58

“Marquis, you don’t need to do this.”

I tried to hastily dissuade Dante, but he responded nonchalantly, “No, I want to.”

I gazed at Dante with a delicate look.

Even if it was to put on my shoes, I never expected to witness that arrogant man kneeling in front of someone.

Moreover,

‘…I never thought he would personally put shoes on me.’

But rather than excitement, I felt more fear.

If his actions were as described in novels, it would have been easier to predict what he might do in the future.

Every time Dante treated me affectionately,

So every time he exceeded my expectations…

I felt terrified.

Meanwhile, Dante, who had satisfactorily looked down at my feet in the shoes, gently swept my ankles.

“It suits you well.”

Truly a sweet gesture like a prince from a fairy tale.

But I knew that hand could twist my ankle in an instant.

“Thank you, Marquis.”

So, I smiled even more gently.

Because the moment I revealed fear, Dante would devour me, metaphorically.

“May I choose a gift for you too?”

For a moment, anticipation flickered on Dante’s face.

“What, a gift?”

“Well, since you’re buying it with the Marquis’s money anyway. It’s not exactly a gift, but…”

As I hesitated for a moment, I continued speaking.

“Considering that you’ll be attending the Diorlance Club, how about a cravat?”

“Not a bad idea.”

Dante nodded approvingly.

I turned to Madam Tilda.

“Madam Tilda, could you show us some cravats?”

Even though it was a women’s clothing store, I knew they sold small accessories that ladies sometimes gift to gentlemen.

My expectations were not wrong; Madam Tilda responded with a bright smile.

“Of course! Just wait a moment, please.”

After a short while,

Employees brought a large box.

Inside the box, luxurious cravats were neatly arranged.

As I carefully examined them, I picked up one.

It was an elaborate item with delicate embroidery in gold thread.

Although a common person might bury their face in this cravat…

“How about this one?”

With a bit of mischief, I showed the cravat to Dante.

Honestly, it was such a noticeable item that the person wearing it might feel a bit burdened.

However,

“If you chose it, then anything is fine.”

Dante just shrugged his shoulders.

“Would you like to try it on?”

“If you’re the one putting it on.”

I tied the cravat around Dante’s neck.

After adjusting it nicely, I stepped back a few paces to observe.

“It suits you well.”

Dante, the male protagonist of this world, boasted a dazzling charm like a venomous rose.

This man, who possessed an overwhelming presence, was not overshadowed by the ornate cravat at all.

Instead, it seemed like the cravat was made just for him.

‘You will wear that cravat without feeling any discomfort.’

Every time I put on the shoes you gave me, even though my breath was stifling.

Dante, who happened to glance at himself in the mirror with a casual gaze, turned to me briefly.

“Untie the cravat.”

“Yes.”

I approached Dante again.

Dante willingly entrusted his neck to my hands, his face showing a relaxed expression, not even suspecting that I might play a prank on him.

And me,

‘I want to mess up that face.’

As I untied the cravat, a strong grip tightened around my hand.

If only I could.

…I wanted to strangle Dante’s neck right then and there.

* * *

After giving Madam Tilda a tremendous boost in sales,

As Dante and I stepped outside, we unexpectedly encountered someone.

“Marquis.”

It was Liam, unable to hide his perplexed expression.

“You promised to be back two hours ago!”

By the way, it’s well past three now…

Dante responded cheekily, “Why are you so worked up, like a colt with a fire on its tail?”

“What? No, what are you talking about!”

“When important matters come up, you might be a little late. Isn’t that right, My love?”

Turning away from Liam, who seemed almost ready to topple backward, Dante glanced at me with a fleeting gaze.

‘Important matters?’

I felt a bit puzzled.

So far, all Dante has done is buy various dresses, shoes, and accessories with me at the clothing store.

How is that considered an important matter?

“We don’t have time for this; there’s only an hour left until the appointment with the business partner! You need to leave immediately!”

Liam, who belatedly noticed my presence beside Dante, raised his voice unintentionally.

With a deep sigh, Liam politely greeted me.

“Nice to see you again, Miss Elze.”

“Liam, you’ve worked hard too.”

Liam and I exchanged a knowing look.

You could say it was the camaraderie between colleagues who share the burden of an annoying boss?

Then, with a troubled expression, Dante muttered to me.

“What’s up with you two exchanging those looks? I feel left out.”

“…”

Liam sighed deeply.

I looked at Liam with a somewhat sympathetic gaze.

‘If I leave Liam like this, he might end up with a hole in his head and be taken to the hospital.’

When suffering from the same ailment, they understand each other’s hardships.

I decided to help Liam a little.

“Hurry inside. If Liam is saying this much, it must be a really important business deal.”

“Well, it is an important deal.”

Dante, hands in his pockets, shrugged his shoulders.

“Among important things, there are varying degrees of importance, right?”

“What?”

“I mean, he’s more important than the deal.”

“…”

I bit my lip tightly.

It was nothing but sweet words, with no sincerity mixed in.

Even knowing that, I couldn’t help but waver, feeling so pathetic…

‘I have to get rid of that man from my sight as soon as possible.’

That way, I might be able to momentarily escape from this irrational emotion.

With that judgment, I lifted my heels.

Wrapping Dante’s neck with both arms, Dante, always relaxed, widened his eyes.

“…My love?”

I pressed my lips against his, seemingly surprising Dante a bit. Nevertheless, his hand pulling me close showed no hesitation.

In an instant, the kiss became intense.

“Marquis.”

After a long while of engulfing Dante’s lips,

I whispered, staring straight into his red eyes.

“When bidding farewell with a kiss.”

My voice, muffled and crushed, flowed out.

“You said, ‘Think of lips as a must.'”

“…”

“So.”

I gestured with my eyes, pointing at Liam, who was staring at us with an astonished expression.

“Don’t make it difficult for the loyal assistant, and go back for today.”

Well, I feel a bit sorry for Liam.

Suddenly witnessing the scene of the owner and his lover kissing, how embarrassing must it be?

Upon hearing those words, Liam suddenly snapped out of it and looked down at his wristwatch.

Then, with a distressed expression, he pleaded with Dante.

“Miss Elze is right. There really isn’t much time left!”

“…Alright.”

Dante responded slowly.

Perhaps because the lingering feeling of pleasure remained faintly,

his voice was somewhat hoarse.

“You’re saying it that much, I might as well comply.”

I smiled and replied, “I really enjoyed spending time with you today. Will you come and visit again next time?”

“Well, don’t complain if I come too often, okay?”

Dante playfully retorted and kissed my forehead loud enough for Liam to hear.

Then he turned to Liam.

“Still, you should at least drive her to the carriage waiting area.”

“Oh, of course! Your words make perfect sense!”

Liam answered, now with a flushed face.

It seemed that seeing Dante and his lover suddenly kissing had left him quite embarrassed.

* * *
So, after confirming my boarding into the carriage,

Dante finally left.

Inside the carriage, I reflected on the events that had taken place today.

The deal with Benedict.

Dante coming to me out of the blue.

The shoes he gave me that wrapped around my feet like chains.

“…”

I bit my lip until it bled.

Did I kiss Dante because I really wanted to send him away?

Or was it a result of the affection that the ‘original Elze’ had, swayed by the desire to touch him even a little?

What on earth was the nature of these emotions I harbored towards Dante?

…I just couldn’t figure it out.