The Temptation of Marielle Clarac Read online

  Table of Contents

  Cover

  Color Illustration

  Characters

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  The Sorrows of Prince Severin

  Afterword

  About J-Novel Club

  Copyright

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  Chapter One

  After Lord Simeon proposed to me last summer, my life changed quite drastically. I became the subject of curious stares wherever I went, and people who used to seem so stratospherically far above me that I couldn’t even go near them became people I could talk to directly.

  I have many memories of that time, but the one that’s remained with me most of all is the first public gathering I attended together with Lord Simeon. It began with that key moment that all had been awaiting so eagerly: the appearance of his much-spoken-of fiancée. As soon as I appeared, all eyes were on me...and then all of them cocked their heads in confusion at once. “What? Really, her? His fiancée is a girl like that? This isn’t some kind of joke at our expense?” Yes, it was a night that caused a great deal of befuddlement in the nobility of Lagrange.

  At first it had been rather intense, but after we’d finished making the rounds and I’d introduced myself to all and sundry, the clamor calmed down somewhat, and I danced with Lord Simeon for the first time.

  Even now, I clearly remember the way my heart raced in that moment. It truly was a wonderful night. We glided across the floor, whirling around and around. Paired with Lord Simeon’s tall frame I felt slightly mismatched, but that was no impediment whatsoever, for you see, the Vice Captain of the Royal Order of Knights was not only an expert in military arts, but in the art of dancing as well. He led me masterfully, gracefully, as we followed the music. He made me feel as though even I had become a proficient dancer.

  “Lord Simeon, you’re awfully good at this. I’ve never found it so easy to dance before.”

  “You’re a good dancer as well. I’m sure you’d be able to keep up with a faster tempo than this.”

  “Oh, but then I’d be exhausted straight away. Going slowly is much more fun.”

  “Because you can watch the people around us?” The light blue eyes that looked at me from behind his glasses glinted with a faint hint of mockery.

  At that point we still had not laid our hearts bare to one another, so I didn’t fully grasp the meaning of what he had said. I didn’t realize he was poking fun at my interest in secretly observing people and collecting my observations to use as reference material.

  “I don’t have time for that,” I replied, which was partly a polite deflection and partly an honest response. Certainly, I was enjoying the reactions of those around me, but at that moment, Lord Simeon was simply too wonderful to pull my eyes away from.

  It truly was unbelievable. This man was my fiancé, my escort to the ball, and my dance partner.

  He was the heir to a prestigious earldom and a knight of the royal guard. He was the confidant of the crown prince, and his career trajectory made it all but assured that he would have an important ministerial role in the future. Furthermore, he was as dashingly handsome as a storybook prince. Indeed, he set the heart of every young noblewoman racing. This beautiful man, far too good to be true, was my fiancé. Anyone would struggle to believe it. Even for a marriage of convenience, we were too mismatched a pairing. Our looks and our social ranks were too disparate. Our ages were also quite far apart. To say he was too good for me didn’t go far enough. For me, he was an unreachably high peak on a distant mountain.

  But it went beyond that. Lord Simeon’s greatest charm of all was something very different indeed.

  Though his gaze looked gentle and nonchalant, it hid a calculating shrewdness. Even though he was attending this ball in a personal capacity rather than a professional one, he did not let his guard down and continued keeping a close eye on everything and everyone. This was, no doubt, because the crown prince and the two princesses were present at the ball. He couldn’t simply leave their protection to his subordinates; he had to look out for threats. Despite his refined behavior and smile, his eyes still glowed with vigilance. And I’m sure he saw the knights on guard duty who took some food from the table in the corner when they thought he wasn’t looking. He’ll probably punish them later. Oh, how thrilling!

  I couldn’t get enough of the Demon Vice Captain’s penetrating gaze. He was a fearsome man who could see through any scheme—a black-hearted military officer who appears friendly on the surface but is plotting cruel things underneath. There, before my very eyes, was the apex of my fantasies, the exact thing that fuels my fangirl fire most of all. And I was dancing with him, hand in hand! Can you imagine the feeling? It was as though the archetype I yearn for most of all had leapt out of the pages and into my life!

  It’s such a joy, this viciousness beyond all measure. Three cheers for the black-hearted Vice Captain!

  That night at the ball, I danced the steps as if in a dream, so spellbound that I was drowning in him. I could hardly believe I was really there, touching someone I’d only ever seen from a distance, exchanging words with him, getting so close. If someone had told me this was all a dream, I’d have fully believed them. How could my ideal man, so handsome and cruel, exist in real life? It was a mystery!

  Those were my thoughts at the time, anyway. They’ve changed slightly since then. Admittedly, Lord Simeon does have that master tactician side to him, but he’s actually very kind and earnest, which I didn’t notice until some time afterwards. In the time we spent together just after we’d gotten engaged, when we were still hiding our true thoughts and feelings, I simply looked at him—and fangirled over him—as though he was a character in a story.

  Many eyes focused on us as we danced. The hem of my dress whirled this way and that. Suddenly Lord Simeon changed direction, and a moment later I realized we had almost collided with another couple. When I looked, I saw to my surprise that it was the couple hosting the party, Duke and Duchess Silvestre.

  Duke Silvestre, a younger cousin of His Majesty the King, had long black hair, while his wife’s was a starkly contrasting silver. They were looking our way as well, and when our eyes met, Lord Simeon and I bowed slightly as we continued to dance.

  The duke’s vague smile made it impossible to read his emotion, but his wife was more forthcoming, smiling kindly while returning a nod of her own. We soon parted from them on the dance floor, but for a while I followed them with my eyes.

  “Is something wrong?” asked Lord Simeon, returning me to my senses.

  Somewhat regretting my slight impropriety, I apologized. “No, not at all. My apologies. Only, until now I’ve never had the chance to be in such close contact with people of their status.” I returned my gaze to Lord Simeon. “I feel almost afraid, as though it’s not permitted for someone in my position to draw so near to them.”

  “No need to be cautious. It’s not in the duke’s nature to care so much about rank, and his wife is very much the same. They’re kind people on the whole. They’re not harsh or quick to judge.”

  “I know. When I introduced myself to them earlier tonight, they didn’t make a single scathing remark. They simply replied normally. Even so, their rank is so far above my own, I feel nervous.”

  Unlike Lord Simeon, my house was a mid-ranking viscountcy, which meant I wasn’t used to being in this position. But when I pointed this out to Lord Simeon, he smiled somewhat maliciously. My word, that wicked smile is almost too much. There it is, exactly what I adore—that dark sense of roguishness! It’s just too wonderful... I’m starting to pant!

  “Are you sure it’s nerves that you feel?” he asked. “It’s not curiosity instead?”

  Now I fully understand what he meant in saying that. Lord Simeon had already known for years that I spent my time observing other people in search of reference material and fangirling opportunities. The intense curiosity hidden behind my prim and proper facade was no secret to him at all. But at that point, not yet knowing that, I tried to deflect his comment with a vague and inoffensive reply.

  “I do have some measure of curiosity, of course...but I still find myself slightly awestruck by them.”

  “Which is somewhat unexpected. You weren’t so timid around Prince Severin or Duke Chalier.”

  “I was still nervous, but His Highness and Duke Chalier are both such jolly people, which provided enough reassurance that I felt able to talk to them. Duke Silvestre has something of an enigmatic, unapproachable quality to him.”

  “I see,” Lord Simeon replied.

  In my time spent collecting gossip, a handful of rumors about Duke Silvestre had reached my ears here and there. Certainly, he was the type of man that Lord Simeon described, but I’d also heard a few surprising anecdotes that might have been fact or fiction, so I couldn’t help it if my curiosity was piqued now that I had finally gotten so close to the man himself. My interest was aroused, but I still felt uncomfortable getting any closer. That was about the long and short of it.

  Compared to observing him secretly as I had done so far—from great distances, or from the shadows—th
e circumstances were different in a number of ways. I wasn’t present at this ball purely to observe, but also to accompany Lord Simeon, so I had to carefully consider how close I could get to each person and to what extent I could justify letting my guard down. This was another change brought about by my engagement to Lord Simeon. Though the ladies of society would envy and mock me for marrying into money and status regardless of how I acted, it still wouldn’t do for me to rush blithely ahead with no concern. That night was the first time I warned myself that I really had to try and adjust my mindset.

  The only way I would be able to keep observing my perfect fiancé at such close range was if I did my best to maintain my image in polite society. At the time, I had many thoughts along the lines of: For the sake of my continued fangirling, I will do my very best! Though when I think back on it, I realize now that I had an excessive amount of tension in my shoulders.

  Since that night, the seasons had turned as I watched the leaves fall and then the snow, and we had confessed our feelings for one another. We had revealed the secrets in our hearts, and what remained between us was nothing but love. Now I didn’t have to work so hard on my own anymore. I knew that Lord Simeon understood me, and that I could rely on him. I, in turn, wanted to be the one who understood and protected him more than anyone else could.

  Now that color had returned to the world, people were beginning to gather and go out again. How many times had I danced with Lord Simeon by now? I was not sure, but the thrill had not diminished one bit, while the affection and unwavering sense of security had only increased. Tonight, too, I would look into his light blue eyes and step in time, while the man I fangirled over the most, the man I was consumed by, once again melted me with his gentle smile.

  There was not long to go until the day itself. Once the gardens were in full flower, and even the roses had begun to bloom, I would put on a pure white dress.

  I am counting the days until I can be your bride.

  Chapter Two

  The snow had disappeared from the city streets, and with every passing day the breeze grew more pleasant. Now that it was possible to go outside without a thick coat, it was finally feeling like spring had come. Buds were sprouting forth on the trees, and small flowers had started to bloom in the earth.

  Making it through the long winter and greeting the spring at last had enlivened everybody’s hearts. There were still some days when a cold wind blew, but the ladies of society were determined not to let that hold them back, so vast numbers of them were seen out and about in light dresses. The fashion in winter had been for dresses that appeared plain at first glance but had hidden splendor, and so, almost in retaliation, the trend had now moved on to clothing that struck you with its brilliance the moment you laid eyes on it. Accordingly, the most popular hues this season were pale yet bright, while skirts were decorated at the back with pleats gathered together and endless layers of lace flowing down like a waterfall.

  The city of Sans-Terre, capital of the Kingdom of Lagrange, was full of this grandeur—of flowers blooming a tad early. However, there was one young girl walking in the city who had firmly turned her back upon such things.

  Her outdated dress had no doubt been maintained as carefully as she could manage, but one could see at a glance that it was rather old by now. Her strikingly ordinary brown hair also had no ornaments to decorate it, while her handbag was also quite shabby if one looked closely. She didn’t remove her worn-out gloves, likely not due to the cold, but as an effort to hide her rough and unladylike hands. Though she had clearly tried her hardest to maintain a respectable image, it was evident that this young woman had fallen on hard times. People who saw her no doubt wondered if she had been forced into poverty after the death of her father, or some such.

  I chuckled softly. “This is perfect, if I do say so myself. Dressed like this, I’m certain that even if I met someone I knew, they would never notice me...though in any case, I am known for being difficult to spot once I’ve blended into a crowd.” In thoroughly high spirits, I gazed at my reflection in the publishing company’s window.

  Just then, a boy carrying a pile of documents stopped nearby and smiled wryly. “That looks like hard work. Do you really have to change your appearance so substantially just to hide your social status when you leave the house?”

  This young man, of about my own age and with delightfully cute features, spoke in a somewhat feminine manner. This was inevitable, as for seventeen years—almost his entire life thus far—he had lived his life as a woman. A strange series of events had led to my being acquainted with Lord Michel, but now at last he was living as a man, had broken all ties with his noble father, and had entered the working world. Even though he was sometimes pushed around or shouted at by his boss and his more experienced colleagues, he was a strong-willed person and did not let himself be discouraged. He appeared to be enjoying every day and living his life to the fullest.

  As well as being a viscount’s daughter, I had a secret identity as an author, so I was in town to visit the publisher of my novels. I had attended a meeting with my editor, but I was also glad to have a chance to see how Lord Michel was getting on. I was pleased to see him looking so cheerful. There was no hint of the loneliness that had been so visible on his face before.

  “Well, that is part of it,” I replied, “but there is an element of fun as well. It’s something of a hobby for me.”

  “A hobby?”

  “Yes! Recently I’ve become obsessed with disguises. I’ve been doing a lot of research into just how far it’s possible to transform myself into a different person.”

  Lord Michel raised his eyebrows somewhat incredulously. “I really don’t think you need to do that, Lady Marielle.”

  “Lord Michel, please don’t call me that name here. I’m the mysterious author known only as Agnès Vivier.”

  “Oh, of course. I’m very sorry, Miss Vivier. You can also just call me Michel. A trainee doing mostly busywork doesn’t need a title of honor.”

  After this short mock argument, we stopped and giggled at one another. Then a voice called to Lord Michel from inside. He replied and picked up the documents, which he’d momentarily set down.

  As he turned back, he said, “You shouldn’t try so hard to compete with that mysterious thief, you know. You’re about to be married to a future earl. In any case, get home safely.”

  He bowed and gracefully set off back to the editing room. Even now, he still carried himself like a lady. He was so refined, I felt as though I could learn a thing or two. I watched him go, then I left the building behind me and made my way along the road outside.

  It’s not that I had been consciously thinking about Lutin, though he was a master of disguise as well. I merely wanted to improve my own disguise techniques, as a way to push my special ability of blending into the background to even greater heights. I’ll admit that it had been slightly vexing for me recently when he pointed out a flaw in one of my outfits, but it was an interesting subject to be absorbed in regardless of that. If I can add mastery of disguises to my ability to hide in plain sight, I think I could become a first-rate intelligence operative!

  Of course, that would require someone to hire me. Ultimately, it was just a mixture of my fangirl mindset and what I wished I could do. I didn’t really think of it as an actual possibility. I’ll just create a female spy character to play an active role in a novel. My editor had been enthusiastic about that idea.

  I took off my thick coat, and both my body and my heart felt light and free as I walked, enjoying the gentle rays of sun. The streets were now clear of the snow that had covered them a month ago, and the paving stones were left completely dry. The number of people around had also increased now that the weather was warmer. It felt like a waste to just go straight home, so I headed toward a street lined with shops.

  The store I went into first was one specializing in goods for gentlemen. Lord Simeon had given me all sorts of gifts, so I decided it wouldn’t go amiss to give him one too once in a while. But alas, as hard as I looked to find a suitable gift, nothing jumped out at me.

  Dear oh dear, I really don’t know what men like. Lord Simeon doesn’t wear cologne, but perhaps cufflinks would be a safe choice, or a tiepin? Or maybe he’d appreciate a cane. But then, which kind? I prefer the down-to-earth variety without too many decorative elements, but I suppose those are aimed more at elderly men. The fashionable kind used by younger men are a little more ostentatious. Perhaps this ivory cane would suit Lord Simeon?