Several days later.
“You’re suddenly withdrawing the proposal?”
I was at a loss for words due to the unexpected withdrawal. At least it happened before the conversation took a serious turn, but I couldn’t understand why they backed out after initially showing interest.
“It might be for the best.”
Though it could be taken as unpleasant, I decided to move on optimistically.
Because choosing to marry based solely on family lineage, without love, may not be wise.
“So you’re not retiring then?”
“Yes, it turned out that way.”
In the end, retirement didn’t happen, and Jeff, upon hearing this, was elated and couldn’t stop smiling.
“Is something good happening to you, Your Grace? Your smile hasn’t faded.”
“Ah, something delightful has occurred.”
Seeing Jeff blush was endearing. Though I only realized it much later, I suppose I started falling for him that day.
“Don’t ever speak of retiring again. As you know, we’re among the few talents His Majesty trusts. If you leave, how chaotic would the First Knight Division be?”
“Your Grace, I’m just postponing retirement. I haven’t abandoned the idea.”
“In that case, how about taking a few days off?”
“Why? When I retire, I can rest forever.”
Having delayed retirement, I aimed to find a suitable successor.
However, that resolve went unfulfilled as the emperor passed away unexpectedly, and according to his will, Jeff ascended to the throne.
And I stood beside the new emperor as his subject and friend, naturally falling in love while assisting Jeff, who unlike his predecessor, ruled without instilling fear.
It was then that I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him.
“I will spend the rest of your life with you.”
Subsequently, in a somewhat unconventional manner for the times, I took the initiative to propose, combining it with my confession. Jeff, who had thought he was the only one in love, shed tears of joy.
“If the Emperor had been alive….”
Lost in a reverie of long past times, I returned to reality.
“Seeing me like this, swept by trivial emotions, you would have scolded me for a weakness only the feeble should possess.”
I muttered this as I approached the fireplace where the portrait hung.
“But worry not, Your Majesty!”
I stretched myself, let out a motivational yell, and with renewed energy, returned to my desk to focus on my work.
‘The wind’s getting cooler; that’s a relief.’
For a change, I settled comfortably on a luxurious cushioned chair on the terrace outside the playroom and read a book.
“Your Highness, aren’t you cold?”
Just as I was spending my time leisurely, away from the children and leaving them to the maids, I heard Carlisle’s voice; I didn’t notice when he’d followed me.
“I’m fine.”
Feeling the cool weather, I pondered the upcoming harvest in the farms and casually asked if he thought this year would be abundant.
“I apologize, but Fleur territory is rich in mines, so I lack knowledge about crops.”
Quick-witted as always, Carlisle offered to investigate. I was taken aback by his seriousness and told him not to.
“But it is my duty as a servant to…”
“Goodness, are you already talking about servant duties? You’re just six years old.”
I stuck out my tongue and shook my head.
“I know you’re mature for your age, but that can wait.”
All you need to do now is eat well and play, I added. Carlisle seemed hesitant.
“Kid, what could possibly be so serious at your age? Kids have obvious tasks, and the rest is for adults.”
Such a frustrating kid. I sighed and crossed my arms.
The Male lead Always Seduces Her with His Beauty (Matriarchy)
Xin Jiao Zhou is the leader of the world’s premier sect. She has just experienced betrayal from all sides, was poisoned in an assassination attempt, and faced death squad attacks while the poison was taking effect. After finally clearing out the scum from her sect, she was drugged again while trying to detoxify.
After waking up from a night of unconsciousness, she gained a “beautiful and kind-hearted” husband.
Xin Jiao Zhou: “???”
He fell ill.
She came to see him, bringing breakfast.
As she put down the breakfast and was about to leave, his hand slipped while holding the spoon. “Clank!”
She turned around upon hearing the noise.
He looked up at her, his eyebrows drooping: “My hand… has no strength.”
“Shall I… feed you?” she asked tentatively.
He opened his mouth cheerfully: “Ah—”
Thinking she was drowning, he jumped in without hesitation to save her, but nearly drowned himself. In the end, it was she who swam over to rescue him, giving him air underwater.
After emerging from the water, his ear tips turned red. He lightly brushed his cheek, tucking his sideburns behind his ear, revealing delicate, pink-tinged ear tips. He lowered his gaze, too embarrassed to look at her.
Xin Jiao Zhou: He’s truly beautiful, kind-hearted, and adorable.
A certain someone when disciplining subordinates behind the scenes: “If they don’t obey, just kill them.”
What’s that? She might already have someone she cares about in her heart? A certain someone: Find out who it is, kill them, and then there won’t be anyone.
What? She met a man by the riverside? What? That man even hurt her? A certain someone: Whichever hand hurt her, chop off his entire arm.
Love at first sight without realizing it, gradually falling in love, slowly getting closer…
Family and national grudges, schemes and desires, good and evil, crime and punishment, she and he face the future together, seeking justice with passion!
A naturally dark female lead who could accidentally destroy the world but is actually an honest person VS a weak, pitiful, and helpless but skilled fighter, beautiful white-cut black male lead
My heart is not of stone, how steadfast is your love? — Tao Yuanming “Imitating the Ancients (No. 3)”
— Reading Guide —
Cold female lead & dramatic black lotus with hidden yandere traits male lead
