Just as Ingrid was about to open her mouth to say something when she faintly heard footsteps coming from outside. As someone who had been living in the house for the longest time, she intuitively knows whose footsteps belong to who. As a result, her brain which had been triggered by external stimuli immediately thought of something, and in a snap, she soon changed what she was originally going to say.
"My third question is…"
Ingrid held her breath, she felt her heart thumping out loud as if it was about to jump out of her chest. She never thought that she would immediately get a chance to show off and get some petty revenge.
"I've heard that there has recently been a problem between you and the ninth princess. I wonder if it would still be possible for you to allow me to be your fiance."
Herbert soon thought it over and considered it to find that it would be politically viable for him to marry someone from a family with a similar rank if he could not marry someone from the royal family. However, he still had his own inhibitions about having a political marriage as he sees the value of having the slot for his fiance open more valuable. He then convinced himself that it would not be worth it as it would be a waste if she became his fiance when he would soon use Ingrid as a puppet to control the Rozenblood Duchy.
Seeing Herbert contemplating the matter at hand rather seriously, Ingrid felt pressured. There wasn't enough time for her to do as she wants.
"If- if you find it difficult to do so, then we can simply pretend to be interested in each other without making anything official. That would be beneficial to you and me in the long run, wouldn't it?"
Herbert found the situation odd that Ingrid did not feel confident about her request to the point that she would even change it but considering that it was just a simple request he nodded his head and agreed.
"Yes, I suppose we could do that."
Ingrid finally felt relieved, having released all the tension, she felt light as if all the pressure had left her body. She then patted her chest and gracefully stood up from her chair, and stretched her hand over for a handshake. Herbert was astonished as he remembered that he still has one question left. Although he had nothing left to ask in particular, he still felt cautious about her actions. But he wouldn't be afraid as he soon followed suit and took her hand only to find her gripping it tightly before she started pulling him forwards. Taken in by surprise, Herbert instinctively resisted which resulted in Ingrid falling directly into his embrace.
"What are you doing-"
By the time he had finished saying those words, he felt something soft touch his lips. It felt strange, it was warm and a little bit wet. After having those thoughts, he soon tried to push Ingrid away from him, but it was already too late. Ingrid had already gotten what she wanted. By the time the two separated, Herbert could see Helene's face from the entrance of the room in shock. Her mouth was wide open yet not a word escaped her lips.
In a flash of understanding, he finally understood why Ingrid had done what she did, and since he had already agreed to her request, he had no choice but to follow up by acting with her. After he had taken a sharp glance at Helene, he soon looked back at Ingrid and once again took her into his arms. As he held Ingrid's white and tiny face, he leaned even closer to continue their passionate embrace.
He inwardly felt furious, yet he still managed to control himself. He then tilted his body to the side to show his backside in Helene's direction. This was to prevent her from seeing his face that had already contorted in his anger.
All this time, although he had hated to admit it, he had been looking down on Ingrid, the attitude of being condescending towards others had already seeped deep into his bones. His arrogance which he thought was just a facade that he wore to act as Herbert had long been assimilated by him. If his pride and ego could still accept this then he wouldn't be a proud son of Ravenmoon, he then adjusted his mind and changed his perspective. Ingrid wasn't the one using him, he was the one that was taking advantage of Ingrid's greed and pettiness. After thinking so, the inhibitions that he had momentarily disappeared, and the two slowly fell deep into their own world.
Helene who had been a witness to this incomprehensible scene was now thoroughly enraged. She then silently dropped the blanket that she had brought over for Herbert on the floor and left in a hurry.
As she ran away, Ingrid finally decided to let go of Herbert as she already found herself out of breath. Her cheeks were flushed red with excitement. She had seen everything, from when Helene opened the door to when Helene had seen Herbert taking the initiative. Deep in her heart, the scene of her expressions changing had given her the satisfaction and fulfillment that she would never have experienced in her previous life.
Her happiness was enough for her to temporarily forget Herbert who was still feeling a little bit aggrieved by her sudden advance. Although he was still keeping it in, he could already feel the rancid grumbling in his stomach, at any moment from now he would once again throw up. As he watched over at Ingrid who was staring at the door while chuckling, he finally understood that she indeed deserved to have the position of the crazy last boss. As Ingrid turned around, she couldn't help but tease Herbert.
"Taking into account that you had just asked me a question; I suppose it would be fine to take it as your third question. To answer that, let's say that I just started acting upon my previous request which you had agreed upon."
Seeing Herbert maintain his silence, Ingrid finally took notice and tried to compose herself. The winner's high was too strong that she had momentarily lost control over her long bottled-up emotions.
"It appears that what I did wasn't up to your satisfaction. If it were ever to make you feel better, I had given you my first and probably my last."
Herbert took a deep breath; he had already seen enough for today. All he wanted was to be temporarily left alone so he moved to the side and showed Ingrid the door before picking up and handing over the blanket that had been left on the wooden floor.
Without a word, Ingrid simply smirked and took the blanket. As she was about to walk past Herbert, she leaned closer and softly whispered.
"See you tomorrow. Goodnight and may you have sweet dreams, Albert."