Gregory stood in front of the Duke’s office desk with a heavy expression, unable to bear the increasingly sharp gaze of the Duke that was like a honed blade.
“……I apologize. There is still no news regarding Her Highness.”
Normally, abductions among the nobility were ransomdriven. As they waited for contact from the culprits willing to negotiate, unofficial searches for the Duchess were ongoing. However, they hadn’t found any significant leads yet.
“What about Douglas?”
“Ever since his assets were seized, his whereabouts have been elusive. Search warrants have been issued in the eastern region where he mainly operated, but there is no news from there either.”
On one hand, searches were also being conducted for Douglas, who was a suspect, but no substantial results had been achieved.
Furthermore, there was not enough conclusive evidence to prove that Douglas had kidnapped the Duchess. Relying solely on the testimony from the young Ena was not sufficient to identify the culprit.
“Would it be better……to make the Duchess’s disappearance public and receive tipoffs from across the empire?”
Gregory carefully offered his opinion. Currently, other reasons were cited for the blockade of the capital and the surrounding cities.
Caeron pressed between his eyebrows with a face filled with worry. Making the Duchess’s disappearance public was an option he had also been contemplating as a last resort.
“……Is that the only option, after all?”
He had not made the Duchess’s disappearance public thus far solely for Idel’s honor and safety.
Especially since they didn’t even know the exact intention behind the abduction. If they ramped up the search and provoked the criminals, it could endanger the Duchess further.
But as time passed without any clear results, he became increasingly anxious. As time flowed, ensuring the Duchess’s safety would become more and more challenging.
Finally, after a long silence, Caeron’s lips slowly parted. Just as he was about to issue the final directive to Gregory, a phone rang, cutting through the silence in the Duke’s room.
Gregory reacted to the sound and quickly picked up the phone.
“Is that really true?!”
The news from the other end of the receiver instantly brightened Gregory’s previously dark face. Shaking with excitement, Gregory relayed the news to Caeron.
“Your Highness, we have received a call from Maris! A witness who has seen the Duchess has appeared!”
Maris, a harbor city within the Duchy, was an entirely unexpected location.
“Seal off Maris completely from this moment.”
Upon hearing the news, Caeron, who had already risen from his seat, issued the order. Simultaneously, he quickly exited his office.
Following Caeron, Gregory yelled at the servant guarding the office door.
“Prepare the train immediately! His Highness must be able to depart for Maris as soon as he arrives at the station!”
The train carrying the Duke began to move at top speed, heading towards Maris, where news of the Duchess had been heard.
(This is a time separator.)
Since Dylan had taken Joy away, Idel had been unable to sleep due to her concern for Joy.
How much time had passed? The tightly closed door of the warehouse opened, and Dylan walked in.
“What have you done to that child? Please tell me!”
Upon seeing Dylan’s face, Idel asked about Joy’s wellbeing. However, Dylan approached her without a word, his face expressionless.
“Please! At least tell me if Joy is safe.”
“……Instead of asking about such things, you should worry about your own safety.”
“Is Joy okay?”
“Phew, you really don’t listen.”
Dylan sighed and took anesthetic and a handkerchief from his pocket. Idel anticipated Dylan’s next move and backed away. Yet when Dylan reached for her shoulder and tried to bring the handkerchief to her mouth, she shook her head in refusal.
“You’re even resisting now.”
“Please! Just tell me if Joy is safe. Then I’ll comply quietly.”
“……The child has gone where he must. Now it’s your turn.”
“Where he must? Where exactly… Ah!”
In the end, Idel couldn’t evade Dylan’s touch. Feeling the encroaching effects of the anesthesia, her body gradually weakened. Between her slowly fading consciousness, she heard Dylan’s soft whisper.
“The child is safe… sleep peacefully.”
He’s safe…
Relief finally washed over Idel’s face, which had been filled with anxiety and apprehension.
‘If Joy is safe… it’s enough.’
Though young, she was a smart child who understood her well. If Dylan had safely released Joy… Joy would have conveyed her message as she had entrusted.
Even though she couldn’t save all the girls captured with her… if her message had been conveyed to Maris’ security forces through Joy…
‘He will definitely come.’
Barely able to move her stiffening body, Idel clasped her bound hands together. Her right thumb and index finger habitually enveloped her left ring finger. It was an action she unconsciously performed whenever he came to mind.
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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