On that day too, when Adelia saw me sitting helplessly in the house, just ravaged by the debt collectors, she immediately embraced me and burst into tears. It seemed her emotions transferred to me, as I also hugged her back and let out the sorrowful and sad tears that I hadn’t been able to shed even at the funeral.
After receiving comfort from Adelia and stepping outside the room, I noticed that the debt collectors, who were all over the estate and its surroundings, had completely vanished. It was all thanks to Kaern, who had driven them away. He not only settled all the remaining debts of our family but also offered himself as my fiancé to prevent such incidents from happening again.
‘Thinking back to that time makes me emotional.’
Such grateful people. They rescued me from the depths of despair and were truly worth giving my life for.
Afterward, I managed to offset all the debts of the family, which I was told not to repay, using my special skills and strengths. Although the amount was very small compared to the Duke’s wealth, I had also accumulated enough assets for a comfortable and independent life.
Therefore, I knew I had to give Kaern his freedom before it was too late. He was soon turning twenty-six, already past the typical marriageable age for nobles. Considering the process, starting a new courtship now would be quite late.
But, knowing Kaern, there would be no shortage of marriage proposals from various noble families.
‘When should I bring up the topic?’
It was clear that Kaern would never initiate a conversation about dissolution. So, it was right for me to bring it up for his sake.
While contemplating these thoughts, I inadvertently turned my head towards where Kaern was. Our eyes met – his not on the book, but intensely fixed on me.
“Why, what’s wrong?” I blurted out, taken aback and asking why he was staring so intently. Instead of answering, Kaern stood up, leaving me puzzled.
Suddenly, the carriage door opened.
“Get out,” he simply said and then stepped out first.
I hadn’t noticed when the carriage stopped, so absorbed in my thoughts.
Realizing we had arrived home, I stood up and quickly glanced outside the window.
‘Ah…’
I saw the familiar sight of our mansion and garden.
‘We’re already home.’
As I approached the carriage door, thinking of going to my room to rest, Kaern was extending his hand towards me. I briefly looked at his large hand and then grasped it. Contrary to his cold exterior, his hand was surprisingly warm and comforting.
“Thank you, Your Grace,” I said, not forgetting to express my gratitude as I got out of the carriage.
“Thank you for bringing me home. Uh, I just…”
After expressing my thanks for the ride and about to release the hand I had been holding, I couldn’t – Kaern wasn’t letting go.
“Your Grace…?”
As I looked up at him, bewildered, he finally relaxed his grip. I felt a slight sense of regret but naturally withdrew my hand from his.
Waiting for Kaern to turn and leave, contrary to my expectation that he would soon depart, he showed no intention of moving.
“Your Grace, do you have something to say to me?” I cautiously asked him.
“Next week….”
Ah, so he did have more to say.
I understood why he hadn’t left immediately, so I waited for his words with a faint smile on my lips.
“Do you know there’s a banquet at the palace next week?”
“A banquet?”
“Yes.”
“Oh, I know. It’s the banquet for His Highness the Prince’s birthday, right?”
Kaern nodded.
But why was he mentioning the banquet?
Kaern had rarely attended such events. He was often too busy to stay in the capital, and according to Adelia, he had little interest in social gatherings or the court. Although the nobility was expected to attend royal banquets, Kaern had almost never shown his face at them hosted by the royal family.
So, I thought he definitely wouldn’t go to this one either.
‘I don’t want to go either…’
Thinking of attending the banquet without Kaern or Adelia didn’t appeal to me.
‘I’ll just make an appearance and leave quickly.’
Even though they wouldn’t be there, I knew some familiar faces, so I planned to greet them and leave. But then, Kaern’s low voice came.
“Let’s go together that day.”
“What?”
His statement was so unexpected that I nearly stumbled, but Kaern quickly steadied me.
“Th-thank you. But, why are you asking me…”
As I rambled on, caught by the wrist, Kaern repeated himself.
“I will come to pick you up that day. Wait for me.”
After saying only what he needed to, he turned away, leaving me staring after him in a daze, until the jolt of the carriage brought me back to my senses.
“Your Grace!”
Unable to understand his words, I called out to him urgently. Just before boarding the carriage, Kaern stopped and turned to look down at me.
“So, Your Grace, are you saying you want to go to the banquet with me?”
“Yes.”
I hadn’t misunderstood his words, but I was curious about his reason and intention.
“Why would you suddenly decide to attend a banquet you’re not interested in with me?”
I shared the first reason that came to mind, but his handsome brows furrowed, indicating he didn’t like my answer.
Worried that I’d misunderstood him again, I quickly added.
“Even though I’m your fiancée, you don’t have to go out of your way for me. It might be a bit strange without Adelia, but I have other acquaintances there.”
I paused briefly, observing his reaction, but his expression remained stern.
So, I mentioned specific names, thinking a detailed explanation was necessary.
“I’m quite friendly with Lady Havis of the Harvis House and Lord Aiker, whom I’ve known since academy days, not as much as Adelia, but still. So, if you’re worried about me being alone, don’t be. I’ll be fine.”
In reality, neither of these two were close friends. Adelia was my only true friend.
But to reassure Kaern, I felt the need to imply that I had other friends besides Adelia.
Believing he was worried about me attending the banquet alone, I reassured him with a broad smile.
But my smiling face seemed to contradict my words, or maybe he was dissatisfied with my answer, as his brow furrowed even more deeply than before. Then, he mentioned the name of one of the people I had just referred to.
“Lord Aiker?”
“Uh? Yes, Lord Aiker…”
Oh no, this is bad.
In my haste, I had blurted out the first names that came to mind, and now I had mentioned Lucas Aiker in front of Kaern.
This was a complete blunder on my part.
Was his displeasure because of Lucas Aiker?
And to think, Kaern was aware of that matter too.
“You know, right? Lord Aiker? He was even at Adelia’s birthday party two years ago…”
I desperately wanted to take back what I said as I tried to manage the situation.
“As you know, Your Grace, Adelia is married now, and it’s been two years since then. Lucas Aiker, being the eldest son of the Aiker ducal family, must have moved on from his feelings for Adelia. Of course, he should have!”
I explained to Kaern that Lucas Aiker was one of those who had feelings for Adelia.
When the male lead is punished by carrying the female lead’s child and having periods like a woman
“I’ve given birth to two children for you, yet you still think about him.
Was I nothing but his substitute to you from beginning to end?”
Synopsis:
Meng Huan, a scumbag who has dated countless girlfriends, transmigrates to a female-dominated country.
Day 1: Whether it’s female dominance or not doesn’t matter. The beauties here are passionate and amorous. Isn’t it easier to date them than in modern times?
Day 2: After a night, Meng Huan discovers the differences in the female-dominated world. Men here actually have chastity locks and menstrual cycles. This hinders his ability to perform, damn it!
Day 3: What’s wrong with sleeping around? I don’t want you to marry me. I’m meant to be a playboy. I don’t care about male virtues… What? You want to drown me in a pig cage? Marry, I’ll marry!
Day N: Meng Huan inexplicably vomits and receives the shocking news of his life… He’s pregnant.
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