"I can drag you to the altar. It is easy for me." A handsome threat! Duke Kleo didn't even think twice about telling Lyra.
Now he just wanted to hold her close, not even once to give her a chance to run and turn. After all, she also wants him, even though she is in a confusing phase in the middle of two choices. It does not matter. Just block all other options, leaving options that lead only to them. Easy.
Lyra coughed at her spit. Panting, her face lowered, staring intently at the table. "Y-You are going to drag me?" The question she asked was more like a statement to herself, setting the alarm for danger. She's cornered!
"Right," the duke nodded, handing her a glass of water. "I can do whatever I want."
"You should think about what I want." Her hand wiped her mouth after she drank the water that was given to her. A moment after that she realized that her wishes didn't matter here. The person in power here is Duke Kleo.
Hah, she suddenly imagined the nobles she met at the party that Lady Rassy held a few days ago. It was a beautiful moment full of freedom, even though at that time she still had to hold Baron Jason's hand. But at least she could be her true self.
She was able to meet Marquess Helmut, a noble who became a fierce rival for Duke Kleo. Both of them are handsome, with their uniqueness.
Marquess Helmut depicts the impeccable beauty of learned nobles, a classic beauty that feels very familiar.
While Duke Kleo carries the impression of being sturdy and manly. The kind of good looks that only knights have. A mysterious beauty that makes women crazy.
They have different kinds of charm, but it's hard not to admire them.
But Lyra preferred the kind of good looks that Marquess Helmut had because she would still be in a safe crater with him. Another positive thing is that he doesn't want a commitment from her. A perfect relationship to live with!
"I still care about your opinion," Duke Kleo said, breaking Lyra's deep and forked thoughts. "But not for this matter, because I know you will still reject me even if you also want me. It's a matter of principle, right?"
His hands were busy reaching for several nearby plates to take side dishes and some food menus. "But I will still involve your opinion in some other aspects. For example….. when choosing a wedding dress."
He nodded cheerfully as if praising his intelligence. "You can choose the wedding dress you like. Even if it's the most expensive. You can get it." Then his eyes darted around the corner, making sure there was no one.
Then his face approached Lyra's cheek, intending to kiss her. His lips were pursed, ready to land on the surface of the soft and supple skin, until finally, a disturbance came.
The door to the dining hall opened suddenly, following Mr. Bertus with his sturdy and very competent gesture.
Lyra looked back on reflex, causing Duke Kleo to smell the void, annoyed and furious at the sight of his butler approaching.
Mr. Bertus frowned at the shift in his master's sitting position, as well as the terrifying expression on his face. But Mr. Bertus was used to it. He brought important news, one that could save him from the duke's wrath. "My Lord, a guest is delivering the harvest," he said fearlessly. "And Stefanus has arrived at the palace."
Duke Kleo's lips curled into a vile grin, while the bottom of his eyes twitched. "I'm having breakfast, Mr. Bertus. Didn't you see it?"
There was a line of surprise in Mr. Bertus' eyes. "You always order me to immediately inform you of anything when it comes to work, My Lord."
Duke Kleo clenched his fists, intending to punch the empty air. He squeezed his head, having just remembered the orders that were ingrained in this palace. Now isn't it weird when he breaks a habit he's been doing for years just because of a girl? Oh, it drives him crazy!
"Alright," Duke Kleo nodded, licking his lips, between being disappointed with himself and with Mr. Bertus. "I received your report. But shouldn't the harvest be deposited with the tax handling department?"
"This is the one you purchased, My Lord, that you ordered from the Count Shelpher family."
Duke Kleo clapped his forehead after he managed to remember about it. He had indeed bought the produce from Count Shelpher due to his current state of health. How could he forget this basic and important thing?
Once again he nodded to his butler. "Okay, I understand. You don't even have to report it to me, do you? Don't you usually check the amount and put it in the stock warehouse?"
Mr. Bertus frowned in confusion. He realized and suspected something. He glanced secretly at Lyra, who was still looking up at him innocently. Instantly the suspicion disappeared suddenly. "There is a guest who wishes to see you, My Lord. I seem to have told you that earlier. The guest brought the harvest."
Checkmate! Duke Kleo felt stupid again. Why was he losing focus and acting so incompetent, when Lyra was watching him? 'Uh, is she going to be disgusted with me because of it?' he thought. Despite being embarrassed, he ended up nodding his head, despite wanting to protest that it was his day off, which he prepared to spend time with Lyra. "Okay, I'll see him soon. Let me finish my breakfast!"
"Very well, My Lord." Mr. Bertus left the dining hall, narrowing his eyes at Duke Kleo and Lyra before closing the door. "Are they doing intimate things there?" he whispered.
On the other hand, Duke Kleo cleared his throat at Lyra. His body moved slightly awkwardly. "Today is my day off." It was something he rarely used properly. Usually, he would work, work, and work. Workaholic! "I heard that the scenery on the south side of Rook Lake is very beautiful. So do you want to ride with me there?"
Doubtful, Lyra couldn't answer right away, especially after they had discussed marriage. She was an experienced girl in this field, and she knew he was approaching her and wanted to trap her so she wouldn't refuse this marriage.
So the answer is no! It was obvious until then she remembered something.
'Lake Rook is outside the palace. If I ride with Duke Kleo then surely I will know the exit of the palace. That will make it easier for me if I have to look for other options to escape,' she thought. So it didn't take long, she nodded cheerfully. "Sure, my lord. I want to ride with you. Today the sun is shining very brightly, and the sky…"
CHU~
Lyra widened her eyes as Duke Kleo gave her a brief peck on the lips, pulling her memories back to the last night's intimate moments. Her body jerked, and her hand covered her mouth, in the middle of her flushed cheeks. "W-what are you doing?" she asked, almost hiccupping. It was too sudden.
"Because I like it." Duke Kleo smiled, then started to get busy with his breakfast, unwilling to take responsibility for Lyra's rapidly increasing heartbeats.
'He-he's dangerous,' Lyra croaked inwardly.
***