“That’s also why I didn’t want to force us to act that night,” he added. “No way I’d want Cano to see you. Besides, I’d rather die than have His Highness learn when we actually…enjoy ourselves after our wedding.”
“You’re right,” I agreed. “I…wouldn’t want that either.”
In the old days, it was normal for a witness to be present in the bedroom as nobles slept together the night after the wedding. Even to this day, high-ranking nobles had their beds thoroughly inspected after a night of enjoyment. I’d accepted those facts without a care until now, but as I truly learned of the meaning of intimacy, I found it hard to nod. I couldn’t believe that people were casually living their lives after everyone knew about their night of intimacy. That courage and strength of heart were shocking.
“I…can’t have them know…” I mumbled as I covered my face.
Lucas spoke hesitantly, “Uh, Iris, so can I continue?”
“Ah, r-right. Of course.”
I gasped and sat straight up as Lucas also stood upright, shifting the air in the room and focusing back on Cano.
“I’m telling you all this now, Iris, because I want him to be one of the guards when we enter the manor of House Diascia,” he explained.
“You know he’s a spy, but you still want him as one of your forces?” I asked.
“Yep. He’s not as good as Leik, but he’s still a dog. And if he’s an agent sent by the third prince, he should’ve received orders to protect me at all costs. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if Cano was ordered to put his life at stake for me. He’s more than useful as my guard.”
“Indeed. I don’t doubt His Highness would order Cano to protect you.”
“I was raised as a convenient pawn. He’s invested in me quite a bit, and people like me are scarce. He can’t cut me off so easily. So as long as Cano is sneaking around as my subordinate, he has to act loyal, no matter how unreasonable my orders might be.”
“You’re thinking of all sorts of wicked things, aren’t you?”
“It’s best to fight fire with fire. I might be exaggerating a bit, but I’ve had to gather friends while having nothing. I don’t care if he’s a spy; if he’s got the skills and abilities, I have to expertly trick him and use him to my benefit.”
“That’s how you got Leik on your side.”
“Yep.” He nodded and gave a self-deprecating smile as he stroked my cheek. “And I initially took you as an etiquette coach and to chase away other women.”
“Perhaps so. But…” I paused as I felt his wedding ring brush against the mole under my eye. “Though our meeting was calculated, you’re kind to everyone you draw near. You do not need to make yourself sound like a bad person.”
“You’re overestimating me.”
“A merchant can’t predict how highly a buyer values certain things. Even if I am overestimating you, surely I can do as I please.”
“Heh, you’re right.”
My retort may not have been cute, but Lucas smiled with satisfaction. I placed my hand over his as he stroked my cheek.
“I understand,” I said. “Cano’s an agent of the third prince, and you’re trying to use him to your benefit. I should continue to feign ignorance and act as though I know nothing, correct?”
“It helps that you’re so sharp,” Lucas said. Suddenly, he drew me close. He lowered his tone and brought his lips close to my ear. “I think Cano will come and peek at us soon. We can’t have him suspect our relationship. I’ll touch you a little, but do you mind?”
“Huh?”
His raspy voice was filled with passion as he whispered, “I need to show off how infatuated I am with you.”
He kicked the table with a loud clatter and embraced me tightly. He was hiding me from the agent while showing off his passion. I jolted as his lips brushed against my ear and cheek. Lucas cracked a faint smile as he enjoyed my reactions.
“I’m also really embarrassed to do stuff like this, but endure it for a bit longer, okay?” he whispered.
“I know. You can do as you like,” I replied before I started to worry. “U-Um…”
“Hmm?”
I squirmed a little as he loosened his hold on me. I gazed up at him. “If we’re seen hugging…too much…wouldn’t it look like I’m leading you to ruin, somehow?” I asked.
“I’ve no time to be ruined when I’ve gotta protect you,” he said, kissing my forehead. “In fact, I’ll prove myself so much that I let everyone know that I’ve never been sharper thanks to you.”
“O-Okay.”
“Speaking of,” Lucas said, gazing into my eyes. We were so close that our lips were about to touch. “Why not be more casual with me? You’ve been a lot more casual with Leik recently.”
“W-Well, I suppose that’s true.” I’d been speaking with Leik as I would to a normal servant. “But I’ve already gotten used to speaking to you in this fashion. I suppose it calms me down. I won’t be able to change so quickly.”
“I know,” Lucas said, still locking eyes with me as he grinned mischievously. He brushed his lips against the tip of my nose and whispered, “Why don’t I kiss you every time you speak so formally?”
“That’s not really a punishment, is it?”
“You’ve become sharper with your retorts, huh?”
“But…”
As our muffled discussion continued, I thought I heard someone’s footsteps. I closed my eyes and wrapped my arms around Lucas’s back.
“Perfect,” Lucas whispered, his hands running through my hair, down my back.
I closed my eyes and did my best to feel the heat and passion of my husband’s arms. I didn’t care who would try to tear us apart—I’d never let go of him.