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chapter 48
It was both a proposal and a threat. Even when cornered, Herace had to push Whistler into negotiations without showing weakness.
“If my brother’s wish is as strong as he says, then revealing that contract to the world would mean I’d have to marry Philena. But I don’t think my brother wants that.”
Herace brushed his lips and stared at Whistler. His eyes twisted with a hint of provocation.
“Could it be that I’m mistaken? You don’t care whether I marry Philena or not, do you?”
Whistler, who had remained silent until now, suddenly curled one side of his mouth into a smirk. He laughed heartily, folding his body in half.
“You expect me to believe that? You want me to trust words delivered through your foolish, idiotic methods and plans, hearing them as I did from your conversation with Philena?”
The situation was not unfolding as expected. Herace, suppressing his frustration, waved his hand casually.
“Is it you who doesn’t understand the situation? You’ve heard it, seen it to some degree, right? Philena boldly proposing marriage—have you ever seen her act like that?”
“It’s you who’s misunderstanding and failing to judge the situation. The reason you haven’t seen such behavior is simply that we never had that opportunity between us.”
“My brother… are you so exhausted that you can’t even distinguish reality from dreams these days?”
“My mind is clearer than ever. Unlike me, it seems you might need treatment.”
Whistler remained completely unmoved. On the contrary, he arrogantly gestured toward his eyes.
Herace laughed dryly, more out of disbelief than anything else. Now he understood why Whistler could behave like this.
“Whistler, Philena doesn’t like you. Stop deluding yourself.”
“Do you expect me to agree with that? Until you appeared, Philena and I were living a peaceful and happy life.”
“Oh, really?”
“It was so calm that I considered stirring things up, but then you, an uninvited guest, appeared and disrupted us.”
“I see.”
“At this point, I even wonder what you think of me. Your ignorance and foolishness make me question if you’re even human… well, technically you’re not.”
Feeling the dryness in Herace’s voice, Whistler retaliated menacingly, staring at him as if he couldn’t comprehend.
“You are the one who is deluded, not me. Philena is only by your side because the contract binds her.”
“So, if the contract were terminated, Philena would return to you without hesitation?”
“Of course, if persuaded. I’ll pay any penalties written here, and honestly, I have more influence than you, don’t I?”
“……”
“Philena might have to wait a bit, but compared to your tarnished reputation, I’m clearly the better choice. I think being with her would make us the power couple of the century.”
“Ah, so my ambitious little brother has big dreams. Then let’s forget about negotiations. If you had kept the contract secret, I could have refrained from marrying Philena and given you a chance.”
“You’re still walking on clouds until the very end. That day will come soon enough, though—it’s a pity.”
Whistler clicked his tongue and left, spouting nonsense about giving Herace a week to prepare himself. He seemed genuinely happy, under the mistaken impression that nothing was going on between him and Philena.
“Ha…”
Left alone, Herace rolled his eyes and scoffed.
“You’ve got quite the confidence.”
In the end, there was nothing he could do except buy time.
In this state, no matter what he said, Whistler would call it a lie and refuse to trust him. So he couldn’t reveal any more cards.
To think one could negotiate with someone so full of arrogance—that had been the problem from the start. Herace shook his head.
‘That’s not even the main issue.’
The real flaw was that Whistler didn’t understand Philena at all. He had no idea what kind of relationship they shared or what she had been like. Herace was intensely curious.
‘How did you even end up together?’
Whistler and Philena didn’t match in personality or temperament.
Philena was extremely rational.
The first shocking thing was that someone so rational had reached the conclusion of marriage. The second was that she actually voiced the proposal.
For any reason, whether it was a contractual obligation or not, Philena would never speak lightly. If she proposed marriage, even bound by a contract, it was with the intention of a lasting commitment.
‘Don’t take back a proposal just because of a suggestion to switch partners, Whistler. Why are you taking this so lightly?’
Whistler had no idea that Philena had seen through his intentions. But that shouldn’t have been an issue.
Had he known even a little about her, Whistler would have realized the gravity of the situation. Instead, he had been completely oblivious.
“Long-lasting vacation,” he muttered.
That ring was beautiful, indeed. Its clean, minimal design reminded him of Philena.
Herace let out a dry, brief laugh and rubbed his head. The silence of the empty room swallowed him.
“Marriage isn’t an option…”
He had to think of a solution other than the engagement to calm the situation. Otherwise, they would end up married.
Even as he muttered this, Herace sensed it: soon, he and Philena would be preparing for their wedding.
“Herace, son, are you feeling unwell? It’s been hot lately—are you just sensitive to the heat?”
Herace heard his father calling from beyond the door. Smiling again, he waved brightly.
“No, not at all. I’m perfectly fine. Just a little tired.”
The whirlwind of the day was reaching its peak. Today’s confusion resembled that day in the past—the day when Whistler had singled him out.
The hometown orphanage had been Herace’s only sanctuary, his only home. That didn’t mean he received much love, nor did he live without worry.
Herace’s outstanding looks, sly charm, and mature demeanor made him popular. Several people had intended to adopt him, but luck was rarely on his side.
The first family to express interest were wealthy commoners. However, just before bringing Herace home, their business collapsed, and they withdrew their offer.
The second family were lower-ranking nobles, but their fate was similar. After completing the adoption paperwork, they were involved in a carriage accident, and had to abandon their plans. The orphanage was left entangled in troublesome events.
Herace became known as an unlucky child, a curse on anyone who tried to adopt him.
Though he didn’t show it, he grew bitter inside, questioning if the problem was with him, eventually resigning himself to it.
He was only grateful to the orphanage director, who never abandoned him despite hardships.
“Well, it can’t be helped.”
The director never blamed Herace, nor did he scold him. For a young child, that alone was enough to define life.
All the children called the director “Father,” and Herace particularly liked that.
The sensitive child craved a sense of belonging. That desire only grew stronger with each failed adoption attempt.
He longed for family—or even just one person—to be truly his own. He wanted the safety of being enclosed within a “family.”
Then one day, the Gray Duke and Duchess, major benefactors of the orphanage, came to visit.
They only glanced at the children and smiled kindly, without speaking to them. Surprisingly, the one who engaged with the children was young noble heir Whistler.
