When the Cruel Dark Lord Tenderly Seduces (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 13
“Oh, I apologize if that was burdensome, my lady.”
The knight bowed his head respectfully toward Nellia and then turned his gaze back to Duke Hart.
“I came to speak with you, Your Grace, regarding the mission to exterminate the monster in the eastern desert.”
“Yes, His Majesty the Emperor said it must be captured at all costs.”
Duke Hart’s tone carried a hint of weariness.
“But no matter how much we search, there’s no sign of the beast. It seems someone mistook a mirage for the monster and reported it…”
“I think so as well.”
Duke Hart extended a teacup toward the knight. The knight accepted it with a quiet “Thank you.”
The knight’s rigid armor and the delicate, ornate teacup created an amusing contrast.
Nellia barely managed to suppress a giggle.
At that moment, Duke Hart’s eyes met hers.
‘…This is a serious conversation—I shouldn’t laugh.’
She quickly forced her upturned lips back down. Fortunately, Duke Hart wordlessly looked away.
“The massive serpent that attacked His Majesty ten years ago is certainly dead. And yet, he remains fixated on it…”
The knight sighed.
Nellia, overhearing their conversation, thought to herself,
‘Indeed, this situation would be quite awkward.’
It was like being ordered to fetch winter strawberries—only the subordinates at the bottom suffer.
Given that he was meeting privately with Duke Hart, the knight clearly wasn’t just an ordinary-ranking soldier, yet he seemed thoroughly worn out.
Before she realized it, Nellia was looking at him with sympathy.
“I’ll explain clearly to His Majesty again—that the serpent doesn’t exist.”
The duke spoke in a calm voice, so calm that it almost sounded cold.
In contrast, the knight’s expression brightened considerably at the duke’s reassuring words.
“Thank you, Your Grace. As you’ve probably noticed… that’s precisely why I came all the way to your residence. His Majesty listens only to you.”
At the knight’s slightly petulant remark, Duke Hart smiled faintly, the earlier chill in his demeanor gone.
“He does lend more weight to my opinions, but he certainly doesn’t agree with me on everything.”
“You needn’t be so modest. Everyone among the capital’s nobility knows His Majesty trusts and relies solely on you.”
Nellia once again felt the strength of Duke Hart’s position within the empire.
Working as the duke’s maid, her perception of him had gradually shifted.
At their first meeting, he was her unexpected savior who rescued her for no apparent reason. Their second encounter was when she accidentally stepped on his foot.
And now… he was an inscrutable, drop-dead gorgeous mastermind lurking in the shadows.
He accomplished every task flawlessly and earned the respectful admiration of all who knew him.
“You must be busy—please go ahead and leave, Captain.”
Just as Nellia was reevaluating her understanding of Duke Hart, the word “Captain” caught her attention, and she turned toward the knight.
‘Captain…?’
Did that mean this man was the captain of the Imperial Knights?
Nellia’s eyes widened.
Since Duke Hart was the empire’s only duke, every visitor to his estate was inevitably someone of great importance.
At that moment, her eyes met Duke Hart’s again.
For just an instant, she was caught staring blankly at the captain.
Nellia quickly averted her gaze and pretended nothing had happened, refocusing on the documents before her and moving her pen.
“I’d like to stay and talk a bit longer— it’s been so long since I’ve seen you, Your Grace…”
The captain, seemingly enjoying his rare outing from the palace, appeared reluctant to leave.
Duke Hart showed a troubled expression.
“I’m sorry, Captain, but I have another appointment with a guest.”
“Oh, in that case, of course I must take my leave. My apologies for the intrusion.”
The knight abruptly rose from his seat.
“There’s no need for you to see me out. Your foot is still injured.”
“Then I’ll take my leave here, with my apologies.”
Duke Hart stood from the sofa and gave a slight bow toward the captain in farewell.
Thud.
As soon as the door closed, they were alone again.
Nellia stood to help him and approached Duke Hart, offering her hand.
Duke Hart stared at her hand for a moment before gripping it firmly.
Though it was time to take a step, his gaze remained fixed intently on her.
“…Your Grace?”
The duke slowly opened his mouth.
“Nellia.”
His voice was serious, carrying more weight than usual.
Nellia flinched.
Could it be because she’d been staring at the captain out of curiosity while working…?
If so, she wanted to argue inwardly.
People aren’t robots—how can anyone work nonstop without a break…!
Well, considering the way the butler Thorne and the maids acted in this mansion, maybe they really were…
Nellia looked up at Duke Hart, tense about what he might say next.
But the question that came out was completely unexpected.
“Could it be… you’re fond of that man?”
“Cough!”
Startled, Nellia choked while swallowing.
As she coughed, Duke Hart, alarmed, patted her back.
“Nellia, are you all right?”
No.
Cough, cough. After her final cough, Nellia glared at Duke Hart.
“What on earth are you saying?!”
Unlike Nellia’s flustered, high-pitched voice, the duke remained utterly serious.
“Then… you’re not?”
“Of course not! When have I ever even met him?”
Duke Hart withdrew his hand from her back.
“One can feel a strong attraction even upon first meeting.”
“That’s quite rare.”
Nellia was skeptical of such fated encounters.
She’d always believed love at first sight was something only protagonists in novels experienced.
Perhaps her previous life had been so harsh that she viewed love as a distant luxury.
Though she now belonged to the aristocracy, lifelong habits weren’t so easily changed.
“Not necessarily.”
Duke Hart stated it as if speaking from personal experience.
“Though rare, such connections do exist—a person who suddenly appears, as if knocking on the door of your heart.”
His eyes, visible beneath his slightly lowered lashes, looked utterly sincere.
‘He’s more of a romantic than I thought.’
After all, recalling the original story, Duke Hart fell instantly in love with Charlotte upon meeting her by chance.
But the female lead was famously stunningly beautiful.
Could one really call that fate? It just meant he was one among many who liked beautiful people.
Nellia remained unconvinced about love at first sight.
“That’s why I was worried—what if Captain Helio were that person for you…”
“No.”
Nellia firmly denied it.
“Then why were you staring at him earlier?”
“He’s the captain of the Imperial Knights—I was just curious. I never get to see anyone from the palace.”
At Nellia’s explanation, Duke Hart’s expression seemed to relax slightly.
The grip on her hand loosened a bit.
“I see…”
Nellia tilted her head in confusion.
“Your Grace… why did you ask me such a question?”
If she had said yes, would he have tried to meddle? He didn’t seem like the overly interfering type.
“Because I dislike it.”
Huh…? Dislike what?
Nellia frowned at the vague, subject-less remark.
“I dislike the idea of you liking someone else.”
Taken aback, Nellia nearly choked again.
“…But I’m your maid.”
Was he the type who fixated on his employees?
“In any case, Nellia, that man is out of the question. His reputation isn’t very good.”
Seriously, I told you I’m not interested in him.
Wanting to change the subject away from the captain, Nellia quickly diverted the conversation.
“Yes, I’ll keep that in mind. I should tidy up the table now. Didn’t you say another guest was coming?”
“There won’t be another guest.”
“Huh…? But didn’t you just tell the captain you had an appointment…?”
You practically chased him out yourself!
“You can forget about that. Now that it’s quiet, shall we rest a bit?”
Watching Duke Hart pull her hand and flop back onto the sofa, Nellia thought,
‘What is this guy really about?’
★★★
Only today did she learn that “resting” for him meant sitting face to face and staring at her.
He occasionally asked questions, but more often than not, silence reigned.
In those moments, Nellia usually felt awkward enough to speak first. It was her turn again.
‘What should I ask?’
She rolled her eyes.
Then she remembered something Layton had said.
‘Ask the duke for me—how’s the necklace repair coming along? And whether Crown Prince Carlos mentioned me afterward…’
Though she hadn’t planned to fulfill Layton’s request, she had some spare time and felt a shred of responsibility…
Carefully, Nellia asked,
“Your Grace, how is the necklace restoration coming along?”
“The repair is nearly complete. I forgot to tell you, Nellia.”
Duke Hart, who had been lounging comfortably on the sofa, sat up straight.
“…What about the cost?”
Duke Hart smiled, eyes crinkling slightly.
“That’s a secret.”
“But still…”
“Don’t worry about it, Nellia. Thankfully, the gemstone wasn’t damaged.”
Phew—that alone was enough to make her dizzy just thinking about it.
Glancing cautiously at Duke Hart, Nellia asked her next question.
“Has… Crown Prince Carlos said anything else since then?”
“No. You needn’t worry.”
Relieved by the duke’s harmless expression, Nellia let her guard down.
Though Layton had caused the trouble, she was still somewhat entangled in it.
Come to think of it, there was one thing she’d completely forgotten.
“He didn’t happen to review the video recording device… did he?”
“Apparently, the recording device was broken that day.”
Well then—was this truly heaven’s doing?
Nellia could finally relax completely.
However, she had no intention of telling Layton about this. He needed to stew in his guilt and reflect properly on his actions.
He’d tried to coax her into keeping the duke’s secret, but it was surely just nonsense.
Besides, she already knew Duke Hart’s secret. She stole a quick glance at his handsome face.
‘That he’s the mastermind?’
Probably no one else in the empire thought that. Knowing this much was enough for her.
★★★
Time passed more peacefully than expected.
Today marked exactly two weeks since she’d started working as Duke Hart’s maid.
Surprisingly, nothing eventful had happened. If anything, her work felt a bit more comfortable now.
The biggest change was the shift in her perception of Duke Hart, which brought her peace of mind.
Contrary to her initial assumptions, he worked more diligently than anyone and cared considerately for those around him.
Especially toward his subordinates.
One might call it a “strong to the strong, gentle to the weak” approach.
Nellia even began to wonder if there might be another twist later in the novel she hadn’t read—perhaps the duke wasn’t the mastermind after all.
Moreover, there was another major reason she’d started believing he wasn’t a bad person.
“Today it’s apple pie.”
It was because of the dessert the duke brought every morning.
He always arrived with a small box in his left hand, containing exquisite pastries rarely seen anywhere else.
Not only pastries from Pâche Bakery, but also desserts of unknown origin—all were top-tier.
She’d told Duke Hart many times that he didn’t need to offer her dessert every morning like an offering.
‘I simply enjoy watching you eat happily, Nellia.’
Each time, Duke Hart gently dismissed her refusal like that.
So now, she no longer hesitated and fully enjoyed the desserts he gave her.
“I’ll dig in.”
Nellia picked up a slice of pie. A slight smile threatened to form at the sight of its beautiful presentation.
‘…I shouldn’t.’
She quickly schooled her expression, knowing full well he’d be staring intently at her while she ate.
Even when busy, he always insisted on watching her finish every bite.
It had felt burdensome at first, but now she was used to it and could eat without much self-consciousness.
Nellia closed her eyes and took a bite. The sweet-tart flavor seeped in through the tooth marks on the crimson apple’s surface.
‘Where on earth does he get these?’
Amazed by the heavenly taste, she glanced at Duke Hart.
He usually watched her eat with a gentle smile, but today his expression seemed oddly different.
Duke Hart stared at Nellia for a moment before speaking.
“Nellia.”
“Yes…?”
“Will you give me a bite?”
Hm…?
One of Nellia’s eyebrows arched slightly.
Duke Hart had never asked to share dessert before.
‘But now he wants to eat together…?’
Suspicious of his unusual behavior, she reluctantly slid a piece of pie onto a small plate and pushed it toward him.
“Go ahead.”
But instead of picking up the fork, he just stared down at the pie.
“Why aren’t you eating?”
When Nellia asked with evident confusion, Duke Hart slowly lifted his head.
“Feed it to me, Nellia.”
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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