Rosalyn’s words intended to humiliate Ariel had no effect.

Ariel laughed softly and began to leisurely look Rosalyn up and down, just as she had done.

It was a dress with a deep V-neck that plunged excessively in the middle of the chest. Ariel nodded, bringing her finger to her chin, just as her gaze moved up from bottom to top and paused on Rosalyn’s ample cleavage.

“What?”

Ariel acted exactly like her, contrary to Rosalyn’s expectation that she would flare up angrily. Feeling uncomfortable with this, Rosalyn failed to realize that she herself was the one getting angry despite the situation.

“I see, so that’s how one should dress to seduce. Thanks for the useful information.”

“The clothes aren’t the issue!”

Rosalyn snapped viciously at Ariel’s attitude, which seemed as if she had gained some great insight. All the while, Kaius’s gaze on Ariel grew even more intrigued.

“Oh? Is that so? If the clothes aren’t the issue, then it must be the person.”

At Ariel’s gentle voice, Rosalyn unconsciously nodded, revealing her true thoughts. Seeing this, the corners of Ariel’s lips curved softly.

“Then according to Miss Rosalyn, the Duke would never touch me under any circumstances?”

At that moment, Kaius’s eyebrows raised. He found it strangely irritating to see Ariel smiling while saying he wouldn’t touch her.

“T-That’s right…”

Rosalyn’s eyes were quite unsettled as she stammered her response with a sullen expression.

“That’s what I want too. As I said before, there’s no need for Miss Rosalyn to worry about my reputation. Now, please show me to my bedroom.”

Ariel’s voice that filled the room was quiet but full of dignity.

Without realizing it, Rosalyn was persuaded by Ariel’s words. Although she was displeased that another woman would use the bedroom she was supposed to use, even if only for a few weeks, it didn’t seem like the Duke would do anything to this woman. Also, if she could subtly spread false rumors in high society to lower the princess’s reputation, it would be even better when divorcing the Duke.

“…I think I was short-sighted. I’ll show you the way.”

Contrary to her previous attitude, Rosalyn readily agreed. Thinking she could finally rest, Ariel let out a small sigh.

It was then that a knock was heard at the door. Surprised by the unexpected presence, Ariel and Rosalyn simultaneously turned towards the entrance. There stood Kaius, leaning slightly against the door with his arms crossed, expressionless.

Kaius’s gaze briefly brushed past Ariel before settling on Rosalyn. Brightening up, Rosalyn approached him, showing familiarity.

“Miss Rosalyn, return with the Countess as soon as the wedding is over. Now that there’s a new mistress here, there’s no need for you to stay any longer.”

“Duke!”

Surprised, Rosalyn raised her voice as if unable to accept it. But she wasn’t the only one surprised by those words. While Ariel agreed that this woman would eventually have to leave, she didn’t expect her to be dismissed so abruptly. Surely there must have been some affection built up over time.

“Raymond, please bring the Duchess’s luggage up to the third floor.”

Paying no heed, Kaius gave his next instruction to Raymond. The butler Raymond had already called for servants in the meantime.

“Duke, I can do better. Please don’t tell me to leave.”

Rosalyn eventually clung to Kaius’s arm.

“Remove your hand, Miss Rosalyn.”

Ariel flinched momentarily at Kaius’s cold voice, identical to the past. However, Rosalyn, seemingly unaffected, clung even more, pressing her chest against his arm. Kaius nodded to Raymond, and the waiting servants outside entered to escort Rosalyn out.

As expected, the screams that followed made Ariel frown. Anna, who had been watching the situation, also quietly moved towards the door.

Just as Ariel was about to leave, Kaius, who had been leaning against the door, straightened up and blocked her way.

Kaius walked in one step at a time, staring directly at Ariel. Ariel was helplessly pushed back with each of his movements. While she was blinking in confusion, the sound of the door closing was heard.

“This is the place, Lord Ludvian.”

Kitra, Ludvian’s trusted subordinate, guided him to the newly prepared mansion in Tris. Kitra had been in charge of poisoning Kaius in Tris all this time.

“Is it to your liking?”

Ludvian glanced around the mansion without much interest, merely tilting his chin slightly.

“Guide me to the study.”

Moving to the study on the second floor, documents were already placed on the desk. It was a report on Kaius’s condition.

“Due to the strengthened attacking magical beasts, it is now reported that he is inevitably getting injured.”

After slowly examining the contents, Ludvian looked at Kitra, who spoke again.

“The human woman who grows flowers entered the Elbartan Duke’s mansion today. That human truly has bad luck. To think she would marry a man who will die because of her.”

Kitra’s expression even showed a hint of mockery as he clicked his tongue.

“Kitra.”

The quiet voice was intimidating.

“Yes, speak.”

“Refer to her as Princess Ariel, not as a human woman. From now on, report on the surveillance of Ariel as well as the Duke.”

“Understood.”

Although puzzled, Kitra answered without questioning.

“Request an audience with Emperor Hart today. Arrange for it to happen as soon as possible.”

While it remained to be seen how useful the human emperor would be, Ludvian thought that Emperor Hart, being higher in rank, would be perfect for dealing with Kaius von Elbartan.

“Do you have something to say?”

Kaius felt a little sorry about Rosalyn’s unexpected outrageous behavior. It was a problem that he had left her be out of consideration for Countess Vianne’s face, when he should have sent her away earlier. On the other hand, he was very satisfied with how calmly Ariel had handled the situation. If only she hadn’t said that she wanted him not to touch her at the end.

Kaius chuckled at Ariel’s innocent face, blinking her large eyes as if she didn’t understand.

“The contract takes effect from today, as per your suggestion.”

“I know. Why?”

“That means there’s no problem if we share a bed starting today.”

“What?”

Ariel’s voice rose involuntarily in shock. She looked at him again, thinking she might have misheard, but seeing his calm gaze fixed on her, Ariel’s face gradually turned red.

“B-Bed? Haven’t you forgotten that ours is a contract marriage? And this isn’t even in the contract.”

Ariel swallowed dryly as she spoke in a very small voice.

“And… didn’t you agree that we wouldn’t share a bed?”

Ariel quickly added, turning her head away, her face and even her neck already flushed red.

It was then that her head was turned back. Kaius’s hand grasped her chin, making her meet his gaze.

“Sixth, fulfill the responsibilities and duties of a Duchess. Didn’t you agree to this clause?”

Ariel did indeed agree to that clause. But theirs was a contract marriage. Unless they were to produce an heir, there was no obligation for bedding. Her innocent eyes, still seeming not to understand, caused Kaius to tilt his head askew.

“Why?”

Her question had not a trace of hesitation. The sincerity revealed with each blink of her large eyes stole his gaze like the shadow of her long eyelashes.

Was she truly unaware, or pretending not to know?

An exasperated sigh escaped between Kaius’s lips.

The King and Queen of Letiana were largely to blame for Ariel being like this. Her parents had always loved each other. While she had certainly been educated about the physical union between spouses, the fundamental premise was always love, which was absent between Kaius and Ariel.

“If you’re talking about producing an heir, that should naturally be excluded from the responsibilities and duties. From the moment we signed the one-year contract marriage.”

The corners of Kaius’s lips twisted at her logically sound words, which were both right and wrong. He felt at a loss for how to explain this baffling situation. Should he blame the Queen for not teaching that fulfilling each other’s desires was also a marital duty? Or himself for not writing the contract more specifically? A wry smile escaped at this pathetic dilemma.

If she misunderstood, he just needed to explain it properly.

As his gaze fell on her slightly parted lips, his Adam’s apple moved slowly without him realizing. When Kaius’s hand, which had been touching Ariel’s chin, moved to cup her cheek, Ariel twisted her head to avoid it.

“…Duke? I’m too tired right now and want to rest soon. If you have nothing more to say, I’ll be going.”

Kaius, who had been quietly looking at her, chuckled.

She was his woman anyway. One he could have soon.

So there was no need to rush.

Kaius moved his body back, which had been blocking her, and opened the door.

“The room on the right on the third floor. That’s your bedroom.”

Kaius had made more preparations than expected.

“As per the Duke’s prior instructions, we’ve filled in the basics. Since we didn’t know your measurements, we couldn’t prepare many dresses, so tomorrow you’ll need to choose designs for your everyday dresses and wedding dress. Please keep that in mind.”

Meanwhile, Ariel’s luggage that had started to arrive was quickly finding its place under Anna’s direction. As the organizing was nearly complete, Ariel began walking towards the door connected to Kaius’s bedroom.

“Thank you, Raymond. But may I ask for one favor?”

“Anything you wish, my lady.”

From the moment he heard about Ariel’s healing ability, Raymond the butler saw Ariel as a miracle and treasure, a connection destined by heaven for the Duke. If it was a request from such a lady, he had to grant it, whatever it might be. As far as his abilities allowed.

“This door doesn’t have a lock. Could you possibly install one?”

“…”

Raymond, who rarely showed surprise in his old age, was already startled for the third time today.

If he were to grant the lady’s request, it would go against the Duke’s wishes, but refusing the very first request from the lady didn’t sit well with him either. Moreover, it was the Duke who had ordered to grant whatever she needed.

My Lord, would it be alright to grant this request…?