Don't Get Caught By Your Husband! (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 5
“Sir Escalion Diete? What’s gotten into you? Today you don’t look like the war hero who achieved unimaginable feats in battle—more like imperial royalty with that appearance of yours!”
“Indeed, that appearance…! I haven’t seen such a strikingly handsome man who commands attention like that in ages.”
Behind the women’s voices, a nobleman’s voice followed.
“You’re tall and sculpted like a statue—standing beside the Saintess, you two looked like a perfect painting.”
“I think you match well externally too. But still…”
The nobles fell silent for a moment.
“…He’s of common birth, after all.”
Hearing their words, Hazel gritted his teeth, ready to burst through the wall right then and there. But Escalion reached out faster, holding him back.
Unaware that the very person they were discussing stood just behind the wall, the nobles continued their conversation.
“I heard he has no parents either? That’s why he was granted the dukedom outright.”
“No parents? How can they wed someone of unknown origin like that to the Saintess…?”
Hazel swallowed hard, his face tense, and looked up at Escalion.
He expected Escalion to be offended, but surprisingly, Escalion was scratching his chin with an intrigued expression.
“Isn’t that all thanks to His Holiness the Pope’s boundless generosity?”
“What are you talking about?”
While they listened from behind the wall, the nobles kept speaking.
“The Papal See doesn’t discriminate based on birth. By marrying the Saintess to a common-born war hero, the Pope once again shows that the Church treats all citizens equally, regardless of status or rank, and loves them all.”
“Oh my… Is that what it’s about? If so, it’s certainly worth celebrating! How wonderful!”
Hearing the woman’s words, the man chuckled softly and asked,
“Wonderful? Do you really think so?”
After a brief, deflating laugh, the woman replied coldly,
“Of course not. My sole reason for coming to the Papal See is the confessional—how could I possibly be happy about it disappearing? The only reason nobles still visit and donate to the fading Papal See is precisely because of the Saintess. For His Holiness to so easily discard such a valuable card… it’s rather unexpected.”
“Indeed. Now, who will listen to my secrets? It’s quite regrettable.”
“How can we presume to understand His Holiness’s intentions? Let’s go.”
The sound of the nobles’ footsteps leaving in a group grew faint.
Hazel stood frozen for a moment, then glanced cautiously at Escalion, who had been quietly listening, and finally spoke.
“C-Captain…”
Escalion swept his hair back with a blank expression.
“…So my wife served that purpose for the nobles, huh? I thought all imperial citizens loved her with pure hearts—but apparently, that wasn’t the case after all?”
“Captain, that’s not the point right now—they’re saying things about you behind your back…!”
“They didn’t say anything false. It’s not like I’m unfamiliar with the nobles’ dirty secrets.”
He tilted his head, fiddling with his eyebrow as if annoyed.
He recalled the elderly Emperor summoning him from Gryblata to the capital just weeks ago and bluntly ordering him to marry the Pope’s daughter. The Emperor, rolling his dull gray eyes restlessly, had looked uneasy and dissatisfied.
He knew the Emperor disliked how someone of low birth like himself had instantly gained the entire empire’s unwavering support—and that’s why, instead of offering a daughter from a powerful noble house, he presented the Saintess: a figurehead with nothing but a glittering, hollow title.
At the time, not wanting to argue over every detail in an uncomfortable situation, he’d simply agreed…
Escalion remembered visiting the Papal See shortly afterward to decline the marriage proposal.
Those frightened, trembling blue eyes, that transparent gaze which nearly made him dizzy—and his own unexpected reversal of decision without even realizing it.
Lost in thought for a moment, Escalion finally spoke.
“Hazel, we leave immediately.”
“Huh?”
“My mind’s made up. Let’s head to Gryblata right now.”
Surprised, Hazel questioned him again, but Escalion only tugged at the corner of his lips into a playful smile.
[This is the timeline separator]Clatter, clunk.
The carriage jolted irregularly.
Belladonna exhaled softly, feeling a slight dizziness and nausea.
“Feeling queasy?”
Escalion, seated across from her with his arms crossed and gazing out the window, turned his eyes toward her.
Belladonna slowly shook her head.
They’d boarded the carriage without rest the moment the wedding ceremony ended, heading straight for his domain. She looked up at him with a resentful gaze.
What in the world is so urgent that you insisted on leaving right away!
“Don’t deny it. Your already pale face has gone even whiter.”
After glancing at her, he clicked his tongue once, then suddenly thrust his hand out the window and halted the carriage.
Since it had been entirely his decision to rush off to Gryblata right after the wedding, he’d started feeling a bit guilty.
“Let’s take a short rest here.”
As the carriage stopped, the throbbing in her head began to ease slightly.
Escalion rose first, opened the carriage door, leaped down, and offered her his hand.
“Come out and get some fresh air.”
Belladonna nodded and took his hand.
As she stepped outside, a cool breeze blew, tousling her bangs.
Ah, this chill feels better…
Only then did Belladonna regain her senses and look around—only to see numerous knights and servants watching her with worried expressions.
Her already slender, pale figure appearing even whiter as she stepped from the carriage had greatly shocked them.
After all, they were far more accustomed to seeing their tall, sturdy master firmly holding her small hand.
The knights and servants stared blankly at their clearly contrasting newlywed lords.
Just then, a maid who had alighted from the servants’ carriage approached her cautiously and asked,
“Are you alright, Madam…?”
Madam? Me…?
Belladonna blinked.
Seeing her bewildered expression, the maid quickly bowed her head.
“Oh! I’m Cindy—I’ll be serving you from now on! I’d originally planned to formally introduce myself once we reached your estate, but I suppose I’m greeting you a bit early.”
The maid who bowed was a sweet girl, exuding calm yet cheerful energy.
Belladonna summoned what little strength she had and offered her the kindest smile she could manage.
“Oh…”
Cindy blushed, delighted to serve such a beautiful mistress.
Until then, Escalion had remained holding her hand—but now he grumbled irritably,
“Enough with the greetings. At least spread out a cloth for my wife—she needs to sit and rest.”
Ah, but I’m fine, really…
Belladonna quickly reached out to stop her, but Cindy was quicker.
Without hesitation, she turned back, fetched several thick blankets from the servants’ carriage, and spread them widely beneath a nearby tree.
“Madam, please rest in the shade.”
Belladonna gave Cindy a grateful smile and sank down onto the neatly laid blankets.
“…….”
Hmm…
If everyone keeps staring at me like this, won’t I feel… terribly uncomfortable…?
She looked up helplessly at Escalion, the knights, and the servants—all fixed intently on her.
Noticing the silent plea in her eyes, Escalion placed a hand on his hip and turned to them.
“If you’re done gawking, go take your own breaks.”
“A-ah! Yes… yes!”
“Understood!”
As the knights and servants scrambled out of sight, Belladonna finally stretched out her legs and leaned back against the tree trunk. Whew…
“First time traveling long distance, huh?”
Escalion plopped down beside her and asked.
Belladonna nodded.
In her past life—and even after becoming Saintess—she’d never traveled far by carriage. Before, she’d been confined to a narrow farmland; afterward, trapped solely within the Papal See…
“It’ll be tough, but bear with it a little longer. That blasted estate of mine sits at the northernmost border, the farthest possible from Astanya.”
“…….”
“If he’s going to bestow an estate, couldn’t he give a decent one? Instead, that greedy old man clings to countless lands and hands me the worst of the lot.”
Huh?
Belladonna’s eyes widened as she turned to him.
Did he just say that about His Imperial Majesty…?!
But Escalion merely shrugged, looking down at her with complete nonchalance.
“So what? Everyone else already dumps every unsayable thing onto you anyway, right?”
Well, that’s true, but…
“Though from now on, you’ll quit that habit and listen only to me for the rest of your life.”
At Escalion’s offhand remark, Belladonna felt her heart tighten.
Only she and the Pope knew their marriage would last barely three months. Clearly, he had no idea it would end so soon.
“What serious thoughts are running through that head now?”
Escalion’s large, warm finger touched Belladonna’s furrowed brow.
Blinking, she let herself be gently pushed backward until the back of her head rested against the tree trunk.
He removed his hand from her forehead, then spread it out to cover her eyes.
“If you’re tired, sleep a bit.”
But I’m not sleepy…
Belladonna shook her head and pulled his hand away from her eyes.
“…Are you more stubborn than I thought?”
Escalion rubbed his chin, studying her intently.
Ah, no, not at all…
Belladonna subtly avoided his intense gaze and looked up at the distant sky. Ah—the sky is so pretty…
“If you’re not sleepy, then I’ll sleep.”
Escalion shifted his large frame and flopped down, resting his head on her lap.
Belladonna stared down in silent shock at the man using her knee as a pillow. What is this?!
“Too bony—you’re not soft at all.”
Escalion grumbled.
Am I a pillow?!
“I’ll nap a bit. Marriage is harder than I expected—so much to worry about.”
Murmuring in a low voice, Escalion soon fell quiet and began breathing evenly.
He’s really sleeping like this? But you’re heavy!
Belladonna stared dumbfounded at the man doing exactly as he pleased, then gave up and shook her head.
At least while he’s asleep and silent, he’s far better than when he’s wide awake, constantly saying things that drain the spirit right out of her.
Whoosh…
Just then, a gust of wind rustled the tender branches of the tree she leaned against.
A leaf, unable to withstand the breeze, drifted into her field of vision. The delicate green leaf swayed gently along a soft arc before slowly settling onto the ground.
‘Free.’
In that moment, absurdly, Belladonna felt freedom.
Was it because she was no longer in that cramped, grimy farmland reeking of sweat?
Or because she’d finally escaped the suffocating Papal See that kept pressing in on her, its walls heavy with her secret no one else knew?
Belladonna quietly exhaled.
When scheming men desperately battle for her favor in the male harem
This one’s also on my reread list! The rivalry, scheming between the men in the imperial harem are just as intense and thrilling as in classic palace drama novels, where concubines fight to the death. Give it a read, girls! I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Synopsis:
“I am not worthy of her… but I still want to be by her side, even if only as a loyal dog…”
Those were the painful whispers of Yue Guanyi – the proud Crown Prince of the Great Qi, who was torn between deep love and a guilty conscience. Despite holding the supreme power of the Imperial Guard, he still could not forget the dark past when he was sold into a brothel.
Fate played a cruel twist when Qiu Shuzhi – a young female official who had just passed the imperial examinations with top honors – stepped into his life. She did not know that she was the one who had saved him from a tragic fate many years ago. And now, her heart was the target of pursuit for both Yue Guanyi and the powerful Empress Dowager Qin Qing.
While Yue Guanyi only dared to silently care for and protect the one he loved from afar, the Empress Dowager Qin Qing openly expressed his feelings and did not hesitate to take advantage of his power to approach Qiu Shuzhi. The covert struggle between the two most powerful forces in the imperial court began…
Trigger warning: All men in this novel are yandere style.
_____
Please help me, I want to bring you the best possible things.
If you find any chapter or novel with poor translation and editing quality, let me know by commenting directly under that novel or chapter. I will retranslate it as soon as possible.
[Touch the gear icon in the bottom right corner of the screen to move to the next chapter if you want.]
Chapter Comments (2)
Belladonna is thrilled to see the sea, but she’s also surprised by her husband Escalion’s attitude towards her. The story unfolds, revealing different facets of their personalities.- Without Belladonna realizing it, she’s slowly forming fond memories with Escalion, but doubt lingers. The painting of the two of them is leaving a lasting impression on her.
YOUR COMMENT
2. Inline comments are now available. Tap the end of any line in a chapter to share your thoughts instantly.
Log in to comment.
Most Commented This Week
The Villain Has Gone Mad For Me (Completed Main Story)
I’m The Lowest-Ranking Daughter Of A Martial Arts Villain (2 Chapters Left to Complete)
I Became the Assassin Family’s Foster Daughter (Completed Main Story)
Men of the Harem (137 Chapters Left to Complete)
The Duke Only Needs My Child (Completed Main Story)
At the End of Ruin, There You Are (56 Chapters Left to Complete)
She’s a Villainess but her Husband is Handsome (Completed Main Story)
People Aren’t Meant to Be Fixed! (4 Chapters Left to Complete)
My Discarded Fiancé Returned (Completed Main Story)
Summer Must Die (16 Chapters Left to Complete)
I Received The First Time Of My Extraordinary Superior (9 Chapters Left to Complete)
Regret With All Your Might (Completed Main Story)