Chapter 3

“That’s quite a novel trick.”

Cassian’s neat brows twisted slightly, and Damia unconsciously swallowed.

Even though he was still only the young duke, his presence was intimidating.

“You said you’re the Ponti baron’s daughter? I guess it’s been your lifelong dream just to exchange a few words with me. Considering you’re saying such crazy things.”

“What? There’s no way I would have such a wish…”

“Then what?”

A crooked, mischievous smile appeared on the handsome young duke’s face.

“Ah—no, actually, you’re right. It really was my lifelong wish. Just making eye contact with you, Young Duke.”

Damia had been about to show clear disgust but suddenly seemed to realize something and quickly agreed instead.

“Well, that’s pretty common. I understand the feelings of young ladies. You must have been desperate to catch my attention…”

Even though Damia’s sudden change was rather awkward, Cassian didn’t seem to doubt her words at all.

“Hm…”

His excessive confidence was a little unpleasant, but she couldn’t exactly deny it either.

After all, his face was impressive enough to make people admire it even at a moment like this.

“Since you were brave enough to approach me, I’ll at least listen. Go on.”

If she failed to capture Cassian Sarkis’s attention here, she would probably never get another chance.

Damia’s violet eyes shone with determination.

“I told you already. I know that you’re someone who won’t live past adulthood.”

“You’re saying I’m dying soon?”

“I also know that from the moment you were born, your heart has been slowly growing colder day by day.”

Cassian tried to act calm, but his face stiffened coldly.

“You… where did you hear such ridiculous rumors?”

“No, Young Duke. I didn’t hear it from anywhere. I saw it myself.”

In her previous life, Damia had lived longer than the boy standing in front of her.

And she already knew why Cassian had to die so young.

The founder of the Sarkis family had once killed a mad dragon, and as the dragon died, it placed a curse upon the ducal family.

The seal that barely held the curse back was growing weaker with Cassian.

“Since I was young, things I saw in my dreams sometimes happened in real life. It didn’t happen often, though.”

Damia straightened her thin back.

Saying it was a dream sounded more believable than talking about a previous life.

“Hah. You saw it in a dream? And you expect me to believe that?”

“You will have to believe it. Because I have a way to temporarily stop the mad dragon’s curse that’s tormenting you.”

When she mentioned the dragon’s curse, Cassian suddenly stopped breathing for a moment. Shock filled his red eyes.

No wonder he’s surprised. Right now the ducal family is desperately hiding the fact that the curse’s seal is weakening.

In her previous life, an herb had been discovered shortly before Cassian died.

But by then it was already too late to make much difference.

That herb slowed the speed at which Cassian’s heart was freezing. It wasn’t a perfect solution, but at least it could have bought him time.

That purple herb grew only in the neglected flower bed behind the Ponti family’s old mansion.

Right now it was mistaken for a weed and left alone.

In my previous life, its effectiveness wasn’t proven until after that old Count Pavron swallowed up our entire family.

In the end, the one who benefited from that herb in her previous life had been Damia’s former husband.

“Stop lying.”

“I’m not lying, Young Duke.”

Cassian spoke in a tightly restrained voice.

He tried not to show it, but a faint trace of hope appeared in his eyes.

“So you want me to become your fiancé in exchange for telling me this method?”

“Yes. And during the engagement, even if you meet other ladies freely, I won’t interfere.”

“What? Why?”

“I can slow down the curse, but I can’t completely cure it. So I’m not expecting your heart in return.”

“So you can buy me time, but the rest is up to me.”

“Yes. Anyway, you won’t find a more useful fiancée than me.”

Cassian’s deep eyes narrowed.

“Then what do you gain from this deal?”

“You asked earlier if speaking to you even once was my lifelong wish. That’s it.”

“Miss Ponti.”

“I love you that much. Just staying by your side for a little while would make me happy.”

It was a shameless confession that showed no excitement, embarrassment, or hesitation.

Cassian let out a disbelieving laugh.

“Is that how someone confesses? You expect me to believe that?”

“What? I’m very nervous right now…”

Damia widened her eyes in surprise.

“I really mean it. I’m just a little pressed for time right now.”

“What?”

“My father is trying to sell me off as the second wife of an old count.”

“What kind of disgusting story is that? What kind of parent would… actually, I guess they do exist.”

Cassian had started to deny it strongly but stopped himself halfway.

An awkward silence fell between them.

“Ah, young Duke.”

Damia felt uncomfortable with the suddenly heavy atmosphere.

It was true she was desperate, but she didn’t want to look pitiful.

So she quickly pulled out a small glass bottle from her pocket.

“You don’t need to apologize or anything. Here, try drinking this.”

“What is it?”

“Proof that everything I said is true.”

“And why should I trust you enough to drink something suspicious like that?”

Cassian stared at the purple liquid sloshing inside the bottle.

“That’s your choice. But you don’t really have any other options right now, so why not just close your eyes and swallow it once?”

“You…”

“It will definitely work.”

Damia pressed the bottle firmly into his gloved hand.

Perhaps because of frequent training, his hand was large and strong for someone his age.

“Then please send word to the Ponti family.”

Damia tried to appear calm, but her small heart was pounding wildly.

Even if I begged him desperately, that proud young duke wouldn’t do something he didn’t want.

It was better to act like she didn’t care.

So that his curiosity would make him act on his own.

Damia quickly turned and walked away.

* * *

“Oh, Miss Ponti. This is our first time meeting in person, isn’t it?”

Her father had actually invited the old Count Pavron into their home.

The old couch was so large that he almost filled the small reception room.

“Ugh…”

Damia couldn’t stop herself from groaning softly and pressed her temples.

Cassian Sarkis hasn’t come looking for me.

Several days had already passed, but there had been no contact from Cassian.

Maybe she should have forced the medicine down his throat.

If she had done that, she wouldn’t have to face this old count again in this life.

“I am Joel Pavron.”

Damia reluctantly took the hand the count extended.

His thick hand was already sweaty.

“Hello, Count.”

Damia knew very well how violently this hand, pretending to be gentlemanly, could change.

Remembering her past life—where she had lived like a decorative object rather than a person—made her feel sick.

“I heard your hobby is reading. I like that you’re quiet and well-behaved.”

“You flatter me, Count.”

At the count’s generous praise, Damia’s father bowed repeatedly.

It seemed he was willing to be as humble as necessary just to connect with the wealthy count.

“A growing bud needs sunlight and nourishment.”

Count Pavron glanced around the baron family’s old and cramped house.

His gaze soon settled on Damia’s thin shoulders and worn sleeves.

“How about moving to my mansion in advance?”

“…Count?”

“I promise you’ll be treated very well. I’ll turn you into a perfect lady with all the refinement a noblewoman needs.”

“…”

“It’s a shame to see a precious gem like you so thin and dressed in rags. Now then, what is your answer?”