The Duke of Hermont’s Male Mistress
Chapter 11
In any case, setting all those sentiments aside for the moment.
Vitor had an immediate obstacle to overcome right before his eyes.
“By the way…… how do men date each other?”
It was on the very day Roy had agreed to accept the contract.
Though the decision was made, an anxious corner of the heart remained, prompting Roy to ask cautiously.
Vitor replied with a light chuckle.
“I lack experience in the matter as well, but it shouldn't differ much from seeing a woman.”
He meant it to reassure that it wouldn't be terribly difficult. Roy's expression, however, darkened even further.
It looked as if reality had come crashing down heavily. Watching that reaction naturally stirred a question in his mind.
‘Could there be an aversion to men?’
True, Roy had occasionally glanced at Vitor's appearance with apparent favor.
Yet that remained strictly within the realm of goodwill. When it came down to the physical intimacy required between the same sex, encountering an instinctive barrier was an entirely different matter.
A man naturally recoils from someone of the same gender. Similar muscle, a similar scent, a similar voice. A visceral resistance was only natural.
Vitor felt the same way. The thick, lingering smell of a man's sweat held no appeal for him.
Curiously, though, he had no such issue with Roy.
No, to be more candid, Roy even smelled somewhat fragrant.
A faint trace of grass. A familiar scent that suddenly seemed dredged up from the far reaches of memory.
How startled he had been when he first caught that scent. It was the very same one that had brushed against the tip of his nose while embracing Natalie.
The scent of wild flowers brushing her cheek, the fragrance of morning dew lingering on fingertips.
‘Even if I can understand their faces looking alike, sharing the exact same body scent is rather strange…….’
Vitor silently raised his canteen to moisten his lips.
Wiping away the water droplet trailing down his jaw with the back of his hand, he watched Roy's retreating figure dwindle to a mere speck in the distance.
‘Is the mind playing tricks simply because they look so alike?’
That seemed the most plausible explanation. Scent wasn't a neat mathematical formula, and humans tended to rely on sight far more than smell.
Regardless, what mattered was that Vitor felt no aversion toward Roy. In the present situation, that alone was sufficient.
By contrast, having to deal with Vitor—who possessed not a single feminine trace—might well prove to be quite an ordeal for Roy.
Still, the contract was already signed, and enduring it was now Roy's responsibility.
There was no need for Vitor to coddle such personal feelings.
* * *
Sunlight poured softly over the gardens of Elysia Mansion. Beneath the rounded roof of the Rotunda, elegant cream-colored tables and chairs were neatly arranged.
In the small vase at the center, wild flowers from the garden were carefully arranged, while the faint wisp of steam rising from the teapot added to the tranquil atmosphere.
“Thank you so much for inviting me, Your Grace. I was thoroughly enchanted by the Elysia Mansion Head Chef's skill. Truly worthy of a chef who served the Imperial Palace.”
Marquis Russel's Daughter said with a bright smile.
“He was personally recommended to me by the Late Emperor. I am delighted to hear he met your satisfaction, my lady.”
Grand Duchess Leonora Hermont replied with poised grace. Lifting her teacup, she turned a gentle gaze toward the young lady.
“You keep truly remarkable people by your side. And the garden is just as breathtaking as its reputation suggests. It is the most refined and beautifully maintained garden I have ever seen. How on earth do you get those roses to bloom so abundantly?”
Marquis Russel's Daughter pointed a fingertip toward the rosebushes across the garden in genuine admiration.
Elise Hermont nodded with a fond, gratified smile.
“That is likely thanks to our Duke. Ever since becoming the new master of this estate, he has devoted great care to managing the grounds.”
The young lady's gaze naturally drifted toward Duke Vitor. He was leisurely tipping his teacup a short distance away.
This was her first time seeing the Duke from such close quarters.
Just as rumor held, his appearance was breathtaking enough to make one's heart flutter at a single glance.
Dignified as a sea god, his noble platinum hair catching the sunlight offered radiant proof of his authentic Hermont lineage.
Blushing faintly, Marquis Russel's Daughter asked in a tentative tone.
“Even with such a beautiful garden, Your Grace must miss the ocean. How do you find it? Do you long for it from time to time?”
“Of course. The sea is far more than mere scenery to me.”
“I imagine so. I have only ever seen the sea from afar, so I've never felt it up close like that.”
“If you ever have time to spare, please pay a visit to the naval port where I am stationed. The view is magnificent, but the sound of the waves and the vibrant bustle of the harbor truly refresh the spirit.”
Vitor's voice was warm yet deeply resonant.
“It would be my honor if you would invite me. When might be a good time to go?”
Marquis Russel's Daughter asked, eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. Yet quickly worrying she had sounded overly forward, she added,
“Forgive me. I was simply so eager to see the ocean…….”
“Vitor, why don't you show the young lady around the garden and settle on a date together?”
Leonora chimed in, watching the exchange with deep satisfaction. Vitor stood promptly and extended a hand.
“My lady, would you care to take a stroll through the garden?”
“Truly? Thank you, Your Grace.”
Marquis Russel's Daughter nodded and eagerly took his hand. Vitor guided her into the depths of the garden.
Watching Vitor and Marquis Russel's Daughter walk side by side, exchanging light laughter across the garden path, the scene looked as picture-perfect as a painting.
Left behind, the two mistresses of the house exchanged knowing glances.
“Don't they make a truly lovely pair?”
Leonora remarked with a lingering smile. Elise Hermont nodded in immediate agreement.
“Indeed. Lady Russel seems a remarkably bright and wonderful young woman.”
“Still, it is rare for Vitor to be this cooperative. Do you recall how many matchmaking meetings he ruined in the past?”
“Perhaps he has truly resolved to marry this time? They seem to converse so effortlessly.”
“We shall see. It remains too early to let our guard down entirely.”
Leonora shook her head, continuing in a measured tone.
“Vitor never does what he dislikes. Even if it is his duty as the head responsible for an entire family. We had to force him into the role of patriarch when he wanted no part of it. Given any opening, he would hand the mantle of family head to Raul without a second thought.”
“…….”
“On top of that, he is utterly disillusioned with the very institution of marriage. Would he accept it so meekly? While he cannot delay forever, having witnessed what he did growing up, his aversion runs deep. He will stall for as long as possible.”
Elise lowered her gaze, looking troubled. Soon, she spoke in a subdued voice.
“I am sorry, Mother.”
Leonora clicked her tongue softly.
“If you are truly sorry, ensure that Vitor's marriage goes through without a hitch this time. That is your only way to atone to this family. How much longer must I watch those red-haired bastards sniff around our house's affairs?”
“Yes, I understand…….”
Elise bowed her head and answered quietly.
* * *
“The absurd things I have to do.”
Roy adjusted the short wig. The hair length matched her own, but the color was one she had seen elsewhere.
Brilliant silver strands shimmered before her eyes.
This wig served as an insurance policy, meant to prevent Roy from being singled out should someone describe the Duke's male lover.
Yet would this truly stop people from recognizing her? Only the hair color had changed; everything else about her appearance remained the same.
The more she pondered it, the more sighs escaped her lips. Having to disguise as another man while already disguised as a man.
She had only accepted the proposition to preserve her quiet everyday life with Harper, yet the entire affair seemed to grow increasingly convoluted.
‘Why silver hair, of all things?’
Naturally, the image of herself as Natalie crossed her mind.
‘Did he fancy silver hair that much?’
Tugging firmly on the bangs, she stared at the silver strands. It was a shade that didn't suit her in the slightest. Unless she was Natalie, that is.
Whether as Roy or as Natalie, she remained a commoner, yet the conduct of the two personas was night and day. Natalie had always carried herself with fearless confidence.
Treating it merely as a temporary mask worn for work, she had never felt the need to bow and scrape, acting entirely without regard for what others thought.
Surprisingly, the tavern patrons found that bold demeanor charming, which helped boost sales. It had worked out well in every respect.
Had Roy grown up in an ordinary household—a moderately poor, reasonably warm family as a girl—would she have behaved like Natalie?
A meaningless hypothetical. One that only left a bitter taste on the tongue.
In any case, silver was a color entirely unfitting for a debt-ridden gamekeeper named Roy.
“Your Grace, what is life in the Navy like?”
Roy hastily ducked behind a tree. At last, Marquis Russel's Daughter and Vitor had appeared at the appointed spot.
The Duke of Hermont’s male paramour.
