Chapter 7

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Ilvys sat back down and cleared his throat to change the tense atmosphere.

"For now, I will be called Amalia."

"Y-Yes! ...It feels a bit strange to be called by my name by Lord Ilvys."

"You'll get used to it soon."

Perhaps because he had only ever been called that by his fiancée, the sound of his own name, spoken in Ilvys' dignified low voice, seemed especially special.

No, it was hard to believe from Ilvys' demeanor, but if the rumors about his dislike of women were true, then being called by his name without honorifics would indeed be a special thing. However, he didn't seem like someone who disliked women at all right now.

"Well, now that we've eased the tension a bit... let's get to the main topic, shall we?"

"Eh, were you nervous too, Lord Ilvys?"

"Well, I thought it would be better to get our stories straight before your parents start questioning us."

"That's a refreshing level of disregard. You're right, though."

"Exactly. That's why I came so early this morning... but I forgot about the possibility of a noblewoman having a hangover."

Saying this, Ilvys lowered his eyebrows and made a slightly apologetic face. ...This is why women misunderstand him, isn't it?

"Drinking too much is your own fault. Besides, Lord Ilvys did see me home properly. I have no complaints, only gratitude."

If I had to say anything, I wish he would stop trying to push things so hard. Does he think he can get away with anything just by using his looks? That might be true, but...

"Your words make me feel lighter."

"So, how do you plan to get our stories straight? While it's true that as a duke, you can temporarily silence my parents, they probably won't believe it."

"Probably not. That's why we should go on a lot of dates."

"Can you please stop lowering your IQ all of a sudden?"

His serious expression almost made me nod in agreement.

"I think the simplest methods are often the most effective. Think about it. If we say we love each other when we barely know each other, do you think your parents will believe it?"

"They probably won't, but if we go on so many dates so openly, it will become a rumor! As I said last night, it will become a big deal!"

Yesterday, I thought he was only half-joking. After all, I didn't expect him to go this far for a woman he just met.

"A big deal would be more convenient. Oh, I didn't think you were this dense... "

"Why am I being looked at with such disappointment now...?"

"Listen, I'll take care of all the trouble. Amalia, just focus on getting along with me."

"That's—"

"For now, just dodge any questions from your parents. I was planning to explain more, but that's enough. Let's start by getting along."

Just as I thought he was closing the distance again, he grabbed my hand as if he wouldn't let me go. Before I could react, he started talking quickly and then let out a dramatic sigh.

I was completely left behind.

"Oh... I apologize."

After calming down, Ilvys seemed to realize how close we were. He immediately moved away, but the atmosphere between us became a bit awkward.

"I was planning to go out with you right away, but let's not. I can tell you're not feeling well, even though you're trying to hide it."

"Was it that obvious?"

"No, I just noticed. ...I'm sorry for suddenly pressing you. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

Now that he mentioned it, I was only surprised and didn't feel uncomfortable. Do handsome men get away with things even in situations like this?

"No, I didn't feel uncomfortable at all. But you're right, I'm not feeling well."

The nausea had subsided, but the headache wasn't going away. If I went out in this condition, I wouldn't enjoy anything and would only be a burden to Ilvys.

"I see! Understood. I'll come again tomorrow, so I'll take my leave for today."

"Understood. But please let me see you out."

Even though I refused to go out, Ilvys looked a bit pleased.

Well, it's better than parting in that awkward atmosphere, so I didn't pay much attention to it.