Breakfast with the Count's family

Cialme swallowed a gulp with difficulty. This man is dangerously handsome. If she happened to stare at him for a long amount of time, she would be absolutely hooked that would turned into a fatal attraction. Best if she avoid that before she regret anything.

Steering her gaze, she spoke in a level tone.

"Good morning, duke. It seems I have bothered you last night. I apologize for taking your precious time."

Cialme shifted his arm and moved out of the bed. She felt his touch was making her more nervous apart from his focused stare.

Senriv straightened his bed hair backwards until it flattened like last night. His hair was neatly pushed backwards, allowing his smooth forehead to be seen.

He then frowned after a sluggish yawn erupted from his mouth. His dark brows knitted as he stared into her purple eyes.

"Cia, why can't you remember anything?"

Cialme was taken aback, exerting effort to remember the things that had happened in the past before she transmigrated into the body of the young woman. It was like unlocking the hidden things that had been buried.

She couldn't get anything out of brooding over the same thing over and over again.

Cialme pressed her lips, deciding what to speak in reply.

"I hit my forehead a week ago. That's why I couldn't recall anything. I apologize, duke. If you can help me regain it, please do."

Senriv released a sigh of disbelief. But a usual gentle smile peeked on his lips, a special smile that was only for Cialme.

"Of course. I will help you in any way," his tone changed to worry, "Are your injury fine? Did it heal already? Can I see it?"

Cialme forwarded, leaning her body slightly. She moved her head for him to see the injury, she was about to sweep the hair on her forehead when Senriv swept it in her stead.

His fingers cast aside the silver stray hairs, putting it behind her ears. Cialme stiffened a little from his touch.

Eyeing the fading bruise, Senriv suddenly circled his arms around her waist which had gasp in surprise. He closed their distance, letting her seat on his lap.

Cialme evaded his drilling stare. She was far too weak against it.

"You've seen my injury... I think it's fine now. I'll get up now, duke."

She reasoned, slowly slipping out from his firm grip.

"I'll go get a closer look. Stay still."

Senriv ordered, his eyes fixed on her forehead where a soft warm sensation was planted. He kissed her forehead, transmitting the warmth of his lips to her skin.

What? Cialme did not miss his advances, she had clearly witnessed how he kissed her again like it was a normal thing between them.

For a woman who had been living in solitude for the rest of her existence, Cialme couldn't properly react on the romantic gesture. She's naive and innocent like a child regarding to the matters that involved romance. She would be a spinster if she hadn't died early.

"There you have it. It'll heal a bit faster."

Cialme nodded. Looking down to where his gaze followed, she smiled awkwardly.

"Please let go of my waist."

His mouth formed an 'O,' as he realized he had been hindering her.

"My bad, Cia. I'm just used to be this intimate towards you."

"It can't be help. As soon as my memory came intact, I will repay your kindness. For now, please be patient with me, duke."

After Cialme regained her footing on the ground, she bowed her head lightly.

"Don't refer me by that as if we were distant. Call me by my name, Cia."

Cialme raised her head, high enough to see the sad expression on his face. She felt it was cruel of her to treat him coldly, when he was previously loved by the former occupant of this body.

She cracked a gentle smile on her lips.

"Then... Senriv," her eyes crinkled as a wide smile erupted on her lips. She extended her hand, and asked, "Should we have a meal downstairs? I think it's time for you to be formally introduced to my family. What do you think?"

Senriv's usual stable gaze was shaken when her words stirred him internally. His eyes shone enthusiastically as if her words had given him life. Senriv held her hand.

"That sounds nice."

"I agree. But first, let's tidy up your face so you could leave a good impression on them."

Senriv chuckled softly. He scuffled onto the edge of the bed, allowing Cialme to wipe his face with soft damp cloth. It felt like they're a newly married couple in this moment. Senriv smiled at the thought.

"If you're that far, you will only miss the dirt on my face."

He said jokingly before drawing her close to him. Seated on his lap, Cialme's heart jumped nervously.

After tidying up their appearance, Senriv and Cialme descended on the stairs hand in hand. The servants they passed by followed them through a gaze. After the two had gone to the same bedroom last night, the servants have been intrigued of what's really going on between the couple.

Reaching the dining area where three heads turned at them upon their arrival. Count Luvain was the first to greet them, followed by Countess Luvain but the last person did not offer a greeting. Kirton was nonchalant, not minding that two had arrived.

"Kirton? Why don't you greet the duke?"

Countess Luvain eyed the man but Kirton did not even budge on his place. After receiving an empty response, Countess Luvain filled the awkwardness with a nervous laugh.

"Please excuse him, duke. He's sometimes like that."

"I don't mind, Countess. Rather, I should be the one apologizing. Next time, I'll drop in with an earlier notice. I'm sorry for staying in your premises without asking for the owner's permission."

Senriv offered them a polite bow.

"It's not a big deal. If it's duke, you're welcome here anytime."

Count Luvain swung his head in disagreement. His gesture was seconded by his own wife, Countess Luvain alone. Again, Kirton didn't partake in the light conversation or rather he's not simply interested in the small talk. It was evident on his face.

"Thank you, Count."

"No problem. Please sit anywhere you like."

Count Luvain called the servants nearby to bring in a larger serving of their meal. His guest is a duke, his rank is way higher than his and top it all, this man might be added to his family. To marry off his daughter to a good man, it was his sole wish for his daughter.

Senriv and Cialme sat next to each other, lengthening the conversation as they continued filling up their stomach with warm breakfast.

Cialme beamed at him, while Senriv engrosses in the conversation led by her father. Kirton saw how her sister looked at the duke in a very endearing way. But it was all in his head when in truth, Cialme had been looking at Senriv in a casual way.

Kirton stood up, breaking the flow of the conversation between four people.

"Have you eaten well, young master?" Cialme asked.

Kirton gritted his teeth then puffed a deep breath to suppress his irritation. He smiled afterwards.

"Yes. Please excuse me."

His shoes clicked in the marbled floor as he exited on the dining area. The sounds reduced, gradually disappeared. Only the crisp of breeze was resonating into the hall.

Cialme thought that there's been bad blood between Senriv and Kirton as they were not interacting properly. Was it mentioned in the novel?

Deep in thoughts, Cialme flinched when Senriv slipped his hand over her thigh. She instantly gave out a surprise reaction.

"Anything you need, duke?"

Senriv gloomed at her question. His lips pulled up a smile, then corrected her.

"Senriv."

"Ah, yes, Senriv. Do Senriv have anything to request?"

"Anything?" He raised an eyebrow quizzically.

"Anything," Cialme affirmed.

Senriv smiled sarcastically, "Then.. are you serving Cia here? I'd like to take out one."