Chapter 80
Claude was startled that he’d let his true feelings slip, but Felice just blushed and gripped the edge of her dress.
“It’s all thanks to you, Claude. Rose sent me a few more dresses.”
It was only then that Claude took a proper look at what Felice was wearing. The pale gray dress exposed her shoulders—something she’d never done before, as she always kept herself buttoned up to the neck. Even though intricate lace covered her shoulders, the outfit was surprisingly bold for her.
Claude swallowed hard at the sight of Felice’s bare skin showing through the white lace.
“…No, it’s only right. I ruined your clothes, after all.”
With that, he walked to the center table.
Felice thanked him once again and followed. She was carrying her familiar bag as always.
Before the lesson began, Claude brought up the sponsor gathering he’d mentioned previously.
“I’d like you to accompany me to the upcoming sponsor gathering. What do you think?”
“Oh, but… may I ask why you’re inviting me? If I go with you, it might spark even more rumors. I’m not sure how Lady Elise would feel about it, and honestly, it just seems a bit unnecessary…”
Felice looked troubled.
But Claude gave a wide, easy smile, answering her concern with conviction.
“It’s because of Lady Elise.”
“…Excuse me?”
Felice blinked, looking so genuinely puzzled that Claude found her adorable.
Worried that his thoughts would slip out again, he quickly cleared his throat and gathered himself.
“I mentioned before that Lady Elise apparently has a submissive streak, but actually—there’s another thing.”
“Another thing? What do you mean?”
“Well, there are all kinds of commands. For example, she doesn’t always issue them in private.”
Felice’s eyes fluttered anxiously.
“According to her ex, she always ‘tests’ a man before choosing him.”
As he spoke, Claude kept licking his lips unconsciously, his gaze drifting down to Felice’s exposed neckline, then back up again.
Felice’s face was full of worry, but Claude was finding it difficult to contain how much he enjoyed watching her reactions. Maybe, Claude had a hidden desire to dominate.
“She likes to see how bold a man can be. If his commands are too tame, he’s not someone she can submit to.”
“Oh…”
Felice parted her lips, at a loss for words. She couldn’t answer right away, her eyes shifting.
“…I see.”
Felice barely nodded. She clutched her notebook tightly, fidgeting with her fingers.
“So, boldness… What does that actually mean? And what does it have to do with me attending the sponsor gathering with you?”
“Everything. How do you think she tests a man’s boldness?”
Felice parted her lips as if to answer, but hesitated. Before the silence could stretch, Claude explained.
“She watches how the man gives orders to other women.”
Felice’s lashes fluttered as she swallowed nervously.
“So… are you saying you want to… show her something with me?”
“No.”
Claude shut that down firmly.
Felice exhaled a sigh of relief and let her eyes flutter shut for a moment.
“But I will let her pick up on the atmosphere. You said it yourself—if you’re sure a woman likes something, you should target that.”
Felice opened her eyes, looking at him with a trace of worry.
“That’s true, but… Didn’t you say your first meeting with her didn’t go well? Maybe it’s better to try to share your values, or… something like that…”
Even as she spoke, Felice didn’t sound convinced—after all, she’d spent all night wrestling with this and still hadn’t figured out the right approach for Lady Elise.
“So, what would you do, if it were you?”
Claude asked back suddenly.
“If you were the kind of woman who has a submissive streak, who even tests her suitors—what kind of approach would you like from a man?”
Felice was speechless. She knew the answer in her mind, but couldn’t quite bring herself to say it aloud.
“…Shall we begin the lesson, then, Teacher?”
Claude loosened his tie, ready for the session to start.
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