My Contract Husband is Going Crazy Because of My Iron Wall - Chapter 52.1
Chapter 52.1
It wasn’t bad, but compared to what I’d eaten at the Imperial Palace, it was bland. If I told him the truth, Reinhardt would be upset. But if I lied, I’d be breaking my promise…
“It’s… it’s cute!”
So, I opted to smile brightly and finish the entire plate.
“….”
Of course, he wasn’t pleased with my answer.
“I mean, the thought of you making a cake for me is so cute. Thank you, really. But why did you suddenly decide to bake a cake? Did you develop an interest in baking?”
What kind of male lead would wield a piping bag instead of a sword? The image was so endearing that I couldn’t help but giggle.
“No.”
“Then why?”
“Kitten… no… it’s nothing.”
What was he about to say? Just as I was wondering…
“Then I’ll be going.”
Reinhardt suddenly bolted, leaving me staring after him, though he stumbled, his steps faltering with a limp. Alarmed, I called out, “Wait, Reinhardt!”
Before I could ask if he was hurt, he was gone.
…What was that about? And why was he limping?
“Viscount Mute, why did Reinhardt act like that?”
“He said he twisted his ankle when he fell earlier.”
He fell earlier? Could the thud I heard while he was talking to the Emperor have been Reinhardt falling…?
‘He must have been quite startled.’
If I told him my reaction then had been genuine, not feigned, he might actually faint.
“Madam.”
Jade called as I was about to stand.
“Do you remember saying I’d be eternally grateful if you saved His Excellency before the trial?”
“I do. But are you sure you want me as your benefactor? You don’t like me, Viscount Mute.”
Instead of beating around the bush, Jade confessed his true feelings.
“Ah… I apologize. As you might have guessed, I’ve harbored ill feelings towards you since overhearing your conversation with Marquess Leopold.”
“Oh? What conversation did you hear?”
“It was… a conversation about lovemaking in the study.”
…What?
Amil and I making love? I’ve never done anything of the sort. What was he talking about?
“I’ve never done that. Can you tell me specifically what you heard that made you think that?”
“Well, something about lifting your chin… opening your lips wider… that sort of thing.”
It did sound like Amil and I were kissing, if that was all he heard. I could understand his misunderstanding.
“Ah… I remember. We did have a conversation like that.”
“How is it?”
“Good.”
“Is it? I tried to incorporate the feedback you gave me yesterday.”
“It would have been even better if you’d lifted your chin a little more.”
“Like this?”
“Could you open your lips a bit more?”
“Like this?”
“Perfect. It looks much better.”
Although Jade was imagining something completely different, I continued, “But that conversation was just about how to make Marquess Leopold look more handsome in his portrait.”
“…Pardon?”
“I’ve spent my whole life studying how to be loved by people.”
Despite my explanation, he still looked doubtful. Naturally, he wouldn’t understand what it’s like to be an idol. The idea of striving to be loved by everyone probably sounded strange to him.
“It might be hard for you to understand, Viscount Mute, but it’s true. Marquess Leopold and I are both working hard to be loved by many people.”
“…I don’t quite understand, but I see.”
“Yes. Is the misunderstanding cleared up now?”
“Um, yes. I think so. His Excellency is rather to be pitied.”
“Why?”
“Well, you see…”
Jade carefully chose his words as he went on.
“I imagine it must be difficult not to fall in love with someone who’s dedicated their life to studying how to be loved.”
“I don’t know. I think it would be less difficult than not falling in love with Reinhardt, the most handsome and charming man in the world.”
“Hearing you say that, it feels like you two are destined to love each other.”
“Inclinations and destiny don’t always align.”
I let out a bitter laugh, the sound escaping my lips. As perceptive as ever, Jade caught the meaning behind my smile.
“Do you wish for your inclinations and destiny to align?”
In other words, did I want to be in love with Reinhardt?
“Viscount Mute, you said you’d be eternally grateful to me. Please, don’t say anything to Reinhardt.”
“…So, it’s come to this. I wouldn’t have told anyone, even without you asking.”
“And the same goes for Cathrine.”
“C-Cathrine? Why are you bringing her up? Did she tell you we’re… together?!”
“What?!”
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