Chapter 33 – The Art of Seduction (2)
“Was my question rude of me?”
Mio cautiously added, seeing how flustered the other person was. Samuel, who had dropped the letter he was holding, stammered.
“I—I was startled because you asked such a question so suddenly…”
He bit the soft flesh inside his cheek.
A “girlfriend”—just hearing the word made his heart race. Samuel, who had assisted his father from a young age, never had the luxury of making friends. The only women he knew were his mother, Lavinia, and Lauren, whom he had met here.
‘I’ve also spent a long time on the battlefield.’
He had endured three years on a war-torn front, following his master through blood-soaked fields. It wasn’t that he had no interest in the opposite sex, but his environment continually pushed him toward a monk-like life.
“No, I’m grateful that you took an interest.”
In the Caspian Empire, it was common for nobles, regardless of gender, to marry before turning twenty-four. Some prominent families arranged marriages for political reasons, but most did not. Young nobles of that age eagerly attended balls to find their fated match. Mio’s question prompted Samuel to reflect on something he had never considered before.
‘I’ve never really thought about marriage.’
And there was no young lady who could possibly care for someone like him, without title or wealth.
‘But that’s fine. All I need to do is serve the Duke diligently.’
His chance to work under the Caspian Duke had come by accident.
Though he had been the useless second son, his talents were recognized here. Lost in his thoughts, Samuel was brought back when Mio handed him the neatly organized letters.
“But because you’re such an outstanding person, I’m sure a good match will come along soon.”
At her gentle words, Samuel’s ears, cheeks, and neck flushed red, and he kept clearing his throat. She seemed genuinely kind, and he could hardly look her in the eye.
“Duke, I’ve prepared the documents you requested.”
When the butler placed the papers on the desk, Geoffrey briefly lifted his head.
The butler was flawless, as always. His hair perfectly parted with pomade, his uniform without a single wrinkle, and his shoes polished to a shine—the same as when Geoffrey first saw him as a child. The only changes were the wrinkles on his face and the grey in his hair.
“Alfred, the matter I asked about has been handled.”
Alfred bowed his head.
“Thank you for granting my request.”
Sometimes they exchanged words that no one else knew about, and this was one of those times. Alfred, who rarely asked for favors, had once said something peculiar.
‘I hear a hunting competition requires a companion.’
The competition itself was daunting enough; finding a companion was the last thing he expected. He had even tried to think of excuses to skip it. The idea of facing the emperor, empress, and Ben all at once gave him a headache.
‘If it’s undecided, I recommend Lady Mio.’
“…What did you just say?”
‘I believe she is the most suitable person to accompany the Duke.’
Alfred knew that only nobles could attend the hunting competition. If he still made this recommendation, it meant more than a simple suggestion.
‘If my butler recommends her…’
Alfred had been loyal his entire life, and Geoffrey treasured him deeply. Granting the request without question was an act of trust and affection.
“And it seems you should leave immediately.”
There had been a small fire on the estate, causing some commotion. Geoffrey’s face darkened after stepping out briefly to assess the damage. The emperor had granted him barren lands, and a long period without rain had caused frequent fires.
‘I don’t mind struggling myself.’
But seeing his people suffer because of their allegiance to him was disheartening. Looking at the long stack of documents Alfred brought, Geoffrey sighed, pondering solutions.
“Feeling helpless is truly dreadful.”
Handing the whip and gloves to the boy attending him, Geoffrey strode up the stairs.
“Samuel!”
He intended to instruct Samuel on how to help a young couple who had lost their home. But despite calling his name, there was no sign of him near the office.
“Where is Samuel?”
“If you mean Samuel, he’s in the ballroom.”
“The ballroom…?”
Why on earth would he be dancing during work hours?
Curious, Geoffrey found the ballroom and heard music streaming through the slightly open door. As he approached with a furrowed brow, he caught Samuel’s trembling voice.
“This is my first time doing this.”
“It’s fine. No one can be perfect on their first try.”
Hearing the unusual conversation, Geoffrey couldn’t hide his surprise.
‘Have I been too indifferent to Samuel?’
He recalled making Samuel work constantly, ignoring his personal life. Since Samuel had little interest in women, Geoffrey had paid no attention to his love life.
‘It’s better to just pretend I don’t know.’
He could give instructions later. Just as Geoffrey turned to leave, Samuel inhaled sharply, panting.
“Huff… huff…”
“Is your waist alright?”
Geoffrey paused, catching the exchange.
‘That’s her voice.’
He had no intention of interfering in Samuel’s love life, but he disliked the choice of companion.
‘After trying to seduce me, now she’s setting her sights on Samuel too.’
Recalling Mio hugging Samuel and whispering sweetly, Geoffrey scowled. A naive Samuel wouldn’t withstand such overt affection.
Furious, Geoffrey kicked open the ballroom door. Beyond the wide-open entrance, he saw the two embracing.
“What on earth is going on?”
His cold voice froze the once warm ballroom air instantly.
Mio and Samuel were startled.
Though they had done nothing wrong, they felt utterly at fault.
“…Duke.”
Geoffrey’s burning gaze was deadly, as if he could strike them down with a sword.
‘He could actually kill with that look.’
Startled, Mio released Samuel’s hand. Samuel immediately turned off the phonograph. The music vanished, leaving an ominous silence in the room.
“Duke.”
“What is the meaning of this?”
Geoffrey stepped inside, scanning them from head to toe. Though properly dressed, Mio felt exposed.
‘It feels like being caught cheating by a duchess.’
She couldn’t understand why Geoffrey was angry. Hesitant, she prepared to speak, but Samuel spoke first.
“I’m sorry. After finishing the task—”
“You finished your work, so why are you dancing?”
Samuel wasn’t one to indulge in entertainment like drinking or gambling. Dancing suddenly was completely unexpected. Under the Duke’s interrogation, his voice dropped.
“I had a little help from Lady Mio.”
“…Help of what kind?”
“Well… that is…”
At Geoffrey’s sharp question, Samuel went pale. Mio stepped in front of him.
“It’s entirely my fault. I insisted we dance.”
Whatever anger the Duke felt, she had caused the situation.
Mio abandoned her plan to seduce Samuel. He was a noble, polite, and handsome man.
‘But my heart doesn’t race at all.’
His shy smile was cute, but she didn’t see him as a man. Even with no dating experience, she knew marrying a boyish man wasn’t ideal. So she decided to help Samuel with his love life instead.
‘Really? He’s never attended a ball before?’
The Caspian Empire loved music, art, and dance. Balls were held year-round. Tales of extravagant nobles wasting their wealth were endless.
It didn’t concern a penniless fox girl like her, but Samuel was different.
‘Somehow, I want to look after him.’
She had long forgotten her initial plan of not getting attached. That’s why she had encouraged dancing.
‘It might be good for him to meet someone he can converse with comfortably.’
“But I…”
Samuel, nervously fidgeting with his cuffs, blushed as if ready to burst.
‘He looks like he’s making friends at the ball, but has he ever danced?’
“A little when I was a child…”
“Well, the work is done, so let’s practice the waltz!”
That’s why they ended up in the ballroom. She had danced waltzes before, and while she didn’t remember when, her body moved naturally when music played.
“So you insisted on dancing?”
At Mio’s defense, Geoffrey narrowed his eyes. He ordered Samuel to go out.
“Go to the butler and hear your tasks. This is no time for dance practice.”
“Yes, sir.”
Samuel hurried out, giving Mio an awkward smile. Soon, the sound of Geoffrey’s footsteps echoed in the empty ballroom.
‘Why isn’t he going with him, and coming toward me?’
Watching Geoffrey approach, Mio swallowed hard.
‘Disheveled… and handsome.’
Usually impeccable, he now looked somewhat casual. Black ash stained his sleeves, dust covered his shoes. This slight looseness added a peculiar charm to his appearance.
‘As expected, Geoffrey the irresistible.’
Unable to take her eyes off him, Mio muttered to herself.
