Chapter 50

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Translator: Harry Potta
Chapter: 50
Chapter Title: Engaged to the Blind Duke
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Idre wiped the sweat from her forehead and held out the next catalog. Her passionate explanations had continued for hours.

Marin's face grew paler with each of the more than ten similar catalogs she had seen.

Idre was about to flip open the first page of the next catalog and begin explaining when she noticed Marin's dazed eyes.

"Miss Marin, shall we call it a day?"

"Please."

Marin nodded with a desperate expression.

"Understood. I'll prepare some other design books and come visit you at the Duke's Castle."

Again?

Marin swallowed the words that had risen to the tip of her tongue.

"Don't worry. I'll make you the most beautiful engagement dress in the West."

Idre's blue eyes sparkled with confidence.

"Yes, I believe you."

Marin managed a feeble smile.

The Duke, who had stayed with her until the end, rose and offered his hand to Marin. She awkwardly took it and stood.

"Farewell."

Idre and Yuria, who had escorted them to the door, bowed deeply in greeting.

He offered his arm, and Marin naturally linked hers through it.

It was time for her to take the lead for the Duke, who could not see.

A crowd had gathered near the shop, watching like spectators. It seemed everyone had come out for a rare sight: the Duke venturing outside.

The nobles whose eyes met Marin's quickly looked away, pretending not to stare.

Some even removed their hats to greet the Duke.

Of course, the Duke had his eyes closed and did not look their way.

"Is there anywhere you'd like to go?"

"Somewhere with fewer people."

Marin widened her eyes as if to say, what are you talking about?

He wanted to spread rumors, so why go somewhere deserted?

As Marin hesitated, he chuckled softly and leaned his head toward her.

To onlookers, it looked like a tender moment of whispering sweet nothings.

"I can't ride in a carriage."

"Ah, right."

His handsome face was too close. Marin moved stiffly, as if something inside her had malfunctioned.

Only after he pulled away did Marin relax and walk half a step ahead of the Duke.

"Do you realize your hands and feet are moving together right now?"

"No, how do you even know that?"

When she couldn't see.

Marin swallowed the rest and looked at him curiously.

"We're walking together—how could I not know?"

Marin tried not to notice the stares around them, but effort alone wasn't enough.

"It's my first time being watched like this."

She had never seen so many nobles out on the streets before. Nobles were usually too lazy to leave their cafes or restaurants.

The nobles' gazes relentlessly followed them.

"You'll have to get used to it from now on."

***

"I'm not sure I'll ever get used to this. Truth be told, even before my family fell, I preferred staying home reading books. I didn't mingle much with other young ladies either."

Marin whispered, her face flushed with embarrassment.

Gerald turned toward her in surprise.

"Everything feels strange at first."

Like her hand resting on his arm.

Being so sensitive to touch, this was his first time in prolonged contact with another person. And yet, it wasn't as bad as he'd thought.

Had he never met this woman, it probably would have been an experience he'd never have in his lifetime.

"Yes. I'll work hard to adapt from now on."

Marin lifted her chin, pretending not to notice her surroundings as they entered deeper into the park.

Hendrego Park, which cradled a vast lake, was usually filled with nobles boating or picnicking in summer.

But with the chilly weather now, there were hardly any people around.

"Hendrego Park, is it?"

She decided this would be the last time she asked, 'How do you know when you can't see?'

Marin resolved inwardly.

"Do you come here often?"

"Once, when I was a child."

Marin looked up at the Duke in wonder.

She held back from asking, 'How do you know a park you've only been to once?'

Marin glanced around carefully, turning her head this way and that. No one was nearby. Only then did she relax and unlink her arm.

The Duke was so tall that it felt less like guiding him and more like clinging to him.

The Duke silently turned his head toward the lake.

"Who did you come here with?"

"With my sister."

"Ah... I'm sorry."

"What for?"

"For asking an unnecessary question."

As Marin fidgeted awkwardly, the Duke turned toward her.

His long lashes slowly lifted, revealing beautiful silver eyes.

Marin stared blankly at them.

Would she ever get used to these lovely eyes?

"Just because my sister is gone doesn't mean I won't speak of her at all."

"Still, some people get sad just hearing her mentioned."

At that moment, a gentle breeze rustled past, brushing his bangs aside. His bright forehead and silver eyes were even more visible.

"It's a pity."

Marin murmured unconsciously, frowning.

"What is?"

"That your eyes were injured... and that you have to hide such beautiful eye color."

In an instant, he stepped toward her in one stride.

His handsome face loomed just as close.

"Temporary, tempting me again?"

"Again? When did I ever tempt you? Why do you keep assuming that?"

Marin grumbled openly, her face exasperated.

He burst into laughter. His clear, refreshing laugh echoed softly through the quiet park.

Marin stared at him, momentarily entranced.

So he could laugh this easily.

"I've been thinking. About why I proposed a fake engagement to you."

"Why?"

"Because it was amusing."

Am I amusing right now? Should I be mad? Or take it as a compliment?

Marin crossed her arms over her chest and pondered seriously.

***

This set him off laughing again.

"Why do you keep laughing?"

Marin asked in a sulky voice.

"Weren't you just wondering how to react?"

"Wow, are you a mind reader or something?"

"What does that mean?"

"Sorry. Nonsense."

Marin bowed her head.

"It's a compliment."

"Pardon?"

"You're the first to make me laugh like this. So it's a compliment."

"Ah, yes."

Marin replied lukewarmly, her face uncertain.

It was called a compliment, but it didn't feel like one.

"I must be getting comfortable around you."

"Me? With His Grace the Duke? No. I'm extremely, terribly, awfully uncomfortable."

Marin waved her hands in denial.

"From now on, use a more casual form of address."

"That's a bit..."

She trailed off uncomfortably, and he took another step closer. Their breaths nearly mingled.

Marin froze, holding her breath in tension, then stepped back to match the distance. Her face flushed hot.

"Dangerous..."

"Who is?"

Ugh, how did he hear that? Marin pretended not to say it and changed the subject.

"So what should I call you, Your Grace?"

"Gerald?"

"Eek, spare me."

"Don't worry. I won't kill you over a form of address."

At his chilling consideration, Marin awkwardly lifted her trembling lips into a smile.

"Is there really no other option?"

"Try it."

"G-G-Ge... Gerald."

Marin squeezed her eyes shut and called out timidly.

There was no response from him for a long while.

Peeking through slitted eyes, she saw him smiling softly.

Marin closed her eyes again.

Just his smile was so seductive?

He really was a dangerous man.