It's A Misunderstanding That I'm Dating The Villain

“But if you ponder on it. I’m in a position where I have to win Captain’s favor.”

“I’ve already told Your Highness that I have no intention of revealing your secrets… Well, yes.”

“So, naturally, you should enjoy yourself and feel free to ask me for anything. There’s no need to feel burdened.”

“….”

Ludger seemed to feel that it was a truly great opportunity, but he was also burdened by the pressure of my acceptance.

‘It’s rather presumptuous of him, but I guess that’s understandable.’

After all, it’s hard for a noble to fully understand commoners. I suppose I, a good commoner, should be the understanding one.

I propped my chin on my hand and slowly explained.

“Firstly, I understand that Lord Duke is offering me to attend the gathering because you think it’s a ‘great opportunity’.”

“…Yes.”

“However, as far as I’m aware, the Duke doesn’t attend gatherings often either. I thought the Duke wasn’t fond of social gatherings?”

“That’s true…I guess.”

“Then, doesn’t Lord Duke think the other person might not be too enthusiastic about the gathering either?”

“That’s…I’m required to attend and have been to many gatherings…. but you’re not in the same situation. I thought young women usually look forward to such events?”

“That’s prejudice….”

Well, I’m just an ordinary person, so I’ve also had thoughts about wanting to wear pretty clothes or attend a social gathering, just superficially.

Since I’ve only ever observed gatherings from the outside as a security guard, they seemed fun from afar.

But if I were being precise, that was just a vague wish like ‘I want to quit my job and go to the Caribbean islands to drink piña coladas~’

If I really wanted to attend a social gathering, it was something I wanted to do of my own free will, not like being pushed around like this.

As I explained it to him, Ludger’s expression grew more and more gloomy.

Somehow, I felt a sense of guilt because I unintentionally disappointed a handsome man.

“…I’m sorry.”

“No, Your Highness doesn’t need to apologize.”

“I understand now. Then I’ll cancel Captain Clara’s attendance at today’s gathering. I will attend alone.”

I froze as soon as I heard those words

“Wait a minute. Then wouldn’t that have a huge negative impact on the Duke’s reputation?”

Even though it was not a big gathering, invitations are usually sent out in advance, and acceptances and rejections were made in advance before attending it.

Moreover, since he had already stated that he would attend with a partner, attending alone on the day of the event would be considered an act of insult against the host.

It meant that Ludger would be the subject of lingering gossip and criticism for a long time.

“It’s a situation that arose because of my ignorance, so you don’t need to worry about it.”

“No….”

While that was technically true, it made me uncomfortable.

If Ludger had been more overbearing, saying something like, “How dare you reject my invitation?” I might have felt a bit of satisfaction.

Instead, he had simply been unaware, and he had invited me today purely hoping that I would enjoy it.

Moreover, as soon as he realized that it was an impolite action to the other person, he immediately reflected on it and apologized.

‘What a nice villain….’

Every time he behaved like this, I was truly left in a state of confusion. Even though I was well aware of his suspicious involvement with black magic and his intention of hiding it.

I let out a sigh as I looked at Ludger, whose villainous image was gradually drifting further away from the original.

“Alright. Then I’ll just attend.”

“There’s no need to force yourself….”

“Truth to be told, it’s a bit uncomfortable for me! But I’d feel worse if the Duke were misunderstood as being rude to the host because I refused. I’ve decided to go in a way that’s more comfortable for me, so the Duke doesn’t need to worry.”

“Captain Clara….”

Ludger smiled with what seemed like relief. It was such a warm smile that it made my heart race without me even realizing it. He truly was a man whose very presence was overwhelming…

Feeling my face redden for no reason, I muttered defensively.

“No, but, really! Just this once! In the future, please refrain from making decisions on your own and ask me first.”

“I promise. I will definitely do that.”

“Okay, promise.”

Unconsciously, I extended my pinky finger as I said “promise.” Ludger’s eyes widened in surprise when he saw that.

Only then did I realize that I had made an embarrassing gesture that I only did when I was little, and my face flushed.

“Oh, no….”

I tried to pull my hand back, but before I could, Ludger’s pinky had already curled around mine.

“…Alright. It’s a promise.”

Ludger shook our connected fingers up and down before letting go. At the same time, he burst into laughter. Though I felt a bit teased, I ended up laughing along with him.

***

The boutique, which was our destination, was not far from my home, so we arrived quickly.

Since it was located in an area filled with shops catering mostly to aristocratic clientele, I felt a sense of tension as if I had come to a place I shouldn’t have been.

‘No, I can’t back out now. I should just act confidently.’

Ludger got out of the carriage first and extended his hand to escort me. I carefully linked arms with him and swallowed nervously.

As we entered the boutique, the Madame and staff greeted us with precise coordination.

“Welcome, Young Duke Kassen! We will do our utmost to serve you today.”

“Alright. Is everything ready?”

“Of course! It’s a pity that we’re just adjusting the ready-made products. If you had placed a custom order in advance, we could have perfectly tailored a dress to match Your Ladyship’s image.”

“It was decided in a hurry. Also, referring to her as ‘Ladyship’ feels a bit inappropriate. This is Sir Clara Weyburn, the Captain of the Ruby Knights. I hope you would be polite to her accordingly.”

“Oh my! Miss is a knight! No wonder I thought your slender body was extraordinary!”

Madame exclaimed in admiration as she grabbed my hand.

“Then I will immediately fit the prepared dresses for you to see. Captain Clara, please come this way!”

“Yes, yes….”

I started to be led away by Madame and the staff. They were acting more respectfully than expected, so I got nervous.

“Okay, how about we start with this one first?”

As expected of professionals, their movements were smooth and efficient. I felt like a doll being dressed, stretching out my arms or holding my breath as requested.

The process was so swift that I felt overwhelmed. Was this what it felt like for models changing clothes behind the scenes of a fashion show?

‘But somehow… The dresses are a bit narrow….’

The design, which boldly exposed the back and shoulders, made me worry that it might be a bit too chilly for early spring.

Regardless of my thoughts, the Madame and staff, who had skillfully adjusted the size to fit me perfectly, led me to the salon with proud faces.

“What do you think of this one, Young Duke? We chose a dress that highlights the Captain’s figure as much as possible.”

“….”

My eyes met with Ludger, who was sitting in the salon. He was looking at me with a surprised expression.

“Young Duke?”

When he continued to stare at me in silence, the Madame called out to him again, as if to confirm.

Ludger, who seemed to have come to his senses only then, let out a short sound of “Ah” and hurriedly averted his gaze to the side.

‘…..?’

While I was blinking in confusion, he mumbled an answer.

“…Red doesn’t really suit you, Sir.”

What a way to speak to someone who had gone through the trouble of putting it on.

‘What’s with that? Is he bragging that his neutral-colored hair goes well with any color rather than my colorful hair?’

I pouted and fiddled with my orange hair.

This was truly an obstacle when choosing clothes. That’s why I usually bought clothes with less conspicuous colors.

Still, I thought the dress selected by the boutique’s discerning designers would suit me, but it seemed it didn’t meet the standards of the esteemed noble.

The Madame quickly apologized to Ludger.

“I’m sorry, Your Highness. We thought the vibrant color would complement the Captain’s hair as well, but it appears we were mistaken.”

“No… It’s not that it’s bad, but I was wondering if there might be a dress that suits Lady Clara better.”

“Yes, Yes, we’ll find something that suits the Captain best. For now, is it alright to keep the design as it is?”

“… About that.”

Ludger covered his mouth with his hand and answered.

“Since the weather is still cold, I believe a less exposed design would be better.”

“Ahh….”

The Madame and staff exchanged knowing glances and then smirked. What was that about?