“I’ll do as you wish for now. If you need me, I’ll stay by your side.”

Adel continued to tidy his hair, pretending to do so, and caressed his forehead a bit more. She closed her lips tightly before speaking again.

“In return, I want permission to enter the west tower library. I know only direct descendants of Ansagar can access it, but…”

She hurriedly added,

“I want to borrow books on herbalism.”

Herbalism was a discipline that could be learned by anyone, unlike healing magic which only a few with inherent power could practice. The problem was the need for extensive sample books, which were very expensive. In Laihenau, she had managed to learn a bit over someone’s shoulder, but here, it was an impossible task. She didn’t even have the right to enter the general library. Lately, she had been reaching her limits just by tasting the herbs she picked and dried.

“I have two old books on the subject, but they are outdated.”

Professional training in herbalism was only offered at the ‘Ivory Tower’ in Falkenheim. Although not as prestigious as healers, herbalists trained at the Ivory Tower were esteemed.

The compendiums they wrote over their lifetimes cost as much as a few months’ revenue of a sizable estate. Several such volumes were reportedly left neglected in the west tower library.

‘If what Oscar told me is true.’

Adel added uncertainly, fidgeting with her intertwined hands.
“If I learn herbalism, I can be of help to the estate. I’ll work hard to repay the kindness I’ve received from Ansagar. If I manage to run a small clinic, this marriage won’t be a complete loss for you…”

“…….”

“I know it’s difficult to go to Falkenheim right now, but I hope you’ll allow me to leave someday. I will do everything I can to be of help to you and Ansagar…”

Valentin’s breathtakingly beautiful face twisted in an instant. Unaware of his expression, Adel innocently added,

“I wish you could understand everything I’m saying. The healer said you’ve forgotten language itself, but I feel like you understand everything I say. So please nod if you do, and shake your head like this, side to side, if not…”

“Ah, Nia…”

“Your Grace? What did you just say?”

His reddened eyes were desperate. He gripped Adel’s hem and waist tightly, pulling her onto the bed. He climbed over her, casting a shadow, pinning her wrists and trapping her thighs with his knees. Their foreheads touched, his bent back arched like a thin branch.

“No, ah… Adelheit…”

He called out her name desperately again.

Adel, paralyzed in the face of his one-sided outpouring of affection, was clueless as to why he suddenly acted this way. Then, seeing the unease in his eyes, she realized.

“An, ah, no.”

This had always been a plea. A plea not to leave him.

Dawn.

It was a moment when Adel, who had been soothing the anxious Valentin, had dozed off. She woke up startled by a hand covering her mouth. The familiar voice that barely reached her ears calmed her down.

“Shh, it’s me, miss.”

Adel sighed in relief. Surprisingly, the intruder in the middle of the night was Grita. Adel blinked slowly to shake off the remaining sleepiness. As she calmed down, Grita cautiously removed her hand.

Grita, hunched with anxiety, whispered, watching Valentin sleeping by her side.

“I’ve come to tell you something.”

Valentin, tightly embracing Adel’s waist, was sound asleep, unaware of the world. Grita gestured with her hand and eyes towards the door, indicating they should talk outside. Normally, Adel would have sent her away to talk in the morning, but Grita’s face, barely visible in the moonlight, looked alarmingly pale.

Adel thought anxiously. She had promised Valentin repeatedly not to leave, but just outside the door might be okay.

“Just a moment.”

Adel carefully disentangled Valentin’s grip from her waist. It was strange that such a sensitive and wary person didn’t wake up, but now wasn’t the time to worry about that.

As she quietly slipped out of the bedroom, Grita grabbed her hand tightly.

“I’ve found a way for us to escape from here.”

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.