Chapter 20.
I Like That Woman
After Laurel left, the bedroom was left intact with only the two of them.
“Lucent, you must have had a hard time today.”
Applin von Hafen spoke, her jade-green eyes sparkling.
“No.”
He replied in a deep, husky voice.
In truth, whenever Lucent looked at Applin, a thought kept echoing in his mind.
‘I like that woman.’
‘I like that woman.’
Applin was unaware of this turbulent emotion that only Lucent felt.
As if to calm that strange feeling, Applin moved a little closer to him.
“I wasn’t troubled either, because you were there.”
Whatever the reason, knowing the wounds and despair that his partner had endured made Lucent appear different in her eyes.
Simply sharing in the human anguish hidden beneath his perfect exterior made her feel that she had become someone special to him.
“Applin.”
Lucent could no longer contain the surge of emotions directed at her.
The unfamiliar and awkward change was uncharacteristic, yet he felt a far greater intimacy toward Applin than before.
“I want to stay with you tonight.”
His eyes now burned with complex emotions.
Of course, this could be a temporary emotional disturbance.
Like a mirage appearing to wanderers in the desert, it could toy with them fully and then fade as if nothing had happened.
Yet at this moment, he longed for it desperately.
They lay side by side on the bed, both staring silently at the ceiling.
Applin pondered whether to mention the events on the island, while Lucent, unlike before, repeatedly touched his left chest where his heart throbbed painfully.
The Lucent of the past had been difficult to approach, yet now even lying together did not feel awkward.
At that moment, Lucent spoke unexpectedly.
“I wished someone would be there for me, too.”
They turned their heads as if by agreement, meeting each other’s gaze.
Though they did not speak of the mysterious experience from today, they could understand the vague meaning behind his words.
“Would it be alright if it were me?”
Applin asked with an innocent expression, and he silently nodded.
Lucent had never shared his emotions with anyone before.
At night, he often fell into a hollow emptiness for reasons he could not explain.
The knowledge that there was no one in the world to recognize his efforts and hardships could ruin a person.
Yet he never actively sought out people.
Holding back from breaking, doing everything to endure, and gathering the shattered pieces alone had always been his responsibility.
But now he was no longer alone.
Even if he had married Applin, he had never truly considered her a trustworthy presence.
He believed her background as a member of the Hafen family was sufficient.
Applin, like Monica or Marie, had merely been someone to protect.
Yet she had been there with him in his most painful and trying moments.
Even if she were only an illusion, it was a healing and meaningful experience for Lucent.
It could be dismissed as a contrived significance of past events, yet for him it had a persistent, almost chronic effect.
Thanks to Applin, his memories had changed.
“I think I should make a vow too…”
“A vow?”
Applin’s eyes widened.
Could he mean a vow to love her?
“Yes. That’s it.”
Lucent replied as if he had read her mind.
“I’ve decided to love you too, Applin. That way, our household can succeed.
For that, our relationship is extremely important.”
‘This man… has changed.’
Applin felt he was both the same and yet a completely different man.
Previously rigid and overly rational, the cold light in his blue eyes had vanished, replaced by warmth that now surrounded her husband.
“Applin, I want to maximize the efficiency of our relationship.”
“Pardon? What does that mean….”
Before she could finish her question, his lips covered hers.
With a soft gaze, he drew her closer and unleashed the emotions he had been restraining.
Startled at first, Applin quickly succumbed to the intoxicating whirlwind, closing her eyes gently.
Their lips crushed together, breaths intermingling, rough and urgent.
To accept each other fully, they moved passionately.
As Lucent’s lips brushed against Applin’s earlobe and neck, she shivered with low moans.
“One month feels far too long.”
He whispered near her ear, his voice laced with desire, slightly husky and unbearably sensual.
His lips searched for her again, distinctly different from the rough caresses he had called “insurance” before—pure indulgence and fervent longing.
Feeling his breath, Applin instinctively reached out, sensing the warmth of his taut body.
Lucent’s breath trembled subtly, his heart pounding erratically.
He could no longer restrain himself.
The mix of hesitation and desire for Applin surged, yet the longing could not be quelled.
“Beautiful.”
His voice was endlessly sweet.
“Sounds sincere.”
“I have no hobby for meaningless flattery.”
As his presence drew nearer, Applin’s heart raced as if the garden, frozen all winter, had thawed in the warm spring breeze.
The vague fear she had felt toward him vanished; finally, he truly felt like her husband.
Rather than resisting Lucent’s assertive advances, Applin succumbed to a strange thrill.
A sensation she had never felt before.
His kiss was pure, with no hidden malice or ulterior motive.
The closer he came, the more solid their bond as a married couple seemed.
‘Strange… I don’t dislike him.’
Precisely, she felt no aversion to his actions.
Though even the most refined gentlemen could act crude in the bedroom, Lucent restrained his desires with elegance.
He treated his wife with care, and that very caution became immensely attractive.
“I will keep the one-month promise.”
He whispered quietly.
“Lucent…”
He approached boldly, yet ultimately maintained the boundary.
Within the permitted limits, he seductively enchanted her.
He explored the unknown island that was Applin, sometimes boldly, yet never claimed victory.
“Why?”
Applin asked curiously as he suddenly stopped.
“Today, this is enough.”
‘Hah… He really keeps his promises.’
Though slightly disappointed, perhaps that was why he felt so reliable.
Applin nestled in his arms, abandoning all caution.
“Lucent, aren’t you frustrated?”
“Hm, seems like you’re more disappointed than I am.”
“Not at all.”
Lucent mischievously replied to Applin, whose face had turned red as she looked away.
Yet why didn’t he feel frustrated? He, too, was a vigorous man.
But as a married couple, they had many days ahead.
“Just wait.”
“For what?”
“When the time comes, I won’t show mercy.”
* * *
News of Applin and Lucent’s wedding appeared in every imperial newspaper, creating a stir among the nobility.
Though the image of a distinguished young lady and a ruthless banker still dominated, everyone was intensely curious about the choice of a Hafen noblewoman.
The day before departing for Rount, the capital, the Blackcarson couple was invited to dinner.
All guests were notable figures whose names alone would be recognized.
The hosts for the evening were Johannes Branner and his wife, owners of the Rount Times, the empire’s leading newspaper.
Lucent, naturally, was the most pleased with the invitation, though minor issues arose during preparations.
“Put it on, Lucent.”
“The blue bothers me…”
“Look, it’s just a white linen jacket and pants, the shirt is blue—closer to sky blue.”
Lucent frowned and shook his head.
The dress code on the invitation was blue, and Applin had prepared shirts for herself and Lucent in a pale blue to match the scenery of Haven.
But for Lucent, who always wore black suits, it was a hard outfit to accept.
“Lucent, did you know? Your eyes are like blue diamonds. This shirt’s color matches them, highlighting your handsome face.”
“Madam, the boss never wears anything but black and white suits.”
Leon, sensing Applin was pushing her luck, offered sincere advice.
He knew Lucent followed his own rules and would not bend, even for his wife.
Yet Applin struck a decisive blow with a victorious remark.
“Can’t you do this much for your wife?”
