To Become Family with the Male Lead (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 15
When I paused, Duke Fenton, who had been standing quietly, let out a cough.
“You’re utterly unreasonable, Kito.”
“What’s wrong? Could it be you’re dissatisfied just because she’s a child of the Marceau family? Lise is merely a ten-year-old girl. Contrary to appearances, you hold quite a grudge, Aimar.”
“……Kito.”
In truth, I hadn’t even said I wanted to play chess.
Baron Kito and Duke Fenton bickered right in front of me. But their conversation ended, as if they’d reached a conclusion.
“What do you think, Lise? Would it be alright? Playing chess once a week.”
When Baron Kito asked, I thought for a moment.
It wasn’t actually impossible.
If my violin lesson ended early like it did today, playing chess once a week would be fine. If I explained the situation well to Roger, he’d grumble a bit but eventually understand.
“It’s not confirmed yet! You may visit Duke Fenton’s estate, but only after the children give their permission first.”
The duke said.
“The children?”
“Yurick and Yune. If they say no, I’m afraid you won’t be able to come. Though those two are rather picky, you see.”
Ah, then there’s not much to worry about.
“I’m sorry.”
“Oh, no, it’s fine.”
“In any case, don’t get your hopes up too much.”
So I still hadn’t agreed to play chess. The idea of asking me before consulting Yurick and Yune…
Hmm, it seems they lack that courtesy.
[This is the timeline separator]Exactly three days later, I visited the Fenton estate. It wasn’t planned.
It all began when Isabelle took her children to see the sea. It was a rare seaside trip, excluding only Father and me.
The estate, bustling with travel preparations since morning, quickly grew quiet. Seeing me staying behind alone to guard the estate, Isabelle said it was alright to read a book for a while today.
There was no invitation to join them. The door closed, and silence settled. Seizing the opportunity, I set out for the library. Isabelle had overlooked the fact that a single book wouldn’t be enough to soothe this emptiness.
Even when Viti blocked my path, it was useless. In the end, Viti followed me out of the estate.
“Young miss, it’s still not too late. How about returning to the estate?”
Viti repeated herself, seemingly tireless.
“If we’re caught, you’ll not only be scolded by Madam but also have all your books taken away!”
“……”
“Young miss, are you listening?”
No, not at all.
[Fancy a seaside trip with your family?]I happened upon a travel poster inviting people to the seaside. The place Isabelle and her children headed to was surely the sea depicted on that poster. As I stared blankly at it, Viti noticed and gave a slight smile.
“…You actually wanted to go to the sea too, didn’t you, young miss?”
“Why would I?”
I denied it immediately, though I quite liked the sea—especially the winter sea with its crashing waves.
After gazing at the poster for a long while, I reluctantly turned away. Then, upon reaching the square,
“Huh? Isn’t that Lise Marceau?”
I ran into Duke Fenton, who was heading toward the estate in his carriage. Unlike me, who stiffened in slight surprise, he opened the carriage door.
“Perfect timing. Do you have time?”
“Yes?”
“Would you like to come to the Fenton estate with me? I’ve already received the children’s permission.”
He invited me to accompany him to the estate. The duke, who insisted he’d already secured Yurick and Yune’s approval and was now trying to get me into the carriage, felt somewhat unfamiliar—he’d been anything but welcoming to me until recently.
“There’s no need to wait until the promised day.”
“…That’s true.”
“Come to the estate first and try playing chess. If anything feels uncomfortable, you can decide again later.”
From Duke Fenton’s words, I realized he was still wary of me. He suspected his children might have given their consent merely out of politeness.
“Young miss, what’s going on?”
Before I could get into the carriage, Viti grabbed my arm.
“I’m sorry. I’ll explain everything later. For now, let’s go to the Fenton estate.”
“Hah, but…”
“Viti.”
“I—I won’t go inside. Never.”
At my pleading tone, Viti sighed and gave in a little.
[This is the timeline separator]As soon as we arrived at the Fenton estate, I saw Viti standing firmly before the garden. She truly had no intention of entering.
I asked her several times to come in with me, but each time Viti flatly refused. No matter what I tried, I doubted I could change her mind. I gave up and followed the duke.
“Lise.”
“Yes?”
“Please understand—the children can be rather difficult.”
The duke spoke with a serious expression as soon as we entered the Fenton estate. He’d invited me, yet now that we were actually inside together, he seemed worried. Just then, a sound erased all his worries at once.
“Sister! Sister! Sister Lise!”
Yune came hopping like a rabbit and threw herself straight into my arms.
“Are you really my sister?”
“H-hello.”
“When I saw you from afar, I wasn’t quite sure—but it really is you! How did you get here? I’m so happy you came!”
At Yune’s exuberance, Duke Fenton dropped the hat he’d been holding.
“Father, you dropped your hat!”
“Y-yes.”
Duke Fenton awkwardly bent slightly to pick up his fallen hat. In that moment, Yurick walked up to me.
“Father, you’re here?”
“Yurick. Have you been well…”
“Huh? Lise? What are you doing here? I heard you’d come on Thursday.”
Yurick beamed the moment he saw me. Even if Yune’s enthusiasm was expected, Yurick’s warm welcome made Duke Fenton drop the hat he’d just picked up again.
“Yurick…?”
“Yes, Father?”
“Won’t you greet me first…”
“Father, may I show Lise my room?”
Yurick cut off the duke’s words decisively.
Duke Fenton stared at his son as if seeing a stranger. Then, finally, Madame Fenton appeared to wrap things up. She’d apparently been reading, as she came out wearing reading glasses, which she immediately removed upon seeing me.
“Oh my, Lise really is here.”
“My wife too…”
Duke Fenton, finally grasping the situation, let out a deep sigh as he looked at me.
“I suppose I worried over nothing.”
“We haven’t known each other for long.”
“Yet I never expected they’d like you this much. Not that it’s a bad thing—just…”
Duke Fenton picked up his fallen hat again and even took off his outer coat. Realizing he’d instantly become secondary to me, he slumped his shoulders. Madame Fenton chuckled softly at the sight and approached me.
“Lise, it’s good to see you. How about touring the estate while you’re here?”
“Huh? I want to show my room to Sister first!”
Yune immediately reached out her hand, and Yurick glared fiercely at his younger sister—clearly asserting he should go first.
“Then today, let’s visit Yune’s room first. There are many fascinating things in Yune’s room, after all.”
Madame Fenton set the order to prevent the siblings from arguing. Yurick wasn’t pleased with going second, but he didn’t complain to his mother.
“Then come on, Sister! Let’s hurry upstairs! My room’s on the second floor!”
Yune pulled me toward her room. Holding Yune’s hand as I climbed the stairs, I noticed the wallpaper and flooring differed from those at the Marceau estate. The floor was reddish-brown, and the walls were decorated with honeysuckle patterns.
True to their merchant family background, unfamiliar objects from distant lands were scattered everywhere, and even metals that looked incredibly valuable were on display.
“I never thought Sister would come visit our house!”
I, too, was surprised to have arrived at Duke Fenton’s estate earlier than expected.
“Sister! This is my room!”
We’d arrived at Yune’s room.
The moment the door opened, a strange aura wafted out. Despite being brightly lit, the room felt eerie and unsettling, like a haunted house. Bizarre, peculiar antiques of unknown origin filled every corner.
There were also various skull-like dolls Yune favored. Even the wallpaper was extraordinary—the crimson grotesque patterns gave off a sinister vibe.
As I slowly looked around the room, I spotted a book in the corner. It must have been quite old—the dust had piled up thickly. When I brushed the dust away, I saw a circular mirror drawn on the cover. It reflected my face perfectly, as if it were a real mirror.
“Oh, that book? I brought it home because it looked intriguing.”
“You brought it home?”
“Yeah, I found it. But it’s written in an unknown language, so I just keep it for display. I don’t read it.”
For some reason, I felt reluctant to open it. Leaving the book where it was, I turned my attention to other objects.
“Isn’t that enough for the room tour?”
Yurick cut in, arms crossed, leaning against the doorway.
“What? There’s still plenty to see! Besides, your room isn’t even worth looking at anyway!”
“I’ve got loads of books Lise likes.”
“They’re all fairy tales, though.”
“Then does Lise even like your antiques?”
“She might not like them, but they’re at least more interesting than fairy tales.”
In truth, what was truly fascinating was Yurick and Yune bickering right now. I silently watched the siblings I’d assumed always got along perfectly. Even Yurick, whom I usually thought of as mature, acted his age when arguing. As for Yune—well, that went without saying.
“Lise, come on. I’ll show you my room.”
“Seriously, brother! That’s so unfair!”
“Lise is my friend.”
“I’m friends with Sister Lise too!”
“But Lise is older than you, isn’t she?”
“Then what about you? You’re older than Sister Lise too!”
Yune looked like she was about to cry. Her eyes welled up with tears, and Yurick hesitated for a moment—but didn’t back down.
Clenching her fists and huffing, Yune bit her lower lip tightly in frustration. The atmosphere grew increasingly tense, and I was no longer amused—just uncomfortable. If Yune started crying and Yurick lost his temper, this would never end.
‘What should I do?’
“What a commotion.”
Just then, Duke Fenton appeared, having heard the noise. Relieved that he’d calm things down, I took a breath.
“You two, Lise needs to play chess with me now.”
“But Father—”
Instead of diffusing the situation, the duke tried to pull me—the very cause of the argument—away. Yurick spoke, sounding aggrieved.
“At least let me watch you and Lise play chess. Is that alright, Lise?”
Yurick reluctantly nodded, though he couldn’t hide his disappointment—his lips still stuck out sulkily.
I had to promise Yurick, “I’ll definitely visit your room later, okay?”
The moment I said it, his pouting lips retreated. He seemed mollified.
“Come along, Lise.”
The duke headed downstairs as he spoke. When we reached the entrance hall, a chessboard was already set up in front of the sofa.
“Are you sure you’re ready? Our father’s quite skilled.”
“I came here to practice…”
Yurick whispered to me just before I sat down.
It was supposed to be a casual game. After straightening my clothes and taking my seat, the duke explained the rules and timing. Previously, it had been speed chess, but today it was a standard match. As the duke and I sat facing each other, Madame Fenton, who’d been in the kitchen, also came to watch.
“Shall we begin?”
“Yes.”
At the duke’s words, I moved my white pawn.
“So you start with a pawn. I’ll see for myself why Kito likes you so much.”
The duke glanced once at the clock and moved his pawn to f5. Unlike Baron Kito, who had played chess with me wearing an excited expression, the duke looked slightly bored. If I didn’t play carefully here, I might never be allowed back into this estate again.
“Go, Sister!”
Yune cheered.
My mind changed. This wasn’t just a casual game.
I had to win.
Male lead is a Divorced Husband
She said to him: “Tell me, what makes you like me? I’ll change it!”
Liu Changning transmigrated into a female cannon fodder character in a female-dominant novel.
After reading the first half of the novel’s plot, the first thing she did upon transmigration was to divorce the Pan Jinlian-style male protagonist she had just married.
She indulged herself, pretending to be ugly and poor.
But as time passed, the way that man looked at her became more and more unusual…
Liu Changning was dumbfounded: Tell me, what makes you like me? I’ll change!
――
This lifetime, Pei Yuanshao was rejected by the same woman twice!
The first time, she drove him away. Forced by the situation, he endured the waves of anger in his heart, yielding and humbling himself.
That person lay slanted on a rocking chair, her sallow face emotionless: “If you don’t want a divorce, go cook!”
Pei Yuanshao’s face was dark and gloomy: “You!”
The second time, after the crisis in Jinling City was resolved, the new emperor sent someone to pick him up. He turned around, stammering: “I… I have to go. If you keep me…”
That person lay on the kang bed, her back to him, as if she had long anticipated this day, crisp and clear: “Goodbye!”
Pei Yuanshao was so angry his fingers trembled: “You… you!”
The mission of family and country made him restrain himself, averting his eyes and turning to leave this broken household.
Two years later, they met again. Seeing her ethereal face, his body shook like a sieve.
“She was originally a ‘she’!”
At the Qionglin Banquet, the top scholar of the imperial examination, a talented person with exceptional speech and conduct, all the unmarried young gentlemen from aristocratic families looked at her with shy and timid eyes.
The peerless imperial official Pei Yuanshao felt the anger in his heart erupt. He pointed at the woman surrounded by the crowd at the Qionglin Banquet, his thin lips slightly curled: “Little sister, I wants that person to be the wife-master of my Mingde Prince Manor.”
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MANGA DISCUSSION
1 Comment
Chapter Comments (60)
How frustrating! I wanted to defeat the arrogant duke, but it’s good that it’s not too frustrating. Thanks, Yorick, our dear Liz is very kind.- Oh, he explained the situation to her well. I hope Liz’s game improves and she wins the upcoming matches.
- How perceptive Yurik is! He noticed what Liz wishes for. I hope he can help Liz.
Inline Comments (25)
Only a vague sense of emptiness lingered in my chest.
Poor baby. She has not a proper family. When I think about the other novels. Her family looks better than them. But it’s doesn’t mean they are good. They are abusing in a different way
When she asked, I shook my head.
This is so sad. I hope Liz has a family who loves her too. Why was she born again without a family? I hope Liz finds happiness.😭💔
As I put all the meat from my plate into my mouth, Yurick gave a small smile. Se
Oh my god, Yurik is so sweet! He’s really romantic. He’s obviously very much in love with our dear Liz 🤭💗
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