I Decline the Ex-Boyfriend of the Regretful Male Lead (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 4
A coarse curse, utterly unfitting for elegant classical surroundings, echoed through the air.
Soon after, a vase crashed down onto wallpaper adorned with cherubic angels.
“Why! Why is Anette suddenly avoiding me?”
Serdis spat out in fury as he stomped on the ceramic shards scattered across the floor.
Things had always been going well with Anette. At some point, he’d noticed that whenever she saw him, she’d hurriedly fix her messy hair or straighten her clothes—and he’d taken that as clear proof of her interest in him.
“So even the talk about marriage was a lie? Do you hate me so much that you’d lie to my face?”
Ever since that collapse on the terrace, she’d been acting coldly, as if drawing a firm line. When he’d asked Count Leangberia about the marriage rumor in shock, the count had flatly denied it ever happened. There was no way he could understand Anette’s sudden change overnight.
“Your Highness the Crown Prince…”
The servant trailed off nervously under Serdis’s intimidating glare.
“But why? Seriously, why?”
Even the long-serving servant, who’d witnessed Serdis’s many misdeeds, swallowed hard.
It was because Serdis had always openly taken out his frustrations on servants and maids whenever he was in a bad mood.
When Serdis reached up to push back his falling hair, the already frightened servant flinched. Annoyed by this reaction, Serdis snapped irritably.
“What are you standing there like a pole for? Come to gawk?”
“W-well, Your Highness the Crown Prince…”
“Stop stammering and just speak clearly!”
The servant hastily pulled something from his chest and offered it. But Serdis didn’t take it—instead, he gave a meaningful look, signaling the servant to read it aloud.
“I’ve brought something interesting about Lady Leangberia, as Your Highness previously asked me to investigate.”
Serdis raised an eyebrow with interest. The servant hurriedly produced several books he’d prepared.
“These are books that Lady Leangberia has enjoyed reading since childhood.”
“Books?”
“Yes, mostly novels.”
“Is this all you managed to find out?”
“O-oh no! Of course not!”
The servant quickly flipped open one of the books.
“All these books are romance novels.”
Serdis let out a dry chuckle at the absurd answer.
“There’s a common trait among all the male protagonists in these novels!”
“A trait?”
“Yes. Would you care to look at this passage?”
Serdis frowned as he scrutinized the page the servant had opened.
“A criminal like this is the hero?”
“Precisely. And as Your Highness once mentioned, every male lead in these novels displays an obsessive level of fixation that’s utterly unacceptable.”
Indeed, the books Anette read were romance novels that especially highlighted the male lead’s obsession. Even before her reincarnation, Anette had loved romance novels—and after reincarnating, she still favored those featuring obsessive male leads.
Moreover, even beyond Anette’s personal taste, such novels were currently in vogue and widely published.
“So that means…”
Serdis recalled the moment Anette had changed—his own gentle self, who’d warmly covered her with a blanket on the terrace and personally brought her soup, stood in stark contrast to the obsessive heroes in those novels.
He’d gone out of his way to act kindly, believing most women preferred gentle men.
“So Anette likes this kind of man, then.”
At his noticeably softened tone, the servant nodded vigorously.
“Yes! Absolutely! Otherwise, why would she enjoy books featuring only men like that!”
“What if she rejects me again this time?”
“It’s probably what they call ‘playing hard to get.’ She’s a very shy person, after all. Don’t worry—just push forward!”
The servant was merely doing his best to lift Serdis’s mood right then. He had no idea what consequences his words might bring.
[This is the timeline separator]Several days had passed since my memories returned.
The mansion had no peace, with guests arriving nearly every day.
“Miss, His Highness the Crown Prince has come.”
“Mm. Tell him I’m sick and can’t meet him.”
“He says he’ll personally nurse you himself.”
“Tell him it’s contagious.”
“He knows you’re joking.”
“Just say I’m completely undressed because of a fever.”
My father, after heading to the palace, had apparently told Serdis I had no marriage prospects and even used the word ‘forever alone.’ Perhaps anxious over my cold attitude, Serdis had redoubled his courtship efforts.
When I kept refusing to meet him, he sent jewels and gifts—and even built a private garden for me in the mansion courtyard.
‘They named the garden “Darling,” I heard?’
Is this really the same person I knew?
The thought that Serdis’s previous behavior had only been the tip of the iceberg sent chills down my arms.
“Ugh. I’d better find a husband quickly.”
Despite not being fully recovered, I finally left the mansion.
I didn’t touch any of the items he sent—just stored them untouched in the warehouse—and secretly began searching for a husband.
Cassian?
He’s just a friend.
Besides, I’d long suspected that Cassian wasn’t his real name. After all, I’d personally met three different men named Cassian.
None of them were the real Cassian.
But that didn’t matter.
‘Cassian has his own life to live, after all.’
I couldn’t just barge in with my problems and ask him to marry me.
So I deliberately drew my parents’ attention toward Cassian and used the distraction to search for a husband elsewhere.
It was a trick.
Just like how, when you utterly fail an exam and dramatically wail, “My life is ruined! I’ll never succeed at anything!” your parents actually scold you less.
If I brought home a man even slightly better than those four Cassians,
my parents—who would normally refuse—would have no choice but to accept him, saying, “Well, at least he’s better than nothing.”
It’s a pity about the Crown Prince, but my parents couldn’t possibly keep me forever.
And I didn’t want to damage my relationship with them, either.
“One of the two will agree, surely.”
According to the Information Guild’s report,
only two noble young masters matched my requested criteria.
I memorized the faces on the two documents.
Just about a year—until the point when Serdis falls for Violet—I only need to endure until then and then divorce.
“Miss, shall I fix your hair?”
Just as I put the documents away in the drawer, Betty walked in.
“But Miss, is it alright to use such a simple yellow flower as your hair accessory?”
“Yes. Hurry up and pin it on. It’s time to leave.”
Reluctantly, Betty placed the decoration into the side braid she’d prepared. Though she looked displeased, I was satisfied.
The dull teal dress was unremarkable at first glance.
Coupled with heavy makeup, it gave off a strangely jarring impression.
“Are you sure you want to go like this?”
“Don’t worry. I’ve got this.”
Worried and hesitant, Betty finally came in holding the box left by the door.
From her furtive glances, I knew it was a gift from Serdis.
“Did His Highness send this?”
“Yes. Shall I store it in the warehouse like last time?”
A golden ribbon wrapped the box, and a letter envelope was tucked alongside it. Normally, I’d have told her to toss it aside—but today, I made a different choice.
“Let’s open it.”
“Yes!”
Betty, overjoyed, skillfully untied the ribbon and lifted the lid—then immediately looked flustered.
“This is…”
The very dress Anette famously wore to the ball in the original story.
Adorned with aquamarine gems that shimmered with an ethereal glow.
“It looks similar to what you’re wearing, Miss.”
Naturally, the dress Serdis sent was far more expensive, yet it carried a similar vibe.
Ignoring Betty’s comment, I tore open the letter and read it—though I quickly burned it over a candle, given its predictable contents.
[This is the timeline separator]The entrance to the banquet hall exuded an unusually calm atmosphere.
The Duke Sharpenan’s carriage had arrived.
The carriage stopped, and Violet stepped out alone, without an escort.
With her long violet hair flowing freely and her dress hem held lightly as she walked in, her bearing was unmistakably aristocratic.
Though her face was expressionless, she radiated a melancholic yet dignified aura—just like a heroine from a novel.
Before she could enter the hall, I quietly called out to her. I wanted to minimize the karmic debt I’d accumulate at tonight’s banquet.
“Princess Violet.”
Violet, who had been about to ascend the stairs, instantly turned to look at me. She recognized me at a glance.
“Your Highness. I am Anette of House Leangberia. I have something urgent to tell you.”
“The banquet will start soon. Can we talk inside?”
She clearly didn’t want to speak with me privately.
Of course not.
The scandal between Serdis and me was already public knowledge. She’d likely also heard rumors of the Crown Prince frequently visiting a mere count’s estate. Even the virtuous Violet couldn’t possibly view me favorably.
“It’s something that can’t be discussed once you’re inside the banquet.”
This banquet wasn’t an ordinary gathering.
‘Saint Dalia’s death anniversary.’
In the original story, this was the episode that marked the beginning of the trash fire.
Violet, who secretly loved Serdis, had asked the Empress for the position of Crown Princess—enraging Serdis, who then caused a scene.
He deliberately sent Violet a dazzlingly ornate dress—one completely inappropriate for the occasion—
and publicly humiliated her at the banquet held in honor of Saint Dalia’s death anniversary.
“How pathetic, Princess Violet. You will never be worthy of being my match.”
“This is… His Highness…”
“Anette, come here.”
Meanwhile, he gifted Anette a dress fitting for the occasion, elevated her status, and asked her for the first dance.
That memory left a deep wound in Violet’s heart—a dagger plunged straight into her chest.
It was only natural that Violet would come to see Anette as a rival.
Therefore, before the banquet began, I decided to make Violet my ally. I took her hand without warning and led her into an empty powder room.
“I’m sorry for dragging you here so abruptly.”
I swallowed my breath, having hurried in to avoid other nobles’ eyes.
Violet merely blinked her long lashes calmly, waiting patiently for my next words.
“Take off your clothes right now.”
I spoke without a trace of playfulness in my tone.
Violet’s expression didn’t change. She quietly repeated my words a few times before asking—her demeanor perfectly proper and restrained.
“I believe an explanation is necessary. Why must I undress?”
Her dress was brilliantly yellow, adorned with white gems that sparkled like spring blossoms with every movement. Under the chandelier in the banquet hall, she’d surely shine brighter than anyone else.
But she didn’t know—
that Serdis had deliberately gifted her this dress for that very reason.
“Do you know why this banquet is being held today, Your Highness?”
“I was told Her Imperial Majesty personally organized it for the prosperity of all capital nobles.”
“From whom did you hear that?”
She traced a faint line with her lips, painted in a soft orange lipstick that matched her yellow dress.
“From my older brothers.”
Just as I expected.
There was a reason Violet had come to the palace alone today.
Her two brothers, who refused to acknowledge her as family, had dressed appropriately for the occasion.
The powerful House of Sharpenan couldn’t possibly be unaware of the true meaning of this banquet.
They simply felt no obligation to inform their unwanted younger sister.
Moreover, since both dukes openly supported and championed Serdis, they naturally viewed her even more unfavorably.
I smiled faintly and firmly denied her words.
“No. This banquet wasn’t held by Her Imperial Majesty’s will. Do you know what day today is?”
“Imperial Year 827, the fourteenth day of the fourth month…”
Given how desperately she craved her family’s recognition, she must have realized what day this was.
“We’ve gathered to commemorate the death anniversary of Saint Dalia—because her passing, as someone who loved and cared for all people in life, cannot be observed quietly.”
Most nobles had probably forgotten.
But if high-ranking nobles—marquises and above—dared to dress so extravagantly, as if showing off, they’d surely fall out of favor.
Violet, realizing this, let out a troubled sigh.
“Let’s switch clothes. I’ll wear your dress, Your Highness.”
She slowly scanned my plain appearance, then quickly averted her eyes, realizing such behavior was improper.
“Why are you helping me?”
“Because I don’t want you to misunderstand me.”
“What misunderstanding?”
Violet looked displeased.
“That you think I’m in a relationship with His Highness Serdis.”
I acted stubbornly, indifferent to her feelings. Truthfully, I would’ve preferred to ease into the topic gently—but time was short.
Violet’s steady eyes locked onto mine.
“I am aware of that rumor, but whether it’s true or false doesn’t matter to me.”
It was as if I could hear her unspoken words: ‘No matter who the Crown Prince sees, I will become his bride.’
I shook my head, as if to say she was wrong.
“Don’t be so sure. It’s far more likely that I’ll become the Crown Princess.”
“What do you…”
Violet’s dry lips trembled.
“Why? His Highness Serdis loves me now. Every day, passionate letters and rare gems—unseen even in the capital—pour into my mansion.”
I cut her off mid-sentence and spoke haughtily, deliberately provoking her—as if I were a mistress who monopolized a man’s love, speaking to his rightful wife.
“When I mentioned I was unwell, didn’t he personally cook soup for me? His Highness, who never lets water touch his hands, even offered to nurse me himself.”
“Enough.”
For the first time, Violet’s carefully guarded expression turned honest. The fine lines on her delicate brow revealed her true emotions.
“Besides, he’s the Empire’s one and only Crown Prince. If His Highness desires something, nothing is impossible.”
“…”
“If I ran to him right now and asked for his hand in marriage, he’d hold the ceremony immediately.”
Violet swallowed hard and asked in a hoarse voice.
“You clearly said just moments ago that you didn’t want me to misunderstand you. Then why suddenly act like this?”
To Violet, who had finally revealed her inner anxiety, I replied,
“Because I’m fed up with it.”
“I… didn’t quite catch that?”
“Imagine someone you don’t like acting that way toward you. It’s burdensome and uncomfortable. I have absolutely no feelings for His Highness.”
I pointed to the dark circles under my eyes. Just thinking of Serdis made goosebumps rise on my arms.
“Are you serious?”
Violet asked, her eyes filled with disbelief.
“Yes. Helping you is also for my own sake. It’s a deal that brings you no loss whatsoever.”
As she tilted her head slightly, her violet hair—resembling the radiant light of dawn—spilled over her shoulders.
My reflection appeared in her trembling eyes.
I gently swept back the princess’s shimmering, disheveled hair and began unfastening the hooks of her dress.
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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MANGA DISCUSSION
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Chapter Comments (11)
Young-ae, young-shik, young-young author him, what’s that mean?
Oho, so ML loves her so much. Being a beauty must be good. There are many admirers.
That’s kinda weird. Every time she wants to use the carriage suddenly so busy?
Inline Comments (6)
Perhaps because I’m certain he’ll never love me.
Lol girl. You don’t know anything about him. He is obsessive 😂
“As I said before, I can only cast a forbidden ritual to remove divine abilities
Casting a ‘forbidden ritual’ to remove divine abilities sounds like practicing black magic. So Violet practices black magic? What is her true goal?
He collapsed to the floor, unconscious. Only the ring on his finger glimmered fa
I have quite a few things to say about the function of this enchantment. Right now though the main thing is that if the enchantment functions in this way…what happens if Anette dies while he has the ring turned on?
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Blairwoods
That offline was kind or not? Just my feeling, someone who likes abusive and rude person like cp kinda same character