Regret With All Your Might (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 16
“But what brings the guest in the back here?”
Madam greeted the Grand Duke with a practiced smile. The Grand Duke did not reply. At the sight of his suspicious robe and his silence, Madam’s hand drifted beneath the display case.
Seeing her about to press the guard-call bell, Olivia hurriedly spoke.
“He’s someone I know.”
The quick-witted Madam blinked.
The imperial princess who’d received a vow that stirred the capital last night had come to choose a gift—not from family or the Crown Prince, but from another man. And now, someone she knew had conveniently appeared…
Madam instantly understood and gave Olivia an enigmatic smile, then bowed respectfully toward the Grand Duke.
“…Very well. I shall bring fresh tea. I’ll dismiss everyone; please ring the bell if you need anything.”
Before flustered Olivia could say a word—clearly Madam had misunderstood something badly—she had already left.
The Grand Duke removed his robe as if he’d been waiting for this moment. His stunningly handsome face, enough to steal one’s breath, grinned playfully at Olivia.
“If it’s so nice to receive help like this, what should I do? Must I keep falling into trouble?”
“What do you mean!”
Olivia instinctively retorted, then froze in realization. She gathered the hem of her dress and bowed properly.
“Olivia Madelaine, at your service, Your Grace.”
“You needn’t be so formal.”
“It’s proper etiquette.”
“I’d like to grant a privilege above etiquette to the lady who gave her vow. What do you think?”
Olivia blinked slowly. Informal greetings were a privilege proving closeness—a sign of mutual respect regardless of status.
She’d never heard such words even from Leopold, whom she’d known since age nine. Olivia bit her lip.
The Grand Duke, observing her keenly, smoothly changed the subject.
“Didn’t you have something to say to me?”
Ah. Only then did Olivia recall her original purpose and narrowed her eyes slightly.
“What did you mean earlier by that remark?”
“Which remark?”
“That ring! It’s an engagement ring—why give it to me!”
Olivia couldn’t even finish her sentence. The Grand Duke, however, looked at her as if fascinated.
“Exactly! How did you know to like that one so perfectly?”
Was he joking or serious? At his nonchalant tone, Olivia habitually studied his expression.
The Grand Duke avoided her gaze. Between his jet-black hair, the tips of his ears were faintly red.
It seemed genuine.
Startled by the sudden thought, Olivia shook her head sharply. She didn’t even feel embarrassed despite hearing the Grand Duke’s soft laughter.
It was an absurd assumption.
He was, after all, the Grand Duke himself. She must be overreacting to his teasing.
She suppressed the heat rising to her cheeks and ignored her pounding heart, replying more playfully.
“If you keep making such jokes carelessly, you’ll end up straight at the altar.”
He was the Empire’s sole Grand Duke—wealthy, honored as a war hero, and yesterday the Emperor himself had presented an imperial princess as a potential bride.
Hoping her sincerity would come across as praise, Olivia smiled proudly.
Yet the Grand Duke’s expression, as he looked at her again, was strangely unreadable.
Under his searching red eyes, Olivia reconsidered her words.
It was clearly a compliment—had she somehow conveyed it wrong? Just as she began to worry, the Grand Duke smiled gently.
“…That’s precisely why I said it.”
“…To me?”
“Yes. To you, my lady.”
At his clear reply, Olivia’s chest swelled warmly. She felt she ought to say something, but the moment their eyes met, she fell silent.
Why did that man look at her like that?
His gaze was so tender it made Olivia, the recipient, blush. In those eyes lay everything she’d ever wished for.
Affectionate warmth.
He’d been kind to her from the very beginning. Had all this been a signal? Or had it started at some point along the way?
Countless questions rose in her heart, yet the only words Olivia spoke were:
“…But I’m the Crown Prince’s fiancée.”
Unsatisfied with her answer, the Grand Duke’s eyes drooped like a disappointed puppy. Guiltily, Olivia felt she’d done something wrong.
“I see. But don’t you like that ring?”
“Of course I like the ring, but…”
Olivia answered absentmindedly, then realized his implication and glared at him. The Grand Duke quickly raised his palms.
“Fine. But why are you here, then?”
“To choose a gift for Your Grace.”
“You were picking a gift for me?”
The Grand Duke beamed like a child. Feeling slightly guilty, Olivia confessed honestly.
“The jeweled pin I gave you yesterday was actually a gift from my younger sister. It’s something I truly treasure.”
“You’re not planning to take back a gift you’ve already given, are you?”
“Precisely what I intended to say—but I’ll give you another gift instead.”
The Grand Duke pouted. At his clearly hurt expression, Olivia uncharacteristically added an excuse.
“Of course, it would’ve been better to give you something else from the start, but as you know, the situation was urgent.”
“…There is one way for you to get your jewel back.”
“What would you like?”
Olivia quickly scanned the display case—excluding the Grand Duke’s ring, of course. For cufflinks, perhaps onyx or diamond would do.
Just then, the Grand Duke pointed to one corner of the display.
“How about that?”
He was pointing to an emerald necklace. Its color was deep yet vibrant, like lush summer foliage. Emeralds sparkled bead by bead along a tightly woven platinum chain—utterly enchanting.
Olivia looked back and forth between the necklace and the Grand Duke.
“Um… Will you wear it yourself?”
“It’s for you, my lady.”
At her bewildered look, the Grand Duke spoke firmly.
“In exchange for returning your jeweled pin, you’ll accept that as my gift. If not, I won’t give it back.”
“But I’m the one who should be giving you something—why are you giving me a gift?”
“Didn’t you say you’d do anything?”
The Grand Duke brazenly pressed his point. Olivia almost protested that she’d never said such a thing, but stopped herself. She’d intended to agree anyway. Still, that color… Olivia shook her head.
“Don’t you like it? Then how about the pink diamond beside it?”
“It’s not that I dislike it.”
Olivia trailed off and glanced at him. His lazy smile seemed ready to wait for her forever.
It was hard to confess such a social weakness, but if anyone would understand, it was him.
Casually, as if it meant nothing, Olivia said,
“I simply don’t suit bright colors.”
“What nonsense.”
The Grand Duke frowned without meaning to. Olivia shrugged innocently.
“I know I don’t suit them, so may I choose something darker instead?”
While Olivia looked at the display, the Grand Duke studied her carefully. Her gray dress was high-quality but plain, and she wore no earrings or necklace. He’d assumed she preferred simplicity.
A bitter taste filled his mouth. Swallowing his sour disappointment, he said lightly,
“As I mentioned yesterday, it seems those around you lack even aesthetic sense.”
“What?”
Olivia turned to him. Her confused expression only angered him more—the direction of his fury was all too obvious. Those foolish imperial brats couldn’t recognize value, nor the worth of a precious person.
Gritting his teeth, the Grand Duke muttered lowly,
“…I’ll call an expert for a moment.”
He rang the bell lightly. As if waiting, the door opened immediately and Madam entered. Her eyes flickered slightly upon seeing the Grand Duke without his robe.
“Honored hero, Grand Duke—your presence graces us.”
“Your quick perception assures me your discretion.”
“Thank you. How may I assist?”
“Bring out every bright-colored necklace that would suit Her Highness.”
“But I told you—I don’t suit those!”
Olivia spoke, but the Grand Duke ignored her. Madam, equally excited, began pulling out jewels.
“My goodness! I knew it would suit Her Highness perfectly!”
Madam brought out a transparently sparkling pink diamond, offering honeyed praise.
The brighter the jewel, the duller she’d appear.
Olivia’s mouth went dry. Her hands fidgeted anxiously, aimless. Seeing the Grand Duke remain silent, she lowered her head further.
Madam asked eagerly,
“What do you think, Your Grace?”
“…Better than I expected.”
At his deeply muffled voice, Olivia squeezed her eyes shut. Beyond her blackened vision, she heard Leopold’s mocking voice.
“Didn’t I tell you? Bright colors truly don’t suit you.”
“You look even better—I’m surprised.”
Over Leopold’s voice came a firm, steady tone. Olivia slowly opened her eyes.
Leaning against the display, the Grand Duke nodded lightly.
“You truly suit it—all of it, both the dark tones you’re wearing now and the bright ones.”
A strange tingling ran from her toes to her scalp. She’d never felt this way before. Olivia cautiously stole a glance in the mirror.
Leopold had insisted bright colors didn’t suit her. Even Essela’s pink necklace, he’d said, looked wrong on her.
Yet the reflection she glimpsed wasn’t bad at all. Perhaps, just maybe, it was even a little nice.
As if to confirm his point, the Grand Duke shrugged.
Behind them, Madam kept bringing out more jewels—clear garnets, rubies, sapphires—adorning Olivia’s neck until the Grand Duke said seriously,
“Just one? I misspoke. Why not gift her all of them?”
“One is more than enough to be grateful, Your Grace.”
At Olivia’s firm refusal, the Grand Duke’s face fell.
Oh dear. Madam silently gasped inwardly. The way the Grand Duke looked at the princess was anything but ordinary.
The Grand Duke volunteered to escort her on her way. After Sally, smiling contentedly, departed first, Olivia boarded the carriage and fiddled with her pink diamond necklace.
“As promised, I’ll deliver the jeweled pin to you today.”
The Grand Duke’s eyes curved elegantly, his good mood unmistakable. Olivia chuckled softly—then froze.
She suddenly recalled his earlier words: that he wanted to give her an engagement ring.
His kindness was pleasant, his tenderness welcome—but if he was being kind only to propose, she needed to stop this now.
Because she had to become Crown Princess.
Only by standing proudly beside Leopold would her family finally see her.
Her hand, touching the necklace, stiffened. A heavy weight settled in her chest. She hadn’t expected it to feel so bittersweet, assuming she’d never see the Grand Duke again.
Before they grew any closer, Olivia carefully parted her lips.
“Your Grace. There’s something I must say.”
“What is it?”
“It’s about the ring you mentioned earlier.”
“Have you finally decided you want it?”
The Grand Duke, who’d been sitting expectantly, straightened his posture. His relaxed red eyes gleamed sweetly.
“It’s awfully late, but since you want it, I’ll consider it once more.”
Despite his affected tone, his movement was swift. Seeing him pull a ring case from his coat, Olivia hurriedly spoke.
“It’s not about the ring—it’s because you’ve been so kind to me.”
Under his direct gaze, her voice grew quieter.
“If it’s for a proposal, you don’t need to be kind to me.”
The Grand Duke’s expression turned subtle. His lips twitched as if to say something.
She knew how wrong her actions were. Surely the Grand Duke was baffled—after all he’d done for her.
Olivia’s shoulders slumped in defeat. At the same time, a calm voice asked,
“Am I being kind to you?”
He asked sincerely. Olivia nodded.
“Yes. You’ve been far too kind to me.”
She’d never experienced such generous tenderness before.
Embarrassing compliments. Gentle gazes. Thoughtful gestures. Kind words. Even gifts.
She was truly grateful.
Meeting Olivia’s thankful eyes, the Grand Duke’s face briefly twisted before returning to his usual smile. Somehow, Olivia felt he’d been hurt.
“…Then I intend to be even kinder to you, my lady.”
“…Why?”
“Because I’ve been holding back my desire to treat you well, approaching you as gently as possible so as not to burden you.”
His words were as tender as spring sunlight—so tender she couldn’t believe she deserved such kindness.
The Grand Duke chuckled softly.
“So please, never ask me to stop being kind to you. Understood?”
Olivia’s throat tightened. After a long pause, she nodded. The Grand Duke gave a faint smile.
The carriage had already reached the mansion gates. The Grand Duke alighted and gestured beside Olivia. A new jewelry box sat there—placed when, she didn’t know. Before surprised Olivia could speak, he said,
“That’s for your younger sister. I want to make a good impression on your precious sister too.”
Smiling gently, the Grand Duke signaled the carriage to depart. The gates opened, and Olivia’s carriage crossed the garden. She watched him through the window.
His smiling face, growing distant, remained vividly clear.
Inside the mansion, Olivia opened the box the Grand Duke had left. A pink diamond necklace—the same as the one she wore.
For some reason, her heart fluttered. It felt like a truly perfect day. She’d received flowers from the children and gifts like this.
“Sally.”
Olivia called for Sally, whom she’d sent ahead—but Sally was nowhere to be seen.
A cluster of maids gathered nearby, right outside Essela’s room.
The worried maids noticed Olivia.
“Miss Essela is asking for you, my lady.”
“Essela’s back?”
She wasn’t due for another three days—what happened? A bad premonition flickered, but Olivia shook her head.
What trouble could there be? She must have happily returned from her maternal grandfather’s estate, the Marquis of Haekwin.
Entering Essela’s room, Olivia was slightly startled.
Though evening neared, the unlit room was dark. Amidst the spreading sunset glow, Essela sat on her bed.
Sensing movement, Essela turned toward the door. Her face, hidden behind hair, was unseen. An uneasy foreboding made Olivia pause before calling her.
This feeling was the same as when she’d first entered her father’s study.
“Sister.”
At the metallic rasp in that voice, Olivia set her box on the table and approached Essela.
“What’s wrong?”
That was a voice thick with tears—utterly drained.
Olivia clenched her fists. Who dared make angelic Essela cry? It was unthinkable.
“Tell me. What happened?”
“It’s really because of you…”
Slowly, Essela turned her head. In that instant, Olivia froze in place. Essela’s eyes—once always bright with joy—were deeply hollowed.
“Did our mother die?”
Her trembling voice was directed at Olivia.
Olivia’s heart plummeted.
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
MANGA DISCUSSION
1 Comment
Chapter Comments (104)
Ethela … I thought you were better
I’m so excited to finally be able to read the novel. The manhwa is gorgeous and now reading the details of the story makes me excited and happy. Thank you for translating!
Ugh…. mL get our lovely liv out of there
Inline Comments (648)
Don’t cry.
Nothing wrong with crying when you are in pain and your “family” are a group of howler monkeys.
“It’s Wednesday, isn’t it?”
Her ever-faithful companion, tried-and true, respectful, honorable.
She wouldn’t even be able to hope for Leopold anymore.
Girl, why would you waste precious calories on that damned idiot?
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Aelthia
I really don’t understand the logic of blaming Olivia for the mother’s death. It’s obviously illogical but none of them care enough about Olivia to treat her well regardless. Half of them were always cruel to her. This family has a herd mentality.