I couldn’t be sure if it was really Estelle, but I needed to confirm it. After finding her, there wasn’t a clear plan on what to do next.
“Still, I should do something.”
In the original work, Estelle is adopted about three years later. However, with many changes from the original, there was no guarantee that Estelle would be adopted into Ferdia.
“Well, looking at the current situation, it doesn’t seem likely that they would adopt the daughter engaged to the Crown Prince.”
Unlike the original, the engagement matter was gradually resolved. The fundamental cause of my death was eliminated.
But if that happens, what will become of Estelle’s future?
I changed the original to survive, but even so, I didn’t want to take away Estelle’s possibilities.
Anyway, I am someone who will leave Ferdia, so it doesn’t matter to me whether Estelle is loved as a sunshine heroine after I leave.
“I can’t prevent her from becoming the destined partner of the Crown Prince.”
If I bring Estelle in front of the Crown Prince, wouldn’t he fall for her at first sight, just like in the original? Truly, there’s no pair like them.
Suddenly, the image of the Crown Prince, who had chased and caught me when I was desperately running away, came to mind.
“Who said that? That I dislike noble ladies.”
For some unknown reason, the Crown Prince, who I thought hated me, said he didn’t dislike me.
“No, I think I know the reason.”
The Crown Prince was a tremendous help. Thanks to him, I could become friends with the male protagonist of the original work who helped decode the Emperor.
“Brat, you’re quite admirable.”
Thanks to unwillingly decoding the Emperor, I was able to become friends with the male protagonist of the original work.
It’s still going to be a challenge to live virtuously.
Mercenary Corps headquarters, Layan’s office.
Embracing the unusually quiet Greed, who only behaved this way in front of Layan, I sat across from Layan.
“Long time no see.”
“…Was it?”
“Yes. You haven’t visited me lately.”
Since completing the contract with the Hiklemyer upper echelon as the mage Elvi, I hadn’t visited Layan.
Many things happened after that.
Having a meal with the fallen Crown Prince and not meeting my friend, going to Sereis Mansion after being invited by Felix and unexpectedly meeting my stepfather’s past—it was quite eventful.
Originally, I would have gone with Layan, but this time, I couldn’t help it since Charlotte threatened to go to Duke Ferdia unless Carl brought her.
But why does Layan look unhappy?
While turning my head slightly, I stared at Layan’s face, which was focused on the messy table, and replied.
“I played with my little brother. During that time, Carlo acted as my escort.”
“Seems like you’ve gotten along.”
“Really?”
Certainly, Charlotte would cling to me saying ‘Sister, sister’ and bother me.
It’s a tremendous change considering how recently I was addressed as ‘Hey’ with unpleasantness. It’s better than having a hostile relationship like before, but I’m not sure if we’ve become close.
‘Carlot may find it easy, but I…’
Even now, just because they treat us like family, doesn’t mean we can truly be a family, right? After all, there’s not a drop of the same blood flowing between us.
After venting unnecessary thoughts, I clenched my fist and looked at Layan sitting across from me.
“But, Layan. Why aren’t you making eye contact?”
“…”
“What’s wrong? Did you get upset because I didn’t call you?”
I said it as a joke, but Layan’s eyebrows furrowed even more, and he slightly tilted his head.
‘Huh? Is he really upset?’
Oh my goodness. It’s amazing.
Layan, who always remained expressionless and calm, got upset. I couldn’t help but be surprised.
Still avoiding my gaze, Layan spoke in a low voice.
“I can only see Lady Elodie when I’m escorting.”
“Huh?”
“If you don’t summon me, we don’t have a reason to meet, right?”
Does that mean he wants to meet me other than when he’s escorting? Maybe it’s an overactive imagination on my part. Recently, Charlotte and Yancy have been bothering me so much that I might have deluded myself.
However, Layan’s following words struck my cautious speculation.
“I’ve been waiting for Lady Elodie to call me all this time.”
“Really?”
I nonchalantly asked, but my face felt hot for no reason.
It could be that Layan, addicted to escorting me, waited for me to call him, or maybe it’s just my imagination. But why does it feel so weird?
At that moment, lying curled up on my lap, Greed cynically remarked.
[Quite a concern.]‘Don’t interfere.’
As I pressed down on Greed’s head with one hand, he quieted down.
The atmosphere is strange. Trying to lighten it up, I deliberately laughed and replied cheerfully.
“We can meet even if you’re not escorting. We’re comrades.”
“Comrades…”
“All right, all right. Let’s talk about the request now. I was really curious about this request.”
While Layan silently stared at my face, he nodded slightly and placed some documents on the table.
‘Phew. It should be less awkward now.’
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
