Chapter 27: Isn’t This Better Than What You Did to the Cat?

The Duke of Xavier glided closer and whispered in my ear.  

“You said it yourself, didn’t you? That you’re ‘the Duke’s Saintess.’”  

“That’s—!”  

His teasing voice sent shivers up my spine, and a ticklish sensation spread to my lower abdomen. I couldn’t resist this man any longer.  

“…Just this once! Not any mo—mmph!”  

Before I could even finish granting permission, the soft scent of the man washed over me like a wave. His sweet lips pressed against mine, sending tingling shivers through my entire body.  

The promise of ‘just once’ vanished into thin air as he explored my lower lip, then my upper lip, and finally pushed his way inside.  

“Mmph…”  

I couldn’t think straight as he alternated between seizing and releasing me, gently coaxing me into submission.  

I clung to his broad, firm chest, my back heating up and my body burning with warmth—all from a single kiss.  

When Xavier finally pulled away, his expression was hazy, his gaze smoldering. His lips, slightly parted, let out a sultry voice.  

“How was it… better than what you did to the cat, wasn’t it?”  

“What did you just say?”  

Pfft.  

I stared at him blankly for a moment before bursting into laughter.  

To think that this man was Kiki…  

Who would have guessed that the adorable, soft-bottomed cat could turn into such a sensual and arrogant man? If I had known, I wouldn’t have dared to even think about spanking his cute little butt.  

“What’s so funny?”  

“Who would believe that you, Duke, were that cute little Kiki?”  

“I prefer how I am now. I can kiss you, after all.”  

“You’re such a beast.”  

I glared at him, but the Duke smirked playfully in response.  

“I’ve always been a beast. So, how about one more time?”  

“Your Grace!”  

When I raised my voice, Xavier chuckled softly and ran his large hand along my back.  

“Your back glows with golden light.”  

“Well, yes, that seems to be the case. A Saintess whose back glows with golden light—it’s not something I ever imagined.”  

“Haha. You’re truly amusing. You’re the only one who can make me laugh.”  

Even as he spoke, his lips were still close to mine. His soft, jelly-like lips glistened slightly, making them look even more tempting.  

‘Not sexy, not sexy.’

Suddenly, Xavier’s arms wrapped firmly around my waist, pulling me flush against him.  

“Mmph!”  

“Will you marry me now?”  

“Ah, I’m not really interested.”  

“Am I, Xavier Auguste, not enough for you?”  

“…Do you even like me?”  

“Hmm.”  

I knew it. I knew he wouldn’t answer easily.  

“I’m very interested in you. Enough to want to kiss you.”  

“Well, since I’m a saintess, I can understand that.”  

“No, even if you weren’t a saintess, I would’ve kissed Yuria Graham eventually.”  

“And I’m supposed to believe that?”  

“I won’t say I love you. Even I don’t know how to define what I’m feeling right now.”  

“……”  

“But for now, I just can’t stop thinking about you.”  

His clear teal eyes deepened as they met mine.  

I could see my reflection in his gaze. The playful expression he had just moments ago had turned serious.  

“Whether I’m in my office, the training ground, or even in front of the woman you claimed I’d fall in love with, I find myself thinking about you.”  

“Ah…”  

“I need you. Does that answer your question?”  

He looked like he was confessing his love. His words made my heart tremble.  

But I knew this wasn’t love. It was an obsession born out of need.  

‘The Duke said he needs me, not that he loves me.’  

I was certain that his thoughts of me were tied to my holy power. I had no intention of being swayed by such a dark figure.  

For now, I needed to buy time. Time for him to come to his senses, and time for me to figure out another solution!  

“Give me some time. You were the one who told me not to bring up marriage first, remember? This is all too overwhelming.”  

“Hmm, alright.”  

Xavier seemed to think for a moment before speaking again.  

“One week.”  

What? He expects me to make a life-altering decision in one week?  

“One week is too short.”  

“I can’t wait any longer. The Crown Prince is after you as well.”  

“What? Why would His Highness be after me?”  

“I don’t know how the Crown Prince learned about the undisclosed oracle, but he must’ve seen the golden star on your back when he escorted you in that fancy golden carriage.”  

The night we were attacked by beastmen… The Crown Prince’s grave expression as he looked through the window suddenly came to mind.  

‘So he saw the star then.’  

I tried to avoid the ultimate villain, only to receive a proposal and catch the attention of the male lead, the Crown Prince.  

Ah, life.  

“I heard the Imperial Palace is hosting a victory banquet soon.”  

“I know.”  

“Will you come to the capital with me?”  

This time, I had to refuse no matter what.  

If people saw me with the Duke, they’d misunderstand. Rumors would spread, and if I couldn’t pair Rosetta with the Duke, it’d be impossible to fix things later.  

“Your Grace, I…”  

“Yuria, I want you to come with me.”  

“……”  

Yuria.  

Hearing him say my name in that beautiful baritone voice made me freeze, missing my chance to say no.  

While I was dazed, Xavier left, leaving behind a marriage proposal.  

“Was he serious? I thought he’d just leave after receiving my holy power.”  

Sigh, if only I weren’t a saintess!  

‘Wait! He’s not expecting us to keep kissing, is he?’  

I clutched my chest, which was pounding uncontrollably. I didn’t think I could hold out any longer. At this rate, I might end up throwing myself at him willingly.  

Why is he so good at kissing?  

When his lips touched mine, I couldn’t think straight. He started off forceful, then softened like the touch of a bird’s feather, only to suddenly dive in rougher, tracing his tongue along my teeth…  

Wait, what am I doing?  

‘Stop imagining it! You idiot!’  

I slapped my cheeks with both hands.  

The Duke will fall for Rosetta. Things are a bit twisted now, but eventually, he’ll be someone who has nothing to do with me.  

Yes, that’s how it’ll be.  

“Miss?”  

Maya, who had entered the room at some point, was staring at me with a puzzled expression from where she stood near the bed.  

“When did you get here?”  

“Just now. But why are you slapping your cheeks?”  

“I’ve been out of it lately, so I was trying to snap out of it.”  

Maya let out a deep sigh, then went downstairs and returned with an ice pack. She began massaging my flushed cheeks alternately.  

“Miss, what are you going to do with this face?”  

“What’s wrong with it?”  

“The master and madam have returned from their gathering.”  

“They’re back already?”  

“Yes, they are.” 

Maya said, diligently continuing the ice massage.  

Sweet Maya scolded me the entire time, saying I needed to carry myself properly since I was of marriageable age and that I shouldn’t harm myself. After a few minutes, the redness in my cheeks completely disappeared.  

“Alright, let them know I’ll be down in five minutes, Maya.”  

“Yes, Miss.”  

I quickly composed myself and went downstairs.  

Mother, dressed elegantly in a luxurious gown, looked stunning. Father, too, had dressed up, exuding the warmth of a benevolent chairman.  

When Mother saw me, she fanned herself excitedly and asked, unable to hide her enthusiasm,

“Oh my, Yuria! I heard the Duke not only left a marriage proposal but also requested you as his partner?”  

“Yes, so it seems.”  

Haha, from ‘that Duke with eyes in his feet’ to ‘the refined Duke’ in no time.  

“Congratulations, Yuria. As your father, I’m happy that things are going your way, but I’m a little uneasy since the Imperial family is keeping an eye on the Duke’s estate…”  

Father still seemed worried about the Imperial family. Mother, however, immediately countered.  

“Douglas! Think about it. Even if His Highness the Crown Prince has issued proclamations supporting the Auguste family, he’s never explicitly forbidden marriage, has he?”  

“Well, that’s true.”  

“Besides, the Duke’s territory is close to ours, so he’s practically a live-in son-in-law. Isn’t that right?”  

“Indeed! Since the Duke’s residence is so near our estate, he’s practically a live-in son-in-law.”  

Father, ever the doting husband, seemed to find solace in this logic. Were they seriously considering making the Duke a live-in son-in-law?  

“We should set a date immediately and visit the dressmaker, shouldn’t we?”  

“Yes, I’ll open the safe, so feel free to splurge.”  

The two of them were absolutely thrilled.  

“It’s not decided yet. I asked him to wait.”  

“What? Why?”  

Father and Mother asked simultaneously.  

“Well, it’s just…”  

“Master! Madam!”  

The butler, usually so composed, came rushing into the drawing room with his eyebrows raised. Father immediately addressed him.  

“What is it? You’re not usually like this.”  

“Well, it’s… it’s a letter… from the Imperial Palace!”  

“What?”  

The three of us shouted in unison, staring at the butler.  

Father took the letter from him and opened it so that Mother and I could read it together.  

[To Lady Yuria Graham,  

You are cordially invited to the victory banquet. You are welcome to attend with anyone from your family. Would you grant me the honor of escorting you?  

—Crown Prince Arthur de Fabian]  

It was a handwritten invitation from the Crown Prince.  

Mother’s voice soared so high it could have pierced the ceiling.  

“Oh my, Yuria! Since when were you acquainted with His Highness the Crown Prince?”  

“Well, it just sort of happened, haha.”  

I nearly died after being shoulder-checked by a lizard beastman.  

Ugh, why is this happening to me? Just leave me alone already!  

Of course, my silent cries went unheard.  

My parents pulled up chairs like excited children, laughing over the Duke’s marriage proposal and partner request, then cackling over the Crown Prince’s invitation.  

“Oh ho ho, Douglas! Does this mean our Yuria has both the Crown Prince and the Duke wrapped around her fingers?”  

Mother, you’ll choke if you get too greedy.  

My hands trembled faintly in the air.  

“Indeed, my dear. This is a great day for our family. Our daughter might even marry into the Imperial family!”  

Father, that’s a bit of a stretch. Have you forgotten I wanted to learn the trading business?  

Just as I was about to approach them and say something—  

“Madam! Master!”  

This time, the head maid burst into the drawing room, panting. My pupils quivered with unease.  

“A l-letter… from the temple!”  

“What?”  

Now even the temple was in an uproar.  

The temple, the Crown Prince, the Duke—ugh, I’m so done with all of this!