Chapter 58
“Oh, I see. I think I understand what you’re worried about. After all, she is Lady Robert. But now that you’ve realized you’re in love for the first time, maybe you should try approaching her a little more boldly?”
Felice let out a silent sigh of relief as she spoke.
* * *
Claude watched Felice’s reaction closely after his confession. He hoped to see at least some disappointment, maybe surprise, or some sign that he still had a chance.
But unfortunately, Felice didn’t show any of those expressions.
If anything, she looked genuinely relieved.
…Of course. She and Duchess Vanessa had set this whole trap together, so it was only natural for her to be pleased.
But why did that bother him so much…?
“Hah…”
Unable to stop himself, Claude sighed and looked away.
“Oh… Claude…”
Felice’s sympathetic tone made Claude bite his lip.
“Her Majesty said a lady’s background doesn’t matter. She just wants the prince to fall in love with whoever he chooses. So, you shouldn’t worry too much—at least open your heart and give it a try. It’s your first love, after all.”
Encouraged by Felice’s words, Claude turned back to face her.
It seemed there was only one way forward.
Loosening his tie—perhaps pointlessly tightened to look proper for this lovely tea time—Claude crossed his leg, feeling just a little bitter.
Maybe that was why his mood soured. Mimicking Felice, he lowered his gaze and spoke:
“But there’s actually another big problem, besides the one you guessed.”
“Oh? What is it?”
“Even aside from politics, I’ve heard Lady Elise is looking for a very… discreet husband.”
“A discreet husband?”
Felice frowned in confusion.
“She apparently has some rather unusual s****l fantasies. Did you know that?”
“…Excuse me?”
Felice’s eyes widened.
Claude, savoring the surprise on her face, closed and opened his eyes as if at a loss for words.
“That’s why I’d like to ask you for a favor, Miss Felice. I really want things to work out with Lady Elise, but her fantasies are so unique that I’m not sure I can satisfy her alone.”
Felice was left momentarily speechless, her mouth half-open, blinking.
“As you know, I don’t exactly have much confidence in the bedroom. But this is even more advanced than anything I’ve done before. That’s why I want to ask if you could act as my partner—for practice.”
“Ah… Well… In that case…”
Felice averted her gaze, her green eyes drifting in the air. It was clear she wanted to refuse.
Still, she didn’t immediately say no—probably because of the 10,000 francs. She still needed to pay off her debts. Even as he watched her hesitate, Claude thought there was a good chance she’d turn him down.
After all, Felice seemed like someone who had never had any experience with this sort of thing.
So before she could sort out her thoughts, Claude quickly put another offer on the table.
“I have Admiral Paul Mellon’s sword. If you help me by acting as my partner to win over Lady Elise, I’ll give you the sword.”
Felice’s lips, which had just started to form words, closed again.
Claude was telling the truth.
He’d learned that Elise did indeed have s****l fantasies. But she wasn’t just looking for a husband who could satisfy them—if that worked out, fine, but if not, it wasn’t a deal-breaker.
In fact, she already had someone who fulfilled those desires—a man the Robert family would never approve of, since he was just a dancer. If she did get married, she’d probably ask for the right to continue that relationship as a condition.
“Ah…”
“Sorry, was that too sudden? Please, take some time to think about it. Oh, didn’t you have something you wanted to discuss today as well?”
“Ah… It’s nothing. But, can I ask what exactly Lady Elise’s fantasies are? And about the admiral’s sword… would you really transfer ownership to me? Along with the 10,000 francs?”
Claude nodded slowly.
“It’ll be written into the contract. Ten thousand francs, and the admiral’s sword. As for Lady Elise’s s****l fantasies…”
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