Deceived 63

Chapter 63

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“You….”

“I plan to combine the bedrooms with the lady of the house.”

The moment he heard that declaration, the old man’s eyes, which seemed to be on borrowed time, burned red with excitement. Seeing this obsession, so incongruous with his frail body, Edmund swallowed his disgust.

“Rather than merely sharing a bed formally on designated days like other nobles, it’s more reasonable to stay in the same space and increase the frequency. Some might point fingers, calling it a commoner imitation, but for the sake of the Liberte bloodline, we can endure the whispers."

Edmund wore a composed smile.

"Would you grant me permission to share a bedchamber with my bride?"

If it wasn't explicitly stated in the contract, there was room for negotiation. Therefore, the verbal agreement made with Blair was merely a secondary understanding, subject to nullification at any time depending on the political climate.

Edmund had decided that nothing mattered if it meant seizing his father's bitter crown, if it meant bringing Isabelle down.

"You..."

William slowly closed his eyes, then opened them. Soon, the Duke's voice, cracked like a parched piece of wood, followed.

"For the first time, you've made a statement that exceeds my expectations."

"I too judge that the time has come to regard the survival of our house as my responsibility, and I wish to demonstrate my resolve to succeed. If Rufus can covet the title merely by being hard for a few seconds, our house will become a laughingstock."

Silence settled within the space shrouded in deep shadow. Edmund waited for his father's reply, showing not a hint of impatience. Fine wrinkles rippled around William's mouth as he ground his teeth. Edmund couldn't immediately tell if it was a smile or a spasm.

"I permit the union of your marital quarters..."

The voice, exhaled between breaths of utter frailty, settled like a heavy curse.

"A woman is a vessel for continuing the family line. Swiftly make use of your wife's womb to bear our clan's bloodline."

"I obey your command."

Edmund bowed silently, his face perfectly masking his contempt, a faint smile playing upon it. Outwardly, he appeared to comply with the duke’s will, but in truth, he had merely substituted his own pre-existing decision for the Duke’s command.

This was his weapon. It would serve as powerful evidence proving his commitment to succession, delivered to Blair wrapped in persuasion and sweet temptation.

Blair would surely take his hand, believing it her own choice. And Edmund intended to thoroughly carry out his father's orders while simultaneously establishing his own plan.

At that moment, the sharp sound of Isabelle’s footsteps echoed beyond the door, accompanied by her piercing voice. The timing couldn't have been more perfect. William brought his handkerchief to his mouth, coughed a few more times, then granted permission for him to leave.

"You may go now."

"As you command."

Edmund quietly pushed back his chair, rose, and left the bedroom. Isabelle, whom he encountered in the hallway, looked up at him with a twisted expression. Edmund paused, meeting her gaze, then moved on without a word. His steps toward his own bedroom felt infinitely light.

***

The morning sun rose, as it must. Blair, having stayed up all night, sat at the round table without even lying down on the bed, sighing.

Watching the sky gradually brighten only made her heart feel heavier. It should be about time for Edmund to return by now. Or perhaps something unexpected happened to Albert, preventing him from delivering the message in time. It was unthinkable that the capable butler would make a mistake, yet a faint doubt crept into her mind.

Deciding she couldn't wait any longer, Blair resolved to go find Edmund's bedroom herself. She had no way of knowing if he had returned, but sitting still was unbearably frustrating.

She pulled the door handle, stepped out into the hallway, and walked toward the destination that felt impossibly distant. Finally reaching the mahogany door, she raised her hand to knock. This was the first time she had come to Edmund's quarters of her own volition.

"Edmund, are you in there?"

She caught her breath and listened, but no answer came. She knocked again, but all that met her was silence.

"I'm coming in for a moment."

She deliberately raised her voice before carefully grasping the doorknob. Then she stepped into the bedroom.

Edmund was nowhere to be seen in the spacious bedroom, which included a sitting area and bathroom. Only a faint sound of water came from the direction of the bathroom, letting Blair know he was washing up.

‘...What should I do?’

She’d have to wait. But where? She stood alone in one corner of the room, lost in thought. Edmund might be displeased if he knew she’d entered his space without permission. So she should probably announce herself to him beyond the bathroom door first, say she’d wait outside the bedroom. She could apologize for barging in later.

The moment that thought reached her, Blair realized the faint sound of water she'd heard had stopped. Then the bathroom door swung open. It happened before she could react. Her head turned toward it as if drawn by a magnet.

"Blair?"

Edmund, who had been stepping out while brushing back his damp hair, stopped. Blair flinched and instinctively took a step back.

His black hair, usually neatly combed back, was damp and fell over his forehead. Droplets fell from there, sliding down his neckline, over his thick, taut chest muscles, past his firm abdomen, and down to his sharply defined hipbone. In other words, the man who had just stepped out of the shower was completely naked.

"Uh, Edmund."

"I was just about to come find you."

Unlike her, flustered and at a loss, the man, whose only covering was the droplets on his imposing physique, continued in an utterly unruffled, deep voice.

"I heard you wanted to discuss something with me."

"Well... I didn't know you were showering."

"I just came from the hotel construction site where work started today. I got a bit dusty. I was embarrassed to see you looking like that."

But Edmund only made Blair feel awkward. He showed no sign of embarrassment whatsoever, even in his state of undress, leaving her alone to blush. Blair deliberately averted her gaze.

"...I see. I'm sorry for dropping by so suddenly. But before that... could you get some clothes...?"

"Just a moment."

Edmund, showing no sign of haste, lifted a towel and lightly shook his hair dry. Then he shuffled over to the wardrobe and pulled out a silk robe. It was the very same robe he’d worn on their first night together. Blair, flushed with excitement, waited impatiently for him to put it on.

"All done."

The man, now dressed, announced. Blair caught her breath and met Edmund’s gaze. His face was so calm it was hard to believe he’d been stark naked moments before. Her racing heart refused to settle.

“Did something happen?”

“It’s about the maid, actually. Millia.”

Blair hesitated slightly before continuing her explanation.

"Last night, after finishing her work in the greenhouse, she encountered master Rufus. He grabbed Millia's arm and tried to pull her inside, but she resisted somehow. I saw it too. I brought the girl here myself."

Edmund looked at Blair silently. Then, as if weary, he rubbed his brow.

"I understand what master Rufus truly sought to confirm."

"...What?"

"I recently received news. Master Rufus, whose reproductive organs were deemed defective, experienced a temporary improvement in his sexual function. Though fleeting, the Duchess is already speaking of his recovery."

Blair flinched and frowned. So, what he tried to do to Millia was related to this too? Could it be that even his panting over obscene illustrations in the library was a desperate attempt to awaken his senses?

Rufus tried to lay hands on Millia because pictures alone weren't enough. Good heavens. That was a crime.

"If you knew beforehand, why... didn't you tell me?"

"There was no need to relay uncertain information and make you anxious."

"But I told you to tell me about even the smallest things."

"Aren't our positions slightly different?"

...How are they different? Husband and wife are equal, aren't they? Blair wanted to retort, but couldn't find the words. What Edmund meant wasn't their positions as spouses, but as parties to a contract.

The secrets of the Liberte family, the inner workings of succession, or uncomfortable truths like Rufus's scandals were never meant to be her burden to bear. A contractual partner only needed to know what was necessary.

"Still, I... want to protect Millia. She's terrified she'll be fired, even though she did nothing wrong. And there's no guarantee the same thing won't happen to another maid."

"Realistically, it's difficult to punish Rufus or expel him from this mansion immediately."

The returning voice was excessively cold, making Blair's heart sink. Edmund looked at her and stated firmly.

"But we can prevent accidents. From now on, Millia will be assigned exclusively to you. Even if the Duchess orders it, she won't be given any other miscellaneous tasks. And starting today, I will order the steward that all maids must work in pairs."

Blair blinked her wide eyes. Relief washed over her at this unexpectedly swift action. Even she knew this was the only practical way to block Rufus's dark hand. Though justice might not be served immediately, if the maids' safety could be better guaranteed than before, it was fortunate.

"Thank you. I couldn't have handled this alone... I feel much better now."

"It's only natural."

Edmund looked at Blair with a softer gaze.

"Blair, now that we're on the subject, I have a suggestion."