DWAFM 10

Chapter 10

Maddie came out after washing up, looking refreshed as if nothing had happened.

“Phew, I’m tired! Right?”

“…Yeah.”

Yulickian sat silently on the bed, looking up at her.

“Oh my, why are you staring at me like that? You’re being naughty!”

Naughty? That wasn’t what he was thinking at all.

When he’d burst into the bathroom earlier, he’d seen Maddie instinctively grip the towel in her right hand tightly.

If it hadn’t been Yulickian barging in, that towel would’ve been wrapped around someone’s neck in the blink of an eye.

He was once again reminded that he’d entered into a contract with a woman who thought nothing of taking a life.

‘Right. Even if everyone else tried to kill me, she’d protect me—as long as I paid her. …Even if she treats human life like flies. …Even if I just wanted someone who could pretend to be scum, but ended up hiring the real deal. Either way, this is fine. Let’s look at the bright side. Just think positive. Yeah, that’s it.’

As he battled his thoughts alone, Yulickian suddenly turned his head sharply.

“Maddie. Even if someone offers you double the fee I’m paying, don’t go. Got it?”

Maddie nodded as if she understood. She casually walked around the room and sat on the armrest of the sofa.

With her damp hair swept to one side, she spoke smoothly and shamelessly.

“I get what you mean. There are those kinds of trash in this industry. But not me. Why? Because I have something called professional ethics.”

“Not even for five times the amount?”

“Of course not. My type has always been silver-haired men with blue eyes. Just imagining you alive is more fun. You’re worth 5 billion.”

Five billion for that? Yulickian had his doubts—but at least she wasn’t leaving.

It was rare to find a skilled assassin who wouldn’t even flinch after suddenly being seen naked and would immediately go into attack mode.

And on top of that, she was a street rat turned excellent actress. A two-for-one deal.

Yulickian kept trying to win her over.

“I’ll give you plenty of allowance every month, okay?”

“I got it.”

“Spend as much as you want.”

“I said I got it.”

“You don’t even need to bring a dowry to the wedding. That’s a given. Even if someone offers you ten times more, you won’t leave, right?”

“Ten times? Ten times is a bit…”

“Maddie!”

“I’m kidding. Let’s sleep. You look like hell, probably from staying up all night.”

“You really won’t leave, even for ten times more?”

“Of course not. I mean, I lie sometimes… often, really, but I’m serious this time. Stop frowning. You’ll look older.”

Yulickian followed her without resisting, though still filled with doubt.

Before he realized it, she had practically thrown him onto the bed and tucked the blanket up to his neck.

“Ten billion isn’t a small amount, you know that, right? I said I’d cover your expenses for three years too.”

“Ugh, I know. Stop nagging me. I’ll forge your will and kill you off right after the wedding at this rate.”

Was she serious?

Yulickian shut his mouth.

After a moment, he changed the subject.

“I’ve always wondered—why do you keep commenting on my face? Does your first love look like me or something?”

Maddie smiled with one corner of her lips.

Due to the yellow candlelight, half her face was in shadow.

Yulickian suddenly wondered—was the other half of her face smiling too?

Was she thinking of some other silver-haired, blue-eyed man with that unreadable half-smile?

She kicked the books off the nightstand and sat atop the fallen pile.

“You’re my first love, honey.”

“…Don’t be ridiculous. Also, don’t sit on the nightstand.”

“Huh? But aren’t you supposed to be by your partner’s side when they sleep?”

A romantic notion completely unfit for her character.

Had she not been swinging her legs childishly, it might’ve actually been romantic.

“People usually bring over a chair.”

“Oh, really?”

Maddie got off the nightstand, walked across the room, and with one hand lifted a long sofa, dragging it beside the bed.

“What are you—!”

Yulickian tried to get up in shock, but she lightly jabbed his throat and pushed him back down.

“Gah!”

“Sleep.”

“You’re really not going to run away, right?”

“Oh, come on. You think I’ve lived my whole life getting tricked? …Wait. Guess I have. I usually don’t slip up like this. What’s wrong with me?”

Watching her scratch her temple, Yulickian chuckled.

He knew how pathetic he looked after being deceived all his life. Even his uncle—his only remaining family—was trying to kill him.

But seeing Maddie angrily punch a cushion because it wasn’t comfy enough, he suddenly felt like the most normal person in the room.

“Why are you laughing? Am I that funny?”

“…Stop beating the sofa and put it back.”

“Why do you keep changing your mind? You just said to bring a chair next to the bed.”

“Can’t you see the stool by the window?”

“Oh. Didn’t notice. But I’m sleepy now.”

Without asking for permission, Maddie lay down on the sofa.

“Maddie’s going to sleep now.”

“…You worked hard today.”

“You too, Your Grace. If any bad guys show up, I’ll assess the situation fairly and kill them cleanly. Disposal fees not included. VAT 10% extra.”

“You’re seriously…”

“Zzz…”

He couldn’t tell if she was pretending or actually snoring, but her breathing grew steady beside him.

Yulickian, worried she might flee, eventually drifted off to sleep.

It was the deepest sleep he’d had in years.

It had been a long time since he’d felt like someone was truly watching over him.

The sun rose.

With the servants dismissed, the two of them were having breakfast alone.

They needed to freely discuss what to do next now that it was clear Count Montenezzando had sent poison.

Yulickian looked grave, barely touching his meat and sipping only a little water.

Maddie, meanwhile, was happily enjoying a perfectly seasoned steak.

“Your Grace, if you’re not going to eat that, may I?”

“…”

“Honey? If you’re not eating it, give it to me.”

“…”

“Fine, I warned you. I’m taking it.”

She snatched a piece of meat from his plate and popped it into her mouth.

After swallowing, she slid an invitation across the table.

Still dazed, Yulickian didn’t react, so she lightly slapped his cheek with her right hand.

“Ah!”

“Aw, did that hurt? I hit you so gently.”

“You—you’re seriously insane… How dare you hit me…”

“Yup yup. Sorry, honey. But seriously, look at this. I swiped it this morning. Urgent telegram.”

Yulickian closed his eyes, struggling to calm his boiling temper.

“…We don’t read this kind of thing at the table. It’s bad manners. You’ll be mingling with high society soon, so remember that.”

“Oh, really? Then I guess I should throw it away. It’s from Count Ackacksomethingorother.”

As Maddie began to tear it, Yulickian quickly snatched the letter.

It really did bear Count Montenezzando’s seal.

He quickly pushed aside his plate (noticing the steak was gone and assuming he’d eaten it without realizing) and opened the letter.

As expected, it started with a short greeting, followed by a rant blaming Yulickian for making the wrong decision.

<…Not only is she poor, but she’s also been in and out of jail multiple times. Marrying her is outrageous. Imagine what the late Crown Prince Heildon would think if he knew.>

Just as he thought.

Yulickian was about to crumple the letter when he noticed the final line.

<I will visit tomorrow at lunch. Let us speak in person.>

Tomorrow? If the letter was sent yesterday, then that means—today. At lunch? What time is it?

Yulickian checked the clock and jumped to his feet in a panic.

“Maddie!”

“What?”

“Get up. Now.”

“Why are you always so bossy? People might think you’re a noble. …Wait, you are. Did the poison reach my brain? Honey, what’s wrong with me? Am I dying? Take me to the hospital.”

“Cut the jokes and get up. We need to buy clothes for you before my uncle arrives.”

“Why? No need to impress the guy who tried to poison me.”

Twirling a steak knife in her right hand like a toy, Maddie giggled innocently.

Yulickian sighed and said,

“To marry, I need approval from at least three family elders. So yes, for now, we need to make a good impression.”

Either pretending not to understand or just stalling, Maddie slowly got to her feet.

“Alright. Let’s go be the baddest gold digger ever!”

Even as she cursed, her smile was annoyingly bright.

Yulickian chuckled despite himself.

“Yeah. Let’s go.”

“Honey, this is my first time getting new clothes!”

“Don’t talk like that outside.”

“Your Grace, don’t be such a grump.”

“…”

“You always cave anyway, but you act tough first. You’re kind of annoying, you know?”

“You’re disgusting too.”

“Oh my, since when did you get attached to me, huh?”

Maddie tapped his shoulder playfully.

Everything about her—the tone, the confidence—was irritating.

He’d definitely felt something strange back when they’d locked eyes on the bed.

But it was a mistake. Definitely a mistake.

‘I would never get swayed by a crazy criminal like her. Not unless I’ve lost my mind.’

Yulickian stopped responding altogether.

As they stepped outside, Yulickian warned her again inside the carriage.

“Listen, Maddie. I’ll buy you whatever you want, just don’t steal.”

“Ugh, you’re like a broken record. I won’t steal anymore, okay? Now stop it.”

“If it’s a compulsive habit, I’ll even get you a therapist. Just quit.”

“Anyone listening would think you’re in love with me.”

“There’s no way I’d fall for someone like you.”

“Oh? You never know. People’s hearts are unpredictable.”

Her laugh filled the carriage.

Yulickian’s cold blue eyes stared at her quietly.

“Hey. If you’re seriously trying to fall in love with me, get out of the carriage now. I’m not playing around.”

“Relax, honey.”

Maddie leaned forward, meeting his gaze with a smile.

“Even if I died and came back to life, I wouldn’t love anyone. You be careful.”

The way she said anyone, not just you, irked him a little, but Yulickian didn’t press further.

This was a relationship built on necessity. They only needed to know each other just enough.

Nothing more. Nothing less.

Just as the carriage was about to depart, butler Philip came rushing over and knocked on the carriage door.