Apparently, I’m a Poisonous Woman Who Sells One-Night Dreams, but I Ended Up Awakening a Hero’s Devoted Love - Chapter 1.9

The Duke’s estate was massive from the very gate.

(This wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call it a castle, would it?)

Though it was located on the outskirts of the royal capital, it made up for it with abundant greenery and sheer size. It was enormous, plain and simple.

Passing through the arch-shaped stone gate, a long, winding path stretched ahead.

Gazebos, fountains, and buildings were visible here and there.

The sufficiently grand buildings seemed to be guest houses or halls used for evening parties.

(This is a guest house? It’s several times more impressive than the Zealand Baron’s estate that I sold off.)

Within the grounds, there was also what appeared to be a training area.

The Stanley Duke family was known for being martial, with generations serving as the commander of the First Knight Order protecting the royal family.

Despite being only twenty-three years old three years ago during the war with the neighboring country, Jerf served as a squadron leader.

And not just any squadron—it was a crucial strategic unit.

(I learned from Legacy last night, but Lord Jerf is truly remarkable, isn’t he?)

He was awarded a commendation by the king for his contributions leading to victory in that war.

Hanging from the shoulder of his knight uniform were several shoulder cords given along with medals, indicating Jerf’s status.

Incidentally, medals were usually worn only during ceremonies or evening parties, as they would get in the way otherwise.

When the carriage stopped, Jerf told the coachman to return and ordered the butler who had come to greet them to carry Mariadoll’s luggage. The butler bowed respectfully, but his gaze was stern.

(It seems I’m not very welcome. Well, it’s only natural that the retainers wouldn’t think well of a venomous woman becoming their lord’s fiancée.)

The salon they were led to was sunny, and the served tea had an exceptionally fine aroma.

The sofa was fluffy, and everything from the furnishings to the rest was so extravagantly luxurious that all Mariadoll could do was sigh in awe.

“I imagine Lady Mariadoll is acquainted with many mansions, but I pride myself that this one is second to none.”

“Yes. It’s more splendid than any mansion I’ve visited so far. And the tea is delicious, thank you very much.”

She responded to the butler’s sarcasm with a smile. That was Mariadoll’s motto.

(He probably wants to say that I, a venomous woman, visit various mansions and seduce men. But if I reacted to every bit of sarcasm, I couldn’t play the villainess.)

Mariadoll didn’t mind it as it was usual for her, but Jerf seemed to feel otherwise.

In a stiff voice, he ordered, “That’s enough. Leave us,” and made no attempt to hide his displeasure.

Surprised by his reaction, Mariadoll’s eyes widened.

(It looks as if he’s angry that I was called a venomous woman. Could it be that he actually believed Lord Cobalt’s words?)

No, no, that couldn’t be possible.

There’s no way he’d just accept it if a man he’d barely met said, “I spent the night with your fiancée, but we only held hands, so rest assured.”

But his irritated demeanor clearly showed he was displeased that Mariadoll was thought to be a venomous woman.

“Lord Jerf, do you truly not think of me as a venomous woman?”

She asked lightly, as if to say “no way,” but the response was a serious gaze.

“I do.”

“! Why would you think that? You know the rumors about me, don’t you? You asked me to play the role of your fake fiancée because you thought it was fine to tarnish my name since I’m a venomous woman, right?”

As Mariadoll leaned forward and fired off questions rapidly, Jerf frowned with a troubled expression.

“Now, I regret having asked you to do something that would tarnish Mariadoll’s name.”

“…It hasn’t even been a day since we met last night. So how could you change your opinion of me in that time?”

Mariadoll didn’t deny the rumors of being a venomous woman.

Moreover, last night, he had seen her getting wine poured on her by the daughter of Marquis Haren.

“First, a true venomous woman wouldn’t worry about her territory’s people. I found it strange when you said you wanted to entrust your territory to me. And even in your exchange with Lady Haren, you didn’t defend yourself at all; you defended Lord Haren instead. You’re too good of a person.”

“A good person?”

This was the first time she’d been called that by someone who didn’t know the circumstances.

“Also, if you were a venomous woman, you’d cling to me, your fiancé—even if it’s temporary—before selling heirlooms and mementos to raise money. Besides, Legacy and Lord Cobalt are worried about you and care for you deeply. That itself is the true evaluation of you.”

“…You’re overestimating me too much.”

She evaded the question and lowered her gaze to her feet.

What was the right way to behave in this situation?

(Can I really fool him? He’s not only heard my conversation with Viscount Cobalt but has even seen the painting I drew.)

The sofa cushion shifted. When she looked up, Jerf, who had been sitting across from her, was now beside her.

Stared at from close range by those red eyes peeking through his black hair, Mariadoll’s cheeks flushed red.

As Jerf picked up a strand of Mariadoll’s silver hair and brought it near his lips,

“!!”

Mariadoll, who had never been looked at with such a sensual gaze before, turned red all the way to her ears.

Just as she thought a kiss would be placed on her hair, his hand gently released it.

“See, if you were truly a seductive venomous woman who charms men, you wouldn’t turn this red over something like this.”

“…That’s the first time I’ve been called ‘seductive.'”

“Haha, you’ve gained another title.”

“I don’t need such a title.”

It seemed he had been testing her reaction, but he was still too close.

Reaching her limit, Mariadoll covered her cheeks and retreated to the corner of the sofa.

“…Wait a moment, I didn’t expect such an innocent reaction. I’m feeling somewhat guilty now.”

“I have held hands with a man before.”

“Right, Lord Cobalt said that too. Hey, Mariadoll, I believe in you. So, won’t you believe in me too? Even if it’s temporary, we’ll be together for up to three years. I hesitate to pry into what you’re hiding, but I think it’s something I should probably know.”

Slowly, she removed her hands from her flushed face and tightly clasped them on her lap.

(Is it okay to tell him?)

He was a man she had just met.

But despite that, he had trusted her.

Well then, she gradually raised her face.

“Understood.”

“Then, tell me. How were you able to paint a portrait of Lord Cobalt’s wife, who passed away before you were born, two years ago? The reason.”

“Yes. But please promise me you will never tell anyone about this.”

Confirming Jerf’s firm nod in response to her words, she began to speak haltingly, carefully choosing her words.