No Evil Lady in the World (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 2
“It’s been so long since we’ve had a guest, I can’t even remember.”
The clink of a teacup being set down echoed pleasantly in the small, cozy house. Meiana, with a restless expression, watched the old woman’s movements and said,
“Shall I do it?”
“No, it’s fine. You’re a guest, so just sit there. No need to worry.”
The old woman was blind. Yet, she brewed tea and filled the teapot, placing the teacup exactly where it could be reached, with astonishing smoothness and skill.
A steaming cup of sweet tea soothed Meiana’s weary body after a day of hardship. The sting inside her cheek from Viscountess Pobek’s slap lingered, but the tea was so good she hardly minded.
“By the way, a young lady with nowhere to go—are you a traveler? Or is something the matter…?”
Meiana glanced down at her appearance. Wearing only the clothes she worked in, chased out as she was, she looked like a runaway or dismissed maid to anyone who saw her. But the old woman didn’t know that. Whether that was fortunate or not, she couldn’t tell.
“Well…”
After hesitating, Meiana answered honestly.
“I’m a maid from the nearby Viscount Pobek’s estate. Or rather, I was. The truth is, the lady dismissed me. That’s why I have nowhere to go.”
“Oh, dear…”
The old woman clucked her tongue with concern and sipped her tea. At her feet, Chals lay quietly, blinking sleepily.
“When I was young, I worked for noble families too. Some were good people, but many weren’t.”
“That’s true. This was my first time, though…”
The old woman’s wrinkled hand gently patted Meiana’s.
“Don’t worry tonight. The house may be old, but it doesn’t leak. My granddaughter’s room is empty. You can sleep there.”
Meiana let out a relieved sigh, filled with joy, and tightly grasped the old woman’s hand.
“Thank you, Grandmother. You’re so kind.”
“Oh, it’s nothing. Knowing you were in trouble, Chals brought you here. He’s a clever boy.”
As if understanding he was being talked about, Chals, lying down, wagged his tail and rubbed his head against both their knees in turn. Meiana finally let out a relaxed laugh and lifted Chals into her arms.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a dog.”
“Do you like them?”
“Of course! Back then, I was very…”
Meiana’s voice trailed off, her lips drooping slightly. She was glad her darkened expression didn’t need to be seen.
In her past life, she had raised dogs since she was very young. Each time they sent off an aging pet, her family couldn’t hide their grief and emptiness.
The day she had to accept that her former self was dead, Meiana hid behind the village well and cried for an hour. Not only her parents but also the dogs and cats she raised—she couldn’t bear the thought of never seeing them again.
The old woman reached out into the air and said,
“Are you alright, dear?”
Meiana raised her head like a startled person. Then, smiling softly, she gently took the old woman’s hand and placed it on her lap.
“Of course, Grandmother. I’m fine. Oh, I just realized, you’ve been so kind to me, and I haven’t even asked your name.”
A shy, girlish smile unexpectedly spread across the old woman’s face.
“Calling me your benefactor for something like this is too much. I’m Celine. What’s your name, dear?”
“My name is Meiana.”
“Meiana, that’s a lovely name. It’s charming and elegant.”
At that moment, the sound of rain loudly pounding the windows filled the house with a flash of light. It was a thunderstorm.
“It’ll rain all night.”
Celine turned her head toward the unseen window and said. Her peculiar way of speaking seemed to be a habit. Meiana kissed Chals’s round head, still in her lap, and set him down on the sofa.
“I’ll clear the teacups, Grandmother.”
“Oh, no, don’t bother. I can manage.”
“No, really. Thanks to your kindness, I’ve escaped being a drenched rat in this rain. Let me help with this much.”
“What a kind heart. If I were younger, I’d want you as my granddaughter.”
Meiana smiled brightly, knowing Celine couldn’t see it.
Carrying the tray with the teapot and cups to the kitchen, she was astonished again by the sink and shelves. For Celine to maintain this house alone, it was unbelievably clean.
She didn’t know when Celine had lost her sight, but she was undoubtedly meticulous and careful. Yet, she was far from fussy and utterly lovable…
“She mentioned a granddaughter. Did she marry and leave home? Was she unable to take her grandmother with her…?”
Meiana soaked a stiff linen cloth, cleaned the cups and teapot, and put them away before turning back. She had found a place to stay tonight, but she needed to think about what to do starting tomorrow.
Finding work at a nearby noble house would surely be difficult. Viscountess Pobek would undoubtedly spread malicious rumors. Even if she didn’t, Meiana was fed up with being a maid.
“If only I could get hired at a tailor’s shop or a general store…”
Lost in these thoughts, Meiana turned toward the living room.
A rattling sound came from the shutters at the back of the kitchen. She thought it was just the wind and paid it no mind. But the door burst open from the outside, and a man in dark clothes stepped in, staring intently at Meiana.
Meiana’s eyes widened in shock.
“Who are you…!”
As she tried to scream, a cold, wet hand covered her lips. No, not a bare hand—it smelled of leather. Meiana, pale with fear, struggled and tried to shout, but the man’s grip tightened on her cheeks and jaw.
The man whispered in her ear as she thrashed.
“Be quiet, or you’ll startle the lady.”
At that moment, the sound of rain pounding the roof and windows seemed to vanish. The man’s voice was chilling yet unbelievably low and soft, like heavy mist settling over a fragrant garden before dawn…
Meiana, ceasing her struggle, kicked the man’s shin hard with her heel.
“Ugh!”
The man let out a short groan, and the strength in the hand covering Meiana’s mouth weakened. She didn’t miss her chance, slipping away quickly to find something to use as a weapon. A kitchen knife? No, too dangerous. A frying pan might be better…
As she frantically scanned her surroundings and grabbed a can of preserved peaches, the man spoke.
“Who are you? A thief? Or a swindler? Judging by your clothes, you look like you fled some noble’s house. Did you steal some silverware?”
Meiana let out an incredulous scoff.
“Who’s saying that? Sneaking in through the back door like that. Get out now, or I’ll throw this right at that smug face. At this distance, it’d be harder to miss. Don’t want a broken nose? Then leave quietly.”
“Why should I listen to you? You’re not the owner of this house.”
Meiana was left speechless. At that moment, Celine appeared in the kitchen, leaning on her cane.
“The Duke has arrived. I didn’t hear you over the rain.”
The man dipped his head slightly and said,
“It’s been a while, my lady. I’m glad to see you looking well.”
His gaze flicked toward Meiana. As expected, she stood frozen, clutching the can of peaches as if turned to stone.
Celine said,
“Miss Meiana, are you there? Don’t be alarmed. This is Duke Valterminster.”
Meiana’s eyes met the man’s directly. Even in the dim light, his eyes were strikingly vivid blue.
If asked to name the two most famous figures in El Bluyen, people would first mention King Elmerat. Next, they’d gladly name Duke Valterminster.
Renowned for having the king’s utmost favor, a man of overwhelming influence, rivaling even the royal family’s direct line—such was Duke Valterminster.
A man most wouldn’t dare look in the eye. And Meiana had nearly thrown a can at him.
“Should I faint, or should I grovel?”
Meiana gripped the can tightly, sinking into deep thought.
“I noticed the roof near the gutter has sagged a bit. If left alone, it might collapse.”
While Meiana was lost in serious thought, still clutching the can, he spoke. Lady Celine gave an awkward smile and shook her head.
“The house is old, so it can’t be helped. By the way, in such rough weather, I hope your clothes didn’t get too wet, Duke?”
The Duke—if he truly was the Duke—replied,
“I’m fine, so don’t worry. As for the roof, I’ve told my coachman to arrange for a repairman. He’ll likely come tomorrow afternoon.”
“Oh, goodness. Thank you.”
Celine smiled shyly and tapped the floor lightly with her cane.
“By the way, have you greeted the young lady?”
Meiana flinched and looked at the Duke. She noticed his gaze was directed upward.
“Oh no!”
Meiana’s hand dropped quickly. Seeing her hide the can behind her back, the Duke gave a strange smirk.
“Yes, my lady. Though I’m not sure if you’d call it a greeting… Who exactly is this young lady?”
Celine let out a small laugh. Then, lowering her head toward Chals, who sat quietly at her feet, she said,
“Our Chals brought this poor girl here. She says she has nowhere to go, so I thought she should at least have a place to escape the rain tonight.”
“I see.”
The Duke glanced at Meiana. Then, with another mocking smile, he continued,
“But, my lady, you must always be cautious. Who knows what someone claiming hardship might do to deceive you.”
Male lead is reincarnated to save his wife
I’ve also read this one twice already. The female lead is kinda soft and gets embarrassed easily—not really my type, but the plot is definitely worth reading. Hurry up and read it, y’all!
Intro
When Shen Yuan encountered Su Jin again in his previous life, she had already become the Prime Minister of the current dynasty. As for him, the former top young master of the capital, he had long since fallen into the abyss, becoming a singer on a pleasure boat.
After a song ended, he was redeemed and sent to the Su Residence.
Su Jin respected and cherished him, gave him a roof over his head, and bestowed him with warmth. Shen Yuan fell deeper and deeper, but before he could express his feelings, Su Jin passed away.
Shen Yuan died to follow her in death, but instead, he returned to when he was fifteen years old.
At that time, he was not yet engaged, and Su Jin was just a poor scholar.
Shen Yuan gritted his teeth, casting aside all his pride, and thought of ways to coax and entice her every day.
The colder and more indifferent Su Jin was towards him, the more proactive Shen Yuan became.
He was not afraid of being mocked by the world, only wanting to marry his Wife-master early, to hold her hand and never let go for a lifetime.
[Note: This story will not specifically point out the male lead’s reincarnation time point; it’s all in the details. Whenever you feel that the male lead is acting strangely, he has most likely been reincarnated.]
[Touch the gear icon in the bottom right corner of the screen to move to the next chapter if you want.]
It was her who made that old lady blind?? What an awful person……or maybe not, but still she is really disgusting.
BOY DONT PLAY WITH ME. OMG NO WONDER THE CHILD IS BEHAVING LIKE LOOSE GOOSE
Very matured. Just blaming anyone but yourself on your inadequacy.