Apparently, I’m a Poisonous Woman Who Sells One-Night Dreams, but I Ended Up Awakening a Hero’s Devoted Love - Chapter 1.20

When the two entered the venue, several guests were already chatting with glasses in hand. They were viscounts and barons managing parts of the Stanley duchy’s territories or entrusted with business affairs.

Given the strict social hierarchy, everyone praised Mariadoll as beautiful and offered congratulations, but she wasn’t naive enough to take their words at face value. She carefully noted from the corner of her eye how the nobles whispered among themselves after exchanging greetings.

Next came knights, followed by higher-ranking nobles.

(W-wait a moment. There are even margraves and marquises here who weren’t on the list.)

At this point, it was practically equivalent to a palace soirée.

Though, when it came to nobles of such high rank, she could match faces to names even if they weren’t on the list, so it wasn’t particularly problematic.

“Lord Jerf, the attendees seem quite different from the participant list.”

“When it comes to engagement announcement parties, the number of invited guests tends to increase in noble society. I thought Mariadoll would understand that without being told?”

Though he said it nonchalantly, the corners of his mouth lifted as if enjoying her reaction. In return, Mariadoll smiled back and gently pinched his elbow. As the beloved fiancée, such playful teasing should be endearing enough.

More nobles continued to stream into the room.

What was truly astonishing was that the duke’s hall didn’t feel cramped despite the crowd.

Amidst this, Jerf continued introducing Mariadoll as his “beloved” to the nobles who came to greet them one after another.

Since everyone knew the rumors about Mariadoll, some smiled awkwardly, others openly sympathized with Jerf, and the more blatant ones quietly advised him to “wake up.”

It was the epitome of unwelcome kindness.

However, partway through, several nobles raised their eyebrows in surprise.

Jerf’s warmly sweet smiles and slightly excessive physical contact, combined with Mariadoll’s freshly blushing cheeks, didn’t appear to be acting.

Of course, the woman herself was desperately trying to smile like a venomous femme fatale, but with her cheeks flushed crimson when he nuzzled her hair, it lacked conviction. If anything, she seemed too innocent for her age.

While this was happening, the stream of well-wishers ceased as the music shifted to dance.

The first to dance at an engagement party should be the engaged couple.

Jerf respectfully offered his hand, and Mariadoll placed hers over it in response.

The attention of the entire venue instantly focused on them.

A handsome hero and a bewitching venomous woman.

Such intriguing titles paired together were quite rare indeed.

Amidst the prickling of indiscreet stares, the two exchanged glances at the center of the hall.

A slow waltz began playing – likely chosen with Jerf’s leg in mind.

“My apologies, but with this leg, I may not be able to provide adequate escort.”

“It’s quite alright. Everyone knows about your leg, Lord Jerf. Let’s dance without concern.”

“Indeed. There’s no point in pretending otherwise now.”

His expression shifted from lowered brows to his usual nonchalant demeanor as Jerf took the first step.

Moving in time with the music, they slowly shifted their feet forward, back, left, and right.

Mariadoll immediately noticed that his right foot took smaller steps than his left.

The slightly altered tempo made dancing difficult, but fortunately, she was skilled at dancing.

Moreover, Jerf kept up with the rhythm despite dragging his right foot.

Though he occasionally lost balance slightly, perhaps due to his training as a knight, it wasn’t noticeable enough for others to see.

“If dancing is difficult, you may lean more weight on me.”

“My apologies, I’ll take you up on that. We must dance through one complete piece after all. You’re quite skilled at dancing, by the way.”

“My parents loved dancing and often danced together. They taught me as well.”

“I see, that’s enviable… Oops, my apologies.”

Whether he missed the rhythm or his foot couldn’t keep up, Jerf stepped on Mariadoll’s foot.

“One piece is indeed long, isn’t it? Would it be easier to transfer weight if we moved closer?”

When Mariadoll closed the distance by half a step, the venue buzzed with quiet murmurs.

Looking around, she spotted several ladies hiding their mouths with fans while whispering.

(I see. Though accidental, perhaps this is the kind of behavior expected of a venomous woman. In that case, I should try one or two more things.)

Though she’d been told not to push herself, acting more like a venomous femme fatale should work in Jerf’s favor when they eventually parted.

That said, no further ideas came to mind.

(Umm, looking up at him with teary eyes? But that would be hard to see from a distance. Hmm, moving my face closer? Or perhaps touching Lord Jerf’s face. No no, that’s a bit too high of a hurdle for me.)

“Mariadoll, look at me.”

While muttering to herself in thought, she heard her name called.

When she looked up, the crimson eyes closer than usual seemed to hold warmth.

The hand around her waist withdrew, then gently, affectionately stroked her silver hair.

“L-Lord Jerf?”

Startled by his sudden action, she missed her step and stomped hard on Jerf’s foot.

“Ah, my apologies!”

“Now we’re even.”

Jerf smiled sweetly, closed the distance further between them, and pressed his lips to her crown.

The venue’s murmuring and Mariadoll’s face turning bright red happened almost simultaneously. Steam might as well have been rising from her.

“Lord Jerf, th-that. Just now, a k-kiss…”

“It’s an engagement party, after all.”

“…I-Is that how it’s done? I-I understand. My education was lacking.”

“…With that innocence, it’s amazing you’ve managed to play the venomous woman until now.”

Along with his exasperated voice, his lips met hers again.

(Eeek! But if this is normal, I shouldn’t be surprised. I need to act confidently!)

Though desperately trying to maintain composure, even the skin visible through her lace turned crimson. She was too embarrassed to lift her gaze from the floor.

Thus, Mariadoll alone in the entire venue failed to see it –

Jerf’s face, gazing at his fiancée with melting sweetness.

This morning’s sugar levels are high. The soirée will continue a bit longer.