Apparently, I’m a Poisonous Woman Who Sells One-Night Dreams, but I Ended Up Awakening a Hero’s Devoted Love - Chapter 1.17

After changing into a safe navy blue dress and styling her hair in a half-updo, Mariadoll arrived at the gallery to find Jerf and Legacy already getting along quite well.

(I’d heard he was a demon sergeant, but he’s actually quite personable. Or rather, is he a flirt?)

Why did she feel like the outer moat was being filled in, even though this was just a temporary engagement?

From where she was watching, even Tarina had joined their conversation and was whispering about something. She seemed to be having a genuinely good time, even ahead of her own mistress.

“Lord Jerf.”

“Ah, Mariadoll. You’re early. Well then, Legacy, I’ll make sure to bring her back before it gets too late.”

“Yes, please take good care of Lady Mariadoll.”

Legacy bowed deeply at the waist to Jerf, saying “Have a safe trip.” At this rate, it was hard to tell who the real master was—Jerf or Mariadoll.

Mariadoll frowned slightly as she waved to Tarina, then got into the carriage escorted by Jerf.

They arrived at an extravagant boutique on the main street.

Mariadoll’s cheek twitched involuntarily.

(This is why men! I dressed plainly just in case, but even so, this is beyond inappropriate.)

Her safe outfit—in other words, her entire appearance devoid of any flair or style—was reflected in the sparkling glass window. She already wanted to go home.

When she shot Jerf a resentful look, he shrugged his shoulders slightly and laughed.

“Why did you bring me here?”

“You know it’s the social season right now. Evening parties are being held at various mansions. The pretexts vary—someone’s birthday, an anniversary, or many are held for no particular reason at all.”

“Yes. Every night, carriages race down the capital’s main streets.”

It had nothing to do with Mariadoll.

If she opened her window at night and looked outside, she could see the lights at the front of carriages returning from evening parties illuminating the main street. That was all.

“Of course, our ducal household holds evening parties as well. Since our territory is vast and we’re involved in various industries, it’s mainly business associates who gather.”

“I see.”

“I sent out the invitations three months ago, but last week I sent an express letter stating that the purpose of this evening party would be an engagement announcement.”

“Excuse me?”

An absurd-sounding voice escaped her lips before she could stop it.

A passerby turned around to see what was happening.

“Ahem, well. My apologies, but this is the first I’m hearing of it.”

“I’ve already discussed it with Legacy. When I asked how to get you to agree to attend the evening party smoothly and without resistance, he told me forceful methods would be quickest. He’s truly a reliable butler.”

(Legacy! You betrayed me!)

Mariadoll hated evening parties.

She was tired of the contemptuous glances from people who believed the rumors, and the conversations full of nothing but social niceties with no genuine feelings were boring.

That said, forceful methods were going too far.

She remembered Tarina waving as they left. She must be in on it too.

“And so, we need to prepare a dress for the evening party. There’s no time, so we’ll have a ready-made dress altered as the base.”

Lower-ranking nobles often wore ready-made dresses. Normally, as Jerf’s fiancée, a custom-made dress would be expected, but there wasn’t time.

(…An ambush is infuriating, but this is part of the contract, so there’s no helping it. I’ll just have to make sure I don’t embarrass Lord Jerf too much.)

Being naturally responsible, Mariadoll answered “Understood” with resignation, though full of dissatisfaction.

The boutique was overflowing with colorful dresses.

“Welcome, Duke Stanley. We’ve been expecting you.”

“My apologies for the delay.”

“Not at all, you must be quite busy. So, this is your fiancée?”

She appeared to be in her fifties, with her hair tied up simply and adorned with a modest hair accessory.

Her clothing wasn’t flashy, but it was high-quality and exuded a refined atmosphere.

“Well then, without further ado, I’ve prepared several dresses. Please try them on first. You can’t tell if a dress is good or bad until you wear it.”

With a soft smile, she took Mariadoll’s hand and led her to the back room without giving her a chance to refuse.

“First, this is the recommended dress, but if there are any others that catch your eye or colors you prefer, I’ll bring them.”

Somehow, her manner was gentle yet pushy.

It reminded her of someone.

“Um, does Lord Jerf often use this shop?”

“Oh, haven’t you heard? I’m a cousin of Lord Jerf’s mother. My name is Somaiya.”

I see. So that’s why.

It made strange sense.

(I believe Lord Jerf’s mother passed away when he was still very young.)

After her engagement to Jerf was decided, Mariadoll had looked into various things in her own way.

Though most of it was information she’d casually gathered from Legacy.

Incidentally, Jerf’s father had passed away two years ago. Unlike Mariadoll, he had been helping with territory management all along, so there seemed to have been no trouble with the succession.

“Is that so? Now that you mention it, (the pushy part) is similar.”

“Lord Jerf takes after his mother. I’m sure his mother would be delighted that he’s marrying such a lovely young lady.”

“…I hope so.”

Hearing that made her feel guilty.

It wasn’t something Mariadoll had wished for, but every time she heard words of blessing, her heart ached.

That’s why she truly disliked engagement announcement parties like this.

Of course, Somaiya had no way of knowing Mariadoll’s feelings and continued showing her dress after dress.

“Since you have fair skin, red really suits you.”

“…Thank you.”

The entire wall of the spacious fitting room was covered in red dresses.

Since it was an engagement announcement party, wearing the color of Jerf’s eyes was probably expected.

(So then, it’s just a matter of which design to choose, I suppose.)

Jerf, who had a preference for being led around by the woman he favored, had fallen in love at first sight with the venomous woman Mariadoll and quickly became engaged. However, upon realizing he’d merely fallen prey to her venomous fangs, he would break off the engagement or divorce her.

That was supposed to be the prepared scenario.

(But Lord Jerf saw right through me not being a venomous woman.)

Perhaps real venomous women have a captivating, alluring charm. If so, that’s what she should aim for.

“Then, th-this one.”

With a trembling hand, she chose the dress with the least amount of fabric.

Just looking at it made her cheeks flush, but the more venomous Mariadoll appeared, the more sympathy Jerf would receive when they parted.

“This one then. Understood.”

Somaiya smiled cheerfully, and Mariadoll returned a mechanical, awkward nod.

Jerf’s reaction when he sees her in this…