MLHBMH 19

Chapter19

 Did You Sleep With That Woman?

“…!”

Lily had already realized that Frederic, whom she once thought a gentleman, was in fact an ill-mannered and inconsiderate man—but she hadn’t imagined he could be this shameless.

Her long lashes quivered with humiliation. She no longer wished to deal with him and turned back toward the bathroom, but Frederic—already on his feet—grabbed her wrist.

The situation was almost identical to what had happened a few days ago in the hallway, and Lily’s expression hardened further. Disgust and shame swelled into anger, storming within her chest.

“Let go!”

She pulled her arm with all her might, her fury spilling out raw, but his grip was so firm that she couldn’t break free.

“I said let go…!”

“It was just a joke. If it offended you, I apologize.”

What… did he just say?
Apologize? To me?

After all the harsh words he’d thrown at her, Frederic had never once apologized. Hearing it now, Lily stared at him in surprise. Frederic cleared his throat awkwardly and continued.

“Other women usually laugh and joke back when I tease like that. It helps ease awkwardness. I didn’t realize it wouldn’t work with you, madam.”

Lily was stunned—and furious—that such a vulgar “joke” ever worked on other women, and even more so that he was equating her with them.

“I truly am sorry.”

She had been ready to lash out, but his repeated apology deflated her anger somewhat. Instead, she glared coldly at his irritatingly composed face.

“…Then let go of my hand and leave.”

“Alright. Take your time getting dressed, madam. I’ll wait outside.”

Since he obeyed her so readily, the storm of anger subsided a little. Taking a deep breath, Lily calmed her trembling heart and called for her maid.

Perhaps because Frederic was waiting, the maid moved quicker than usual, helping Lily dress. Not wanting to keep him waiting either, Lily dressed swiftly and called him back in.

Frederic entered with the butler, who pushed in a tray cart carrying teacups and sweets. That meant the conversation was going to be a long one.

What could he possibly want to discuss? Lily felt uneasy but also somewhat relieved—she, too, had things to say.

“I heard you visited the Stacey estate today.”

The coachman must have told him. Lily clicked her tongue at his quick tongue but couldn’t blame him; if anything, it saved her the trouble of bringing it up.

“Yes. The Count of Stacey mentioned he was looking for someone who could speak Gartaan, so I went to meet him.”

“Does that mean you’ve signed a contract with the Stacey family?”

“Not yet. That’s what I wanted to discuss with you.”

Lily recounted her conversation with Count Stacey, even showing Frederic the note she received from the bookseller and the contract the count had given her—proof so he wouldn’t dismiss her words.

“…So the count said he wants to meet you at his estate the day after tomorrow, at four in the afternoon. I think I’ll decide whether to accept after that meeting.”

While Lily spoke, Frederic’s gaze remained fixed on the contract. His usual arrogance was gone; his face was serious—his sharp, glassy eyes suddenly focused and calculating.

It was the first time Lily had ever seen him look so intent.

After reading through the document carefully, Frederic tilted his head slightly.

“Is there a problem with the contract terms?”

“It seemed fine to me,” Lily said, worried.

“No, not at all. In fact, it’s surprisingly favorable.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Which makes me wonder—what exactly is your relationship with Count Stacey?”

The question startled her, but she answered evenly.

“My father knew him well when he was alive. Not anymore, though.”

“I see.”

“In any case, if this contract is that good, I’d like to decline the offer from the Countess of Valliman and work with the Stacey family instead.”

At her straightforward words, Frederic chuckled faintly and lifted his teacup.

“You must really hate the idea of working with the Countess of Valliman.”

“Yes. I do.”

Lily answered honestly. Seeing that she had a better offer, Frederic nodded without resistance.

“Alright. Since you can’t work with both families anyway, let’s proceed with the Stacey estate.”

Good. Relief brightened Lily’s face at having avoided the worst outcome.

Frederic’s eyes narrowed slightly as he watched her over the rim of his cup. His snake-like gaze traced her calmly, but Lily, basking in relief, didn’t notice.

“The count said four o’clock the day after tomorrow?”

“Yes, that’s right. If that time doesn’t work for you, I can ask him to reschedule.”

“No, the time is fine, but…”

Frederic stroked his chin, thinking for a moment, then looked up.

“You’ll accompany me to the Stacey estate.”

“Me?”

“Yes. I’ve never met the count, but you have. And since you’re the one who connected us, it makes sense for you to come along.”

“Oh… I see. Alright.”

Though surprised at first, Lily agreed—the reasoning was sound enough.

“Then let’s go to the boutique together tomorrow.”

“…What?”

Now that made no sense. She understood going to the boutique—but together?

“You mean… you’re coming with me?”

“That’s right. Is there a problem?”

“No… not exactly.”

It wasn’t a problem, really. Married couples often did things together—Lily’s parents used to visit boutiques together when ordering new clothes.

But Frederic and Lily were different. In over a year of marriage, they’d rarely done anything together. The most they’d shared was a few meals, and even then, they were never alone. They’d never gone out together, ever.

So the sudden offer left her dumbfounded.

“Is… your mother coming too?”

If Samantha were joining them, that would make sense. But Frederic gave her a puzzled look.

“What does my mother have to do with this?”

So, no—he really meant just the two of them. The thought stunned her.

“I have business in the morning, but I’ll be free in the afternoon,” he said calmly.

Her unfocused green eyes drifted toward him again. He, however, looked perfectly composed.

“I’ll come pick you up at one. Be ready by then.”

He was going to pick her up himself?

“Then I’ll see you tomorrow.”

After Frederic left, Lily blinked in daze, rubbing her face.

“…What’s gotten into him all of a sudden?”

People change with time, yes—but this abrupt shift overnight left her baffled. She sat for a long while, staring at the spot where he’d been sitting.

“Mm, as expected, the duke’s chef makes the best cookies.”

“…”

Herald glared at the crown prince, who was happily munching cookies as if he owned the place. It was five in the morning. Even for an early riser like Herald, this was absurd.

He’d gone to bed past two finishing paperwork, and now, after barely three hours of sleep, this fool had shown up uninvited before dawn. No wonder his irritation was sky-high.

“Visiting someone’s home before sunrise without notice—has royal etiquette gone to ruin these days?”

“Oh, no, etiquette training is still strict. I’m just… special.”

He’s bragging about that? Herald’s expression twisted with disbelief.

Realizing he’d pushed it, Austin quickly gulped down the rest of his cookie.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to barge in, but this was the only time I could make it. You’ll forgive me, right?”

“No.”

Herald didn’t hesitate for a second. Austin groaned.

“Come on, isn’t that a bit harsh? If you dropped by my palace at dawn, I’d welcome you!”

Herald let out a dry laugh.

“Oh really? I didn’t know the palace gates opened at dawn for personal visits. Or should I climb the wall like a thief? You’ll take the blame if I’m caught?”

“Wow, look—the sun’s coming up,” Austin said hastily, looking away.

Herald stomped on his foot under the table.

“Ow—!”

“Enough nonsense. Tell me why you’re here.”

He wouldn’t have entertained such an inconvenient, rude visit unless it was something important—or serious.

Sure enough, Austin’s playful expression vanished. He met Herald’s eyes and asked quietly:

“Did you… sleep with that woman?”