There Is No Paradise Where I Ran Away To (14 Chapters Left to Complete) - Chapter 13
Since the day I was strangled by the Duke in the carriage, I’ve sent Theo several letters.
I apologized profusely—said I was sorry for leaving so abruptly that day, that I hadn’t gone to the village with the Duke, that nothing serious had happened, and that I’d merely been feeling unsettled, and I apologized for needlessly worrying him—with excuses he surely wouldn’t believe.
Perhaps for that very reason, I never once received a reply from Theo.
And now, here he was, standing in the mansion.
I rushed out of my room in haste. At the top of the staircase leading down to the lobby, Vivian spotted the familiar brown hair by the front door—and her heart plummeted.
“Theo!”
Theo’s eyes immediately found Vivian. As she hurriedly descended the stairs, he flinched, fearing she might tumble down. Only when she drew near could she finally see the expression he’d previously hidden.
Though joy lit up Vivian’s face, her anxious expression didn’t look particularly well. Understanding this, Theo gave a faint, emotionless smile, tugging slightly at the corners of his mouth.
“Theo. What brings you here? You should’ve told me.”
“It’s been difficult to see you. I worried that if I didn’t come, I might never see you again.”
Seeing Theo’s honest, shimmering eyes, Vivian felt pained. That day’s memory—leaving coldly after only causing him worry—lingered as an uncomfortable shadow.
“I’m sorry. You must have worried a lot. I should’ve been more considerate.”
The corners of his eyes drooped into a melancholy curve. The deep shadows beneath his eyes made Vivian feel even more guilty.
“I didn’t come here to receive your apology. If you keep apologizing like this, I’ll feel even worse. All I needed was to confirm you were safe—that’s enough for me. And this is a gift. I didn’t want to come empty-handed.”
Seeing Vivian lost in self-blame and unwilling to change her mind, Theo quickly shifted the topic. He abruptly held out the large box tucked under his arm, and her dull eyes instantly brightened.
“A gift? Why the sudden gift?”
Relieved, Theo silently praised himself for having brought out the gift today—the one he’d prepared for so long. Truthfully, it had also served as one of his excuses to visit the mansion.
When Theo gestured toward Sophie, she stepped forward, took the box, and let out a surprised “Eep!” as she staggered under its unexpected weight. Vivian, startled, moved to steady her, but Sophie cheerfully waved her off with a bright smile and stepped back.
“What on earth… is that?”
“You’ll find out when you open it later.”
Theo gave an awkward smile. For a brief moment, Vivian felt deeply grateful—until she realized she wasn’t in any position to properly host Theo, who had come all this way carrying a gift, and her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
“…I’m sorry, Theo. You came all this way, and I can’t even offer you a cup of tea.”
Her voice trailed off. If she had to pick the most humiliating, shameful moment since the mansion changed hands, today would certainly be it.
“I didn’t come here for tea. Why do you misunderstand? Tea’s piled up at both the dressmaker’s shop and my own home.”
Theo, clearly seeing through her thoughts, responded with deliberate roughness. Though it eased her mind, she scratched her forehead awkwardly.
“Aren’t you heading back to the village soon, Theo? Let me escort you. You worked hard getting here—you shouldn’t have a boring journey back.”
“No, really, it’s fine. The weather’s quite warm, and I rode here on horseback, so there’s no need to worry.”
“Still… at least until the bottom of the hill…”
“Um, Miss? Sorry to interrupt, but could I have a moment…?”
Sophie carefully slipped in between Vivian and Theo’s lighthearted bickering, asking for a moment alone. Vivian, unable to refuse, excused herself to Theo and stepped aside.
“What is it?”
Sophie adjusted the box slipping in her arms. When Vivian placed the box on the floor from Sophie’s embrace, Sophie fumbled her hands forward.
“It must be heavy for you.”
“Yeah, it is. And it’s probably very heavy for you too. It’s fine to set it down for a bit—Theo won’t mind. Anyway, what’s the matter?”
“Um… are you planning to go out?”
Expecting something secretive given Sophie’s cautious manner, Vivian was surprised by such an ordinary question. Not understanding Sophie’s intention, her gray eyes sparkled innocently.
“Well, since we have a guest, I can’t just send him away. I’ll step out of the mansion for a short walk. It won’t take long.”
“But isn’t it improper to send a guest away so soon after they arrive? There are so many rooms in this mansion! There are over eighty rooms alone!”
“…But I’m also just a guest here. It wouldn’t be proper to use someone else’s mansion as if it were my own—without even asking permission.”
As soon as the word “permission” left her lips, she tried to retract it. Otherwise, Sophie would undoubtedly rush straight to Edwin to ask for it.
Normally, making such a request wouldn’t be difficult—but when it came to Edwin, things were different. Their relationship had already concluded with that first encounter—they weren’t the sort who asked favors and had them granted.
“Then just get permission from the Duke!”
“Huh? No, no.”
Sophie’s eyes brightened as she finally pulled out the word “permission.” Worried she’d dart off like an arrow, Vivian gripped her wrist tightly, almost restraining her.
“It’s fine. I won’t go far, so don’t worry.”
“No! I’ll go ask the Duke right now, and I’m sure he’ll give his permission!”
Vivian smiled gently to reassure Sophie, but it was utterly useless. Completely overpowered, Vivian couldn’t hold onto Sophie any longer.
“Sir! Please wait just a moment—I’ll bring out tea and desserts right away!”
Theo, who had been standing awkwardly behind Vivian, looked at Sophie in bewilderment as she quickly disappeared up the stairs.
“Miss, I’ll be right back! Just wait a very short while!”
And with that, Sophie fluttered up the stairs like a butterfly and vanished in an instant.
Could it be… she’s trying to keep me from leaving the mansion?
Though that odd thought crossed her mind, she decided not to misinterpret Sophie’s warm and kind intentions.
[This is the timeline separator]By the wide-open window, the breeze carried the scent of flowers. Edwin quietly set aside his documents after receiving a report from his butler, Abernathy, and turned his gaze toward the beautiful scenery outside.
“She locked her door.”
His soft mutter was as indifferent as reading lines from a book. His eyes, which hadn’t lingered long on the garden, shifted to the financial statement of Zimmermann Carriage Company lying on his desk.
Once his engagement and marriage to Charlotte proceeded in order, he was expected to become a business partner with Baron Zimmermann. Of course, even without following that sequence, it wouldn’t pose a problem—but having a clear justification to persuade others was always important.
“What should we do, Your Grace?”
“Leave it. We can’t break down the door and drag her out.”
Abernathy worried about Edwin’s reaction. Guests had already arrived at the mansion.
For Charlotte—the main figure—to refuse to greet guests was both unbecoming and discourteous. She deserved far more than a scolding, yet Edwin remained composed, as if this were someone else’s affair.
“Where are Baron Zimmermann and his cousin now?”
“They’re probably unpacking and heading toward the drawing room.”
Edwin gave a brief nod, placed a book atop his documents, and leaned back comfortably in his chair.
The breeze, mingling the sweet scent of flowers and fresh grass, rippled like the melody of a harp.
Until Gideon stepped through the mansion’s entrance, Vivian had been strolling through the garden, her stained dress fluttering gently among the brightly blooming flowers.
Would he ever realize how absurd he looked earlier—standing awkwardly in the backyard, staring at her with that blank expression? He couldn’t possibly know that whenever his face popped into her mind during the day, she couldn’t help but laugh. And when she’d blushed and asked if he was really going to eat her, he should’ve known she’d only wanted to tease him more.
Edwin rose from his seat, pleasantly savoring the memory of Vivian, and headed to greet the mansion’s guests. Passing through the glaring sunlight brightening the corridor and the mundane scenery slipping past, he soon arrived at the drawing room where the guests waited.
“I see I’ve kept you waiting.”
Gideon and James, who had been waiting in the drawing room, set down their teacups and stood abruptly at Edwin’s arrival.
“You must have had a long journey—thank you for coming.”
“We’re truly grateful for your hospitality. This is my cousin, James Zimmermann, Your Grace.”
“A pleasure. I’m Edwin Beitnes.”
“N-nice to meet you, Your Grace. I’m James Zimmermann.”
After exchanging handshakes in turn, everyone took their seats. James’s dazed gaze lingered on Edwin, whose elegant demeanor and poise effortlessly captured everyone’s attention.
His beauty brightened the entire room. Though James had seen his face multiple times in newspapers—where he was praised as an extraordinarily handsome nobleman and tycoon—the papers had captured barely five percent of his actual presence.
Moreover, Edwin’s flawless, clear voice left a particularly strong impression. His clean tone and dignified gestures explained why the citizens of Newway adored him—and also why no one had objected when the adopted son of the Beitnes baronial house was granted a dukedom.
Gideon cleared his throat to bring James’s wandering attention back. Regaining his senses, James turned away, embarrassed.
“By the way, Miss Windler seems to be absent.”
Though his disappointment was obvious, Gideon commendably tried not to show it as he reluctantly inquired about the protagonist’s whereabouts.
“Unfortunately, Charlotte has locked her door.”
“What?”
“She’s being stubborn about not wanting to get married.”
Gideon sighed.
“Ah, so Miss Windler doesn’t want this marriage.”
“As you can see.”
“Then that’s even more fortunate. Just as I need time to fall in love, Miss Windler deserves that time as well.”
“I was embarrassed to face you, Baron, but you’ve restored my honor.”
The corners of Edwin’s mouth curved into a poised smile.
“By the way, I heard you recently offered one of your nearby mansions to flood victims. You’ve also taken in the Ebellines’ only daughter. That must have been a difficult decision on many levels.”
Despite Gideon’s praise, Edwin neither blushed nor acted arrogantly. He simply answered with a straight, polite smile.
“I received the financial statement you sent—it was well prepared and showed solid fundamentals. I also heard you’re developing automated carriages.”
“Yes. Though we still have a long way to go. Speaking of which, Eremen is reportedly on the brink of war soon. With the international situation so unstable, it’s enough to make anyone anxious.”
“Thanks to that, we’re currently enjoying unprecedented prosperity.”
His smile, exuding grace to the point of being intimidating, pricked at their uneasy nerves. Though they hadn’t come to bow submissively, they felt compelled to lower their heads.
“I’d like to hear more about Baron Zimmermann’s business ventures—it’s a field that greatly interests me. However, discussing business the moment you’ve arrived in Rodinia would likely be rather dull.”
Gideon and James laughed in agreement. To ease their tension, drinks, games, or leisure would be far more effective than stiff business talk.
“When men gather for camaraderie, the options are endlessly plentiful.”
Seizing the moment, James smoothly began, intending to spare Edwin any embarrassment over Charlotte’s absence.
“For example, card games sound nice. Of course, if there’s a huge sum of money at stake, that’d be even better. And if you enjoy hunting—yes, hunting! Naturally, that should also involve betting money. Also…”
James’s enthusiastic list of pastimes was cut short by a knock at the drawing room door. When the visitor was revealed to be Sophie, Edwin’s heart beat with sudden interest.
That morning, something must have happened to Vivian Ebelline—the very woman who had filled his view outside the window. That had to be why Sophie sought him out.
“Sorry to interrupt your conversation.”
Unaware of Edwin’s inner thoughts, Sophie clasped her hands neatly and bowed respectfully.
“Your Grace, a gentleman has come to visit Miss Ebelline.”
Who could possibly be visiting Vivian Ebelline?
He didn’t need to think hard. Only one visitor came to mind.
“But Miss says she intends to leave the mansion with him, claiming she isn’t the owner and thus can’t host guests…”
Sophie trailed off, glancing at the guests before stopping.
“What’s the gentleman’s name?”
Of course, he already knew the gentleman’s name.
But he asked anyway—not to confirm, but to engrave something within himself.
“His name is Theo Evans.”
Theo. Evans.
Slowly rolling the name in his mouth, it felt rough on his throat. He could easily guess why Theo had come to see Vivian—and equally understand why Vivian would want to leave the mansion with him.
So now, what remained for him to do was—
“Arrange a tea time in the garden for the two of them. Tell them to prepare desserts enough to fill the entire table.”
“Ah, yes. Understood, Your Grace.”
Edwin’s unexpectedly generous response eased Sophie’s discomfort. She smiled brightly, bowed to Edwin and the guests, and left the drawing room.
“Your Grace is truly magnanimous.”
“I wonder if those two will feel the same.”
“Miss Ebelline will surely feel infinite gratitude toward you. I know I would, haha.”
Smiling, he rose from his seat and walked toward the fireplace. Mounted directly above the stone fireplace frame was a shotgun whose design clearly differed from conventional firearms.
“Hunting sounds like the perfect pastime for camaraderie—especially today, for some reason.”
Beitnes Company’s ambitious new weapon was set to reshape the nature of warfare. Since it eliminated the need to wait between reloads, once one decided to kill, it enabled frenzied, relentless slaughter.
“I’m starting to crave blood.”
As Edwin handled the firearm with practiced ease, the clinking of metal silenced the other two men, leaving them breathless.
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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