Apparently, I’m a Poisonous Woman Who Sells One-Night Dreams, but I Ended Up Awakening a Hero’s Devoted Love - Chapter 1.19

In a room at the Duke Stanley residence.

After having Tarina help her into the dress, Mariadoll spun around in front of the large mirror.

(“This shouldn’t be embarrassing, and it looks appropriately like a femme fatale.”)

Although her chest and back were covered with delicate lace, the whiteness of her skin visible through it stood out all the more. The fit was perfect, and beside her, Tarina was narrowing her eyes in admiration.

“As expected, a dress made from measurements is different. It reminds me of the late Madam.”

“I’m glad I didn’t have to sell the jewels. I brought several types to consider matching the dress, but I wonder which one is best.”

She decided against a necklace, as the halter neckline with its beautiful, delicate lace was striking enough. Holding the pearl bracelet and the drop pearl earrings she had worn at the previous soirée—both her mother’s favorites—Mariadoll furrowed her brows with a troubled expression.

“I keep ending up choosing these same ones.”

“Is that not fine? They suit you well.”

Perhaps she should wear larger jewels, but even if this engagement was temporary, it was likely the first and last engagement party she would have for him. Thinking it also held a talisman-like meaning, she felt the heirloom pearls were still most appropriate.

A knock sounded at the door, and Jerf’s voice could be heard.

“Mariadoll, it seems the guests’ carriages have arrived. Are you ready?”

“Yes, please come in.”

Just like the first time they met, Jerf stood there in his military uniform adorned with numerous medals. The only difference was that his uniform was the ceremonial white instead of the usual black.

Tarina, sensing the mood, quietly slipped out of the room, but Jerf remained standing at the entrance.

With no other choice, Mariadoll walked over to him.

“What’s the matter?”

Looking up at him from close range, she saw Jerf covering his mouth with one hand, his eyes darting about. His ears were red, but he didn’t seem to notice Mariadoll had seen.

Although the dress increased the fabric coverage with lace, it clearly outlined her figure.

Moreover, the cleavage peeking through the lace was positioned right at Jerf’s eye level.

Mariadoll’s brows furrowed sharply in the middle.

“Could it be… you’re covering your mouth to hold back laughter?”

“Wha— No. That’s not it at all.”

Jerf tightened his previously hidden lips and answered with an extremely serious face, but that wasn’t the answer Mariadoll was seeking.

“How is it? Does it look like a femme fatale?”

“…You’re still hung up on that? Just be your usual self, Mariadoll, don’t force it. More importantly, perhaps I should have chosen a different dress after all. The thought of other men seeing you like this…”

“The thought of?”

Tilting her head slightly, her silver hair swayed softly.

Instead of continuing, Jerf cleared his throat with a ahem and took a box from his pocket, opening the lid.

“Lord Jerf, what is this?”

“The engagement ring. You can’t attend an engagement party without it, can you?”

The ruby ring shone larger and brighter than any of her other jewels.

Jerf slipped it onto the ring finger of Mariadoll’s left hand.

“Oh, it’s heavy. I’ll be sure not to lose it, and I’ll return it properly to you afterwards.”

“No, you don’t need to return it. Or rather, I’d be troubled if you did. I want you to wear it every day from now on.”

Indeed, since it was an engagement ring, what Jerf said was correct.

But the thought of wearing this every day made her stomach ache. She doubted she’d ever get used to it, even after a year.

(“Lord Jerf has prepared all this, so I must properly fulfill the role expected of me.”)

Looking at the party’s guest list, she saw the names of all the major nobles lined up.

Making a strong impression here was crucial. Conversely, failure was not an option.

(“How can I make myself look like a femme fatale?”)

Until now, people around her had just hyped it up on their own, and she hadn’t denied it. So, she actually had no idea how to behave like one.

Should she cast sidelong glances and pretend to be sizing up the men?

Should she make eyes at older gentlemen?

No, no. What’s required today is the femme fatale who ensnared Jerf.

In that case…

“I’m prepared to emphasize my chest and cling to your arm, Lord Jerf.”

“Don’t say that with such a grim face; it pains me.”

Jerf made her lower her raised fist with a sigh.

As she wondered what she should do instead, Jerf took a strand of her half-up hairstyle in his hand and narrowed his crimson eyes.

(“The allure! He’s more alluring than me, the supposed femme fatale!! Lord Jerf!”)

As she blinked in confusion about what he intended to do, Jerf’s face drew closer.

When he was so near their noses almost touched, Jerf deepened his smile further and pressed his lips to her hair.

“!! L-Lord Jerf!?”

“The setting is that I fell in love with Mariadoll at first sight. If they see me doting on you like this, no one will suspect our engagement is fake.”

“R-right. That’s true.”

Mariadoll nodded stiffly, her face bright red.

Initiating such things herself was embarrassing, but being on the receiving end held a surprising destructive power.

(“Lord Jerf is eight years older than me. So, this is the composure and allure of an adult.”)

Wondering if her heart would truly last until the end of the soirée, Mariadoll placed a hand on her chest and took a deep breath.