Second Male Lead, You Said It Was A Contract Marriage? (7 Chapters Left to Complete) - Chapter 021

“No, not at all! I’m so delighted you came.”

Her bright, beaming smile was truly vivacious. The Marchioness Stemun seemed even more spirited than I had imagined.

‘She gave me that amusing impression when I saw her portrait before.’

Back when I had nothing to do at home, I briefly collected artworks. Unlike the rigid paintings by conventional artists, her works carried a distinct sensation. The brushwork was exquisitely delicate, and the depictions were strikingly lifelike.

She skillfully employed contrasts of light and shadow, and instead of the refined elegance typically pursued in noble art, she dazzled viewers with radiant colors that were brilliantly vivid.

“The others will arrive slowly. This tea time was originally meant only for a few close friends.”

“Are you sure it’s alright for me to attend?”

This felt more intimate than I had anticipated. Of course, building a rapport with her was my goal in coming, so this was good news—but I remained cautious.

“Of course it’s alright. If not for me, you’d have had to accept an invitation from Duchess Yekert’s tea time, wouldn’t you? Ah, no. Since I don’t get along with that lady, perhaps you’d have accepted her invitation only after attending mine?”

I flinched involuntarily, and she smiled knowingly.

“If you’d gone there from the start, young madam, you’d have been treated rather harshly. Besides, you’re the Orbetian heiress who’s never participated in social circles at all.”

I hadn’t expected her to know about me.

“You knew of me?”

“Of course I did. The talk has been quite lively. Many people are curious about the love story between Duke Ferhaem and his duchess—whether out of pure interest or otherwise.”

I had roughly anticipated this. Wasn’t Yezar the top marriage prospect among noble heiresses? Then suddenly, he marries some mysterious heiress from the Count Orbetian’s reclusive household.

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