Neither of us spoke first, and the ticking of the clock made each second feel like a day. As I gazed into my tea, I suddenly lifted my eyes and scrutinized Edmond under the bright light.
Edmond Midian, the rightful heir to the Midian Ducal family, had been demoted to a vassal by his uncle’s schemes. He was the leader of the monster subjugation force and soon to regain his honor as the sole Duke of the empire. After nearly 9 years away on a monster subjugation mission in the northernmost Jeder Forest, he had returned, a man of strong character. It was said that the fortune left by his grandfather grew diligently with each breath he took.
Even his heroism, which made him a valiant and sacrificial hero to his countrymen, was noteworthy. At around 14, just before heading to the battlefield, he single-handedly entered a cave harboring a giant monster and subdued it with just a spear. This tale of heroism was still talked about.
And his appearance? The silver hair reaching his shoulders, neglected due to long expeditions, and his raw, wild eyes scattered a dangerous and decadent air. He was so charming that certain women would swoon over his aura.
As he adapted more to the empire and became neater, there were even laments from various corners. Yet, even that change was seen as attractive.
‘Definitely handsome.’
His tall physique, honed by extensive training, and his aristocratic appearance were overwhelming. It’s no wonder women wanted to be embraced by him, unaware of his negative traits.
The original story briefly described Edmond as exclusive and a cold-blooded person who showed no blood or tears except to his own people.
‘Ah, such a waste of a good face.’
‘……!’
Just then, I inadvertently met his gaze while admiring his silver eyelashes.
Startled, I quickly switched to social mode and smiled.
“Sorry for my late introduction, despite being in your debt. I am Etrisha Buell from the Buell Count family.”
Edmond, having calmly set down his teacup, gazed directly at me.
“I am Edmond Midian.”
Thankfully, he acknowledged my greeting. At least he respected me as Lirien’s guest. I had to make small talk until Lirien returned, using years of social experience from my previous life.
“It’s an honor to meet a legendary general like you.”
“An exaggerated epithet.”
“……”
“……”
The conversation ended.
“I hope I haven’t spoiled the emotional reunion between you and your sister.”
“There’s no need for a reunion since we’ve been in constant communication through the communication orb.”
“……”
“……”
Again, the conversation ended. I bit my lip in discomfort.
‘……How does this conversation not progress? It’s not like I’m on a forced blind date.’
Despite several attempts to initiate conversation, he remained unyielding.
His attitude indicated a clear unwillingness to engage in conversation. I decided to maintain silence, respecting his apparent discomfort with forced interactions.
Just then, Edmond, seemingly frustrated, loosened his cravat.
His abrupt action revealed his collarbones through the white shirt.
I hastily diverted my gaze, but the afterimage lingered. The subtly visible flesh and the sunken collarbone involuntarily made my throat bob.
‘He’s been doing more than just subjugating monsters.’
With one more button undone, Edmond took a leisurely breath and spoke. That sigh, strangely dangerous and sexy, rang in my ears.
“You seem to have grown quite close to my sister.”
I gazed at him nonchalantly, hiding any discomfort.
Unpleasant, no doubt, for a reclusive countess to be in the company of a stranger. Moreover, with his beloved sister, Lirien.
Just the fact that he hastened his return by five days upon hearing the steward’s report was proof of how dearly he cherished his family.
I smiled as harmlessly as I could.
“If it seems that way, it’s a misunderstanding. It’s only because of Lady Lirien’s considerate nature that I could interact comfortably. I hope I don’t appear ungrateful.”
“My sister consented to it. Don’t worry about it, Madam.”
“Thank you for understanding, but…”
I paused mid-sentence and my smile slowly faded.
‘…Madam?’
While it’s not wrong to address a lady as ‘Madam,’ in the empire, it was an unwritten rule for men to address married women by their surname and family name. Otherwise, it’s almost as if calling one’s own wife.
“I appreciate your saving my sister from an agitated horse, Madam.”
Just like now.
‘Again, Madam…’
I felt a flutter in my stomach hearing it again.
Perhaps it was because it came from this handsome man. The term ‘Madam,’ which I had heard countless times from Devon, sounded unfamiliar and ticklish.
Eventually, it seemed everything boiled down to the person’s appearance. I could momentarily understand the sentiments of those ladies who, despite knowing they would be rejected, still threw themselves at him.
“So, Madam, you mean…”
“Excuse me, Duke?”
Unable to hold back, I interrupted, feeling a heat rising from my neck to my ears.
Calm as ever, Edmond nodded.
“Please speak.”
Male lead reborn without memories — but he still falls for her.
The person he finds displeasing in this life turns out to be his cherished wife-master in previous life…
Xie Zhi and Fang Xianxing who had known each other for less than three days through a blind date sat in the same car in front of the civil affairs bureau. They had a disagreement and failed to get married.
Xie Zhi immediately took out his phone, slid through his contacts, and randomly selected the next marriage candidate.
The woman snatched his phone and hung up. Looking at his phone wallpaper, she awkwardly changed the subject: “An ancient painting, eh? It looks pretty good, it’s just that the person in the painting looks a bit like me.”
When he heard this, he sarcastically mocked her for being so delusional, completely unaware that, the person in front of him was the reincarnation of Wen Ru, the famous prime minister of Yuan Shun whom he most admired…
The female CEO who doesn’t want to get married with a divorce agreement in hand × The male archaeological researcher who will only get married if he’s sure he can get divorced
