I Married the Mad Duke Who Killed My Husband - Chapter 99

“Oh my, Madam!”

I was in a good mood, so I had a few cocktails.

…Maybe more than a few? I even managed to snatch the glass back from Cassion with a surprise kiss when he tried to take it away at the end. I think it’s the first time I’ve drunk more than usual.

“Bert~~ Our butler!”

“F-feet! Watch your feet, Madam! You’ll fall!”

The butler screams in surprise as I practically tumble out as soon as the carriage door opens. But I was still just happy.

Fortunately, no one at the Duke’s residence was hurt during the last attack, with only Maxey suffering minor injuries.

“Oh, thank you~ thank you, everyone!”

People from the Duke’s residence come out one by one at the unexpected commotion. I wave cheerfully at Pia, who rushed out from waiting in my room to help me undress, looking shocked.

“I’m so lucky! Everyone’s so nice!”

My elation isn’t just because of the alcohol. What have I done to deserve being among these kind and wonderful people?

“It’s because you’re just as good a person.”

And the man who feels like my greatest stroke of luck wraps his arm around my swaying waist. Despite my drunken antics, there’s not a hint of annoyance in his voice. Of course, I know he won’t dislike me for showing this side of myself either.

“Leave her be. I’ll take her.”

“Cassion…”

“Yes, Asil.”

Cassion gestures to the butler and Pia, who are hovering nearby unsure what to do, and lifts me up in his arms. Even though my body suddenly feels weightless, I’m not scared.

My body, heated from the alcohol, meets Cassion’s naturally warm temperature, but it doesn’t feel unpleasant.

“Just prepare some water and towels outside the room. I’ll take care of everything else.”

I must have dozed off briefly in his embrace as he gently rubbed my back. The cool breeze I felt earlier is gone, and I feel something soft against my back.

“Oh, are you awake?”

His hands are so slow and careful as he lays me down and removes my cumbersome jewelry. I nod, giggling at the ticklish sensation, but Cassion just looks perplexed.

“Hmm… Your face… Do I just wipe it with water?”

Cassion holding a damp cloth and looking troubled is so cute. They say loved ones look cuter when you’re drunk, is that why his every action seems adorable? No, he was always cute.

“Hehe.”

“Asil. I’m really in a difficult situation here.”

That’s what’s cute. After nuzzling into his arms a few more times, I shake my head to clear it and sit up.

“I’ll wash up myself. Can you get me some nightclothes?”

The drunkenness isn’t hitting me as hard as before, probably because some time has passed. While Cassion turns around to carefully choose my nightwear from the wardrobe, I remove my makeup and wash my hands and feet.

Hmm, a bath might be better. But I’m tired.

“Would this be uncomfortable?”

The nightwear Cassion carefully chose was a white silk dress made of high-quality, thin material without excessive sheen. It had a slight frill below the wide square neckline, which might have looked uncomfortable to him.

“The frill is less comfortable than without it.”

“Oh. Then I’ll choose something else…”

“But you want to see me in that, don’t you?”

I stopped him as he tried to put it back, flustered, and snatched the nightgown he was holding. It’s not like it has frills all over, so the design isn’t actually that uncomfortable.

“Asil!”

When I pretended to start changing right there by lifting my dress, Cassion turned around in shock. I knew he would.

“I’m joking. I’ll change in the bathroom, so you should take off your formal wear too. It must be uncomfortable.”

“Jokes… might not end as jokes, Asil. Don’t trust me too much. And I can go back to my room to change.”

In the dark room, I saw his red eyes smoldering, though I’m not sure since when, and my drunkenness completely vanished. I felt my lips curling up involuntarily. My ears seemed to be getting hot, too.

“…Come to think of it, there was a lot of dust at the banquet hall, so I think I need a bath. But I’m a bit tired.”

“True. In that case, I should call your maid…”

“Cassion. Haven’t we slept together in my room before?”

Slowly. I kissed him as he stood like a statue, watching me approach slowly. Once lightly. Once more deeply.

“It seems we’ve always slept in your room. Tonight, let’s sleep together in my room.”

“…Asil. I really can’t end this as a joke.”

“We went to the banquet together, so you should take a bath too.”

“….”

“Will you help me? If you’re tired, you can just call Pia.”

Of course, if he really calls Pia, I’m prepared to be thoroughly upset. But Cassion hugged me so tightly he almost crushed my waist, kissed me deeply, and then lifted me up again, heading to the bathroom.

“I warned you I couldn’t hold back, Asil.”

Was the dress a bit too big? Or did it roll up when he suddenly lifted me? The fabric covering my shoulders slipped down, but I didn’t bother to pull it back up.

“That’s what I wanted. I can’t hold back either.”

***

“Let’s get married again.”

“What…?”

Hazy. Cassion, who had been looking at me while twirling the ends of my hair, speaks to me as I’m about to fall asleep.

I’m really tired now…

“What are you talking about? We’re already married… yawn.”

“No, I mean, let’s just have the wedding ceremony again. We did it too hastily.”

But Cassion seemed serious, half-raising his body as he passionately explained.

“We didn’t have a proper officiant, guests, or even proper clothes. It was a contract marriage then, but I think I was too indifferent. Let’s do it again, Asilia.”

Thanks to the sheet sliding down, I can see his well-built body even in the dim light. Without realizing it, I press my cheek against his chest and yawn once more.

“Oh, but that would be my third wedding ceremony.”

“No, forget about the previous ones. Those weren’t real weddings.”

Pfft. A deflated laugh escaped as my cheek was pressed. Ah, I’m really sleepy, but Cassion acting sulky is so funny that I just can’t fall asleep.

“Hm? Asil… If it’s bothersome, I’ll prepare everything.”

“Move your hands. I like it, but I won’t be swayed by that.”

I point out Cassion’s hands trying to sneak below my waist, and as I yawn for the third time, he quickly moves his hands up to my shoulders. He’s being so obedient.

“Then what would make you agree? Should I offer my arm as a pillow?”

I’m half in dreamland, feeling Cassion’s increased skinship and aegyo. In my mind, I can already see the people at the Duke’s residence and our acquaintances wondering why on earth we’re having a wedding ceremony twice.

“Actually…”

“Actually?”

“I’ve already agreed. I’m weak to cuteness, you know.”

Hm? Hm? How could I not give in to Cassion acting like a big puppy? As Cassion tries to sit up again, overjoyed, I grab his waist and push him down, then ruffle his smooth hair.

“Let’s really sleep now. We’ll talk tomorrow. I’m so tired…”

“Thank you! Sleep well, Asil. I absolutely won’t wake you.”

“And don’t go anywhere… You better not be gone when I wake up.”

“Alright. I won’t move an inch until you wake up. Don’t say you don’t remember because you were half-asleep, Asil.”

“Let’s sleep…”

Once again, I’m sorry, but our wedding… Cassion’s voice, whispering in happiness, gradually fades away. Wow, I’m really at my limit now. I have to give it to my husband’s stamina.

But this kind of whining lullaby isn’t bad either.

Since he’s being cute, maybe I’ll pretend to forget when I wake up tomorrow, acting clueless and asking, “What wedding ceremony?”

I might get to see Cassion’s rare dejected face. How cute would that be?

“Asil, why are you smiling?”

I’m happy.