Seducing the Tyrant Instead of My Favorite (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 13
Nikolai’s brow crumpled miserably.
The strange tension vanished, replaced by a sharp silence that filled the room.
‘Was I too arrogant? But I still need Morasinthia’s eyes to uncover Franz’s illness…’
Was it because he was the Emperor? Or because he was the villain controlling my fate?
I had accepted the game of seduction, yet whenever I was with Nikolai, I always grew impatient.
Even his unwavering green eyes staring straight at me felt awkward.
His face, beautiful to an excessive degree, was hard to grow accustomed to.
Whenever he spoke words only lovers would say—like promising to buy me jewels or claiming he wanted my heart—my heart bounced like a ping-pong ball.
And on top of that, Franz might have seen everything.
My mouth went dry.
Nikolai, who couldn’t possibly know what I was thinking, pinched the issue and asked,
“Is Douglas truly that important to you?”
Now it was my turn to furrow my brow.
“It has nothing to do with Lord Douglas.”
“Wasn’t it that wretched man who offered up the sacred artifact, claiming he’d save you?”
“Well, yes, but…”
“He brought it along with a marriage vow—surely it counts as a betrothal gift.”
“Marriage? What?”
“You ask to have it returned? So even if you flirt with me, your love for him remains unchanged?”
“Wait! I think you’ve misunderstood something.”
“Didn’t you yourself say you had principles? What admirable integrity!”
A dangerous grinding sound escaped from between Nikolai’s clenched teeth.
His eyes, blazing with fury, alone made my knees tremble.
If a black panther roaming the plains had found its prey, it would look just like this.
‘Don’t panic, Elizabeth! He’s not a real beast—he’s human! A tyrant whose actions you can’t predict, but still human!’
Even if the curtain had risen on this play, actors could always be replaced.
Would a director as arrogant and domineering as Nikolai tolerate an actress who irritated him?
Worse yet, Nikolai believed I was mocking him.
I wanted to grab his earlobe and shout,
“I’m doing this for your son! My soul is mortgaged to that damn artifact!”
I suppressed my boiling emotions.
Then I forced the closest thing to a smile onto my face.
“I truly don’t understand why Your Majesty is angry.”
“How can I be generous when the woman I’ve contracted with seeks confirmation of some trivial man’s love?”
“Lord Douglas isn’t trivial.”
“If a man who clings to his fiancée because he lacks the ability to protect his own house isn’t trivial, then what is?”
“At least Lord Douglas doesn’t speak ill of others behind their backs. He merely tried to keep his promise to protect me with his life.”
“How touching! Truly impressive.”
Nikolai clapped mockingly.
The killing intent surrounding him churned ominously.
I worried Douglas might get burned again.
“And besides, what business is it of Yours whether I love someone or not?”
“What?”
“There was no clause saying I couldn’t love another man.”
I spoke sharply, like a dart.
Nikolai clamped his mouth shut.
“Please stop concerning yourself with my private life. Just as I’m not curious about what you do with your empresses and consorts in the harem.”
“…You truly don’t care what I do?”
“That’s our contract, isn’t it?”
An indescribably complex emotion swept across Nikolai’s handsome face.
But only for a moment—then he returned to his picture-perfect blank expression.
“Yes. I’d momentarily forgotten.”
“I’m glad you remembered, at least now.”
“I was foolish.”
“Everyone makes mistakes. I’m relieved you’ve come to your senses…”
I couldn’t finish my sentence.
Because Nikolai had just brushed his fingers against my lips.
“W-what are you doing?”
“Have you forgotten Clause 3 of our contract? Physical contact is not restricted.”
“There’s no clause allowing you to force yourself on me like this!”
“Where’s the force? I’m being perfectly gentlemanly.”
‘What kind of gentleman touches a woman’s lips? In a world without hand sanitizer, no less!’
Though I wanted to flare up, a sensitive shiver ran through me instead.
I glanced sideways under the dining table where Franz had been hiding.
Franz was gone—he must have slipped away during the commotion.
But it was too soon to relax.
A tingling current traveled along Nikolai’s fingertips.
Despite his rude manner, his hand was as soft as a petal.
My cheeks burned hot as if set aflame.
Nikolai’s scent, mingling with the familiar air, made me dizzy.
His stubbornly furrowed brow, eyes gleaming nobly like emeralds, and slightly bitten lips seemed to crave something from me—
something I’d never permitted anyone.
“Elizabeth.”
Just hearing my name made me lightheaded.
Saliva pooled in my mouth.
I wanted to push him away, but I couldn’t move—as if paralyzed.
Nikolai tilted his head toward me.
His breath tickled my skin.
His lips slowly descended. Instinctively, I knew what he wanted.
I clenched my fists tightly.
When my nails dug into my palms, I barely managed to utter coldly,
“So this is how you seduce women?”
It wasn’t him who should be seducing—it should have been me.
If my charm didn’t work, I needed to at least feign contempt.
I had to hide the fact that I’d wavered, even for a moment.
Because I couldn’t lose this game.
“It might have worked before, but not on me. Go flirt with other women.”
Nikolai’s eyebrows twitched.
He looked angry—but it seemed he was deliberately acting that way to hide his fluster.
“Now let me ask you—Is it Your Majesty’s method to toy with a woman locked in a cage?”
“…”
“Then you’ll never win.”
A heavy silence pressed down on the air.
I’d have felt less uneasy if Nikolai had arrogantly accused me of imperial treason as usual.
At the end of that uncomfortable stillness, Nikolai spoke.
“I’ll reconsider the contract.”
“Does that mean you’re ending the seduction game?”
“If you fail to become the Crown Prince’s tutor, the contract won’t even be valid.”
I belatedly recalled Clause 1 of the agreement.
‘Nikolai Rob Yevrei and Elizabeth Emster shall live together and attempt to seduce each other until a victor is decided.’
Since I’d refused both empress and maid roles, the only way to stay in the palace was to win Franz’s heart first.
‘I must recover Morasinthia’s eyes. I also need information about other artifacts. Only by staying in the palace can I monitor Claudia’s movements. And I must win this game to avoid the death ending.’
So the conclusion was—
No matter what, I had to continue the seduction game.
This was the exact opposite of when I’d tried to run away, calling it an unfair contract.
“I’ll give you one week. Become his tutor on your own within that time.”
Nikolai tossed me something that glinted.
The small metal object was the key to the Canary Room.
[This is the timeline separator]I thought persuading Franz would be simple.
But the next day—and the day after that—Franz never came looking for me.
I circled the quiet mouse hole.
‘How much did Franz witness in the Canary Room? If he saw his father openly flirting with me, he must have been shocked.’
Worry gnawed at me as precious time slipped away.
I rushed to the Crown Prince’s palace.
Two knights assigned by Nikolai trailed me like shadows.
Nikolai was using them to keep watch over me.
Despite going through great trouble to find him, Franz wouldn’t even grant me an audience.
‘Didn’t showing him my tearful face count as showing everything? He even stole my food—how can he treat me like this?’
I plopped down on the front steps of the Crown Prince’s palace.
I intended to wait for hours, even days, until Franz came out.
After about two hours, the head valet of the Crown Prince’s palace appeared with a displeased look.
“If you keep staying there, it’ll cause trouble. Waiting won’t help.”
“I must meet His Highness the Crown Prince.”
“He’s not the type to change his mind.”
“Neither am I. Could you help me, Head Valet?”
“I can’t, and I shouldn’t.”
The head valet flatly refused.
I narrowed my eyes and smiled.
“Won’t you want to help me soon?”
“What nonsense is this?”
The valet, who had been scoffing, suddenly widened his eyes in shock.
He’d just received my bewitching wink—no wonder he reacted that way.
“Well? Has your mind changed?”
The valet glanced around, cleared his throat loudly, then whispered softly into my ear,
“It’s a secret, but His Highness is currently at the training grounds.”
“I didn’t see him come out.”
“There’s a mouse hole—no, a secret passage.”
“Where is it?”
“I’ll guide you myself. Of course, it’s a secret.”
[This is the timeline separator]With the head valet’s help, I evaded my guards and slipped into the Crown Prince’s private training grounds.
Franz was striking a wooden dummy with a practice sword taller than himself.
His movements were clumsy, but his attitude toward training was earnest.
His golden hair and training clothes were soaked with sweat, yet he didn’t stop.
‘He’s pushing himself too hard. Is he alright?’
I hid and watched Franz train.
His sword instructor was a large man in a neat knight’s uniform.
According to Kares’s information, he was Simon, eldest son of House Brendan—one of the four great noble families.
He was also Empress Rose Brendan’s older brother.
“A bit faster!”
“Hah!”
“You’re doing well! Excellent!”
No matter how I looked at it, Franz seemed like a poor student, yet Simon never stopped praising him.
Encouraged by his master, Franz raised his sword again.
He swayed unsteadily, pitiful to behold, but Simon looked proud of his pupil.
“Once your stamina improves, even this wooden sword will feel lighter.”
“I know that.”
“If you ever wish to rest, just say so.”
“I won’t rest.”
“Truly outstanding! I’ll report His Highness’s dedication and passion to His Majesty.”
Franz’s face brightened briefly.
But he looked far too exhausted to continue training.
His hands were covered in wounds.
At this rate, he might collapse.
“Franz! Have some water!”
I’d anticipated this and asked the head valet to prepare cool water.
I thought it would be a chance to earn points with Franz.
But instead of welcoming me, Franz made a face as if he’d bitten a bug, seeing me holding a crystal water bottle.
Simon approached and greeted me politely.
“I am Simon Brendan, sword instructor to His Highness the Crown Prince. Though unworthy, I also serve as commander of the Imperial Palace’s Second Knight Order.”
His humble demeanor pleased me greatly.
I lifted my skirt slightly and gave a light bow.
“Pleased to meet you, Lord Brendan. I am Elizabeth Emster, newly appointed as His Highness’s education tutor.”
“Congratulations, Miss Elizabeth.”
Simon offered his hand for a handshake.
Just as I reached to take it, Franz stepped in front of me.
“Who said you’re my tutor? I never gave permission.”
“Franz?”
“How dare you call the Crown Prince by name? Do you wish to die?”
“But…”
“Don’t come looking for me again. This is your final warning.”
His eyes held a deadly glare, far too fierce for a child.
I thought we’d grown a little closer.
It seemed he’d forgotten both his tears and my advice from that day.
Maybe I’d just been mistaken—perhaps this was Franz’s true nature.
Simon looked embarrassed.
“His Highness seems tired. Please allow me to apologize on his behalf.”
“It’s my fault for coming unannounced.”
“Please don’t say that. In truth, we’ve been waiting for you, Miss Elizabeth.”
“For me?”
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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MANGA DISCUSSION
1 Comment
Chapter Comments (84)
What is this ability? It’s truly flawed and has serious side effects.
Hahaha, Elizabeth doesn’t miss any opportunity to make money.
Hmm, I don’t think the emperor would act that way, but it’s good that she didn’t tell the truth either.
Inline Comments (3)
Claudia had disliked Nikolai for a very long time.
Hahaha, how disgusting! She’s been completely manipulated for their own interests. I think there’s a group trying to get rid of Elizabeth and the Emperor.
It was astonishing that such a small, delicate girl had developed a medicine eve
What kind of medicine is it? It’s making me more curious
Nikolai, dressed head to toe in black, glared at her with eyes as cold as ice.
Oh my God, the hero has arrived! Hahaha, thank God! Thank you, writer! 🥺🤭💗
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Miioo
Oh my God, poor Franz! Nobody cares about him. The emperor is a truly despicable scoundrel.