CH 2.01

The person in front of me is His Grace Duke Claude Lindbeld, the current head of the Lindbeld family.

His deep crimson hair and eyes of the same color were like the finest rubies, and even though he looks passionate, he has a cold personality.

No, that’s not right.

His true nature is that of a con man, a black-hearted devil, and the worst kind of man with an extremely twisted personality.

He has an undisputedly beautiful and well-defined face, and his physique is toned and attractive, which is why the ladies of the world are pining for him, but I don’t agree with them at all.

Such a ridiculously beautiful man got married about two months ago.

The person he married was, after all, me.

Yes, yes, I still remember that day.

And the damage it caused.

By the way, he is currently my top imaginary enemy.

Anyway, he is a black-hearted devil of a man.

He distorted what he had said round and round, and forced me to do what he called my duty, and still tried to make me move to his convenience.

Mmm, but there was no threat to my life anymore!

I mean, I don’t have to listen to this guy!

I thought so some time ago.

Now I am on the verge of collapse.

It all started just a few minutes ago.

“Hey, Lil.”

“Yes, Risha-sama?”

“What time is it?”

“It’s tea time.”

“It’s tea time… So, what’s this?”

Yes, there are basically two tea times in the routine of a typical noblewoman.

Sipping tea elegantly and lazing away the hours.

Once between breakfast and lunch, and once between lunch and dinner, two times in total.

Sometimes I’d be invited to a social tea party instead of lunch, so I sometimes have lunch and tea there.

In other words, tea is a noblewoman’s habit.

And there are always tea cakes to accompany the tea.

Yes, tea cakes! Sweet stuff!

“That’s a document, I think?”

“It is! I’m wondering why this is brought instead of tea. Why aren’t there any? Something sweet!”

“Actually, Risha-sama, Ragnard-sama has strictly ordered us not to serve any sweets.”

Lil said in a troubled tone.

“Why?”

“I have no idea.”

Indeed.

Ragnard is definitely on to something.

I left my troublesome duties behind and asked Lil to call Ragnard.

All I want is three meals and a nap; my definition of a depraved life! ―― Why does everyone want me to work when I’ve already told my husband that?

I really wish I didn’t have to.

While I was drinking tea grumpily, Ragnard and somehow my husband came over.

In an instant, an ominous premonition struck me.

A ruthless black-hearted man is a man with a twisted personality who interprets people’s words to suit his own needs.

“Nice breeze, Risha.”

“There’s no wind now, is there?”

Just as I retorted, a cool breeze blew.

Hey, there, wind! Read the air, the air! Why is even nature on my husband’s side!

My husband props his elbows on the table and smiles at me.

It’s not a kind, compassionate smile. It’s a pitch-black, scheming smile.

“Can I have a cup of tea too, Ragnard?”

“Very well, My Lord.”

Ragnard pours tea from the teapot that had been prepared for me superbly.

My maids are watching him.

It’s strange how the same tea leaves and the same teapot can taste different depending on how it’s brewed.

By the way, Ragnard is the best at making tea so far. The next best is Lil. Layla, who graduated from an institute top of her class in practical skills, is still not as experienced as Lil.

On another note, Lina  is not quite there yet.

I’m used to Ragnard’s taste, so my assessment may sound harsh.

If it were normal, they would have passed with satisfactory scores.

“What exactly is it you want?”

I don’t really have any business with you at all, Mister.

If you have time to drink a cup of tea with your long legs crossed in a showy manner, you’d better bury yourself in your papers.

“――It’s delicious. But drinking a good tea like this makes me want to eat something.”

My ears perked up.

“Do you want me to prepare something for you?”

“Sort of…but I’d feel sorry for you, who can’t eat. So, I’ll just keep my weight down here.”

Yeaaaaah???!!!

What was that?!

My temples throbbed.

I feel like my patience with my husband is completely exhausted.

“What do you mean?”

When I opened my mouth while suppressing my anger, my husband chuckled.

Of course, it’s a nasty smile.

“It means, of course, that the contract I signed before our marriage did not include sweets ―― as a condition.”

Hahaha, I knew you would say that!

But I was just naive, wasn’t I?

I’ve been trying to figure out some countermeasures!

“Well, then it can’t be helped.”

Nothing showed on my face, and I quietly agreed instead.

Hmph, you won’t always get the best of me.

I realized it long ago. You’re deplorable, Husband!

“Oh, speaking of which, it’s no use asking Diego. One more thing, I’ve already confiscated the snacks you hid in your room.”

“…Husband,  do you know how impolite it is to enter your wife’s room without permission?”

“I did not enter. I only ordered the maidservant through Ragnard.”

Right. Hey you, traitors! What do you mean?

When I looked at the three maids, they all answered with a smile.

What the hell?

You’re not on my side, either?

Where the hell are my allies?

And I’m sorry, Diego. It looks like it was my fault that you didn’t have a vacation.　

I’m a worthless woman who can’t even protect her only ally.

“Well, Madam, what do you have to say for yourself?”

“…Husband, don’t you think we need to talk about our contract a little more?”

“Right you are. I think so too.”

I hate you.

Why did I ever agree to marry this man?

At the time, I thought it was for the best, but now, all I can think is that I had actually tied myself to the worst man.

“Ragnard, do you have the contract ready?”

“Yes.”

Ragnard quickly produced a formal contract.

I’ve told you many times, Ragnard! I’m your former master!

“Alright, Risha, let’s go over our terms with each other, shall we?”

I have to get into the spirit of this.

I mean, wait a minute! I’m at an overwhelming disadvantage when Ragnard and my husband are teaming up! Take it a little easy on me, Husband!

Ku~hu~hu!

It wasn’t supposed to be like this when we got married!!