The moment Eugene exposed the Count and Countess’s flaws, their faces flushed red as if strangled.

Eugene looked around leisurely and continued his rebuke.

“I chose Helena for a reason over you all. Don’t dare to question my judgment. Unless you want to be branded like cattle on your dinner tables.”

“Your Grace!” Christine burst out in anger, but Eugene calmly turned back to the Baron Count. He placed his hand on the Count’s shoulder and pressed down slightly, leaning in.

“Don’t put too much trust in my mother. A word of advice for you, my lord: when you have little to boast of, it’s wise to bow your head. In a field, it’s always the tallest sprouts that get plucked first. Oh, and of course, one must know who the farmer is.”

In the whole of Instanitia, only two men could dare to belittle the wealthy Baron Count or compare him to mere weeds.

The King and Duke Eugene of Evergail.

Unfortunately for the Count, the man standing before him was Duke Eugene, and he was particularly irritable.

“The mining rights negotiation scheduled in two days is off.”

“Your Grace! I misspoke—”

“Do I look like someone who reconsiders decisions upon late apologies? How do you expect to tell who the farmer is with such an attitude?”

The explicit threat left the Count’s face in utter dismay.

Releasing his grip, Eugene turned away. With just a step, the crowded corridor cleared a path.

As if nothing had happened, Eugene smoothly exited the scene.

In the deep of the night, only a sliver of the moon hung in the dark sky.

Despite the late hour, Eugene hesitated not a bit to open his door. As soon as he did, a small figure burst out, eagerly diving into his embrace.

Eugene, with a sigh mixed with a chuckle, raised his hand to gently stroke Natasha’s back.

“Why aren’t you asleep at this late hour?”

“It seems my body knew you were coming, Your Grace. For some reason, I wasn’t sleepy at all.”

Natasha lifted her face from Eugene’s chest to meet his eyes. His face, not seen for a few days, had become a bit rougher. Natasha’s eyebrows drooped.

“I’m upset.”

“What happened?”

“Your Grace’s face looks hurt.”

Her smooth hand slowly ascended from his firm chest, finally cupping Eugene’s cheek.

The warmth and amber scent that calmed the heart filled the quiet night air. Eventually, Eugene drew Natasha closer and relaxed his lips.

“You don’t need to worry about it. It’s nothing serious.”

“How can I not? It worries me more than my own body.”

“Don’t trouble yourself over it. It’s just…”

Eugene hesitated, momentarily lost for words. The sudden departure of Helena, or rather, her foolish obstinacy, had not been deeply considered. It was like a sudden blister, something he tried to ignore.

Helena’s presence, like always, had to remain a trivial matter. It couldn’t bother him. He had a duty to lead a normal life.

That’s why he sought Natasha. To fill whatever was lacking in him.

‘To plug the hole with a new piece, if necessary.’
While Eugene was lost in brief conflict, Natasha fidgeted. She pushed her neckline’s curves further, starting the conversation.

“I heard Madam left because she wanted a divorce. Was there any discord between you…?”

As Natasha trailed off, Eugene’s relaxed expression suddenly hardened.

“Who told you that?”

“I misspoke, please forget it.”

“I’m asking who spread such nonsense.”

Despite Eugene’s prodding, Natasha stayed silent, only bowing her head.

Left with no choice, Eugene moved his hand from supporting her back to gently grip her arm.

“Natasha.”

His tone softened, a sign that he was genuinely concerned. Recognizing this, Natasha looked up again. Surprisingly, her face remained calm, only faint traces of being overwhelmed by Eugene’s intensity.

Before Eugene could express his surprise, she spoke clearly.

“I promise not to punish that maid if you assure me.”

Eugene blinked slowly, hit by a sense of déjà vu, which was unpleasantly familiar.

“You’re too lenient, Natasha. One should not be so—”

“Madam Tara is my person. If you plan to dismiss her, dismiss me first.”

The déjà vu’s identity became clear – a woman with pale, frightened face yet still defiant, with piercing blue eyes. Madam Tara still tended her chamber, yet its owner had gone.

To dispel the unwanted memory, Eugene finished his interrupted sentence with a deep sigh.

Observing him quietly, Natasha gently tugged at his shirt collar to draw his attention.

“Are you promising then, Your Grace?”

Her usually innocent eyes were even more downturned.

Reluctantly, Eugene nodded. He tightened his grip on Natasha’s arm, signaling her to confess.

Thankfully, Natasha was not as stubborn as Helena.

“It was Aida. Aida told me.”

Upon her candid reply, Eugene frowned, understanding the implication. Natasha secretly smiled to herself, deciding to drive the point home with a delicate voice.

“Actually, I’ve noticed some of the jewelry Your Grace gifted me has been disappearing… I shouldn’t have overlooked such bad habits, whether it’s stealing or lying. It’s my fault. Please forgive me, Your Grace.”

Why She Is Still Unmoved (Female-dominant)

One-line summary: He uses various methods to seek her affection, but she remains unmoved.

Synopsis:

Si Qingyu is a doctor who has saved countless lives and enjoys tranquility.

Luo Shaoxuan is ruthless, deeply scheming, and the top young master in the capital. He admires Si Qingyu.

Luo Shaoxuan: I want to be the only one in your eyes and heart.

Features a cold and calm female lead vs A noble and scheming male lead.

There will be both sweetness and torture towards the male after their marriage.