She recalled the blueprint of the mansion’s secret passage she had found in the sketchbook when searching for Walter’s magical release papers.
Although she couldn’t remember every minute detail due to the mansion’s size, there was definitely a hidden entrance in Sophia’s study. That place would provide her a momentary refuge until they shifted their attention elsewhere.
‘When I saw the blueprint, I figured Sophia’s room must be designated for the head lady of the house.’
Edith headed for Sophia’s study. It was an area adjoining her bedroom and practically served as an office.
Just as when she first discovered the hidden entrance in the study, her fingertips grazed a specific section between the worn-out bookshelves.
Creak–
Keeping it pressed, she pushed the bookshelf aside, and like a lie, the heavy shelf moved, revealing the mansion’s secret passage.
Though she grimaced at the damp and chilly air, now wasn’t the time to fuss over such things.
Edith grabbed the lamp and a box of matches adorned on Sophia’s shelf, and a thick cloak from her wardrobe, then looked at the jewelry box.
‘This is compensation for the damage I’ve endured.’
She spared no hesitation in also taking a necklace and earrings that had fallen out of fashion and been shoved into a corner of the box. She had kept her hands off the inheritance, but damage compensation from Sophia was just that.
After securing emergency funds for unforeseen circumstances, she entered the secret passage.
Fortunately, the structure allowed her to open the bookshelf from the inside. Once she returned the shelf to its original position, the entrance concealed itself perfectly.
‘If I knew this would happen, I would have memorized the blueprint more carefully.’
The blueprint of the mansion’s secret passage she had found in the sketchbook was sewn into an old cloak along with Walter’s magical release papers.
Who would have expected Elizabeth to suddenly come looking for me?
‘Is Vivian okay? If they can’t find me in the garden, they’ll definitely investigate my whereabouts…’
Hoping she could leave this place quickly, Edith considered various scenarios.
‘If Elizabeth’s group is unaware of Sophia’s binding magic, they’ll send people outside the mansion to find me.’
Then the assassins Elizabeth had brought would be somewhat dispersed, and she might be able to hide in a secluded corner of the garden, or even seek assistance from Isabelle.
Clasping her hands tightly, Edith prayed for luck to be on her side.
The next morning, Elizabeth had to hear another meaningless report.
“The mansion was thoroughly searched, but Edith was nowhere to be found. Just like with Walter.”
As Eisen reported, she couldn’t help but hold her throbbing forehead.
“Eisen, isn’t it odd how everyone you’re looking for seems to vanish like ghosts? Are you sure you’ve searched properly?”
“I find it baffling myself. At least the maids had some information about Edith’s whereabouts.”
“Which maids?”
“Their names were Ann, Marie, and Vivian, I believe. Edith said she wanted to clear her mind alone and went to look at some flowers at the far east end of the mansion but never returned.”
Sophia narrowed her eyes and pondered his words.
“She must have escaped under the guise of flower-viewing. If she took some jewels, she’d be set for life.”
“But everything in her dressing room was untouched. And the timing is just too perfect, isn’t it?”
“Are you sure you weren’t careless?”
In the end, Elizabeth gnawed at her nails as she always did. As long as it wasn’t clearly established what relationship Edith had with Walter, that woman was no different from a hazardous element to the empress.
‘Even if Walter is killed or captured, if Edith spills in the capital that the Empress had the heir to Lexion killed, it would complicate matters.’
The only thing the Empress could assert was that she had a son who inherited the Emperor’s blood.
When she was already significantly behind Duke Lexion in both political foundation and experience, raising an ethical issue would be a major blow.
“Either Walter noticed we’re targeting him, or he received a message and left the estate. Release people throughout the territory. Also request more support from Gilbert.”
Elizabeth sighed and downed the wine she had been saving.
Just then, someone knocked politely on the door.
“Madam Elizabeth, I’ve brought the physician.”
“Ah, the physician…”
The thought of questioning another trembling fool who seemed to know something more gave her another headache.
Elizabeth glared at Eugene with an intimidating aura.
“Eugene, if you don’t know about Walter, then at least tell me about Edith. Otherwise, I’ll reclaim your bail, and you’ll go back to jail.”
“Ab, about Madam Edith…”
“Anything. Like what Sophia ordered Edith to do.”
Eugene timidly glanced at the calendar and clock on the wall. By now, Sophia and Head Butler Whitman should be dragged off to a remote monastery amidst insults and laughter. He had no reason to hesitate for his survival.
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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