and even—”
“STOP! I don’t want to hear any more of that from
you
, especially not with those words!”
I covered my ears, horrified.
Mother only clicked her tongue and brushed her crimson hair aside with a sigh.
“…So it didn’t work.”
“What kind of result
were
you even expecting?!”
“To
actually
make little Rose real.”
She jabbed a finger at my belly and lowered her voice.
She DARED poke at my spiritual core like that? I slapped her hand away and glared.
Make who?! This woman’s clearly lost her mind!
“What the hell are you trying to do with that?!”
Mother didn’t flinch.
“What do you mean? That Duke’s obviously insane. If he ever finds out this marriage was a scam and the pregnancy a lie, do you think he’ll just let it go?”
He definitely wouldn’t.
That’s why Eric and the Princess need to deal with him first—or the Princess needs to secure her throne with the Grave of the Merfolk.
Only then will Phillip, Mother, and I be free from being hunted across the continent.
“…So what, your grand plan is to
make the fake marriage real
by getting me pregnant?”
Mother sipped her tea with a blink of her eyes as if that were the most natural thing in the world.
Unbelievable.
So she prepared a Love Elixir just to keep
my
marriage stable?
I ground my teeth.
“You told me to live well on my own.”
I
cried
a little when she said that!
“Well, after living well on your own for a long time, it’s only natural to want to share the good fortune.”
Her words made my jaw drop.
“Liar!”
When I shouted, she raised a finger to her lips.
“Shhh. ‘Liar’ is such a vulgar word. No class. Do you think you’ll get treated like a duchess-in-law at the art salon talking like that?”
Art salon?
Ah. I suddenly remembered Mother also received an invitation from Lady Margaret Beaufort.
But still—how does she know
I
was invited too?
“How did you know I got invited to the salon?”
Mother looked at me like I’d just failed a foundational realm test.
“There’s no gossip in this little capital I don’t know. Sometimes I wonder if you’re even my daughter.”
Little capital?! What about this place is
little
?
My face twisted in frustration.
And now that I thought about it—how
did
Mother worm her way so easily into the capital’s elite circles?
I’ve been a duchess-to-be for days and only received
two
invitations so far!
Another four days passed.
The steward was practically reborn with a mission—to remodel me from the ground up. Especially when it came to table etiquette, he no longer treated me like a human cultivator, but more like a spirit beast in need of taming.
“Now, this is how you hold the utensil. Yes, yes, try it—excellent, excellent!”
“Bravo, my lady! So well done!”
“If you master this, you’ll be rewarded with lemon mousse!”
Ever since Lord Eric had warned him not to push me too hard, the steward had switched from using the rod to dangling carrots in front of me. He became the kind of creature who could haunt one’s dreams.
Still… thanks to him, I was starting to absorb the noble world’s social graces. Every time I fluttered around like an elegant maiden during meals, it made my skin crawl, even to witness myself.
Finally, the day of the
Art Salon
arrived.
A renowned tailor, personally scouted by the steward, had prepared a custom-fit robe for me.
It was a deep navy-blue gown, baring the shoulders—elegant yet understated, saved from blandness by threads of gold embroidery stitched throughout. The shimmer added an aura of energy to the otherwise refined design.
As I stared at the golden silk, I asked,
“…If I sold this thread, would it fetch a good price?”
“Lady Imelline!”
“I’m joking! Just a joke!”
Though, to be honest, I was a little curious if it was actual gold thread.
Nina, ever patient, listened to my banter with the steward while generously applying fragrant hair oil to my unruly red strands—half of my hair was swept up, the rest left cascading down my back.
Once my hair was complete, the steward—who had grumbled through the entire process—cleared his throat and smacked his lips.
“Quite… quite presentable.”
Why’s
his
face a little flushed?
I furrowed my brow and glanced toward Nina. She gently swept a lock from my shoulder and whispered,
“He means you look beautiful, my lady. With only men in the household, they’re all rather clumsy with their compliments. His Grace will be the same—please don’t take it to heart.”
I turned to the mirror.
My crimson, scruffy hair—long the subject of ridicule—now flowed in elegant waves. Though I was slim, the gown revealed the clean lines of my shoulders and collarbones… even I had to admit—
I twitched an eyebrow.
“…This is beyond just pretty.”
I spun around toward the steward.
“Come on, seriously—this is stunning, right?”
Nina chuckled behind her hand as the steward gave a faint smile.
“Indeed… Just for today, I’ll admit it. You look stunning.”
He raised a thumbs-up, dignified as ever.
Smirking, I rose from my seat.
When I descended the stairs, I spotted Eric standing by the entrance.
He wore a tailored outfit clearly meant to match mine—navy vest, coat, and trousers. As expected…
“Tall… he’s too tall.”
I smacked my lips like a cat eyeing a fish it could never eat.
A crisp white inner robe, a midnight-blue outer layer, and the subtle flair of buttonwork and a timepiece chain—all this served only to highlight the strength and elegance already present in his physique.
That inverted triangle build… no—let’s call it the Sacred Peak of the Azure Sky Sect…
I couldn’t take my eyes off the expanse of his back—wide enough to swallow the entirety of our shared bed—and the taper of his waist that followed after.
Even his face, which had looked weary for days, now glowed with radiant complexion.
Why’s he sleeping so well, huh?! Explain that!
These past few days, Eric had shamelessly shared the same bed with me. Of course, with a cushion barrier in the middle— ‘If you cross the line...’
‘And if I do, what then?’
‘...I'll pinch you.’
A ridiculous threat—so I thought at the time.
But I learned last night that it wasn’t a joke.
‘Ow!’
While half-asleep, I had accidentally crossed the invisible boundary—and Eric pinched the back of my hand. It didn’t really hurt, but still! He actually
did
it!
‘…You’re not asleep?’
‘Woke up from a light trance.’
‘Hey! Just because you’re a former Knight Commander, does that mean you can go around pinching civilians?! Seriously?!’
Despite being so on edge that he once acted like I’d ambush him in his sleep, these days Eric was always late to rise, lying there peacefully beside me like some tranquil statue.
His sleeping posture was even more ridiculous—lying flat on his back like a perfectly aligned disciple in meditation, eyes closed, breathing steady. Kind of adorable, honestly.
But if I so much as brushed him, he’d snap awake with the vigilance of a peak-stage martial cultivator sensing an ambush.
‘…Now I can’t sleep unless it’s here.’
‘Huh?’
‘I guess I got used to the sound of your sleep-talking.’
‘Ugh… really…’
This man is
truly
bizarre.
I had been dazed, staring at Eric’s composed sleeping form, but shook myself out of it.
‘Snap out of it! This is Eric Orléans we’re talking about! The man who pinches people’s hands just for crossing an imaginary boundary!’
I can't let myself get distracted by a fake husband—not unless I want to suffer.
Maybe I should use today’s art salon to pick up two or three
real
lovers instead. This is getting ridiculous.
Lately I’d been spending too much time just watching Eric sleep.
‘…Then covet me.’
It’s that kind of comment that gets me flustered!
I was just recalling the sound of Eric’s quiet breathing at night when he turned slightly.
Normally I only saw his hair loosely tousled after sparring or training, but today it was carefully tied up, clean and dignified. It gave him a whole new aura.
The sharp brows, the high nose bridge—they stood out more now.
I never thought of him as someone with striking features, but that must’ve been because he always appeared slightly disheveled around me.
But now that he’d dressed up properly… Eric Orléans exuded a dominant, overwhelming presence.
While I was frozen in place, clutching the staircase railing, caught in that thought, Eric looked up at me and smiled softly.
‘Oh no… my poor heart.’
Then he said,
“You look beautiful.”
The sincerity in that voice hit me like a soul-searing flame. I couldn’t even muster the smug smirk I’d shown the steward earlier—I just stood there like a statue, stunned.
‘Don’t take it too personally. The Young Master is just not good at expressing himself.’
Nina’s words echoed in my mind.
Really? Not expressive?
Chapter 69