However, her conversation with Thatcher brought about an unexpected side effect. Vivian started to wonder about nonsensical things like how compatible she sexually was with his Highness, the Grand Duke. She didn’t even think he’d be the one for her! Just how long had it been since they’d introduced themselves?!

Unfortunately, there was no way for her to block the flow of such dark thoughts, and the question of their sexual compatibility continued to float about inside of her head.

When, in reality, I tried to kiss him, my cheek was pinched.

Vivian thought of that day and pouted. It had been the Grand Duke who’d approached her almost threateningly with a kiss first, but he had disappeared after he showed off his blissful technique that made her lose her rationality.

And he’d looked down at her with a complicated expression. Vivian couldn’t tell just what he was thinking, but the depth appeared deep. Soon after, Aidan let out a sigh and left after saying he’d contact her with a letter next time. It meant he couldn’t help it because it was a promise.

Vivian found the entire situation absurd beyond belief. I mean who was the person who aroused me in the first place?! Damn his sweetness, there was no doubt the Grand Duke was a bad man.

However, apart from her feelings of being wronged, the day she was to meet Aidan approached. Only after a week of establishment of their contractual relationship as lovers were they able to schedule a day to meet.

In the meanwhile, Vivian provided herself with the rest she truly needed, and Aidan was busy as he ran away from the Emperor’s endless shower of affection, so he didn’t have the freedom to walk in and out of the library as before.

Since Aidan didn’t visit the library separately, the letter had been sent all the way to the Grand Duke’s desk, but it wasn’t easy to wait for a reply in letter as it was bulky in many ways. Even though they were within the same Capital, it took nearly two to four days to send and receive a letter by footman.

When she contacted others, she didn’t feel so uneasy and restless as she awaited a reply. Even if they were only lovers in disguise, it appeared she was nervous because of the word “lovers”.

Without a doubt, dating should be experienced in reality. Vivian reread the neat, calm handwriting on the letter and resolved her will with tight fists. Her cheek was red in expectation of her first date.

This must be why everyone marries even though it’s easier to live alone.

She felt like self-combusting in nervousness and frustration till the decided day of their date. Vivian came to a strange conclusion and rushed to the ‘Staff Only’ room to hurriedly change her clothes.

After she changed into a lovely cream-colored dress unlike her usual mousy-brown dress, she even proceeded to apply some light makeup. Seeing how Vivian, who didn’t have a single wit of interest in her appearance, hurriedly up, every person who passed by her came up to her.

“Is today an important day?”

“Date? Did you find a lover?”

Though their life-long servitude contract was a chastity contract, it didn’t have any condition that prohibited dating. According to Thatcher’s words, if they could, everyone secretly met someone, so there wasn’t a single person to yell “wolf” on the act of dating.

Of course, it wasn’t something someone could confidently walk around and announce to the world.

I haven’t told anyone except Thatcher, so how did everyone else find out?

(E/N: your dress and your aura Vivian)

Vivian, who was pricked guilty, carelessly muttered some complaints, but everyone smiled a smile as though they had expected it. She couldn’t help but make a bitter expression the entire time. It was because she’d never been the subject of such crafty eyes.

“My god, all of you are quite interested in another’s affairs!”

Though that’s hypocritical for me to say! Vivian pouted and waved them all off. Once she’d chased all out the nosy people, it was time to start her shift as a night librarian.

***

“It’s been awhile, Vivian.”

Like always, at 6 o’clock sharp, Aidan entered the Royal Library and shook awake Vivian who was sleeping on the desk. She sleepily looked up at the man in a hood and a mask and jumped in surprise and hurriedly wiped the drool from her mouth.