The Arrogant Duke Buys the Devoted Love of the False Saintess - Chapter 9

“Um, if possible, it would be helpful if you could explain it more specifically.”

As Lily asked, her brain working at full capacity and her breath coming in ragged gasps, the Duke tilted his head in apparent confusion.

“Why don’t you understand? It’s something you always do.”

While she didn’t fully grasp concepts like philanthropic spirit or devoted love, if he said it was something she always did, then all she did was manage the orphanage, educate the children, and go out to earn money.

So, was he saying she should work here as a maid and tutor?

She knew that wasn’t quite right, but then she didn’t know what would satisfy him.

“Do you mean I should work as a maid?”

“Why would it be that?”

Told off in an utterly exasperated tone, her shoulders slumped. Of course, it would turn out like this.

“Might the problem lie with the Duke’s words? That is why I offered to explain it myself.”

“But…”

The Duke hesitated, then fell silent.

Since he gestured with his chin, it seemed he wanted Daebeck to speak in his stead.

Daebeck, understanding the cue, opened his mouth.

“Lady Lily’s noble love is vast, deep, and wonderful. We wish for you to fill the Duke with that love.”

As Lily tilted her head in continued incomprehension, Daebeck offered a reassuring smile.

“Specifically, we wish for you to dedicate that love to the Duke, to devote yourself to him. We want you to become the Duke’s loving lover.”

A loving lover?

Did this man, who seemed to be at the absolute pinnacle of desirability, intend to buy a lover with money?

Was he sane?

Lily couldn’t help but stare hard at the Duke, but he only glared back, looking displeased.

“…Is that necessary?”

A man with this much status, power, wealth, and beauty.

Why would a man standing at the summit of everything need to buy a lover with money?

It was a complete waste of money.

Unbelievable. She didn’t know what his aim was, but it was more normal to assume she was being tricked.

Even she, the one asking the question, didn’t believe it for a second.

“Whether it’s necessary or not is for me to judge.”

“That way of speaking won’t get through to her. Lady Lily, I believe you are aware of the various rumors about His Grace, but the truth is, this man truly only trusts money. He buys what he wants with what he himself has earned. That’s the only way he can trust anything—he’s such a pitiable person, you see.”

“Hey?”

“Please be quiet, you eccentric. The conversation won’t progress unless we secure Lady Lily’s sympathy. You yourself said earlier that you bought loyalty with money, didn’t you? He believes business, transactions, contracts—everything—can be bought with money. Pitiful, isn’t it?”

“Hey, is that what you’ve been thinking?”

“I am merely explaining it in a way Lady Lily can easily understand. Besides, I haven’t said anything incorrect.”

Lily was left dumbfounded by the exchange between master and servant.

Were these people performing in some sort of comedy?

But Daebeck turned a sincere gaze toward Lily.

“So, won’t you allow him to buy it? Your supreme, noble love.”