BOMW 18

chapter 18

2021.02.02

“There’s a saying in our country: a fruit that looks good isn’t necessarily satisfying.”

“Come now, Duke Lillias. Sir Carlisle is healthy and more than any man, has a vigorous desire for women. I can guarantee that.”

“Has Your Majesty seen it for yourself?”

“Not exactly…”

The emperor twisted his mouth in apparent discomfort, suddenly showing a confused expression. It was exactly as Duke Lillias said. He had never even heard rumors of Pervin being involved with a woman, let alone sensed such an atmosphere. His first woman had been the current Duchess, and there were even rumors that he had lost interest in women entirely after her. The emperor’s expression kept shifting, and Duke Lillias bit his lip, delivering the final blow.

“It seems I must teach him a thing or two. During my stay at their home, I’ll get a feel for the surroundings and, above all, give Sir Carlisle some advice.”

“Advice to a grown man?”

“About that secret and sacred thing that happens at night.”

Duke Lillias’s face was full of resolute determination. The emperor looked at him incredulously.

“Carlisle isn’t a child. He surely knows about such things.”

“It’s never harmful to be prepared, Your Majesty.”

When Duke Lillias showed the emperor what he had prepared, the emperor’s eyes widened in shock.

“To give such a precious thing only to Pervin… shouldn’t it be shared widely?”

The time for Duke Lillias to arrive at our house drew near. Though I had never met him, perhaps it was because he was recorded in the original story as the only one who had cared for Irwen. I already felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity toward him. I busied myself checking the finest guest room and preparing the final things he might need. Just then, Alfred approached cautiously.

“Milady, I’m terribly sorry to bother you while you’re busy, but…”

“Then don’t bother me, Alfred!”

Marianne waved her hands busily and added, “Milady, look at how focused you are right now.”

But Alfred persisted.

“The master is calling you. He just got up and finished washing, and asked me to bring you because he has a favor to ask.”

“Oh, that’s it? Then go quickly, milady~”

Marianne switched to a gentle tone instantly, while Alfred clicked his tongue in disbelief. Before heading to the second-floor hallway, I went with Alfred to the kitchen to get the honey water I had requested from the chef earlier. I shrugged at Alfred’s puzzled expression.

“You drank a lot yesterday. His hangover must be severe.”

He silently led me to Pervin’s room. Expecting him to look drunk, I was surprised to find him quite the opposite. He faced me by the window, wearing only a towel around his lower body. I placed the bowl on the table, and Pervin blinked.

“So, this no longer surprises you.”

Though my heart had dropped at his half-naked state, I replied with a forced composure.

“Seeing this often builds immunity. Drink this—it’ll help with your hangover.”

“Honey water?”

“The best for sobering up.”

“Thanks.”

Pervin nodded and drank the honey water in one go. It was hard to believe he had been so drunk yesterday. I stepped back slowly, pretending to be unaffected, though I was actually flustered by his bare body. It was my second time seeing him like this, and yet the sight still unsettled me. Perhaps because it was broad daylight, with sunlight pouring in. No, it was simply that seeing Pervin made my heart race. I tried to calm myself and faced him steadily.

“You said it’s urgent—why did you call me?”

“Pick out my clothes. I want to make a good impression on my in-laws, but I have no talent for choosing attire.”

I readily agreed and went to the wardrobe, examining and selecting several outfits. The only sounds from him were the rustling of papers. The room was filled with quiet tension. I draped a few outfits over my arm and looked back. Pervin was leaning against the window, apparently reading documents. Wet strands of hair fell onto his forehead, and he raised a veined hand to sweep them away. Droplets of water trickled down his long eyelashes. He was stunning—a perfect visual. His lean, toned body, broad shoulders, bulging muscles, and especially his radiant, handsome face. My heart raced again. I clenched my hands, pressed my fingers, and bit my lips, but my gaze kept trembling, drawn irresistibly toward him.

He closed his eyes briefly, then opened them, focusing his green eyes on me, speaking in a gentle voice.

“Have you chosen?”

I cleared my throat and placed the clothes on the bed. I scolded myself for staring at his wet chest. It’s just like looking at a sculpture in a museum, I repeated to myself.

“I’ve chosen, though I’m not sure it fits your taste. I’ll leave now.”

My voice trembled noticeably. I pressed a hand against my racing heart, wanting to escape before he noticed my embarrassment. I didn’t expect to feel this way toward his soft voice and sculpted body.

“Wait, Irwen.”

He stepped closer, his voice languid and soft.

“Can you check my outfit? Not just for Duke Lillias, but I want to look good for you too.”

How could I refuse when he looked at me so earnestly? I nodded and stepped aside. A dimple appeared on his cheek. I found myself stealing glances at him. Every droplet from his wet hair caught my attention. His breath caused his chest to rise and fall, making it hard to focus elsewhere. Then his languid voice snapped me back.

“I need to wear clothes, but if you want to see, watch.”

“No!”

He laughed softly at my reaction. I clutched my pounding chest, turned away, and hid my face with my hands. The rustle of clothes filled the air, then stopped. I slowly lowered my hands.

“Are you done?”

“Yes.”

“Really?”

“Now, touch it.”

He took my hand, guiding it to a spot. I closed my eyes and felt the texture of thick fabric. When I opened my eyes slightly, my fingers were on his chest. A low chuckle reached my ears. Pervin held my hand tightly, his lips curled in amusement. He clearly enjoyed teasing me. My heart raced uncontrollably, and I saw his chest move with every breath. My hand rested on his left chest, and it seemed his heart beat as fast as mine.

“Get used to my body, Irwen.”

He leaned toward me, whispering lazily.

“Duke Lillias is your brother. I want to show you our best side. You want that too, right?”

I nodded repeatedly, my cheeks flushed. Pervin gently lowered my hand from his chest.

“Let’s try our best, like an ordinary married couple.”

I clasped my warm hands around his, feeling the warmth from his body.

Prepared, Pervin and I walked to the living room. He fidgeted with his collar and asked suddenly:

“Irwen, why are you walking so far from me?”

I glanced at him, noticing his exposed neck. I swallowed nervously. He gave me a strange look.

“Do I smell bad?”

“No, not at all.”

“Then come closer.”

I realized the distance between us and moved closer along the hallway wall. Even walking side by side made me blush, imagining his body beneath his fine clothes. I dropped my gaze and hid my face with my hands. It was like standing next to a first love without being able to meet their eyes.

“Irwen?”

Pervin’s gaze prompted me to move slightly away from the wall.

“Is this close enough?”

“You wouldn’t walk this far from me otherwise.”

He strode toward me like a predator, one hand in his pocket. I instinctively moved faster to avoid him, forgetting I was in a cumbersome gown for a good impression. I stumbled, but he caught me by the waist and held me steady. His sturdy legs supported me, and our clothes were rumpled. His strong hands guided me upright.

“That was dangerous.”

Concerned, he extended a hand, large and elegant.

“Thank you.”

I dusted off my hand and took his gently. He clasped my hand softly, careful not to hurt me.

Downstairs, the staff were bustling, serving refreshments.

“Duke Lillias has arrived, milady.”

“Already?”

Pervin seemed to notice my disheveled state and led me into the parlor. A handsome man with pale eyes sat there. Upon seeing me, he smiled brightly and ran forward, grabbing my hand before Pervin could greet him.

“My lovely sister, Irwen!”

He embraced me and kissed my cheek repeatedly. I was startled, eyes wide. Leon Lillias looked nothing like me except for pale eyes. Dark brown hair, fair skin, handsome and reliable. He checked my well-being.

“Are you well, Irwen? I was worried when I hadn’t heard from you for weeks.”

It was the time after I had awoken in Irwen’s body. I smiled reassuringly.

“I’m perfectly healthy, Duke Lillias.”

“Call me brother, not duke. Just like before. Now, brother~”

I mumbled the word:

“…Brother.”

“Good! Your voice is kind, your gaze warm.”

I tried to focus on him, but Pervin’s lonely face behind us distracted me. I interrupted to speak.

“Brother, you should greet my husband too.”

“Have you been well, Duke Lillias?”

Pervin greeted politely. Lillias acknowledged him reluctantly.

“Well, so-so. I hear you’ve not been feeling well, so you couldn’t welcome me properly. How is your health?”

“I’m fine.”

He scanned Pervin and murmured:

“Perhaps lacking in sturdiness…”

Seeing Pervin’s raised eyebrows, he quickly changed the subject.

“Shall we move? I want to talk alone with Irwen.”

“Of course.”

Pervin leaned close and whispered:

“We’re acting like an ordinary couple, remember.”

I hesitated, then leaned closer. I instinctively kissed his cheek. He was shocked, cheeks flushed. Before Lillias could intervene, he quickly left the room. His ears were red. We both felt embarrassed from the impulsive act.

Lillias teased me:

“Is there trouble with your husband?”

“No?”

“Why get so flustered over a simple kiss?”

No, it wasn’t that—I couldn’t control my racing heart or my attraction to him.

Having lived here for weeks, I gave Duke Lillias a tour. He admired the gardens and the mansion’s lavish interior, particularly the marital bedroom. He scrutinized details as if making sure I lived comfortably. He expressed concern over not seeing me since the wedding and explained his wife’s difficult pregnancy and past health issues. He was especially interested in my married life—whether Pervin treated me well, whether I endured hardships, and if our nights were proper. I gave vague answers; lying about intimacy felt impossible, and I couldn’t explain that Irwen hadn’t been cruel either. Lillias nodded kindly but occasionally probed further.

“Pervin treats you well, right?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Good, I see.”

Though calm on the surface, he seemed determined to uncover any hidden truths.

Dinner arrived. I sat across from Pervin while Lillias served me food.

“Try this, Irwen. It’s delicious.”

“Thank you, brother.”

“Of course, a brother should do this.”

Lillias shot Pervin a sharp look, silently asking: And your husband?

Pervin barely touched his food, face pale with tension.

Lillias commented on the house tour:

“The gardens are beautiful, and the marital bedroom cozy.”

He then asked pointedly:

“I wonder if our Irwen is properly treated by her husband. Are their nights…?”

Pervin, unfazed, replied calmly:

“There’s no law saying we can only sleep in bed, is there?”