“…Of course. If you want, we can also set it to ‘indefinite.’”

“Is that so?”

The peaceful atmosphere that had existed until a few seconds ago vanished. The atmosphere in the study, saturated with the smell of paper and ink, suddenly became tense.

Dylan, who’d been smoothly writing the contract, put down his pen, exhaled, and combed his hair with his fingers.

“I’m sorry, if this goes on, I’ll only end up misunderstanding.”

“I see.”

“I want to cool my head off. Is there any reason you want me to extend the deadline?”

“Because I find spending time with Dylan to be very fulfilling.”

“—Ah, how am I supposed to not misunderstand!?” 

Contrary to his words, Dylan clutched his head. He sat on the couch with his elbows on his knees, agonizing.

Peeking through his silver hair was his handsome face dyed in crimson. Avril adjusted her posture and spoke once more.

“I’ll say it again because it’s important. Being with Lord Dylan makes me really happy.”

“I know, thanks, but—”

“—It brings me great joy to be in your company, and I wonder if this is what ‘happiness’ actually means.”

Avril was surprised at how flawlessly she spoke of those words, but Dylan was even more shocked. 

“Hold on, where did this come from? Until just a few minutes ago, you were as oblivious as a bat…”

“...as a bat.”

Apparently, Carol wasn’t mistaken in the slightest. Even so, they were going in a good direction.

“How did this happen…?”

“I love you, Lord Dylan. I also enjoy your company.”

“But your ‘love’ for me is no different than your love for crepes! Could it be, are you misunderstanding something? Alright, let’s summon Chris. I want an objective opinion.”

“No, please wait!”

Avril grabbed Dylan’s arm when he stood up, leading to her shivering in shock. Despite his intelligential appearance, his arm suggested that he also worked out.

“…There are still a lot of things that I don’t quite understand, but now I understand why I am called me ‘dense.’”

Dylan raised his head, his firm gaze peeking through his silky bangs. Unlike when she first came to that house, his gaze no longer held a shred of coldness.

To be honest, even Avril herself didn’t really understand. However, when Carol said that Dylan was in love with her, Avril certainly felt fluffy inside. Not to mention, she also wanted to remain by Dylan’s side.

Before she knew it, they were facing each other. Dylan took a step closer to Avril, close enough for his fingertips to caress her cheek. He didn’t try to mask his touch by redirecting it to her hair, and let it remain on her cheek.

“Despite fully knowing that, you still want to remain by my side?”

“That’s correct. Moreover, I also believe that Lord Dylan will be able to teach me how to love and cherish someone.”

After she spoke of her honest feelings, Dylan momentarily averted his gaze and smiled.

“You’re truly a villainess.”

“…Uhm, ‘truly’?”

In the quiet study, Avril repeated the word that usually didn’t reach her.

Before she could think of anything else, Dylan got down on one knee.

The scene looked so much like a fairy tale, she almost forgot they were in a study.

“Avril Allingham, I wish to marry you. Just to be clear, this isn’t a contract marriage. No rules, no condition to separate after a few years—because I’d rather not let you go.”

“…That sounds like an actual marriage proposal!”

“Because it is…?”

“I see…!”

“But this is the first time you didn’t misunderstand it as part of the contract marriage.”

Seeing Dylan holding back his laughter, Avril couldn’t help but giggle.

—Lastly…

…Avril wanted to know how Dylan felt towards her.

“Also, by that earlier proposal, were you referring to me or the ‘Villainess Avril’…?”

When she timidly asked him, Dylan stood up and pulled her into an embrace.

“Both are welcome.”

---

***T/N: and their marriage is saved!

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