The Beast Swallowed by the Flower (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 38
Duchess Denise Wittelo, who had been groaning and pretending to be unwell since last night due to Lisi’s attitude, finally seemed to give up and headed to the dining room at lunchtime.
The manor’s dining room was spacious, with several tables spaced apart to accommodate many guests.
Today’s lunch consisted of mushroom soup, salad topped with cheese, a pie filled with finely minced meat, pasta with fish fillets, and milk pudding for dessert.
Though not as varied as the meals served at the ducal estate, it was still delicious.
“The chef here seems quite skilled.”
At Denise’s comment, Britney frowned.
“It’s not about whether the chef is skilled or not. Father, regarding that matter with the Crown Prince you mentioned earlier—is it progressing well?”
“Yes, Britney. According to someone from the Imperial Palace, the Crown Prince’s inner circle favors our family the most.”
“Really?”
“So they say. With the Second Prince making moves lately, the Crown Prince’s faction can’t afford to stay idle. They’ll likely hurry the marriage along—especially since His Highness is already considered late in marrying, and His Majesty the Emperor is reportedly pressing the issue. We should hear news soon.”
Britney chewed her lower lip thoughtfully.
She hoped she’d hear that news right away.
Once she married the Crown Prince, she would host a wedding far more lavish than Lisi’s and personally invite Lisi.
A dress more stunning than Lisi’s, guests of higher status than Lisi’s.
She longed to see Lisi’s face twist with jealousy at her wedding, blessed by everyone.
“Would His Highness the Crown Prince attend this wedding?”
“He probably won’t. He’s far too busy with official duties. The Imperial Palace might send the Third or Fourth Prince instead.”
“I suppose so.”
But my wedding will be different.
As the Crown Princess of the Gaviazar Empire—the largest empire on this continent—no one would dare refuse my invitation.
While Britney was imagining herself standing beside the Crown Prince, the dining room door opened, and Count Green and Countess Green entered. Gloven and Denise, unaware that the elderly count and countess were staying at the manor, turned in surprise.
Upon spotting the Wittelo family, the elderly couple slowly approached, prompting Gloven and Denise to rise from their seats. Though their own status was higher, their counterparts were, after all, the ‘Count and Countess Green.’
“Count Green, Countess Green.”
“Duke Wittelo.”
The two sets of parents exchanged brief, polite nods.
The Count and Countess Green seated themselves at the table next to the Wittelos.
“We didn’t know you were here.”
“With our son getting married, we had to come early and keep watch. Had we known of your arrival, Duke, we would’ve paid our respects sooner.”
“Oh, no need. Meeting like this is enough.”
An awkward silence fell.
Soon, a steward entered and served meals to the count’s table as well.
“By the way… does our somewhat inadequate Iris meet with your approval…?”
Denise cautiously began. Heraina responded with an elegant smile.
“Inadequate? On the contrary—she’s more than enough for our son. Such a lovable and clever girl. We think of her as our own daughter, so Duchess, you needn’t worry.”
‘Liar,’ Britney thought. She refused to believe Lisi had truly won over the elderly couple.
‘They’re just saying that because we’re here.’
Britney’s lips twitched.
She’s a liar. A terrible one. Have you even seen how she dresses? You should’ve witnessed how arrogantly she behaved right in front of us.
Countless retorts swirled in her mouth.
“Our daughter has lived too sheltered a life within our household, so she’s lacking in many ways. She might even behave impolitely in front of you, Countess—I hope you’ll kindly offer her much guidance.”
“I already told you she’s lacking in nothing—why keep insisting on her shortcomings? Duchess, do you wish me to become the sort of mother-in-law who nitpicks Iris’s every little action?”
Stung by Heraina’s sharp remark, Denise was left speechless.
Though Denise and Heraina were of similar age, there was almost no common ground between Denise—the daughter of a Gaviazar Empire count—and Heraina, formerly a princess of the Kingdom of Alor.
Denise simply didn’t know Heraina’s true character.
“By the way, Duchess—when you say ‘guidance,’ do you mean using the rod?”
At Heraina’s added question, Denise tightly pursed her lips and glanced at Gloven.
“Heh, heh heh. The rod? How could we? We’ve raised Iris so gently… never letting a single drop of water touch her hands, indulging her every whim. The flower of House Wittelo—you must have heard the rumors.”
Even Gloven’s explanation failed to soften Heraina’s icy expression.
“I held her hand—the hand untouched by water, you say—and found it rougher than those of maids who do housework daily. I was just beginning to wonder if the famed ‘flower of House Wittelo’ might actually be a weed.”
A brief silence settled over them.
Denise’s eyes flickered.
“Did our Iris say that herself?”
“Iris said nothing of the sort. I simply inferred it.”
“That’s going too far, Countess. To speak so poorly of our daughter is an insult to our entire house.”
“I merely spoke what I saw. If it’s untrue, I apologize.”
Heraina’s cool eyes held not a trace of sincerity in her apology.
Gloven cleared his throat awkwardly.
“Countess, we’re only worried Iris might tarnish the Green family’s reputation. After all, she’s already become entangled in unpleasant rumors since joining your house…”
“Those were just rumors.”
“Yes, of course. Our Iris would never do such things. Still, there’s one concern I hesitate to mention, as it sounds like criticizing our own daughter… but Iris has a tendency to lie out of habit. We should have corrected this before sending her off…”
“Iris spoke only kindly of her parents and elder sister—but you seem eager to slander her.”
“Heh, slander? We only meant to express our regrets…”
“There’s nothing to regret. Iris is as good as my own daughter now. Whatever trouble she causes, whatever lies she tells—it’s my responsibility as her mother. From now on, I’ll consider any slander against her a direct attack on House Green.”
The Wittelos stared at Heraina, wide-eyed.
No one had expected this. They’d assumed she’d resent the woman her son had impulsively married—but her current stance resembled that of a protective birth mother.
Yet, as a mother-in-law showing affection for her daughter-in-law, they couldn’t object. In fact, as her birth family, they ought to be grateful.
“We’re truly thankful you care for our daughter so much.”
At Gloven’s words, Heraina smiled.
It was the first smile she’d shown since entering the room—but the Wittelos found no warmth in it. It was sharp and cold, like a blade ready to strike.
“You don’t look pleased—must be my mistake. Especially you, Lady Britney—you seem positively furious. Is it so hard to see your younger sister loved, Lady Wittelo?”
Britney’s heart sank. She hastily composed her expression and blinked innocently as if unaware.
“What do you mean, Countess? I adore Iris so much.”
“Yes, ever since Iris left the manor, she cries every day, saying how much she misses her.”
Denise chimed in supportively.
Heraina gave a soft chuckle.
“I see. Perhaps my eyes are failing in my old age. Please, go ahead and enjoy your meal.”
+++
Late at night, Lisi changed into her nightgown and stood by the window, gazing down at the dark garden.
‘News should arrive from the gold mine around the time the wedding ends.’
The news from the gold mine was only the beginning.
‘I have much to do. Since I’ve changed the future, I don’t know what might happen—I need someone well-informed. And I must establish trade with the Kingdom of Taleha.’
Establishing trade with Taleha, an island kingdom, wouldn’t be easy.
‘I need someone willing to join my plans.’
So absorbed in thought was she that she didn’t notice Kai entering. Only when his strong arms wrapped around her waist did she realize he was there.
His lips brushed once against her earlobe and once against her neck—just a fleeting touch, yet the spots burned.
“Kai. You’re early today.”
“My work finished early. What were you so deep in thought about that you didn’t even notice me come in?”
“Hmm… Thinking about what to buy my husband.”
Kai chuckled softly, his lips still resting against her neck.
His laughter sounded pleasant, but each breath against her skin sent an odd shiver through her, leaving her flustered.
Lisi subtly turned around, slipping naturally from his embrace as she walked toward the bed.
Kai sat beside her.
“Lisi, there’s something I want to discuss about today.”
“Go ahead.”
“First—I truly enjoyed our date by the lake. Let’s go again sometime. Next time, I’ll pack a picnic basket.”
“Alright.”
“And about Windy…”
“Kai. Stop changing the subject and say what you really want to say.”
“Can you see the future?”
“Hmm?”
“Earlier, about the gold mine. You weren’t shocked when you heard the mine had been blocked, and when you ordered the explosion, you were utterly certain—certain that something lay beyond the mine and that no one would die in the process.”
She’d expected Kai to question this part.
“Do you see the future? Do you… have some kind of prophetic power?”
“I can’t prophesy.”
The future would change now.
She couldn’t let Kai believe she possessed prophetic abilities and come to rely on her for it.
“Then how did you know?”
“I calculated it.”
“Calculated…”
“If you know the past and present well enough, some things can be deduced.”
“It seemed more than mere deduction.”
“It was deduction. I simply trust myself enough to be certain.”
She knew this excuse wouldn’t fully satisfy him—but she also knew Kai wouldn’t press her further.
Kai still hadn’t figured out how Lisi had discovered his true identity, yet he’d decided not to pry.
“You really are a mysterious woman, Lisi.”
Kai wound a lock of her hair around his finger and kissed its end.
“You know I don’t believe your excuses, right?”
“I know.”
“Will you tell me the truth someday?”
She couldn’t answer that question immediately.
Would there ever come a day when she could tell him everything she’d been through?
Even if she did, would this man believe her?
“We’ll see.”
At Lisi’s stiff reply, Kai burst out laughing.
“Ah, really. Lisi—Iris—you keep leading me on.”
“Do you dislike it?”
“No.”
Kai supported her back and gently lowered her onto the bed, then settled himself above her.
“You’re far too dear to me.”
He buried his face against her upper chest like a large puppy.
His dark hair tickled her chin.
Lisi smiled and stroked his head.
“Me too. I love this dog-like quality of yours.”
“Dog-like? Wolves and dogs are distinctly different, Lisi.”
“But right now, you’re acting just like a dog wagging its tail.”
“At least call me a puppy, Lisi.”
His breath, starting from her chest, traveled downward through her thin nightgown.
Though invisible, it felt like a caress, skimming over her breasts just as his lips had—sending that same strange, thrilling sensation through her.
Each time he spoke, each time he exhaled, a gentle warmth spread. He was merely enjoying himself like a puppy—but why did she feel so utterly undone by such sensations?
Lisi couldn’t believe she was feeling this way.
In her past life, any contact with a man had been nothing but horror for her.
She’d steeled herself to accept such intimacy now that she and Kai were married—but she’d never imagined she’d come to desire him first.
‘Yes—I want this man.’
Like an arrow, the realization pierced her mind.
‘I want to…’
Become one with Kai.
Merge with him completely.
She wanted to seep into every single part of him, leaving nothing out.
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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