Apparently, I’m a Poisonous Woman Who Sells One-Night Dreams, but I Ended Up Awakening a Hero’s Devoted Love - Chapter 1.29

The scenery viewed from the carriage showed just the slightest hints of autumn.

Resting on Mariadoll’s lap was a painting to be delivered to Marquis Haren.

Two weeks had passed since their return from the pre-wedding journey.

Marquis Haren’s travels had apparently extended longer than planned, and yesterday came the news of his return to the royal capital, leading to this trip to deliver the painting.

(Even though he returned as scheduled, we had our own share of events during the journey.)

Upon returning from the abandoned mine, the servant who had been waiting at the entrance all night and Clemence came rushing out.

When they mentioned that Jerf had been bitten by a venomous snake, a doctor was immediately called just to be safe, and warm tea was prepared for Mariadoll.

What Clemence handed over with glee was a white paint the same color as lead white.

He had already mixed it with water and oil and even painted on a canvas.

Every color seemed usable as paint.

After discussing it with Jerf as well, they decided to proceed with selling the red and white paints first.

While Maverick was the only swordsmith, there were several casters. Arrangements were made for their cooperation in producing the powdered materials for the paint, and they returned to the royal capital.

(Now, the question is how to handle the sales channels.)

Painters were often patronized and had few horizontal connections. While it was possible to sell the paints at Mariadoll’s gallery, this was something she wanted to discuss with Marquis Haren, who owned the most historically significant gallery in the royal capital.

(But still, what exactly is Lord Jerf thinking?)

That night when he suddenly embraced her.

Though initially tense, Mariadoll, exhausted from her first horseback ride and exploring the abandoned mine, had fallen asleep without realizing.

She woke up on Jerf’s lap.

She had been sleeping using his left leg as a pillow.

Flustered, she sat up to find Jerf sleeping leaning against the wall, bathed in the faint morning light.

Perhaps it was her imagination, but his sleeping face looked as peaceful as if a burden had been lifted.

Gently reaching out to touch his cheek, she found it cold.

Even though it was summer, the mountaintop was chilly. Just as she was about to pull her hand away to look for firewood, a large hand grasped Mariadoll’s hand.

“Good morning.”

“G-good morning. I’m so sorry, it seems I fell asleep. Was I heavy? Is your leg numb?”

The rapid-fire questions were out of embarrassment. Even if unintentional, waking up on a man’s lap was unthinkable.

Jerf stroked Mariadoll’s bright red hair. His gazing crimson eyes seemed to hold a different heat than usual, and Mariadoll tilted her head curiously.

“Lord Jerf?”

Blinking her light blue eyes rapidly, Jerf watched her for a moment before slumping his shoulders in defeat.

“Wh-what’s wrong? Is the venom not completely gone after all?”

“No, I’m fine. I’m just shocked that what I thought had gotten through to you hasn’t reached you at all. How oblivious are you to the subtleties between men and women, Mariadoll?”

Even if asked how oblivious, she didn’t know.

Besides, his wording made it sound like her obliviousness was a given.

“I am a bewitching poison woman, after all.”

“That’s right. As expected of the self-proclaimed bewitching poison woman.”

He laughed with a disgruntled sound in his throat, and when she puffed out her cheeks and reminded him that he was the one who called her bewitching, he laughed even more.

It made no sense at all.

And then…

(Why did Lord Jerf kiss my forehead that time?)

Touching the spot with her finger, even though considerable time had passed, it still felt as if it held warmth.

(And what was with those clothes!?)

A week ago, numerous dresses and jewels were delivered to Mariadoll’s home.

The sender was, of course, Jerf, ranging from day dresses to evening gowns for balls, and the jewels, mainly rubies, included blue diamonds matching Mariadoll’s eye color and amethysts, among various others. The common point was that they were all first-rate.

They couldn’t all fit into Mariadoll’s room, which was full of documents, so one bookshelf was moved to the Legacies’ room, and a wardrobe was prepared.

According to Legacy, even that wardrobe had been bought by Jerf.

(He may be a poor baron, but he does have that much money.)

The money Jerf paid when Maverick burned rocks all night was something she intended to return later, but he wouldn’t accept it.

(Is it because, even if temporary, I’m Lord Jerf’s fiancée, so I should dress accordingly? Does that mean this will continue until the princess’s marriage is decided?)

Since the temporary engagement was something Jerf requested, she would humbly accept it here, but she was troubled over whether she should return everything when they part.

(Part… That’s right, someday, that time will come.)

Her chest prickled with pain.

Prick, prick. What is this?

Even though they had met less than two months ago, thinking about life without Jerf made the scenery suddenly seem faded.

The large hand stroking her hair, the warmth of being held.

The glossy black hair that shone as if wet, and the sharp, crimson eyes.

Once she started remembering, they kept overflowing.

What should I do? It won’t stop.

Soon, the carriage stopped in front of Marquis Haren’s residence.

The man hired as coachman for just today respectfully opened the door.

But Mariadoll showed no sign of getting out.

Puzzled, the coachman peered inside the carriage and saw—

—Mariadoll with her hands on her bright red cheeks, in a daze.

Her light blue eyes were wide, as if she had just realized something incredibly important.

“Lady Mariadoll? We’ve arrived.”

“Thank you. You know, books say that love is something you fall into, but that’s a lie. It’s something that starts without you knowing.”

“Huh?”

While the coachman looked bewildered, Mariadoll picked up the painting and stepped out of the carriage.

She finally noticed!

And that young lady makes her reappearance.