Chapter 68
Getting even just 2% of the Grand Duke’s attention was a big win—and Helena now had confidence. She leaned in closer.
“Wouldn’t it be nice for all of us to socialize more? The more the merrier, right?”
“Um…” I murmured.
“You must come to my family’s parties next time. And you absolutely must attend my tea party. You always do!”
“I see,” Raymond replied casually, but his eyes remained fixed firmly on me, not Helena.
He murmured something too soft to hear—maybe “orange suits you well” or something? But Helena talked on obliviously. She was trying to make this connection work, desperately, and I admired that determination.
“What sort of tea do you like? Please tell me—I’ll prepare it specially for you, heehee.”
Still smiling, Helena persisted even as my blank expression grew frustrating. Then Raymond’s expression darkened. He turned sharply toward Helena.
“I don’t know about your choice of tea, but I’m sure I detest those who butt in without tact.”
“…Excuse me?”
Then he walked away. The Count Hyren—who had been waiting for his turn to greet the Grand Duke—quickly took the opportunity and stepped forward.
Helena was left standing, completely thrown.
A proud noblewoman being cold-shouldered—her pride must’ve been crushed. Feeling for her, I reached out to touch her shoulder.
“Um, Helena…”
But she stood tall, clenching her fists.
“The Grand Duke must be very shy. I’ll try even harder next time.”
Still recovering her composure, she straightened up. Honestly, her persistence was both shocking and… impressive.
Next Morning
As soon as we reached our new base for the business, Raymond asked,
“Are you close with Lady Kitten?”
He asked genuinely. He might have looked like he didn’t care before, but now it was clear he noticed her—and what she’d been trying.
I muttered, grumpily,
“Yes… we’re pretty close.”
He paused before asking,
“Are you going to attend the Kitten family’s tea party?”
“Yes.”
“Then—I’ll have to come too.”
He said it with reluctance, but it was a decision made.
Helena had sent invitations to many nobles… even after being disregarded twice, she wouldn’t relent.
That ambition was something else.
Later That Day—An Unexpected Moment
Raymond stepped close to me, suddenly bending down and pressing his face near mine. I tried to step back, confused, but he held my shoulder firmly.
“Why are you acting like that?”
“Eilene, look.”
He pointed to the corner of his lip—it was cut and bleeding.
“You hurt yourself?”
“Yes.”
“How?”
“During sword training—it got a bit rough.”
His injury made my heart ache—why his delicate face, yet so easily harmed? Then he brought his face even closer.
“Look. It’s deep—and it hurts every time I speak.”
“Really?”
I peered closely—it was indeed a painful cut. Instinctively, I reached for healing potion—but he stopped me.
“Don’t use that.”
“Oh?”
“I want you to heal me yourself.”
His calm confidence nearly made me say “yes” without thinking.
“You want me—like, tongue kiss you?”
“Yes.”
“Uh…”
“Now.”
He ordered softly—but with a weight that made me melt.
He was… being so serious.
I felt torn, but his earnest eyes and the sweetness of the moment made it impossible to resist.
“Alright.” I quietly agreed.
Before I knew it, he leaned in close—he was inches from my lips.
Then—reluctantly, I extended my tongue and gently touched the cut.
He winced. I moved carefully—and the wound closed, completely healed.
Success! I’d healed him perfectly.
As I pulled back, his lips captured mine in a sudden, engulfing kiss.
“Ah…” I gasped.
It was a full-on kiss, and I couldn’t escape it.
His lips tasted like him—not the blood but his scent, warm and soft. My skin tingled, and time seemed to slow under his touch. My breath hitched.
When the kiss ended, his gaze stayed locked on me. He licked his lower lip slowly and said, softly:
“Eilene… you’re very sweet.”
“Wha… how can you say that so casually.”
My face burned bright red. I hid it immediately behind both hands—embarrassed but so happy.
Later—Back at Night Watch Headquarters
Raymond and I visited the Night Watch again—this time in simpler attire, and I still wore my hat for anonymity.
The purpose was to deliver our contract deposit.
Word had spread in Ferment that the Duke was behind the successful beauty business. Having both military and economic strength was seen as a stabilizing factor—so we let the rumors spread.
The Night Watch, being spies, probably already suspected Raymond’s role—but they acted accordingly.
When we walked in, Zetren surprised us:
“Ere Essence… could I… buy from you directly?”
I blinked. Was he suggesting he’d like to buy it for personal use?
“Because it’s impossible to even find on the black market. If you can get it, I’d be willing to revise our contract in your favor.”
He seemed… desperate. He offered more than expected. It felt like he was clinging at my feet—but somehow ended up charming with it.
I asked,
“Are you going to use it yourself?”
“That would be good… but my wife wants it, too. There are some things money can’t just buy.”
Since the product was so new, nobles got it first—even if they had to show status over pay.
I opened my small gift box—inside were five bottles of Ere Essence.
“I brought this as a gift anyway. Use these.”
“Wow! Thank you! This’ll keep me from getting nagged at home!”
Zetren—the rough-looking spy—lit up like sunshine. The agents around him stared with envy and admiration.
