As My Husband Said, I Brought in a Lover

“

” [Dragons are like the stars in the sky. They have to live unchanged over long periods, constantly saying goodbye to those they love. But human lives shine brightly like fireworks in the night sky, beautifully fading away. How wonderful it must be to burn so brightly, even for a moment.]

“You’re burning brightly every day, right above my head.”

“

!” [Playing war games is just a hobby!]

Ren snorted.

“

.

.

” 

[Well, I’ll live as the least lonely dragon in history. Foolish humans.

]

Ren grinned slyly, and Maxion looked at him with a complicated expression.

The dragon’s infancy lasts 500 years. No human, no matter how long they lived, could match that time. One day, all the members of the Silver Hawk Knights would leave this baby dragon behind.

Maxion quietly held Ren, looking at the stars, unable to find the right words with a heart entrusting this little dragon to them.

* * *

The news that Luize and Edward were sharing the same room at the Grand Duchy spread quickly across the empire. Adding the story of the garden proposal made the social circles more boisterous than ever. While most gossiped about how merging rooms before even holding an engagement ceremony was improper, everyone secretly thought their meeting was both scandalous and the greatest love story of the century. After all, in Southern noble society, where loveless marriages of convenience and having lovers were common, a story straight out of a novel was unfolding before their eyes.

Although Edward had been deposed, he was originally the legitimate crown prince and was now the grand duke of the wealthiest territory in the north. Instead of keeping someone as a lover and then making them his legal wife, he was starting as someone else’s lover and now intended to marry.

“Well, he’s a dragon without wings. His path to politics or returning to the imperial family is blocked. Besides, the emperor keeps sending him on expeditions whenever he gets a chance.”

“Why bother with politics? You only live once; isn’t it enough to be happy with someone you love? And I hear the grand duke is very handsome.”

“Rumor has it no painter can capture his handsomeness on canvas. Even the famous Ardi, who paints all the notable figures in society, hasn’t dared to try to paint him.”

“I saw a drawing of him in a newsletter, and he looked very handsome. They say he’s even more stunning in person. If I could see such a face even once, I’d have no other wish.”

“I saw him in the square once. He seemed like a completely different being from us. If I could live with a face like that for even one month a year, I’d marry him in a heartbeat. Think about it. With a prosperous estate, there’s no worry about living well. He’s skilled, so he always returns alive from the expeditions. As long as he doesn’t die, what’s the problem?”

“That’s true. I want to experience such intense love at least once. I haven’t seen his face, but that kind of passionate love is so romantic.”

“Come to think of it, her ex-husband is also quite handsome, isn’t he?”

“Right. He’s a different type of handsome. Speaking of which, when will his engagement be announced?”

“That’s right. I bet on him; he’ll probably announce it at the upcoming banquet.”

What intrigued people more was the rumor that Luize’s ex-husband, Reiad di Cloette, would soon be engaged to Princess Diana rud Seperdel of Pendel. With bets placed on who would announce their engagement first, most believed it would be Reiad, as the Pendel delegation had already arrived.

Meanwhile, the Grand Duchy Lindeman was busy preparing for the banquet since the announcement date was decided.

“I have someone to introduce to you, Miss Luize.”

Now, the reason Edward and Luize attended the banquet was not just to provoke Reiad but to lay a political foundation. With the change in situation, the information Luize needed to know increased significantly. From detailed news about social figures to extensive data on their targets. Before teaching her how to read reactions, Edward found someone to pass on practical skills.

“This is Ellisian, who will teach you about high society.”

“Ellisian? That name sounds familiar…”

Edward added. “He’s the very person you were trying to find in the back alleys.”

“

, I remember now.”

The handsome man with pink hair softly bowed his head. “My name is Ellisian, also known as Ardi, the most famous gigolo and faceless painter in the empire.”

“Wait, it’s one thing to be a gigolo, but Ardi? What do you mean? Ellisian is Ardi?” Luize looked at him in surprise.

Ardi was often invited to social events. He was a mysterious genius painter, and he was even invited to imperial banquets. Invitations were only possible through his gallery staff, and even then, whether he would attend remained unknown until the event. He always appeared with different hairstyles and wore masks that completely covered his face, so no one knew his true identity. Few ever spoke to him, and he even used potions to change his voice.

Despite this, his noble demeanor and fashionable attire, along with his lavish use of premium paints, led to rumors that Ardi was either from a noble family that hadn’t debuted in society or a high-ranking noble’s hidden child. Most notably, he painted the secret lives of well-known society figures, making his works the source of constant rumors, some of which turned out to be true.

Ellisian answered softly. “Yes, I am Ardi.”

“Is it okay for me to know this?”

“Of course, since you are the lover of His Excellency.”

“How did you meet Edward?”

“His Excellency saved me when I was on the brink of death. Since then, he has supported me in continuing to paint. He even advised me to quit being a gigolo, but I have things to do until he rises as the empire’s sun.”

“But the gigolo works…” Luize looked at him with concern. It couldn’t be easy to please and get close to people against one’s will.

“I don’t meet anyone beyond light entertainment. This is also possible thanks to His Excellency’s consideration. Conversations with women bring me joy, so I enjoyed it.”

“I see.” Luize nodded with a complicated expression.

Edward spoke. “Ellisian knows both sides of high society better than anyone. He’ll be a great help to you.”

She nodded. Still somewhat bewildered, Luize was amazed at the variety of people around Edward.

“Please take good care of me, Ellisian.”

“Likewise, Lady Servenia.” Ellisian took out his art supplies as he sat down. “Given the limited time, I will tell you the stories while working.”

“Working?”

Luize looked questioningly at Edward, who smiled behind her.

“This is also an important preparation.”

“

, I see.”

“Then let’s begin.”

After confirming their faces, Ellisian started working.

Time flew, and the day of the banquet arrived.

* * *

Diana stood on the central staircase of the banquet hall with Reiad, holding a glass. Reiad, with a stiff expression, glanced at Luize and Edward before quickly looking away and smiling at Diana. She surveyed the room and began to speak.

“Before we start the banquet, I would like to share some good news from the capital, thanks to the emperor’s arrangement. First, I offer my gratitude.”

Emperor Eligos, seated in the place of honor, raised his glass to acknowledge the thanks. He watched Diana with a look of interest.

“Today, I have a very significant announcement to make. I plan to hold my engagement ceremony with my beloved Count Reiad di Cloette on the twelfth day of the fourth month here in Eldran. I sincerely hope that the esteemed guests gathered here will attend and bless us.” Diana smiled brightly and paused before continuing. “And I have one more piece of news to share.”

“…?”

Reiad looked at her in surprise. This part was unplanned.

“Today, I heard some wonderful news from my long-time friend, Grand Duke Edward E. von Lindeman. Since everyone is gathered here, why don’t you share it with us?”