Several days after I replied back in the affirmative to the Fisalis family, the duke himself paid a visit to my home... along with many, many betrothal presents. Finely made, extravagant dresses—the likes of which I’d never even seen from afar—and dazzling jewels. And on top of that, a little bit of everything else, it seemed. Just an endless stream from inside the carriages...
Beyond anxious at the sight of so many goods being brought into our home, one after another, my whole family crowded into the kitchen.
“We could get out of debt simply by selling all of this...”
“’Selling?’ Viola, how could you say that!?” Mother shot down my whispered idea, a dark expression washing over her smiling face. My brother and sister’s pupils were like pinpricks as they watched these luxuries being paraded before them for the first time. It was in this moment of mutual stupefaction that the duke made his dashing appearance. He was so perfect in his crisp uniform that looking at him was like looking into a ray of light.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Viola. I am Cercis Tinensis Fisalis. I am deeply honored that you have accepted my marriage proposal,” he said as he gazed at me with rapt attention. He smiled beautifully throughout the entire introduction. I was utterly dumbfounded, seeing this gorgeous man right in front of me for the first time. I had heard he was hot, but mere rumors did not do the actual extent of his beauty justice. He was taller and more fit than I had imagined. His carefully styled short brown hair was perfectly befitting a knight. His dark brown eyes were the same color as his hair, and they glittered in a way that somehow seemed dignified. He had a straight nose and an expressive mouth curved up into a gentle smile. In short, he was flawless. His whole being was a perfect combination of features. I was scared speechless to have this dazzling gentleman right there in front of me. Mouth agape, I haltingly introduced myself.
“The-the pleasure is all mine, Your Grace. Viola,” I stammered out. Stupefied as I was, even my bow was terribly awkward. Ahh, what am I doing?
But the duke’s dark eyes smiled back at me, with no mention of my clumsiness. He took my hand and said, “You are as lovely as they say.” Turning to my father then, he asked, “Lord Euphorbia, might I have a word with Miss Viola?”
“Oh, erm, certainly! Allow me to set up some chairs for you out in the garden.” Father was grinning and nodding like a bobble-head doll.
“Thank you, sir.” And with that, I headed out to the garden with the duke.
All of a sudden it was just the two of us, out under the afternoon sun in the quaint garden. “I need you to be my show wife,” Cercis declared, with no warning at all.
What? What did this jerk just say?
“A show... wife?” For a moment, I could not believe what I was hearing. I mean, that wasn’t something you say with a smile on your face, right!? ...Ahem, excuse me. The sight of the happy little birds gathered in the garden felt the exact opposite of Cercis’ disquieting words.
I have a feeling this will be nothing but trouble.
I asked my question one more time as I forced my mouth into a fake smile.
“Yes, just for show. I actually have a lover I’ve been with for about six years. I’m in love with her, but, regrettably, she’s just a former dancing girl. She has no idea about her lineage, not to mention she is a commoner—she would be rejected by my peers. I can’t marry her.” He was indifferent in the face of my bewilderment.
“Oh...”
“But lately everyone has been pressing me to get married and produce an heir.”
“Oh.”
“But like I said, they wouldn’t approve of a marriage to her. I have no intention of leaving her, though. So that’s why you would be my show wife. We would just pretend to be a happy married couple.”
“...oh?” It was such a crazy idea that I could only give the vaguest of answers. You could say that my expectations had shifted somewhat.
To be frank, then... this guy who’s going to marry me is already madly in love with someone. So, I’ll be his legal wife, but also the side-woman. Heck, I won’t even be the side-woman, probably, seeing as he has already decided for himself that he couldn’t love me. I mean, normally guys are in love with their ‘other woman,’ right? Er, hold on, I’m confused. Then what would that make me... besides his legal spouse? Oh, I’m so lost. Fine!
I understood enough for the time being, even though I was still lost. I knew this was too good to be true. It would be even more crazy if it wasn’t. Weddings between couples who barely know each other and arranged marriages are not uncommon, but usually both families agree on the marriage because there are special interests at stake. No one marries a plain girl with no connections if there is nothing to be gained and not even a spark. I understood that much.
I organized my spinning thoughts as I stared at the duke’s smile, which had grown dark. He, meanwhile, disregarded me and continued speaking. “You are under no obligation to say yes, of course, and I’m also fine with you taking a lover. All of your daily necessities would be covered, and you’d want for nothing,” he said with a sweet smile.
To say something as fiendish as that with such an innocent smile! I nearly felt my soul leave my body. This man is the devil incarnate. I stared at him in amazement, mouth agape.
...Get it together, you idiot. Close your mouth.