When the Cruel Dark Lord Tenderly Seduces (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 12
Marquess Clint quietly slipped out.
Seeing Duke Hart’s ominous expression, he knew that if he didn’t leave now, serious trouble would follow.
Duke Hart gently pulled Nellia’s arm, which she had fixed awkwardly, and led her inside.
“Nellia.”
Even as Duke Hart called her name, Nellia’s gaze remained fixed on Marquess Clint leaving.
Duke Hart’s large hand grasped Nellia’s chin and turned her eyes toward him.
“You don’t need to worry about Marquess Clint.”
“But… is it really alright to let His Lordship go like that? He seemed very disheartened…”
“Whether he’s disheartened or not is completely irrelevant.”
A vein popped out on Duke Hart’s smooth forehead, as if he were holding something back with great effort.
“Moreover, I don’t even like men.”
“Oh…! I never thought that at all…”
Nellia hurriedly defended herself, but her voice inevitably trailed off.
‘Well… come to think of it, rumors say he’s fond of men, so he probably isn’t infatuated with you.’
She recalled what Layton had said, along with the scene she’d just witnessed.
“Huu.”
Duke Hart ran a hand through his hair and exhaled.
“Truly, Nellia—he’s merely my cousin. The reason he visits here so often… is simply because he has something to give me.”
Nellia nodded at his earnest explanation.
When she’d come here yesterday, Marquess Clint had also shown up, and if she remembered correctly, he’d said something similar about having something to deliver.
Duke Hart still looked tense, as though he found his own explanation unsatisfactory.
“Nellia, I almost wish I could prove to you right now that I don’t like men.”
Nellia, who had been listening silently, thought his words carried deep meaning.
“How…?”
“If you stay here, you’ll naturally understand. You’ll see for yourself that no one ever visits this place.”
Was he suggesting she observe his private life by staying overnight?
‘The hidden mastermind’s private life, huh…’
Just then, Duke Hart’s subtle voice reached her ears.
“Even without that reason, you could eat as many desserts as you like—like strawberry tarts.”
“…”
“And you’d save time on commuting as well.”
It was a sweet temptation.
‘Besides, if I stay here, I won’t have to see Layton, whose presence I can’t stand.’
That truly was a major advantage.
Nellia barely managed to stop herself from blurting out, “I’ll think about it.”
After all, this wasn’t a decision to be made lightly.
Firstly, despite Duke Hart’s angelic face, he was the ruthless mastermind behind the scenes.
Who knew what kind of mischief he might try on her at night if he let her stay here?
Secondly, staying here to eat and sleep might unwittingly jeopardize her marriage prospects.
She wasn’t eager to marry now, but someday she would—and if word spread that she’d stayed alone in the Duke’s mansion, misunderstandings would be inevitable.
It would be fine if there were other maids or family members in the mansion, but aside from the maids, she was the only woman here.
Thus, she absolutely refused to spend the night here under any circumstances.
“Duke Hart, I believe your words.”
More than anything, it didn’t matter to her whether he preferred men or not.
If he and Marquess Clint truly shared that kind of relationship… it might be a bit shocking, but that was all.
“…Understood.”
Duke Hart looked disappointed despite himself.
“Nellia, you really are as straightforward as they come.”
Nellia nearly retorted, “And Your Grace is awfully persistent.”
Even if he truly harbored no ulterior motives, his insistence that she stay here still felt suspicious.
He probably had some hidden agenda after all.
Moreover, his persuasion was so natural and subtle that she’d almost been swayed.
“You came early today, Nellia.”
The Duke glanced at the clock and spoke.
“Yes. I woke up early this morning…”
She should’ve lingered a bit longer in bed. Now, having accidentally witnessed someone else’s private moment, she felt uncomfortable.
“How about we have a short tea time before starting work?”
“Yes, that sounds good.”
Duke Hart pulled the bell rope, and a maid entered.
He requested a teapot and tea, and the maid bowed deeply before leaving.
Both the butler and the maids here worked with excessive diligence—almost unnaturally so.
They barely spoke at all.
At her own home, the maids would occasionally joke and laugh with her.
Here, even when she initiated conversation, they responded only in brief, curt replies, as if their mouths were sealed with stones.
‘Is it because they’re servants of the Duke’s household?’
Nellia gradually grew curious about this strangely distinctive ducal household.
Just as she was entertaining the absurd thought that perhaps the staff were robots manufactured by the Hart family, the maid returned shortly after, carrying a tray.
“Here you are, Master.”
“Thank you.”
On the tray sat a white porcelain teapot and teacups, each decorated with delicate blue leaf patterns.
When Duke Hart reached for the steaming teapot, Nellia quickly extended her hand.
“I’ll…”
She knew this was Duke Hart’s home, but she wasn’t here as a guest.
It was her duty as a maid to pour the tea.
However, Duke Hart gently stopped her with a kind smile.
“It’s fine. I can do it myself.”
Occasionally, the Duke showed excessive kindness—not just to her, but to everyone.
She’d even seen him speaking politely to the maid earlier.
His reputation in high society matched this demeanor.
Though he rarely attended social gatherings, whenever he did appear—like a unicorn—everyone praised him as courteous and kind.
Despite being second only to the Emperor in the empire, his humility made people adore him even more.
But Nellia thought differently.
Of course, part of it might be his natural disposition, but she believed his primary reason for such behavior was to mask his sinister intentions with a facade of gentleness.
In the original story, Duke Hart had indeed acted like a smooth-tongued snake, disarming the Emperor before swallowing him whole.
“Nellia?”
Hearing her name, Nellia realized she’d been lost in thought, staring blankly at her teacup.
She belatedly reached for the cup.
“Thank you. I’ll enjoy it.”
As she lifted the cup, the rich fragrance of jasmine filled the air.
“It’s jasmine tea. I heard from Thorne yesterday that you’d requested it.”
“Yes, that’s right. It’s my favorite.”
Duke Hart stood and retrieved something from beneath his desk.
Nellia immediately recognized it as the dessert box she’d seen before.
When the Duke opened the box with his long fingers, a fresh cream cake topped with strawberries came into view.
At the sight of its luscious appearance, Nellia’s eyes sparkled.
“The bakery said this is their second-best seller after strawberry tarts. Do you like it?”
“…It’s… wonderful.”
Nellia nodded, nearly drooling as she gazed at it, utterly entranced.
“I knew you’d like it.”
Nellia looked up at Duke Hart.
At the corner of his lips lingered a smile as sweet as the cake’s white cream.
The Duke truly was thoughtful—even personally bringing desserts for his maid.
She suddenly felt even more admiration for the female protagonist, Charlotte.
How had Charlotte resisted such relentless charm and instead fallen for that hopeless male lead, Carlos?
“Here.”
Duke Hart handed her a fork.
“I’ll dig in.”
The combination of fragrant jasmine tea and smooth cream cake was nothing short of heavenly.
‘It’s good to be rich.’
He could own a splendid bakery capable of making cakes like this.
They say human greed has no limits.
When she’d gone from eating discounted strawberry sandwiches at convenience stores to enjoying the Count’s desserts, she’d felt immensely grateful—but now, shamelessly enjoying the Duke’s hospitality, she couldn’t help but envy Duke Hart.
Nellia devoured the cream cake in an instant.
“It’s heartening to see you enjoy your food so much.”
“Y-yes… I do love desserts.”
Nellia felt oddly embarrassed by Duke Hart’s comment.
“By the way,”
“Yes?”
“Do you happen to like acorns…? Or perhaps walnuts or almonds?”
Blinking in surprise at the sudden question, Nellia asked,
“Do you mean nuts?”
“Yes. Nuts.”
Why was he asking this all of a sudden? It made her reflect on her own preferences.
‘Do I actually like nuts…?’
She wouldn’t turn them down if offered, but she’d never go out of her way to buy them.
She preferred softer, sweeter things.
Having reached her conclusion, Nellia shook her head.
“I don’t think I particularly like them.”
“I see…”
Duke Hart looked oddly disappointed.
Curious about the purpose of his question, Nellia dismissed it, assuming, ‘He’s probably just noting it for next time he buys desserts.’
“Shall we begin work now, Your Grace?”
“Yes, let’s.”
Since they were meeting in the study today, there was no need for him to unnecessarily take her hand to steady himself.
Though his foot was still wrapped tightly in bandages.
“Your Grace, how is your foot?”
As he stood, he suddenly paused.
‘Huh?’
Did standing cause him pain?
Earlier, when he’d pulled the bell rope and walked back to the sofa after seeing off Marquess Clint, he’d seemed fine.
“Your Grace…?”
“…I must have stepped down too hard just now. My foot is throbbing.”
Nellia quickly moved to support him.
“If it was difficult to stand alone, you should’ve said something.”
“You’re right, Nellia.”
Duke Hart gave a weak smile and tightly grasped Nellia’s hand.
“For now, I’ll need you to serve as my crutch reliably.”
“That’s exactly why I’m here.”
Acknowledging her earlier oversight, Nellia safely guided Duke Hart to his desk.
Though the distance from the sofa to the desk was only a few steps, he clung to her hand as if it were a lifeline.
“Thank you, Nellia.”
Having completed her task, Duke Hart smiled brightly at her. His smile felt like a reward in itself.
His face was already stunningly beautiful even at rest, but when he smiled, it struck like a finishing move.
‘It’ll take time to get used to this.’
Nellia had to steel her heart to avoid falling for his charms.
Knock knock.
Just then, someone knocked on the door.
“Come in.”
The same maid who had brought the tea earlier entered.
“A letter has arrived from the Imperial Palace.”
After placing the letter on the desk and leaving, the Duke opened it.
Seeing no major change in his expression, it probably wasn’t anything urgent.
Many sought out Duke Hart.
Aside from letters, several visitors came in the morning.
Because of this, Nellia had to diligently help the Duke move between the desk and the nearby sofa.
Visitors, seeing this, expressed concern.
“Oh dear, your injury must be quite severe.”
“It’s merely a bit inconvenient—I’m fine.”
Though the Duke assured his guests it wasn’t serious, Nellia felt guilty each time.
Most visitors came to discuss matters of business.
“Then, I’ll leave the capital’s city wall project in Your Grace’s hands.”
“Please, don’t worry.”
After a noble councilor departed, Nellia asked,
“Your Grace… when will you resume your duties at the Imperial Palace?”
“Once my foot heals. I’ve already asked His Majesty for permission to handle affairs from home for now.”
Nellia felt she must reflect on how much trouble she’d caused the empire.
Duke Hart was as essential as a gear in the imperial machinery—if such a busy man was inconvenienced, the empire’s gears would grind roughly for a while.
But worrying wouldn’t change anything. She’d just have to focus on doing her assigned tasks well.
“Nellia, here.”
Nellia took the documents Duke Hart handed her.
He requested the same tasks as yesterday. The workload he assigned each day was neither too much nor too little—just enough to keep her from feeling idle.
Later in the afternoon, another visitor arrived.
The man, clad in elegant silver armor, clearly looked like a knight. His appearance stood out distinctly from previous guests, drawing Nellia’s attention.
Likewise, the knight glanced curiously at Nellia seated beside the Duke’s desk and asked,
“That young lady…?”
“My new maid.”
“I see.”
Whenever guests came, they always stared at her with such curiosity.
“It’s unexpected. I didn’t think Your Grace would hire a maid—you usually kept male attendants close, didn’t you?”
“Circumstances required a new hire.”
Duke Hart smiled gently.
Yet, subtly, his mood seemed displeased.
“If you keep staring, Nellia might feel uncomfortable. Shall we start our discussion?”
As the Duke shifted his body slightly, Nellia found herself partially shielded from view.
Male lead fell into her trap — and shattered when she walked away
This is also on my reread list!
This one is a slow burn, but when it burns, it burns hard.
Definitely worth a read, y’all!
The story follows a thousand-year-old seductive spirit who, on a bet, sets out to charm the male lead—a once-promising but unfortunate cultivator.
But just when she succeeds in making him fall for her, she heartlessly leaves, driving him to madness.
Determined to find her at all costs, he captures her, keeping her by his side no matter what, even if she hates him.
I love this kind of trope—I enjoy watching the male lead suffer in agony.
The ending drags a bit with unnecessary filler, but that’s fine.
As long as I enjoy the beginning, I’m good.
Intro
As an enchantress, Su Heng possesses captivating eyes and charming beauty, easily manipulating the joys and sorrows of living beings at her fingertips.
But to enchant a god, making him taste the bitterness of love’s separation, long-lasting resentment, unattainable desires, and inability to let go…
Do you dare?
Su Heng assists a divine lord in his cultivation, aiming to make him experience all the sufferings of love, so that he can attain the Great Dao.
Only after being chased down from the heavens by the divine lord, confined and completely possessed by him, does she realize how successful she has been.
The once gentle and polite youth has transformed into someone she no longer recognizes.
[Touch the gear icon in the bottom right corner of the screen to move to the next chapter if you want.]
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