Chapter 194

 

Her swollen lips stung for a brief moment, but Iona instinctively closed her eyes instead of pushing him away.

 

Fortunately, Leroy didn’t seem to have any intention of pressing her further or being rough.

 

He leisurely explored the inside of her mouth as though savoring the moment.

 

It was different from a passionate kiss meant to stir pleasure—it held a distinct tenderness.

 

The obscene, wet sounds that had filled the room gradually subsided.

 

Even after the kiss ended, Leroy didn’t let her go. Instead, he lingered, their lips still softly touching.

 

He curled his lips into a smile and whispered,

 

“Iona.”

 

Was it his voice, low and husky? Or was it the way her name spilled from his lips?

 

A shiver ran down her spine, raising goosebumps across her skin.

 

In that moment, Iona felt like she finally understood why he had asked her to call his name before.

 

Strangely enough, hadn’t he called her name several times already?

 

And yet, the simple change in setting made it feel entirely different.

 

Pulling back just slightly, Iona murmured,

 

“...This is... better than I thought.”

 

“Isn’t it?”

 

They both burst into laughter at the same time.

 

Then, without knowing who moved first, they found each other’s lips again.

 

As she gripped his collar and pulled him down onto the bed, Iona silently prayed that the maid would take longer than usual to heat the bathwater. Long enough for no one to interrupt them.

 

***

 

In the end, the two arrived late together.

 

Since the reason for their delay lay with the lord and lady of the house themselves, no one dared to mention it. Yet, the atmosphere among the group was unmistakably different.

 

Feeling too embarrassed to endure it, Iona declared that she would ride in a separate carriage from Leroy.

 

It wasn’t so much that she wanted to keep her distance from him now, but rather that she had a report from Fin that she hadn’t been able to hear until now.

 

“Anything of note while I was away?”

 

“No, my lady. The tasks you assigned have been completed without issue,” Fin replied in his usual calm tone.

 

Reassured by his composed demeanor, Iona quickly collected herself.

 

Though she had felt guilty for neglecting the tedious duties she’d left in his care, it seemed Fin, unlike her, had led an exceptionally diligent life during that time.

 

Listening intently to his report, Iona spoke with relief in her voice.

 

“It doesn’t sound like security was as tight as I’d feared.”

 

“Viscount Ida appears to be rather stingy. When those working for the state find their pockets empty, funds tend to leak in less visible areas.”

 

“Your skill is still as impressive as ever,” Iona remarked as she reviewed the documents Fin handed her, letting out a soft exclamation.

 

She froze for a moment, though. Was it really appropriate to compliment someone for being good at manipulating documents? The thought threw her off balance.

 

Fortunately, Fin didn’t seem to ponder it as deeply as she did and merely replied curtly, “You’re too kind.”

 

After all, Fin hadn’t pocketed any of the money himself. There was no need for her to feel uneasy about it.

 

Settling her thoughts, Iona changed the subject.

 

“You’ve come all this way to serve me, yet I feel I haven’t paid enough attention to you. If there’s anything you want as compensation, name it. I’ll grant you anything.”

 

“I have no particular desires, my lady. If I’ve been of help to you, that’s more than enough.”

 

“Though I appreciate the sentiment, it does leave me feeling guilty.”

 

“Then, could I ask you to help me settle down here?”

 

Iona’s eyes widened slightly at the unexpected request.

 

Though Fin had repeatedly expressed his desire to stay by her side, she hadn’t thought he would truly want to leave his homeland and settle here permanently.

 

In truth, it was a welcome suggestion on her part.

 

A spark of warmth lit in Iona’s eyes.

 

“That’s a request I’d be happy to grant. In fact, we should find you a proper house, not just a temporary lodging.”

 

“The place I’m staying at now is more than sufficient,” Fin interjected as if to dissuade her.

 

Currently, Fin was boarding at the home of a kind woman who was acquainted with the head maid. The arrangement was made to ensure he wasn’t burdened with household chores. Still, if he intended to settle down here permanently, Iona thought it would be better in many ways for him to have his own house.

 

After all, relying on someone else’s hospitality couldn’t be entirely comfortable.

 

As she pondered what more she could do for her loyal subordinate, a sudden idea lit up her face. Snapping her fingers, she declared,

 

“No, no, this won’t do. We need to find you a match instead.”

 

“Pardon?”

 

“How old are you now?”

 

“…I turned twenty-eight this year,” Fin replied, though his expression clearly showed he had no idea where this was going.

 

It seemed he hadn’t fully grasped the meaning behind the word “match” that she had used.

 

Meanwhile, Iona was practically brimming with excitement at the prospect of giving her subordinate a meaningful reward.

 

Clearing her throat to steady her enthusiasm, she elaborated,

 

“At that age, it’s about time you got married. Actually, you’re a bit late. I know things have been hectic, making it hard to settle down, but that changes now. I’ll support you fully.”

 

“…You’re talking about my marriage?” Fin asked, looking stunned.

 

“Of course. If nothing else, I’m your senior in this area, am I not? Let me tell you, marriage is wonderful. It brings stability and—”

 

She suddenly sounded like an elderly relative doling out life advice. Fin, looking utterly bewildered, could only stare at her.

 

Sensing that Iona might ask about his preferences in a partner next, Fin hastily attempted to decline.

 

“I appreciate the thought, my lady, but I’m not considering marriage at the moment—”

 

Just then, someone tapped on the carriage window.

 

Both Iona and Fin turned toward the sound.

 

It was Jonas, leaning in from horseback to peer inside.

 

When Iona reached for the carriage door, Fin swiftly stepped in to open the window instead.

 

Jonas greeted them with a cheerful smile.

 

“Well now, what’s got you two so deep in conversation?”

 

“Perfect timing, Sir Jonas. Do you happen to know any eligible women in this area?”

 

“…Excuse me?”

 

Jonas’s face flashed with confusion at the sudden and peculiar question.

 

Gesturing toward Fin, Iona explained,

 

“Fin wants to settle down in the duchy. I was thinking of matchmaking for him.”

 

“Wait… Fin? Getting married? Are you serious?”

 

Jonas turned to Fin, his face a mixture of disbelief and curiosity.

 

As he noticed Fin’s increasingly flustered expression, Jonas immediately grasped the situation and the predicament Fin was in.

 

“Ohhh, I see! Ah, my lady, of course, I’ll roll up my sleeves and get to work! Leave it to me, and I’ll give it my best effort.”

 

“…That really won’t be necessary,” Fin attempted to say.

 

“Don’t worry, Fin! I’ll help you find someone you truly like. I’ll dedicate myself to this task wholeheartedly,” Jonas interrupted with a sly grin, cutting off any protests Fin might have had.

 

Fin tried every excuse to reject Jonas’s not-so-welcome enthusiasm, but the man proved to be a formidable opponent.

 

Each time Fin tried to wriggle free, Jonas skillfully blocked him, even going as far as to notify him to keep his weekends free for introductions. Then, as if everything was settled, Jonas gave a cheerful wave and left.

 

“Well then, enjoy the rest of your chat!”

 

Fin sighed deeply as Jonas disappeared, realizing he had just been roped into a series of matchmaking adventures against his will.

 

Iona watched Jonas ride off, brimming with enthusiasm, and sent him off with a satisfied smile.

 

She had been worried about finding a suitable match for Fin, considering she had only recently settled here herself. Thankfully, she could now rely on Jonas, a local, to help her with the task.

 

With a relieved expression, Iona turned to Fin and asked,

 

“Isn’t this exciting?”

 

“…Yes,” Fin replied.

 

His face, however, had gone slightly pale, though Iona dismissed it as motion sickness from the carriage ride.

 

After that, Fin fell unusually silent.

 

Preoccupied with the mild ache in her lower back—a remnant from the night before—Iona failed to notice his change in demeanor.

 

In the quiet, the carriage continued on its way until it finally arrived at Viscount Ida’s estate.

 

As they neared their destination, Iona gazed out of the window, her brow furrowing as an inexplicable unease crept over her.

 

There was something subtly different about the atmosphere surrounding the mansion.

 

Since their visit had been prearranged, the gatekeeper allowed them through without any issue. But as the group reached the front entrance, they were stopped.

 

The moment Iona and Leroy stepped out of the carriage, a servant hurriedly approached them, bowing low.

 

“My apologies, Duchess. The viscount is not… in a state to receive guests at the moment…”

 

“What’s going on?” Iona cut the servant off, her tone sharp.

 

She wasn’t in the mood for unnecessary explanations.

 

However, the servant froze, trembling slightly, lips tightly sealed as if whatever had happened was too unspeakable to voice.

--- End Of The Chapter ----

 

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