Although I knew Ascan had lost his memory, hearing him say this directly, declaring his detachment from me, stung my heart.
The golden eyes that were once filled with love for me were now indifferent.
The contrast was too vivid today.
Helcyon, wearing an awkward expression, spoke up, “Are you going to be this cold? Even if you want to rest, you should fulfill the mission responsibly. I thought we became quite close after going to your mansion together, but maybe not.”
“It was a task assigned by Your Majesty, and I carried it out. I only protected Lady Brellopf because she preferred a residence slightly more accessible than the palace. There are no personal feelings involved.”
Ascan’s robotic response disappointed Helcyon, as his eyes conveyed a sense of regret. However, his mouth continued to smile somehow.
To me, who had received Helcyon’s proposal for the position of empress, it wasn’t beneficial for him to perceive a close relationship between Ascan and me.
But no matter how much, that was it!
‘What? No personal feelings? It doesn’t matter to you whether I’m safe or not?’
I was the continent’s top weapons merchant. In reality, I wasn’t particularly afraid even if someone targeted me, but the more I heard, the more unpleasant it became.
After arriving in the Kalua Empire, I pondered on how I could be closer to Ascan. If I played my cards right, it seemed I could use this situation to my advantage.
“Your Majesty, to be honest, as the continent’s top weapons merchant, I’m not particularly intimidated by the Manoco family. I don’t need protection from Count Atreus either. However, since Your Majesty proposed the position of empress to me, how the public perceives this matter seems crucial.”
I looked at Helcyon challengingly, shedding my initial meek and submissive attitude.
I initially wanted to reject the proposal as soon as possible and conclude this matter. However, my thoughts shifted a bit after hearing Ascan’s relentless words.
Anyway, Helcyon proposed the marriage like a business deal. If that’s the case, wouldn’t it be good to test how much respect I could garner?
Helcyon’s gaze, having instantly grasped my intentions, became serious.
“Didn’t I say before? If you have any wishes, feel free to demand more. Tell me, what is it that you desire?”
“If the royal guard protecting Your Majesty could ensure my safety, it would enhance my dignity beyond just safety. It might also convey Your Majesty’s will more strongly to the Manoco family.”
I deliberately didn’t mention Ascan. Calculating that if the royal guard moved, he would naturally follow.
Helcyon nodded willingly, as if there was no need for further discussion. “That makes sense. To secure power when you become empress, you’ll need my favor. I’ll instruct the royal guard to protect you while you’re in the Kalua Empire. Is that sufficient?”
Since the offer of empress had been made, I had felt it, but it seemed Helcyon was quite interested in the magical engineering weapons I created.
I smiled cunningly and greeted Helcyon, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Helcyon’s expression turned satisfied. Somehow, it seemed he preferred my current audacious demeanor more than the submissive one.
Ascan, on the other hand, looked at me with some reluctance. Judging by the slight frown of his eyebrows, it seemed he wasn’t pleased with something.
However, as long as the chief of the royal guard didn’t step back from the position, I couldn’t oppose the imperial decree that had been issued to the royal guard.
Ascan responded reluctantly, “I’ll accept the decree.”
Turning the serious atmosphere into a more cheerful one, Helcyon spoke in a bright voice, “Well, since the important discussions are over, shall we continue the rest over dinner?”
As Helcyon gestured lightly, the attendants who had withdrawn earlier reappeared, bustling to serve food.
A variety of delicacies adorned the table, but it was still not a comfortable dinner setting to enjoy the taste.
Ascan continued to gaze at me intensively. Taking advantage of the fact that no one was looking, I discreetly stuck my tongue out as if applying medicine.
Male lead is reincarnated to save his wife
I’ve also read this one twice already. The female lead is kinda soft and gets embarrassed easily—not really my type, but the plot is definitely worth reading. Hurry up and read it, y’all!
Intro
When Shen Yuan encountered Su Jin again in his previous life, she had already become the Prime Minister of the current dynasty. As for him, the former top young master of the capital, he had long since fallen into the abyss, becoming a singer on a pleasure boat.
After a song ended, he was redeemed and sent to the Su Residence.
Su Jin respected and cherished him, gave him a roof over his head, and bestowed him with warmth. Shen Yuan fell deeper and deeper, but before he could express his feelings, Su Jin passed away.
Shen Yuan died to follow her in death, but instead, he returned to when he was fifteen years old.
At that time, he was not yet engaged, and Su Jin was just a poor scholar.
Shen Yuan gritted his teeth, casting aside all his pride, and thought of ways to coax and entice her every day.
The colder and more indifferent Su Jin was towards him, the more proactive Shen Yuan became.
He was not afraid of being mocked by the world, only wanting to marry his Wife-master early, to hold her hand and never let go for a lifetime.
[Note: This story will not specifically point out the male lead’s reincarnation time point; it’s all in the details. Whenever you feel that the male lead is acting strangely, he has most likely been reincarnated.]
[Touch the gear icon in the bottom right corner of the screen to move to the next chapter if you want.]
