Home/Please Don't Have Ulterior Motives in a Contract Romance/ch64

Episode 64

"Gasp! Is that... him right now?"

One couple brought their hands to their mouths, eyes wide.

"Am I seeing things...?"

Another couple rubbed their eyes with the backs of their hands, double-checking our presence.

"So that rumor was true?"

Some couples huddled close, whispering in low voices, afraid of being overheard.

"Oh my, I can't believe it!"

Others were openly exclaiming.

The murmurs from nearby reached my ears clearly.

Unlike my own curious gaze, they looked at us with shock and amazement.

But the lake was so vast that it wasn't enough to make me uncomfortable.

I tried to ignore them and followed Cael's guidance.

Still, I was shy, so I subtly covered my face with my parasol.

Cael led me to a boat similar to the others nearby.

The escorting knights scouted the area, and after confirming it was safe, they signaled to Cael.

As they stepped back, we were able to approach the boat.

Inside the boat, colorful blankets were spread.

On top were plush cushions and small blankets, and a picnic basket was prepared on one side.

Cael took off his coat, handing it to a waiting knight, and unbuttoned his shirt to the collar.

He rolled up his sleeves to below his elbows before lightly stepping onto the boat.

"Your hand."

"Ah, thank you."

I took Cael's hand with my free hand and boarded with his help.

He steadied the boat by holding both sides.

Thanks to him, I was able to sit down easily.

"I'm settled."

I tilted my parasol back, smiled at Cael, and gave him a grateful look.

Cael took the oars handed to him by a knight and dipped them into the lake.

"Then, we'll depart."

"Yes."

Paddling with both hands, the boat slowly moved toward the center of the lake.

As the boat moved, the water rippled like a painting.

Drawn to the ripples, I looked down into the water and let out an admiring sigh.

I thought the water's color was beautiful, but beneath the surface, rose-shaped flowers, as tall as a person, were in full bloom.

Countless flowers filled the entire lake. As I gazed at them, entranced, Cael quietly explained.

His soft voice, explaining each detail, made me look up in surprise before I turned my gaze back to the water.

After staring at the underwater flowers for a while, I finally looked up at Cael, who was still rowing.

Honestly, since we were sitting face to face, I'd been deliberately looking elsewhere to avoid the embarrassment of constant eye contact.

But staring too long hurt my neck and felt rude, so I eventually watched Cael row.

"Have you seen enough?"

He asked with an amused smile, as if he knew what I was doing.

"...Yes."

"We're almost there."

"......"

I glanced at our destination, then turned my gaze back to Cael, who was slowly rowing with both hands. I found myself watching him, entranced.

His long black hair fell forward, and the deep purple of his irises grew darker.

The violet within his irises, as if faceted like a jewel, was so beautiful it seemed to draw me in.

His sculpted face, his eyes painted like a picture, and that bewitching beauty—I couldn't tear my gaze away.

The problem was that his handsomeness was simply unparalleled.

"Is it fascinating?"

"...!"

Startled by his sudden question, I snapped out of it.

I couldn't let him see me so dazed, so I cleared my throat.

"Ahem. Well... it's not every day a Duke rows for you, is it?"

"Aren't we lovers?"

"!"

His answer was unexpectedly surprising.

We were lovers, yes, but...

Lately, he'd been emphasizing the word 'lover' in a strangely pointed way.

For a moment, I wondered if he might actually be interested in me, but then I quickly shook my head.

"Ah, I suppose so."

Yes, even if it's a contract, we are lovers. And since there are so many people around, we might as well stir up more rumors.

I hadn't had much time like this while playing Jamila.

As I nodded in agreement, Cael looked at me—not with his usual blank or cold expression, but with what seemed like a pout.

"I was a little jealous today."

"Cough!"

Excuse me, sir?

Could you please choose your words more carefully?

Jealous? Jealousy?

The expression on his face alone was enough to make my jaw drop, but the words that came out of his mouth were even more astounding.

"J, jealous?"

Did I hear that right?

But his next words confirmed I hadn't misheard.

"Yes. Despite appearances, I have more money than our king."

"Oh..."

"You should have told me sooner if you wanted to experience it—I would have arranged it."

"Ah.ha.ha.ha..."

I wanted to ask him sincerely, with that disappointed expression on his handsome face:

Sir, why are you acting like this?

Shouldn't you revert to your usual character?

Caught off guard by his almost childish words, I pulled myself together and answered neutrally.

"You've done more than enough for me, Cael. I just... had that dream once. If the opportunity ever arises, I'd be happy to experience it."

"If there's anything you want to try, tell me in advance. I'll do everything I can to make it happen."

"Wow... you really know how to say things that make a person fall for you..."

I caught myself before I could finish, covering my mouth with my hand.

Fortunately, my muttered words must have been too quiet for Cael to hear, as he was looking elsewhere. I sighed in relief.

"We've arrived. Let's rest for a while."

"You've worked hard."

Cael set down the oars as the boat stopped.

Looking around, we were near the center of the lake.

He'd been rowing for a long time without rest, so I glanced at him to see if he was tired—but as expected of a Sword Master, he wasn't even sweating.

A cool breeze blew, so I folded my parasol.

The sun was hidden behind clouds, and the parasol had been heavier than I'd expected.

After glancing around, Cael turned to me and called.

"Rielle."

"Yes?"

"How about we sit like them?"

I turned my head to where Cael was pointing and felt my face flush.

He was pointing at a couple where the man was lying with his head on the woman's lap, lost in their own world.

"L, like that?"

I asked again cautiously, pointing a finger.

"Don't you think it's about time we had some light physical affection?"

"!!"

His answer was even more shocking.

What is with this man, why does he keep pushing whenever there's an opening?

But the problem was, I didn't really mind.

I mean, isn't that just how it is?

He's a handsome man and my lover—surely I can do at least this much? If anything, I should be grateful.

I, too, had romantic dreams and wanted to try it at least once.

"Ahem. Well, um... go ahead and lie down."

Clearing my throat, I pushed aside my embarrassment, stretched out my legs, and offered my lap.

My heart began to pound wildly.

Would he really lie down with his head on my lap? I was both nervous and curious.

Unlike me, Cael moved lightly across the boat and lay down with his back to me.

"...!"

The weight of his head settled on my lap, and his handsome face came into view less than a handspan away.

His beauty mark under his left eye was visible up close.

Even my reflection in his eyes was clear, and I could feel my face growing hot.

Feigning composure, I asked Cael.

"Satisfied?"

"Yes. Very comfortable."

"What else would you like to try?"

"Will you do everything I ask?"

His eyes flashed like a predator eyeing its prey. I regretted my words.

Sir, what more do you intend to do with that meaningful look?

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