Chapter 24
Was Peyton suggesting building more than just a friendly relationship, perhaps something more intimate?
Edith couldn’t easily discern Peyton’s intentions. Normally, this would imply going on a date.
However, in this mature-rated world, it could imply forming a deeper connection.
Getting to know each other could potentially lead to physical intimacy.
Edith had to firmly conceal the vivid, blush-inducing thoughts that secretly crossed her mind. It was challenging to maintain a prim and proper demeanor.
Is Peyton suggesting we build a friendship through conversation?
As the long legs of the man stretched out, Peyton shifted his posture, leaning closer to Edith.
His tone suddenly changed, and as he lowered his voice, a sticky tension filled the air, suggesting they were already in a special relationship.
“Of course, conversations are nice, but there are other things I’d like to do.”
“Ee…?”
Don’t you want to know how much of a suitable husband I can be?
He casually extended his hand.
It seemed like a courteous gesture, whether to say goodbye or to accompany her wherever they were going. Without much thought, Edith placed her hand on Peyton’s.
Peyton silently chuckled, seeming satisfied. His long, slender fingers overlapped with Edith’s.
He first grasped her wrist and then slid his arm further, encircling her forearm.
Their wrists brushed against each other. The warmth from their touch lingered where their skin met.
His long fingers, almost large enough to hold a soccer ball, reached up to Edith’s elbow, subtly sending shivers down her spine.
“Ask me for anything, Edith.”
His fingertips lightly curved, tracing the contours of her upper arm. The naturally curved contact area grazed her side.
Dressed in layers of armor-like attire, Edith’s dress and Peyton’s slim coat seemed insignificant as their delicate touch traversed her armpit and side.
Feeling slightly ticklish, Edith instinctively shrugged. It was more of a peculiar sensation than actual tickling.
“What do you want me to ask for?”
Peyton’s head, previously hovering above, suddenly drew closer in an instant.
She was almost afraid he would unexpectedly kiss her, causing her to tightly shut her lips.
Reflexively closing her eyes, she opened them to find him waiting at a kissing distance. It felt like he would lean in as soon as she parted her lips.
Instead of their lips meeting, it was their cheeks.
Concerning matters of the body, anything.
The sultry tone in his voice created an atmosphere of corruption. He was demonstrating through actions what he desired.
The touch of his smooth and flat cheek sent shivers down her spine.
Unseen feathers seemed to tickle between their skins, and his lips, conveying subtle intentions, lingered near her ear.
She couldn’t move her head. It seemed like they would soon transition into kiss mode.
“Hurry and ask me. Or should I initiate a kiss?”
Peyton’s touch, nestled within her elbow, gradually crept inward. Edith’s lips parted, releasing a suppressed moan.
“Or ask me to embrace you.”
He held onto her chair’s armrest with his other arm, and soon one of his knees pressed against a cushion.
As the imposing man’s arms wrapped around Edith, she felt as if she were trapped in a prison with unbreakable bars.
But I don’t know what I want yet.
The touch that was intertwined with her arm had now climbed up her neckline. Gripping her cheek and jaw, Peyton lightly explored Edith’s facial contours.
Her face was flushed from the constant movement. Peyton’s skin felt cool against hers.
Shall I make the first request then?
Peyton’s cheek, which had been repeatedly brushing against hers, suddenly changed angles. His slightly chapped lips accidentally pecked her cheek.
Feeling the softness of his lips, she realized she couldn’t just keep feeling; she didn’t want to cross any further boundaries.
Like many adult-rated novels, if Edith were to follow Peyton’s lead, they might end up in bed despite having just met.
This wasn’t about Peyton’s character; it was the genre of the original work. Clyde or Adrian also tended to heat things up when it came to physical contact with her, just like this.
Having been deeply influenced by Peyton’s proactive actions, Edith finally managed to speak of her reluctance.
“Wait a moment…”
He didn’t withdraw his head but remained still, pressing his lips against hers lightly.
With an air of disappointment, he let out a short sigh.
“Look at me, Edith.”
Brushing against her earlobe softly, he slowly pulled his head back.
With a hint of readiness to lean in again, he stared intently at her. Edith, with her flushed face, met his gaze.
She noticed then that his pupils were as black as coal.
The clear black rims made his bright and rich image oddly resemble that of a puppy. It wasn’t the eyes of a villain harboring malicious schemes.
Please see me as I am.
The knee resting on the cushion pressed firmly against her thigh, making Peyton’s presence even more palpable.
“You probably like me this way, don’t you? I’m not exactly ordinary, you know.”
It could be overflowing confidence, or perhaps gathering all the courage he had to speak fervently. Either way, it exceeded Edith’s expectations.
Maybe she had prejudged him. She had hastily labeled him as a potential antagonist, believing he would eventually resort to dirty tricks.
Yet, here was Peyton, with eyes as bright as a sunny retriever.
Having a positive mindset that prioritized success over failure.
“I’m counting on you too.”
Suddenly, her mind became tangled. If she were to marry this man, how would it change the course of the original story? Could she possibly rehabilitate a potential villain with her own hands?
She needed to consider whether his conditions were worth the trouble. Edith had no ambition to overturn the world; she simply aimed to live comfortably on her own terms.
Afraid of misunderstanding Peyton’s farewell as a sign of romantic interest, she drew the line here.
And about the funding issue you mentioned earlier, I’ll seriously consider it.
She could easily discern his mood returning to the topic of money.
With a demeanor filled with disappointment, Peyton lingered beside Edith’s chair for a while before finally bidding farewell with a tone full of regret. He repeatedly emphasized his anticipation for their future encounters.
When he finally pressed his lips against her hand, he didn’t move for a long time. His reluctance to let her go seemed genuine. Edith, feeling embarrassed yet accepting of his kindness, bid him farewell in return.
As Peyton watched the carriage of the Ketsmoris fade from sight, he glanced down the road beyond the gates.
Approaching with an authoritative air, the steward inquired, “How would you like to proceed? If there’s anything specific you’d like me to do, please let me know.”
***
Peyton turned around, flicking his fingers in a multi-faceted gesture.
Brushing back his sun-bright hair, he tilted his head happily.
Each step up the front steps was filled with an irresistible joy. He lightly lifted his heels and leaped up.
I’ve decided on Edith. I’ll make this marriage a success. Look for any additional proposals to present to the Ketsmoris as negotiation terms, just in case.
The steward followed him with measured steps.
“Yes, I’ll look into it.”
“And one more thing.”
He suddenly stopped at the entrance hall, lifting a finger emphatically.
“I don’t think Edith is a beta. Find out how her temperament was determined.”
It had been a long time since the carriage Edith rode in had disappeared, yet Peyton still felt her lingering scent on his body. It wasn’t the scent an ordinary beta would emit.
In the formal setting, he hadn’t noticed it, but he could definitely smell it when he almost kissed her. It wasn’t just a simple body odor. Unlike the usual omegas, there wasn’t a sufficient amount of pheromones emanating from her.
What could be the reason she’s neither a beta nor an omega?
When the steward asked, Peyton recalled her bewildered expression and the subtle scent she exuded without reservation.
“It doesn’t seem like she’s hiding it… And she might not even be aware of her status.”
“Shall I do some investigation? Or perhaps inquire with the Ketsmoris’ chief physician?”
“If we get caught, she might resent me. It’s better if it’s publicly revealed. Maybe we can ask those who frequent the palace, as there might be something noticeable about her while she works.”
Regardless of the reason, Peyton was now curious about Edith’s temperament.
He had proposed to her believing she was a beta, but if she turned out to be an omega, it would be even more welcome.
Peyton possessed alpha qualities. Initially, he had planned to regulate his pheromones if they were to become a couple.
Since he wasn’t an extremely dominant alpha, commercially available suppressants would suffice.
But unexpectedly, she turned out to be an omega.
And not just any omega, but one with an amazing scent!
If his speculations turned out to be true, Edith’s conditions would significantly improve. Peyton’s own conditions would need to be adjusted accordingly.
Already having made a bold proposal, he pondered what else he could offer while contemplating her tantalizing scent.
Did Edith enjoy our meeting today?
The steward promptly replied, “Of course. The atmosphere was very friendly and pleasant.”
“I might have been a bit too forward.”
The steward’s gaze lowered, scrutinizing Peyton with a guarded expression.
“Yes, it was definitely more than just a favorable impression.”
The steward’s gaze was sharp as he looked down, clearly cautious of Peyton’s exuberance.
