A Con Artist But That's Okay - Chapter 1

1.

 

The Duke of Leviaus’ drawing room, located in the heart of Björn, the capital of the Sarthe Empire.

The butler’s hands, carefully pouring tea, mirrored the elegant ambiance of the room. 

Under the soft glow of the crystal chandelier that cast a wide pool of light over the slowly rising tea, it indeed lived up to its reputation as the finest in the Sarthe Empire. 

After all, isn’t this the Duke of Leviaus, whose wealth is said to rival even that of the Imperial Family?

While there might be rumors circulating among the social elite of their tremendous influence, it is also a fact that nobody can deny.

In reality, the Duke of Leviaus is the most prestigious family, both in name and in substance, that has existed since the empire’s inception. 

The extent of the Duke of Leviaus’ influence within the empire is immeasurable, including the wealth and power amassed over generations and the renowned noble character that the Duke is known for.

But perhaps what is most renowned is…

“Stop.”

The abrupt command was uttered by none other than Karze Leviaus.

Suddenly, his action of passing the documents to the butler was halted. 

His bright red eyes, peering through the unusually dark blue hair and the slightly pale skin, painted the portrait of a high-ranking nobleman that was hard to rival. 

His sharp nose and pronounced jawline added to his almost otherworldly demeanor.

It’s no exaggeration to say that the rumor of the recipient of Goddess Sarthe’s divine blessings, a sacred masterpiece, had first been bestowed to the Leviaus family. 

Even the black quill he held to sign the parchment appeared regal.

“Here.”

“…Yes, my lord.”

The butler accepted the document handed to him by the Duke, and after a brief perusal, he allowed a fleeting sigh of regret to escape. 

The script was undeniably beautiful, but knowing the contents of the document made it feel rather solemn.

Suppressing his regret, the butler quickly crossed the room to place the documents in front of the chestnut-haired woman seated there.

“Madam, you should read it too.”

The butler gently placed the documents on the table and turned his attention to the woman.

The emerald eyes, fixed on the parchment, blinked in confusion, and even her naturally fair cheeks were now flushed to the point of earning sympathy.

I knew she would react this way.

The old butler lowered his gaze, an air of sadness about him, as after all, it was an age of dreams for someone of her age. 

These were not the kinds of matters a lady of her tender age, just twenty, could accept with equanimity. 

[T/N: Equanimity meaning calmness and composure.]

Furthermore, the prospect of facing the Duke in this regard was a lot to bear, especially for such a frail and young woman. 

“Miss, over here.”

“Ah… Thank you.”

As if sharing the butler’s sorrow, a servant approached the young woman’s side and offered her a handkerchief.

The touch of her translucent, alabaster skin was tender, and their exchanged glances were warm to witness.

[T/N: Heartwarming.] 

Their relationship was closer to that of friends rather than just a servant and her lady.

What a warm-hearted person.

The butler couldn’t help but crack a small smile at the pleasant image cast before his elderly eyes. 

…But the prettier she looked, the worse he felt. 

There couldn’t be a lady in the entire empire who would willingly sign a ‘marriage contract’ like this.

His heart went out to the young lady who most likely, until recently, pictured her future full of love and tender care. 

“Haa…”

However, there’s no escaping the inevitable. 

The butler, aware of his master sitting across from him, cleared his throat.

“As you may already be aware, we would like to reaffirm our previous agreement before your impending marriage. I personally received this document from the archbishop and once the lady agrees and signs, the contract will be sealed through the power of Goddess Sarthe.”

“…Alright.”

The pitiful young lady’s voice trembled slightly. 

The servant standing behind her offered a reassuring hand on her arm, and she mustered a faint smile.

The butler steeled himself against his own weakness when he beheld the beautiful, slender woman.

I wonder if you’re truly okay with this.

After all, the man sitting across from her was none other than Duke Leviaus.

The most famous bachelor in the empire, an everlasting topic of conversation in social circles.

Ironically, what made Duke Leviaus famous wasn’t merely his looks, wealth, or title. Though, those did play a big part in it. 

“…”

Mystery enveloped him.

That was the primary reason for the Duke of Leveers’ fame. 

Given his position as the heir to an ancient family that had been at the heart of the empire’s foundation, it was only natural that people scrutinized his every action.

Yet, Karze left behind few traces of himself. 

As a child, he would occasionally make public appearances alongside the previous Duke and his spouse. 

However, following his father’s strict directive to prepare him as a successor, he was dispatched to the Academy of the Kingdom of Belcre.

After graduating at the top of his class, he opted to continue his studies at the academy rather than returning home, until a brief hiatus following the tragic death of the previous Duke and Duchess. 

Then, once more, he returned to the academy. 

It had been just over two months since his return to the Sarthe Empire after a three-year sojourn at the academy. 

[T/N: Sojourn meaning a temporary stay.]

He was now twenty-one years old.

In essence, he was a riddle shrouded in secrecy.

A complete and utter mystery.

Countless rumors swirled about his life. 

His childhood tutor, his literary preferences, his tailors, his academic studies, the people and nobles alike, wanted to know it all. 

But relative to these speculations, he had never expressed himself in any extreme way. 

Thus, the mystery deepened.

Some conjectured that he suffered from social phobia, while others believed he had yet to come to terms with the loss of his parents. 

Regardless of the veracity of these statements, the Duke had indeed resumed his position, commanding the undivided attention of all the empire’s nobility. 

They would strive to seize upon the faintest connection as an excuse to call upon the Duke’s residence. 

Particularly, families with marriageable daughters would crowd at the doorstep.

Perhaps, if not for ‘that rumor’ then…

The butler sighed.

“Allow me to clarify once more. By signing this document, the Lady will assume the title of Duchess of Leviaus for one year, starting from the upcoming Independence Day.”

“…Yes, I understand.”

In response to the butler’s intentional business-like tone, the frail young lady nodded, her chestnut hair swaying softly. 

The butler, eager to hasten the proceedings, became a tad impatient.

“In return for this contract, an advance payment of one hundred thousand rubles will be made. Additionally, you will contribute 10,000 rubles monthly from your own finances. Upon the successful completion of the contract, you will receive 1 million rubles.”

“…”

Ten thousand rubles equated to an annual salary of a high-ranking imperial official. 

This was an amount tens or hundreds of times that sum could indeed be life-altering for even a respectable noble.

“Do you agree, Madam?”

“Ah, yes.”

Yet, that overwhelming sum couldn’t be celebrated. 

No matter how financially motivated an aristocratic family might be, no sane parent would agree to their child’s marriage under these conditions.

“I don’t anticipate anything that should greatly trouble you, Madam. All we ask is…”

“I understand.” 

She replied with an air of lifelessness.

“…”

“…and faithfully.”

The butler was relieved to hear her soft voice contemplating the situation. 

Her calm reaction indicated that there was likely no major cause for concern.

“Then there is one last clause left.” 

The butler said quietly. 

Aside from the financial aspects, this clause held the potential to offer the bride the greatest hope.

“The expiration of this contract is exactly…”

“How long should I wait?”

“…Lady.”

Why now?

Hearing the stern voice of the duke, who seemed displeased with the engagement, the butler, who had briefly forgotten the head of the family’s presence, turned around.

“I will tell you directly.”

The Duke quietly raised his gaze, bypassed the butler, and fixed his eyes directly on her.

“Lady, do you have any other questions about ‘our engagement’?”

With his chin resting on the back of his clasped hands, he regarded her with intense yet tranquil red eyes. 

They were as mesmerizing as they were elegant.

“…”

As her gaze passed over the faint scar at the end of his left eyebrow, seemingly the sole imperfection on his otherwise perfect face, she narrowed one eye.

At that moment, the Duke subtly lifted the corners of his mouth, as if he knew where she was looking, startling her.

“…Oh, no. I have no other questions!”

“That’s a good thing.”

So why are you hesitating? There’s no need to refrain from signing, is there?

The meaning of his brief nod was unmistakable. 

As if she had been waiting, she tightened her grip on the quill and proceeded to inscribe her name.

Seyzel Aramis.

As soon as Seyzel penned her name, golden light radiated from the edges of the document.

Startled by the sudden display, she did not notice that the Duke had finally risen from his seat. 

Although Seyzel was by no means short, the tall man, towering a head above her, caused her shoulders to tremble as he stood up.

“Then I’ll take my leave.”

His nod was concise as he indicated his intention to depart first. 

She couldn’t help but admire him, even his movements, with his silver-blue cloak billowing, exuded restraint.

Seyzel, who had trouble even catching her breath until the living room door closed, shut her emerald eyes as if overwhelmed.

The butler, who observed the entire scene from the middle, grew increasingly anxious.

“Young lady, the duke is not really the type to… I suppose he must be busy with his affairs.”

“…I see.”

“Truly, the master is not naturally one to engage in extended conversation, and he’s never been the type to express his emotions openly. I’m sure he’s more nervous than usual today.”

Despite it being a contractual marriage, a marriage is still a marriage. 

After watching the cold treatment of the duke, the butler, who wished for an amicable relationship between the couple, resorted to making excuses.

“As the Lady adjusts to the Duke’s residence, the Duke will gradually change as well.”

“…I’m alright, you don’t have to be concerned about that.”

“What are you saying, Young Lady? I can fully understand what Lady must be feeling right now.”

The older butler’s smile took on a warmer tone. 

It appears that the ‘Fake Duchess’ might be a much kinder person than originally believed.

“Honestly, it’s absurd. I can hardly believe that the Duchess of Duke Leviaus would experience such a dreadful experience in just a year.”

“…”

When the rumor that had been circulating in the North for some time crossed his mind, the old butler’s eyes grew darker at the corners.

“Did you know? The woman who  is marrying Duke Leviaus will die suddenly within a year due to a curse.”

It was a story so tragic that the butler couldn’t bear to voice it aloud, but he couldn’t remain silent any longer.

“Even now, I feel like mobilizing all of the Duke family’s private soldiers to apprehend the person responsible for spreading such a malicious rumor and enact retribution. So, Lady, I think you can just take it easy for a year. Rumors are merely that… Rumors.”

“…Butler.”

Seyzel’s lips softened into a smile as the butler attempted to offer some reassurance.

She crossed her fingers beneath the table and lightly bumped fists with her maid servant, her eyes filled with unmatched kindness.

“I’m truly fine.”

After all, I’m the one who started that rumor.