Chapter 16 (1/2)

Translator and Editor: Lea and Ishy

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Chapter 16

When Olivia fell into a deep sleep, the top floor of the Kravant estate was brightly lit.

Rather, it seemed the day was just beginning.

In the middle of the hallway was Lennox’s office.

“The one I asked about?”

Nishir did not delay in replying to his master’s incomplete question.

“There was nothing special.”

Data collected perfectly in not more than half a day were organized on Lennox’s desk.

The relaxed expression of the man slowly reading the file was lonely.

“Her debutante was only a couple of months ago.”

“Yes. It was quite late, so there were many disgraceful rumors. But of course, they have faded since the debut.”

“Understandable.”

Lennox laughed coldly. He was well aware of the behavior of the central aristocrats eager to find scapegoats to bite and tear.

“Rather, the peculiar thing is, the eldest was adopted by Viscount Brienne last year.”

Lennox’s smooth features narrowed into a frown.

“I wonder if that means she was adopted after she became an adult.”

“Indeed. Even rumors recently circulating say that she is not adopted, but an illegitimate child of Viscount Brienne before his marriage.”

“If that’s true, that’s a very chaotic story.”

Lennox lightly clicked his tongue.

“Is this all the data you’ve found?”

“Yes. I suspected it was too ordinary, so I investigated one after another…..”

“Then there won’t be a problem.”

Snapping the file shut, he leaned back against his chair.

The image of a beast resting in his boredom created a strangely decadent atmosphere.

‘It’s normal, I guess–‘

No, it wasn’t like that at all.

A determined woman suddenly offered a marriage proposal to a man she only met a few days ago.

She even proposed a deal using all the cards she could mobilize.

‘Olivia Brienne.’

At least she succeeded in imprinting her name on his lips.

‘I never thought I’d accept that suggestion.’

But in the end, he responded with,

“We end the contract after we get what we want,”

the moment he thought it would be okay for him to be in a relationship with a fixed deadline.

Before he knew it, he found himself agreeing.

It was an impulsive decision.

But he didn’t have any regrets or desire to go back on his word.

‘It’s only for a while anyway.’

She was the one who chose him.

If so, he had no choice but to be willing to enjoy a sweet deviation given for the first time in this never-ending prison of his life.

Lennox’s eyes slowly opened.

His drowsy gaze said that he was a little interested.

“Nishir.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

The fascinating man had a faint yet perfect smile adorning his lips.

“Cancel all my schedules for the time being.”

Nishir had a surprised look in his eyes, but he dutifully bowed down.

He knew the rule as a shadow not to question his master.

However, he couldn’t help but be shocked to hear Lennox’s following words.

“I need to get ready to see my bride.”

***

“You’re very happy today, aren’t you?”

[Really? I guess it’s because I had a good rest.]

Perhaps because I overslept until midday after blushing throughout the night, Ash looked quite enthusiastic unlike me.

The bird asked cheerfully,

[But Olivia, how did you come up with the idea of marrying the Duke?]

When he sat on my palm and tilted his head, my eyes widened a little in surprise.

“Isn’t that why you brought me the newspaper article?”

[Me? N-Not at all! I just gave it to you because I thought you’d like it if you heard the news.]

Watching him give off an excuse desperately, I rested my chin on one hand.

“Was that all?”

[Yes! It’s true!]

“But wasn’t the timing of you dropping the newspaper so exquisite?”

[No!]

Ash, who was nodding his head up and down, quickly began to shake his head left and right.

A smile found its way on my lips at the cute appearance of his fluffy round head moving busily.

He was being obvious, but I wondered if I should let it slide this time.

“Okay, okay. I got it.”

I reassured, gently patting Ash from his head to his tail with my index finger.

At that, his stiff body slowly eased as a pleasant expression appeared on his face.

“Where did you get the article, though?”

Ash was enjoying my touch, drooping happily when his back hardened at the question again.

Looking everywhere but me and making awkward hand gestures with his wings, he stuttered,

[Oh, um, c-coincidentally?]

Although his expressions were too obvious, I decided to interrogate no further.

Anyway, I was deeply grateful to Ash for showing me a way to survive.