Duke of the Beast and the Vicarious Bride - Chapter 48

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※ This work contains depictions of coercive relationships, explicit language, and other graphic content. Reader discretion is advised.

By now, Fiona had grown deeply curious about Caligo’s true nature. The Emperor, the Count, and Jayden all seemed to know something, but they would never tell her.

At that moment, the library she had discovered by chance today came to mind.

Jayden had the library searched, which means there was something there worth finding.

Whatever it was, she had a strong feeling it was connected to Caligo.

Could the “master” Page mentioned refer to Caligo? If so, why had he become like this? Or perhaps the castle’s master had, for some reason, sealed Caligo here and vanished?

Surely the library might hold clues to Caligo’s identity. She wanted to discover whatever it was before Jayden, but the problem was…

‘Damn this illiteracy.’

Since coming north, her ignorance had hindered her in many ways.

‘I have time to spare. Perhaps I should learn.’

A sudden desire for learning surged within her, but for now, she had other duties to perform.

“So Jayden wants us to do this as often as possible. He is the Emperor’s loyal dog.”

Though she had taken contraceptives and would not conceive for some time, fostering a close relationship with her husband was still an action that demonstrated “effort toward producing the Grand Duke’s heir.”

For Fiona, having narrowly employed this expedient, she must diligently fulfil at least the surface obligations to avoid violating their pact.

“So I must ask… would it be acceptable?”

Unlike yesterday, when despair had made her want to abandon everything, today circumstances were far more favourable.

With the confidence that came from having done this once before, and knowing she could communicate with him to some extent, her heart was much more at ease.

And one other encouraging thing—her husband did not seem entirely displeased by this act.

“Kruuk.”

“Does that mean it is acceptable?”

“…?”

“You are not displeased with me either?”

“…?”

After a moment of silence, a low growl returned. It seemed a sign of affirmation. For Fiona, this was quite gratifying.

In any case, the manner of their wedding night had left her feeling somewhat guilty toward Caligo. Though she had managed something resembling persuasion, had it not been practically forced upon him?

If he had shown signs of refusal, they would both have been in difficulty. Forced intimacy with an unwilling partner—if their positions were reversed, it would truly be the worst situation.

‘And what about you?’

Suddenly her mind posed a question to itself.

‘Do you not find this act unpleasant either? Not because of duty or the pact, but…’

Until now, she had thought of it only as something that “must be done,” never considering whether she liked or disliked it.

After hesitating briefly, unable to find her bearings, Fiona finally admitted reluctantly:

‘I think it is not unpleasant either.’

Considering the circumstances, it was surprising she could feel this way, but such was her honest heart.

Though they had exchanged nothing more than names and still did not know each other’s faces, Fiona had nonetheless shared a connection with him.

The experience yesterday, which she had more or less directed, had been more intense than expected. The fact that toward the end she had even felt some pleasure suggested their bodies might be quite compatible.

Of course, admitting such thoughts was rather embarrassing.

“Then, I shall begin.”

Unlike yesterday’s fear, feeling a measure of familiarity with her husband’s presence, Fiona reached out her hand toward him.

* * *

Jayden Troyes had been in exceedingly poor spirits of late.

Commander-in-Chief of the imperial forces dispatched north, overseer of all that transpired in the Grand Duke’s castle.

Having taken the lead in the northern subjugation that began in earnest five years ago, earning the Emperor’s absolute trust—the young noble son of the County family, already reputed to be on a smooth path to success despite his youth. Most of his displeasure stemmed from his half-sister, who ran wild like a newborn colt.

“She performed her duty without complaint yesterday as well.”

“Yes, young master.”

“Neither weeping that she could not do it, nor cursing that it was disgusting.”

“Yes, that is correct, young master…”