What I Gained by Giving My Body - Chapter 1.15

Caitlyn thought bitterly. In the Britannia Empire, the mistress of the imperial family and their relatives were guaranteed a formal status. If she became Archduke Akbar’s mistress, she would certainly be despised, but it meant no one could openly ignore her or Edward to their faces.

The problem was that for her to become a mistress, the Archduke had to have feelings for her. Or, at the very least, he had to lust after her body and beauty. But since the Archduke was not an ordinary human, there was no way he would be enchanted by such worldly shells.

What the Archduke wanted was purely this cursed foresight. She didn’t know how many more times she would have to share her body with him, but after he got his hands on the foresight, he wouldn’t spare her a single glance. Could Edward, who had a woman closer to a momentary plaything than even a mistress for a sister, live his life in his right mind? Considering Edward’s attachment to her, she didn’t have to think long.

“You’re thinking of something else.”

Caitlyn slowly raised her head. The Archduke’s golden eyes were fixed directly on her. Caitlyn looked at him defiantly.

“Is there a reason I should focus on Your Grace?”

The corners of Archduke Akbar’s mouth twisted.

“Many. For instance, the musicians who can’t even start playing the music because of Miss Hardick.”

“…….”

Only then did Caitlyn realize that everyone was looking only at her. Because she had been lost in thought and moving only as the Archduke led her, she had ended up standing idly in the middle of the ballroom. Since the parties who were to have the first dance were just standing there, nothing could proceed.

Caitlyn had no choice but to admit it, even if she hated it. She had to dance with this man. Because Archduke Akbar had been controlling every situation from the beginning.

Hand overlapped with hand. Compared to Archduke Akbar’s large hand, hers was less than half the size. The band began to play a cheerful waltz. Almost at the same time she felt his firm hand wrap around her waist, Caitlyn placed her hand on Archduke Akbar’s shoulder.

Although it was a humble baronet family, her parents had spared no money on their children’s education. She just hadn’t had the opportunity to dance; she could naturally perform the fluid steps that had been ingrained in her body since childhood.

Caitlyn realized anew. She liked dancing. When she listened to the bright, cheerful music and stepped in time, she felt as free as if she were walking on clouds. To the point where it didn’t matter who the partner holding her hand and waist was.

But Archduke Akbar didn’t let her enjoy her freedom for long. Strength entered the hand he was holding. Caitlyn barely held back a scream and looked at Archduke Akbar. His golden eyes were gleaming. It was a clear warning.

“Focus on me.”

“……It’s been so long since I’ve danced…….”

“Liar.”

Now strength entered the hand holding her waist as well.

“I can see right through your head. Were you trying to run away with such an excuse again?”

Caitlyn bit her lip.

“……I shall focus on Your Grace.”

Roxias Akbar showed a look of satisfaction, but Caitlyn had no intention of just declaring an obedient surrender.

“Instead, so that I may focus, could you take one question?”

The Archduke nodded. At that arrogant gesture as if telling her to try if she could, Caitlyn quickly recited the question she had been holding in her heart.

“Could you not have kept it a secret?”

The Archduke’s eyebrows formed an ‘eight’ shape.

“I haven’t told anyone.”

“But you didn’t gag the servants. You certainly could have done so.”

“Why should I?”

The Archduke snorted.

“There seem to be many rumors about Miss Hardick. Among them, the most credible rumor was that you were struggling to attend all sorts of parties to find a husband.”

“…….”

She was at a loss for words. Of course, it wasn’t right. But she couldn’t refute it either. She had only granted her brother’s wish, but that was how it must have looked to others. However, Caitlyn did not back down quietly.

“Why are you going this far?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I know you have no intention of making me your mistress.”

Whether she had hit the mark or not, Archduke Akbar’s eyebrows shot up. Caitlyn continued speaking without giving him time to answer.

“And I don’t wish for that, either. But this kind of behavior will give others the wrong impression. Because a partner for sharing a moment’s pleasure doesn’t usually come to the surface.”

“……You have a lot to chirp about when I’m just doing what I want.”

Surprisingly, Archduke Akbar didn’t look upset at all. Rather, it was the opposite.

“I don’t know if you’ll be satisfied, but I’ll give you an answer. It’s because I don’t know how long I have to take your body. It could be resolved with just the next time, or we might have to share our bodies for years to come.”

Caitlyn swallowed hard. Years…… how many times would that be? Her brother’s life would be two years at the longest. Before then, she had to somehow help Archduke Akbar regain all his power.

“That next time, are you going to do it today?”

Archduke Akbar looked at her as if surprised.