The Empress delicately placed a slender finger on Carson’s chin, lightly guiding his face towards her.
“You could have also cowered before me like a dog, just as you are now.”
Carson chuckled at her action.
“Which type of dog would you prefer? Should I be a guard dog or would a Bichon suffice?”
He lightly swatted away the Empress’s hand.
“Reserve such actions for those who tremble at the mere touch of your finger. You said I’ve grown, yet you treat me no different than them?”
Carson rose from his seat. Despite his towering height and imposing presence, the Empress didn’t so much as blink.
“The way I treat a big or small dog is all the same to their master.”
“Yet, you should know, a dog as you describe won’t bite its master unless it tries to steal what’s theirs.”
The Empress clicked her tongue and walked towards the chapel. As she approached, Ines hid herself deeper behind a thick column.
“You’re wrong from the start, Carson, my son.”
“……”
“If you were truly my dog, you wouldn’t speak of biting your master for trying to take what’s yours.”
Continuing her speech, she ascended the steps of the chapel’s altar.
“Do you know what people in the capital are murmuring about you?”
The Empress flung her robe and sat on the seat only the High Priest could occupy. Soon, their eyes met in the void.
“Very soon, Carson von Raymond, whom the Emperor has placed in Landhill, will ride a golden train and storm into the palace.”
Silence hung for a moment between the two.
“I utterly loathe the feeling of being looked down upon.”
The Empress shuddered as if deeply disgusted, her posture natural as she looked down on Carson, as though she was born for this role.
“So, what brings me here?”
‘Ah,’ the Empress grinned wickedly as if she had just remembered.
“That maid. What was her name… Ah, Ines. Yes, definitely Ines.”
Upon the unexpected mention of the name, Carson involuntarily shuddered. The Empress’s eyes widened perceptibly.
“Is she your weakness or your liability?”
As even his gaze wavered, the Empress laughed heartily.
“Think what you will.”
“Don’t worry. I haven’t stooped low enough to lay hands on a mere maid.”
“Your tongue has gotten longer with age.”
The Empress showcased a deeper smile at Carson’s urge to get to the point.
“Monstera.”
“……”
“Go to Monstera.”
Carson doubted his ears. Monstera was a territory at the northwest border of the empire.
Though the imperial city was somewhat to the west, the harsh journey from the city to Monstera took about 20 days by carriage. It was located opposite to Resonia, the southeastern boundary where Landhill was also located.
But distance wasn’t the issue.
Telling him to go to Monstera was tantamount to asking him to become a Marquis. A Marquis was a Count owning frontier territory.
Unlike Landhill, which bordered the sea, Monstera was adjacent to an enemy country. As such, the throne always entrusted the area to their most loyal subjects.
Being of royal blood, a Count could own more than one territory, freed from the law, thereby owning both the titles of Marquis and Count.
“You call me suddenly to the imperial city, then you even go to the lengths of coming to the temple to tell me to become a frontier Count?”
A Margrave held a higher rank than a common earl but lower than a duke, officially even below a marquis.
They had military and autonomous authority, which meant they could raise an army when needed. This also suggested they could invade other countries, synonymous with territorial expansion.
However, this was under the assumption that the army they raised would entirely defeat the enemy.
For the Margrave, who currently possessed the most vital land in the empire, to receive such a mandate meant they were once again being tightly gripped in the imperial hands.
“Ah, Louiseanne turned eleven this year.”
Upon hearing a name that shouldn’t have been spoken by the empress, Carson gave no reply.
Ines and Louiseanne. To him, these names were both a weakness and a source of life.
“Pholderfin has proposed a political marriage alliance. Isn’t it a fortunate thing that these barbarians are suggesting peace?”
Pholderfin was a kingdom bordering the Cains Empire. Though not small in territory, the harsh conditions had hindered its development.
However, its military might was impressive. They had repeatedly invaded Monstera, causing widespread unrest throughout the empire.
“If the earl does not go to Monstera but gathers at Randhil, our Louie will have to marry far away.”
“Seal your lips. Do not casually utter my sister’s name.”
The empress slightly shrugged her shoulders as if afraid due to the strong words. However, her face still held a sarcastic grin.
“How dare you use such vulgar language toward your mother? Isn’t this your fault? Why did you inherit such an inferior lineage?”
Carson stepped forward and looked directly at the empress, lifting his head.
“I am the Lord of Randhil. No one can force me out of my territory.”
Male lead is a clingy little husband
One-line summary: The male lead is initially an arrogant, noble, love-deprived brat, later a cute, clingy, scheming little jealous one.
Introduction:
One day, Lu Yuner’s soul transmigrates into a female-dominant world. She enters the Imperial Academy and takes up the position of a doctoral instructor, teaching classes and grading schoolwork.
One day, she encounters the young prince Su Qingwan secretly skipping class from the male academy.
As a result, Su Qingwan is punished.
From then on, Su Qingwan sees Lu Yuner as a “thorn in his side”.
But before long, this “thorn” becomes the person he cherishes most, and he goes to great lengths to win Lu Yuner’s affection.
Mini scene 1:
One day, the sun is high in the sky but Su Qingwan still hasn’t gotten up for class.
Servant Xiaoyuan: “Young prince, it’s time for class. You’ll be late otherwise.”
Su Qingwan says arrogantly: “I’m not going. I am the esteemed prince, my status is so noble, why should I suffer this hardship? Besides, isn’t learning all this just to please women? Hmph, they’re not worthy!”
Mini scene 2:
After Su Qingwan falls for someone, he completely changes. He no longer skips class and diligently learns how to be a good husband and father. But he discovers that Sister Yuner is always surrounded by admirers.
Drunk and overcome with jealousy one day, he clings to Lu Yuner, crying beautifully like a pear blossom in the rain.
Su Qingwan: “Qingwan likes Sister Yuner.”
Lu Yuner: “Young prince, you’re drunk.”
Su Qingwan: “Qingwan isn’t drunk. Qingwan likes Sister Yuner, likes you so much, likes you to bits…” Before he can finish, Lu Yuner’s eyes flash with emotion and she leans in closer.
[Reading Guide]
1. The female lead is gentle, gracious, humble and polite but not weak. The male lead is initially an arrogant, noble, love-deprived brat, later a cute, clingy, scheming little jealous one.
2. 1v1, a bit torturous in the beginning but definitely sweet later on.
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