My Dear Grand Duke on a Leash - Chapter 55

Chapter 28.1 — Best Bridesmaid (9)

“…This suddenly?”

Despite the fact that she had rushed at Cain like a tank all along, once the agreement fell into place, she was rather flustered.

“As the princess said, wouldn’t it be the most reasonable and efficient option for us to have a contract marriage?”

Riette clearly realized something from his monotonous reply.

…He was a man who would never love her.

A contract marriage.

It was the fitting word to pop out of the man’s head, who had been apologizing for the impulsive kiss and negotiating compensation just thirty minutes ago.

“I won’t have a child with any woman other than my wife. Regardless of the child’s gender, they will inherit the name of Acheron from birth. All the Princess has to do is keep Acheron’s secret and entrust yourself to me. In exchange, I’ll ensure that Chalonné won’t be threatened by any nation, even after this contract ends and you leave me.”

There were no exaggerations, no pretenses, or deliberate confident gestures to gain her trust. Riette’s mouth hung open in disbelief at the nonchalant attitude that implied that such things were easily doable.

This was Acheron.

A position that allowed one to confidently declare their intention to protect an entire nation. The heart of Helios, with its military and economic power.

“Then, I will first meet Her Majesty Queen Chalonné to arrange our marriage, as I understand that Her Majesty has reservations about it. It’s necessary to build a relationship first to ensure there are no obstacles in our marriage preparations.”

“Wait a minute, are you, uh, mother…?”

She couldn’t keep up with his pace and stammered.

“The actual plan will commence after Princess Beatrice’s wedding. Until then, don’t worry about anything or make any plans and just enjoy your sister’s wedding. I’ll take care of all the arrangements.”

The man was clad in mirror armor that reflected the light of the world*, saying, ‘I’ll do it.’ As if that one word had become a signal, he suddenly charged forward like a runaway locomotive, leaving her unprepared and bewildered.
[ T/N: The phrase could be seen as a metaphorical expression, representing someone who was previously aloof, detached, or unapproachable, like a mirror reflecting the world’s light without absorbing it, suddenly becoming willing to take action or engage in something. ]

Riette shook her head as if trying to regain her composure.

“Please wait a moment. Meeting our mother… I wouldn’t really recommend it. Even though she’s my mother, she can be quite difficult… no, and you need to tell me what the plan is going to be…”

“I’ll take care of your mother myself, don’t worry. You don’t need to worry about anything until you leave Chalonné, Princess.”

Dealing with adults… that was an area where he excelled more than anyone else.

“Why, why… are you going to such lengths? I mean, there’s no reason for you to be this nice to me.”

“Isn’t it something that should be done?”

Cain raised one eyebrow at the same time as Riette tilted her head as puzzlement met in the air.

This time, it was him who preempted his words.

“To protect the woman who will become my wife and ensure she enjoys a peaceful everyday life free from unnecessary worries. Isn’t that a husband’s duty?”

“That’s a story from about two hundred years ago… And besides, we’re going to part ways in a year, right? You don’t have to go to such lengths for me.”

“Even if it’s a temporary arranged marriage, I have no plans to take our sacred marital life lightly. Similarly, I trust that Your Highness will do your best in your duties as a wife.”

Duties as a wife…

“Are you talking about making a child?”

Even though she tried to put on a composed face, it naturally didn’t work, and her cheeks flushed on their own. Unlike before, she now knew what that action meant.

Riette, who had cast her gaze downward for a moment, gripped her dress tightly at the knees and raised her eyelids.

“I understand. They say the first time can be painful, but don’t worry. I’m the type to do my best in anything that comes my way!”

“You don’t have to be afraid. I have a lot of patience, so I can endure the first night.”

Patience.

“….”

Cain’s burning blue eyes swept across her pink cheeks.

She understood his gaze. It was like the moment beneath the fragrant flowers in the garden when the scent of grass tickled her nose, and he was about to crush her lips harshly but sweetly. It was a look that seemed to impulsively unleash a desire that couldn’t be controlled.

Riette bit her lower lip slightly and averted her eyes from his.

It was as though her mind was stripped bare, and she felt a strange and embarrassing sensation as her thoughts were fully on display in front of him. Her flushed cheeks and fidgety fingertips betrayed her, revealing the fact that she was thinking about the kiss with him.

She cast her gaze diagonally downward at the carpet, murmuring.

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