The Young Male Protagonist Who is Destined for Ruin Fell for Me - Chapter 87

As the ceremony for Amel’s Imperial Lily Medal drew to a close, Claire wrapped up her day’s schedule and made her way to the Chaield estate in the capital of Traiha.

With a graceful motion, she pressed her fingers to her temple. Overseeing Chaield’s business ventures in Traiha had taken a toll, and the constant use of Arete for travel had left her with a pounding headache.

“Lady Claire, would you like to take a short break before continuing?”

“That won’t be necessary. Just update me on tomorrow’s schedule.”

Bruno felt a shiver run down his spine. He had grown accustomed to her demeanor around her ladyship and had momentarily forgotten the reality of dealing with Lady Claire herself.

She was a force of nature—unyielding and uncompromising, allowing no room for waste or error. Had she been born a man, she would have ruled as the most formidable Chaield of her generation, standing at the very pinnacle of the family.

Lady Claire. The other master of the Chaield name, the one who had seized a position never meant to belong to a woman.

As someone who hoped to serve in Chaield’s employ for many years, Bruno wisely chose to humble himself. Like a cautious cat lowering its tail, he obeyed without question.

“There are no special appointments tomorrow, but I received word that His Majesty Leosys II has sent a messenger to the Chaield estate. You’ll need to send a response before the day is over.”

“The Emperor of Traiha sent for me?”

“Yes. His message was an invitation to dinner at your convenience. You could free up your schedule for a day… How would you like to proceed?”

Claire shifted her crossed legs to the opposite side, deep in thought.

A dinner invitation from the Emperor—it was something she had expected.

Traiha was currently amassing vast wealth from its colonial silver mines. The imperial family was wealthier than ever, and their fortunes would only continue to grow.

Compared to the vast reserves Chaield had built in secrecy over centuries, it was merely a drop in the ocean—but wealth was still wealth.

“So he wants to redefine our relationship now that his financial standing has changed. Inform the imperial family that I’ll be available on the final evening of my schedule. Be careful not to make it seem like we’re rushing.”

“Understood.”

“Is there anything else I should be aware of?”

“The central auction listings have been organized in your office.”

Claire’s lips curled ever so slightly in approval before she closed her eyes. The thought of spending money at the auction made her headache subside—just a little.

Traiha, with its mild climate—pleasantly warm without being stifling—and its streets lined with fruit-laden trees, was a haven for artists and philosophers.

Even if those very philosophers were shaking the nation’s foundations.

As a result, the market for paintings, ceramics, and sculptures—items with subjective value—was unusually active. To regulate this, private auction houses had developed into a well-established industry.

Brokers, in exchange for commissions, would print and distribute promotional pamphlets listing auction items. By collecting these pamphlets, one could get a rough overview of the most significant pieces up for bidding.

“Is there any sign of the item I was looking for? How much competition is there?”

“The brooch you mentioned, Eternal Lily, has a high starting price, but securing it shouldn’t be an issue.”

“Make sure we win that bid, no matter what. It’s a keepsake for Amel.”

“…Understood.”

Bruno, who had been on edge just moments ago, suddenly found Claire’s gaze softening into something almost innocent. The shift was so jarring that he momentarily felt lost.

It was only now, watching her from a distance in a foreign land, that the full weight of her ladyship’s presence truly struck him.

Attempting to lighten the mood, Bruno ventured, “And the Root of Radiance you’re bidding on as well—is that another keepsake, Lady Claire? It’s far more expensive, so I assume it must be.”

Claire’s expression immediately darkened. Her face made it clear that she had no intention of discussing it. Taking the hint, Bruno wisely shut his mouth.

“That’s for Amel’s security. Ensure we win that bid as well.”

Claire’s features twisted slightly as an unwelcome image surfaced in her mind—Vanessa Maybrante, drooling over an outrageously expensive necklace.

The Morning After the Ceremony

The first morning after receiving the Imperial Lily Medal.

Amel had promised herself that she would wake up refreshed, basking in the joy of being a property owner for the first time.

Reality, however, had other plans.

“Ah…”

Her entire body ached, and her lower back felt stiff. Last night’s unfortunate events had briefly been pushed aside in favor of reveling in her newfound landownership.

She hadn’t visited the estate yet, but just knowing it was right next to the Chaield duchy was enough to make her feel invigorated.

Kyle, who had willingly become the victim of her boundless enthusiasm the previous night, slowly stirred from sleep. His hair was a tangled mess, and he ran a hand through it, trying to smooth it down.

The sight of his bare skin—his toned muscles subtly visible beneath the sheets—only added to Amel’s satisfaction.

Whenever Kyle, still half-asleep, rubbed his face against the soft white pillow before turning to smile at her, Amel found herself at a loss for words.

His beauty was devastating.

“Good morning, noona.”

“Kyle… I think our bedding should always be white from now on. Also, how about sleeping in a little more often? I read somewhere that proper rest helps prevent dementia. And since sleep is best enjoyed in its natural state, why don’t you hand over that shirt you just picked up?”

Kyle, who had been maintaining a somewhat composed expression, suddenly mirrored Amel’s pleased smile.

Our bedding.

That meant sharing a bed from now on was already a given.

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