TNCTR 98🔐

Summary

I used the one and only artifact that can make someone fall in love with me unconditionally.
And I used it on the Crown Prince—the most handsome man on the continent, known for his perfect manners and called everyone’s first love—who also happens to know my secret.

But I have no intention of giving up this life that I barely managed to obtain through regression.
My goal is simple: coax this man well enough so I can live safely as the first-ever female duke.

Ha… it’s all over.

The man, who no longer yearned for my love, curved his lips into a cold smile.

“What is it that you want?”
“I deceived you, used you, and I’m a traitor who even killed your parents. I know. I understand how you feel, so if you want my wealth, I’ll give it to you. If you want to keep the duchy in your grasp and control it, do as you please. Just… please, don’t kill me.”
“Do you think I would kill my lovely you?”

The heavy scent of cigars spread low in the room.

“I’m pretty sure I told you before.”

As always, his voice was gentle and polite, yet at the same time forceful and impossible to resist, seeping into my ears.

“If you behave prettily, I’ll cherish you.”

He put down his teaspoon, rested his chin on his hand, and reached out toward me.
The way his hand brushed coldly yet searingly over the nape of my neck felt as hot as being burned.

“But what should I do? You’re so beautiful just sitting there doing nothing.”

…But the look in his eyes didn’t seem like he was cherishing me at all.