BOMW 20

chapter 20

2021.02.09

Pervin placed the book on the table with a thunk and shook his head.

“How could Irwen possibly read such explicit descriptions? I just can’t do it.”

“I don’t understand why. Aren’t you both old enough to know these things?”

“Ha… Anyway, I can manage perfectly fine without it.”

The Duke of Lillias looked surprised at Pervin’s unexpectedly intense reaction, but he didn’t waver in his argument.

“In Verma, this kind of work is already wildly popular among women. ‘Bigger is Better’—even the title is enticing, isn’t it?”

“Women actually read something like this?”

“The sensual descriptions and the heart-racing bedroom scenes are exceptional. Even married couples in the doldrums read this and enjoy a second honeymoon. Noblewomen are constantly looking for this book. The bedroom scenes are the best; his books sell out because there simply aren’t enough copies. Reading this today and letting Irwen see it too would be beneficial in many ways.”

Pervin perked up his ears suddenly. He was curious about what kind of work could earn such praise from Duke Lillias. Seeing Pervin take an interest, the duke encouraged him with additional advice.

“Once you’ve lubricated things with a novel, at night, using a little drink to ease the tension can also be effective, Sir Carlisle.”

“A drink, you say?”

Duke Lillias nodded as if gaining confidence from Pervin’s brightening eyes.

“When my wife and I feel the weight of expectations, after dinner, a light drink comforts both body and mind. And the effects of alcohol are greater than you think—my wife’s charm comes back to me tenfold.”

“In that case, I don’t think we need alcohol at all.”

Pervin thought of how his body already heated up just from seeing Irwen’s skin. Duke Lillias, wearing a lecherous expression, added further advice.

“Relations aided by drink feel extraordinarily ecstatic.”

Running his fingers through his platinum hair, Pervin thought: we don’t need such things. No lubrication, no drink—still, I feel drawn to Irwen. Yet, he continued flipping through the novel.

A few days later, at the mansion

Duke Lillias and Pervin had gone hunting at the emperor’s invitation, leaving me alone at the mansion with the book Pervin had left for me. From the title alone, it seemed unusual.

“Bigger is Better?”

The title was printed inside a flashy red cover. Judging by its worn edges, it had clearly been passed around a lot. Some passages were even underlined in red. I barely noticed the markings, however, and soon became absorbed in the book. The small, dense text strained my eyes, but it was worth it.

“Oh my, oh my, oh my.”

The constant romantic scenes and the thrillingly intimate bedroom moments, sneaking glances to ensure no one was around—this was a perfect novel. Entertaining and even enlightening—but why did Pervin give this to me? I recalled the stiff expression he had worn when handing it over, trying to remain nonchalant, yet his flushed ears betrayed some secret agenda. He muttered as if gazing at a distant mountain:

“A friend recommended it. I thought you could read it and then tell me whether it’s worth your time.”

I quickly became absorbed, doubting whether I’d truly never read it before. The protagonists’ stories were engaging, but the scenes appealing to primal instincts were what truly captivated me. Even as a high-ranking duchess, I was undeniably human. I had intended to read casually, yet before I knew it, I had missed lunch. I kept re-reading the most striking passages, the ones already underlined:

• A sculpted body with sharp jawlines and a supple waist, clear proof of the emperor’s vigor.

• They came in drenched from the cold rain. When the woman shivered, the man’s strong body covered her. His chest moved with an angry rhythm.

• When the woman bit her lip unknowingly, the emperor bent his supple waist over her body. He seated her atop himself, guiding her hands over him. Tense chest muscles, abs…

No one was around, yet I buried myself in the book. The writing was so vivid, the scenes practically floated before my eyes. My mind swirled. Yet, I kept thinking of Pervin. The male protagonist’s supple waist, the way he flexed while embracing the heroine—it reminded me eerily of Pervin holding me. My face burned. Memories of Pervin, shirtless, holding me tight, confessing his love—it all tingled across my body. I tried to cool my flushed face with my cold hands.

When the maid Marianne appeared through the slightly open door, I hastily hid the book in my dress. Marianne said hurriedly:

“The Carlisle elders have arrived. They’re waiting in the reception room…”

“Oh, right.”

I stood, letting the book fall onto the vanity. Marianne kept checking my face nervously.

“Are you feeling unwell, ma’am? If uncomfortable, perhaps you should turn the guests away?”

“I’m fine.”

“Do you feel warm? There’s a flu going around these days.”

“No, nothing like that. I’ll go down now.”

I forced my flushed face to calm, then went downstairs. The Carlisle household retainers were gathered, brimming with excitement. All sported white beards and round physiques, like Santa Clauses. Compared to slender Pervin, they bore little resemblance. Seeing me, they all straightened and bowed respectfully. One stepped forward, handing me a paper:

“We’ve finally set the wedding night date after six months.”

“Oh… thank you… wait, a wedding night date?”

Their directness made my head spin. I read the date inside:

Imperial Year, April 30th. A date chosen after paying a fortune to an astrologer. Blessed, of course.

“Today, madam.”

Evening, near sunset

At the hunting ground, most nobles had already left. Only two remained: Pervin Carlisle and the Emperor. The Emperor kept his favored Pervin close. Duke Lillias was visible faintly with the Marquess Celestin. Pervin aimed his arrows carefully but missed every shot. The Emperor was visibly amused.

“What’s this? The famed archer Pervin Carlisle missing every shot?”

“Just one more time.”

Pervin shot again, frustrated, but the visions from the novel still distracted him. His first time reading such a novel had left a strong impression. He couldn’t help imagining himself and Irwen in the passionate scenes.

“I see, your mind is elsewhere, huh?”

The Emperor smirked knowingly. Pervin neither confirmed nor denied, clenching his lips and turning his gaze elsewhere. His green eyes had darkened, betraying his tension.

“Did Duke Lillias give you some secret advice, eh? Share the wealth if it’s good.”

“Nothing like that.”

“Come now, Pervin, don’t hide it. He worried so much you wouldn’t have the ability. After all these years, he still worries, trying to make you a proper man. Any progress?”

Pervin turned his expressionless face to him, silently warning.

“I’ll handle my affairs myself.”

“Strange fellow,” the Emperor chuckled, amused.

A messenger arrived, bearing the Carlisle flag. Pervin leisurely opened the letter, but a thousand emotions crossed his face—shock, awe, composure, and cold determination. The letter:

“We have secured a favorable wedding night date. Return home promptly. –The Carlisle Family”

The Emperor nodded, a sly grin on his face. Pervin bowed silently, his steps both light and heavy as he headed home. The official first night after the wedding—a tension unlike their previous night in the cabin.

The Carlisle household was ecstatic. Tilly Lady coordinated preparations efficiently, assigning tasks to Marianne, Sally, and Jane. I finally began to grasp the reality: tonight, the wedding night. My heart raced despite knowing there was nothing to fear.

I followed Tilly Lady’s instructions, preparing in a luxurious bathroom with rose-scented water and petals. When she applied perfume, I instinctively flinched, suspecting musk—but she reassured me.

I wore only a towel, sitting in an armchair while maids attended to me. Tilly Lady’s teasing was impossible to resist. She dressed me in a thin, nearly transparent nightgown, barely covering my chest, abdomen, and hips.

“This is almost like wearing nothing at all,” I said.

“Then would you like to wear nothing underneath and drape the robe over it? Not a bad idea…”

“I’ll wear it,” I said, clearing my throat as Marianne draped the long, ankle-length gown over my nightgown. The robe’s design made the delicate nightwear underneath visible.

The ribbon at the waist worried me.

“Surely it won’t break?”

“That’s part of the charm,” Marianne replied, tugging it slightly. The tension loosened, revealing my sheer nightgown. I panicked:

“Tie it again, quickly!”

I secured the robe tightly. Just then, Pervin’s voice boomed:

“Master has arrived!”

All the maids scrambled. I hesitated, then entered the bedroom. My white nightgown fluttered as I waited. Peeking through the door, I saw Pervin, damp as if freshly bathed, wearing a loosely tied white robe that gaped at the front. His eyes lingered on my nearly transparent nightgown.

He took a step forward, and I stepped back. His voice, low and alluring, announced:

“I don’t think we need to go all the way to the bed. What do you think, Irwen?”