Romance

She was a noblewoman fallen on hard times who needed money. He was a nouveau riche man who wanted social status.

A marriage contract for what each needed. That’s all it was supposed to be.

“Rely on me. I am your husband, after all.”

“I know my husband better than anyone.”

But somehow, somewhere along the way, it became more than just a contract…

A heart-fluttering contractual romance between a woman who speaks her mind and a man who holds nothing back♥

I was so upset… I ended up meeting my sister’s fiancé~

I’m Gwendolyn Lambert, a blooming 18-year-old.

I came down to the territory, abandoning everything to build my own family.

I had already picked out the man I would marry.

But then…

“That man… ran away for love?”

With whom?

“What? That’s absurd. He ran away with my sister?”

Why? Why those two? Why didn’t I know?

Weren’t they just childhood friends… just friends?

“Something’s wrong here. I’m so upset I want to kick his butt!!”

Then a man who suddenly appeared chimes in.

“Of course something’s wrong.”

Huh? Who are you?

“Me? Theodore Vittenbergian, the legitimate heir of the prestigious Vittenbergian ducal family.”

“And…?”

“I’ll grant you the qualification to be a candidate for the madam of the Vittenbergian ducal family. Consider it an honor.”

Not even the madam but a candidate? Just like that? Is this guy crazy?

What’s even funnier… is that hearing that name reminded me of something.

“You’re… my sister’s fiancé, aren’t you?”

“……”

Two people betrayed or abandoned by love.

This is how their meeting begins.

Percy Impea, ruler of the vassal state Velus.

Every day, every hour, every second, he lives under the threat of assassination.

Then one day, a woman saves his life. Rivet Denie.

He only needed a tutor for his ailing sister, but this fragile, glass-like woman becomes a small flame, threatening to burn not just Percy’s heart, but his entire life.

“Are you telling me to become your mistress right now?”

“Quick on the uptake.”

What a cruel man. No, the Grand Duke is insane!

Rivet glared at Percy, her face blazing with fury.

“Your Highness is not my type.”

“You sure?”

She struggled and fought to break free, but escape was impossible.

Percy swallowed Rivet whole, like a flame consuming everything in its path.

Hot, but not unpleasant.

“Live inside me forever. That’s the only way you’ll be safe.”

“Can I be happy too?”

“It’s not hard. Just don’t betray me.”

His tone was cold, but the lips drawing closer were hot and heavy.

I was sold to the Beast’s Castle because of debt.

The Beast’s Castle, a place you can only leave by dying or going insane.

My goal is just one thing, to safely walk out of the castle alive.

“What do you want as a reward?”

“First, please ensure my tongue isn’t ripped out.”

“I permit it. What else do you want?”

“Trust. Yours, Grand Duke.”

The Grand Duke’s eyebrows rose at the cheeky smile.

Those were the eyes of someone who knew how to face fear head-on.

“Trust, you’ll have to earn with your abilities. You may leave now.”

Belle unconsciously rubbed her neck after getting away from him.

Only then did Belle realize she was crying.

I’m going to survive. I’ll definitely survive and go to Siphronon.

Then everything will end. This cursed life, the shackles placed on me.

…That’s what I thought, but,

“Please call me Louise. Chevigne, I’m asking you.”

“…You should call me Sevigne too.”

When did it start, this obsession of his?

Tender touches and gazes brushed through my mind.

His gaze was so sweet that it made my heart flutter, causing me to look away.