When the Cruel Dark Lord Tenderly Seduces (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 4
“…Do you have something to say to me?”
When he remained silent, Nellia spoke first.
“…Your Grace.”
“Yes, please go ahead.”
Nellia steeled herself and brought up what had just happened.
“I don’t understand why you said what you did earlier, but thank you for helping me. I was the one who made the necklace like that…”
“I know you’re not the real culprit.”
Nellia’s eyes widened in surprise.
If he already knew she wasn’t the culprit, that meant Duke Hart had been watching ever since Layton dropped the necklace.
Duke Hart gave a faint smile.
“It’s simply repayment for the favor you did me last time.”
“Huh…? When did I ever…?”
“It’s fine if you don’t remember.”
Although Duke Hart said it was fine, Nellia felt deeply uneasy about his words.
‘Did Nellia have any connection with Duke Hart in the original story…?’
It seemed likely that, in the past, Nellia had given him tremendous help, prompting him to step in like this…
She tried to recall, but Nellia had been an extra character—no past events involving her had ever been described.
Wondering if there might be another clue, she was deep in thought about the original story when Duke Hart’s voice interrupted.
“What is your relationship with that person just now?”
It was an unexpected question. Nellia lowered her eyes and replied.
“He’s… my older brother.”
She felt suddenly embarrassed. To think someone like him was her brother.
She couldn’t even argue if Duke Hart criticized her for having such an older brother.
“How fortunate it is, then, that he’s your brother.”
Yet the Duke said something cryptic.
How could it be fortunate to have someone like Layton as an older brother?
‘Is he mocking me…?’
But his face, adorned with an angelically serene smile, didn’t seem sarcastic or teasing at all.
The Duke smiled gently and said,
“Could you tell me your name?”
“My name?”
“Yes, your name.”
Caught off guard by this belated request for introductions, Nellia answered awkwardly.
“I’m… Nellia.”
“Nellia…”
Duke Hart softly repeated her name.
She’d deliberately omitted her surname, and since he didn’t ask further, it seemed he wasn’t particularly curious about her background.
Just then, a booming voice echoed from the second floor.
“Duke Hart!”
Looking toward the sound, she saw an unfamiliar man peeking down from the second floor, staring directly at Duke Hart.
“There you are! His Majesty the Emperor is looking for you!”
“I’ll be right there.”
Duke Hart gave a curt reply to the man who’d come to fetch him, then turned back to Nellia.
“I must take my leave now.”
“Oh, yes…!”
Nellia was actually grateful for the man’s timely arrival to take Duke Hart away.
She’d almost been stuck continuing an awkward conversation.
Unaware of Nellia’s inner thoughts, the Duke smiled gently.
“Then, Nellia.”
Under the light, his silver eyes shimmered softly.
“Let’s meet again sometime.”
‘Let’s meet again sometime…?’
His words sounded strange—almost as if they were certain to meet again.
Upon returning to the ballroom, Nellia spotted Layton sitting obediently beside their parents and immediately forgot all about the Duke.
‘That jerk… why didn’t he just stay put like that from the start.’
Nellia shot Layton a glare and sat down beside him.
“Oh, you’re back.”
Back? She barely managed to hold back a harsh retort.
Layton finally seemed to have regained his senses and, realizing the disaster he’d caused earlier, was now anxiously watching her reaction.
“Even if you hadn’t stepped in… I could’ve handled it myself just fine.”
Oh, sure he could’ve.
The guy who’d tried to knock out the Crown Prince and run away.
“Let’s just drop what happened earlier.”
When Nellia replied coldly, Layton hesitated and asked,
“That person just now—was he really Duke Hart…?”
“Yes, it was Duke Hart.”
“But why did he do that…? I clearly dropped the necklace and broke it.”
Knowing that, he didn’t even say a single word of thanks before leaving?
The more Layton revealed, the more astonishing his character became.
“I don’t know either.”
“That’s weird…”
Layton stroked his chin and looked at Nellia.
“It’s not like he fell for you or anything…”
“Enough. Don’t say pointless things.”
After giving Layton one sharp glare, Nellia made up her mind—once the party ended, she’d immediately tell their parents everything that had happened.
If Layton pulled another stunt like this, he might just shorten his own lifespan.
“Good evening.”
Just then, a middle-aged man with a well-groomed beard stepped up to the podium.
The orchestra stopped playing, indicating the start of the party’s formal proceedings.
Dressed in an elegant white formal robe with elaborate gold embroidery and a red sash, the man clearly held a high position.
“His Majesty the Emperor seems about to speak.”
“I suppose so.”
She overheard her parents’ eager conversation.
As expected, the man at the front was Emperor Argen Rhasian, the host of the party.
“Thank you all for attending this gathering today.”
Standing beside the Emperor was the handsome man Nellia had seen earlier—
Crown Prince Carlos, whom she’d unexpectedly encountered less than an hour ago.
“Today, I have gathered you here to formally introduce my son, who has just been named Crown Prince.”
The Emperor’s gaze fell upon Carlos beside him.
“Carlos?”
Carlos gave a slight nod and stepped onto the podium. Just like before, he surveyed the crowd with sharp eyes.
“I am Carlos Rhasian, newly appointed Crown Prince. I look forward to your support.”
With that extremely brief introduction, Carlos gave a small bow and stepped down from the podium.
Nellia’s mouth fell open in astonishment.
In front of so many people, those few words were all he had to say?
It was certainly a memorable debut.
‘Of course, I know he’s full of grievances against the world…’
Born as an illegitimate child, Carlos had endured endless pointing fingers and discrimination.
Nobles and officials not only scorned his lowly birth but also refused to acknowledge his existence—many treated him as though he weren’t even there.
Everyone had been glad when he was sent as supreme commander to a dangerous war, hoping he’d never return from a battle they believed he’d surely lose.
Carlos, understanding this better than anyone, had clenched his teeth and led that war to victory.
Though Nellia knew well the tragic circumstances of his upbringing, witnessing such raw, unfiltered behavior at his first official appearance was not only startling but almost miraculous.
It was a stark reminder of his prickly and twisted nature.
Nellia glanced at Layton.
‘This idiot nearly threw a punch at that Crown Prince.’
Just recalling the incident made her heart race again.
‘Ugh, human.’
Nellia cast one pitiful look at her brother Layton and stood up.
Now that the party had officially begun with Carlos’s introduction, she couldn’t just stay seated.
Not that she intended to dance—the uncomfortable shoes made tripping more than likely.
Her hunger had returned as her tension eased, so she decided to head to the catering table for some food.
She hadn’t eaten properly earlier after meeting Duke Hart’s eyes, so now was the time to truly enjoy herself.
Compared to expired strawberry sandwiches from a convenience store, palace desserts were on another level entirely.
Just as she moved to walk away, Layton asked,
“Where are you going?”
“None of your business.”
Worried Layton might follow, Nellia quickly hurried off.
Like Hansel and Gretel following a sweet scent through the crowd, she soon arrived at the table.
‘Oh, nice.’
She picked up a cookie studded with chocolate chips.
Crunch.
The cookie shattered in her mouth. Instantly, a rich flavor and sweet taste flooded her brain.
‘Delicious…!’
As if in her own private space, Nellia devoured the cookie and other desserts with gusto.
After surviving a crisis, the cookies felt like a sweet reward.
Lost in bliss, she kept her hands busy.
Then suddenly,
“Excuse me, coming through!”
Clack!
A young lady rushed past and sharply bumped into Nellia’s shoulder.
In her hurry, the girl didn’t even apologize before disappearing into the crowd.
‘Wha—!’
Nellia lost her balance.
Her thin, pointed heels were utterly inadequate for regaining her stance.
Bracing for impact with the floor, she squeezed her eyes shut.
But then—
Poof.
‘Poof?’
Instead of a harsh thud, a soft sound filled her ears.
Her sharp shoe heel had landed on something cushioned.
‘What…? What’s under my foot…?’
Something firm behind her was supporting her back.
Though she hadn’t fallen, she still felt uneasy.
Somehow, she strongly sensed this wasn’t her prince charming coming to her rescue.
Her survival instincts had always been sharp—even in her previous life.
Hadn’t she somehow sensed it every time loan sharks showed up or when the convenience store manager announced the shop was closing?
‘Of course, knowing never actually changed anything.’
And right now was no different.
She definitely felt uneasy, but she couldn’t just step off without saying anything.
‘Right.’
At the very least, she needed to apologize.
Resolved, Nellia slowly pulled away from the solid body behind her and turned around.
“I’m sor—”
The words died on her lips.
Because the person she’d stepped on was…
‘…Duke Hart.’
Up close, his refined features—like a master artisan’s finest creation—confirmed it was unmistakably Duke Hart.
“W-what are you doing here…?”
“I didn’t expect to see you again so soon.”
Duke Hart gave a meaningful smile.
He was surprised himself.
He hadn’t imagined running into someone he’d just parted ways with so quickly.
“Are you all right…?”
“What do you mean?”
Your foot—under mine.
Nellia’s gaze dropped. Her white shoe was planted firmly on Duke Hart’s black leather shoe.
She must have landed hard in her flustered state—he probably felt considerable pain.
“Oh, your foot…”
Duke Hart trailed off.
In that moment, Nellia realized she was still standing on his foot and hastily pulled her shoe away.
As she tried to step back, Duke Hart’s arm—still wrapped loosely around her waist—instinctively tightened, pulling her backward.
Startled, Nellia nearly toppled over, but Duke Hart quickly steadied her back.
Still, there was one problem…
“…”
His face was far too close. Strands of his fine hair brushed against her forehead as he leaned slightly forward.
“I’m sorry for pulling you so suddenly, Nellia.”
His gentle voice, so near, startled her so much she forgot to ask why he’d pulled her and instead pushed against his chest.
“C-can you please back up a bit…!”
The Duke straightened her posture and released his arm from around her waist. For some reason, a faint smile lingered on his lips.
Nellia forced down her flustered feelings and, pretending to be calm, asked,
“Is your foot… all right?”
“Hmm.”
The Duke quietly looked down at his foot.
His expression was serious.
He didn’t seem to be in pain so much as deeply pondering something.
“I’m not entirely sure yet.”
Nellia nodded uneasily.
Just like after a car accident, one often couldn’t immediately tell the extent of their injuries—symptoms might appear later.
Of course, stepping on someone’s foot wasn’t comparable to a car crash…
She glanced down at her own shoes. The heels glinted menacingly.
Her expression darkened.
“If you’re not sure right now, please let me know later if anything comes up.”
“How would I do that?”
Duke Hart looked up from his foot and asked.
‘…Come to think of it, that’s true.’
She couldn’t exactly give him her phone number.
“Just come to House of Count Benedict. We’re at 135 Chante Street in the city.”
Was that the right address?
As Nellia tried to recall, a similar number popped into her head. It seemed correct.
She didn’t particularly want to give out her address, but ignoring it entirely would weigh on her conscience.
“Our mansion is noticeably larger than the surrounding buildings, so it should be easy to find.”
After adding that explanation, Duke Hart lowered his eyes and quietly murmured,
“135 Chante Street…”
He smiled softly.
“Understood. If anything happens, I’ll come there.”
Though his lingering smile bothered her, she had no choice.
Suppressing her unease, she could only nod.
The eventful party finally came to an end.
‘Sigh.’
Riding home in the carriage, Nellia gazed at the full moon hanging in the night sky and sighed inwardly.
In this unfamiliar world, the moon was the only familiar comfort.
Back in her previous life, she’d often walk home late at night after finishing her shift, finding solace in the moon’s light.
With the chaos involving Crown Prince Carlos and Duke Hart, her heart felt heavy—she sought comfort even from the moon.
“His Highness truly has such noble bearing.”
“Yes, indeed. After all, his mother is the famed soprano Hanatia, celebrated for her beauty…”
Inside the quiet carriage, her parents’ conversation drifted to her ears.
“Tch, noble bearing, my foot.”
Layton scoffed.
Nellia, however, silently agreed with her parents.
‘He was… handsome, admittedly.’
Carlos was the child of Emperor Argen and Hanatia, a world-renowned soprano who’d toured the empire.
The Emperor hadn’t even known Hanatia was pregnant—that night had been born of sudden passion.
When Hanatia later appeared holding a newborn, the Emperor was shocked—but it wasn’t entirely unwelcome news.
His Empress had died young from illness, leaving him without an heir.
Defying all opposition, the Emperor granted his illegitimate son Carlos a chance to become Crown Prince.
And Carlos, despite his birth status, seized that opportunity without hesitation.
“Duke Hart also carried such remarkable dignity. Not to mention his looks.”
“Of course—Duke Hart is already renowned. More than that, he’s the one person His Majesty the Emperor truly trusts and relies upon.”
Their conversation turned to Duke Hart now. Listening beside them, Nellia grew serious again.
‘Duke Hart.’
She never expected to encounter him twice at this party…
Just then, Lily placed a hand to her cheek and tilted her head.
“But someone so perfect—why hasn’t he married yet…?”
Sean cleared his throat softly and whispered into Lily’s ear.
“According to rumors…”
When the male lead is punished by carrying the female lead’s child and having periods like a woman
“I’ve given birth to two children for you, yet you still think about him.
Was I nothing but his substitute to you from beginning to end?”
Synopsis:
Meng Huan, a scumbag who has dated countless girlfriends, transmigrates to a female-dominated country.
Day 1: Whether it’s female dominance or not doesn’t matter. The beauties here are passionate and amorous. Isn’t it easier to date them than in modern times?
Day 2: After a night, Meng Huan discovers the differences in the female-dominated world. Men here actually have chastity locks and menstrual cycles. This hinders his ability to perform, damn it!
Day 3: What’s wrong with sleeping around? I don’t want you to marry me. I’m meant to be a playboy. I don’t care about male virtues… What? You want to drown me in a pig cage? Marry, I’ll marry!
Day N: Meng Huan inexplicably vomits and receives the shocking news of his life… He’s pregnant.
_____
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