Who Spent the Night with the Tower Master (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 10
‘It feels unreal.’
Riley, who had been packing her things, suddenly thought that merely standing here felt utterly unreal. Could everything she’d experienced here just be a dream?
For now, she had to return to Rupla, where she’d originally lived, but she was afraid of going back into that hellish cage.
Though the cage door would no longer be tightly shut, nor would shackles bind her feet, she still feared that once she set foot on that land, everything she’d experienced here would vanish like a dream.
She was afraid it would all turn into lies, illusions—afraid it would become something that never even happened.
“Once we return, we’ll begin wedding preparations. We’ll need to arrange the move, wrap up your duties as junior steward, and hand them over to a suitable replacement. In the meantime, you’ll need to receive at least the basic education required to become the lady of House Lianster.”
There would be much to do upon returning. Things were different now. Just like Claire, she could receive equal education, and they’d even promised to personally find her a tutor.
It really was wonderful—such a good thing.
‘I don’t want to go.’
Once she left, she wouldn’t see him for a long while.
Strangely, his upright and handsome face came to mind. She found herself wanting to see him one more time before leaving.
Now that she thought about it, she’d never thanked him. After all, it was thanks to him that she’d been rescued from Count Ermeintz, that the annulment had gone through… and that his marriage proposal had saved her from being locked away alone.
But she probably wouldn’t get to see him. He was a busy man, after all.
Riley stepped out of the room after finishing her packing. Just then, a shriek rang out.
“Why her? It’s so unfair! Why does it have to be her? Why must I feel so miserable over Riley? Seriously, why!”
“Claire, please calm down first…”
“You should’ve opposed the marriage! Why did you both agree to Riley’s engagement? Why? Why? I’m your actual daughter!”
Her heartbroken wailing echoed all the way outside. Though there was nothing truly tragic about the situation, Claire sobbed as if utterly devastated.
“I’m so annoyed! I really wish she’d just drop dead!”
“Calm down. Even if the Master of Horizon’s Mage Tower looks perfectly fine, his reputation isn’t good—you know that. All those countless scandals! He’s too good for you.”
“…But despite all those rumors, not a single woman has ever actually decided to marry him!”
“…Just calm down for now. What can we do? Things have already turned out this way. It’s actually for the best. Once we become relatives by marriage with House Lianster, you’ll receive plenty of marriage proposals yourself.”
“So what? House Lianster is one of the three great ducal houses! Do you really think another ducal house would accept me?”
“Well…”
“Why must I marry into a family inferior to Riley’s?”
Oh dear. Was this really worth crying over? Hearing her near-hysterical outburst left Riley speechless.
When the engagement to Count Ermeintz was finalized, Claire had sung songs of celebration—but now she was throwing a tantrum like a child, wailing and sobbing uncontrollably.
“Just calm down and pack your things—the departure time is almost here. And what’s with this unladylike behavior? Do you want everyone outside to hear you?”
They already can.
Not long after, Claire emerged with her servants carrying her luggage.
Riley expected her to lash out, but upon seeing Riley, Claire clenched her teeth and walked right past her.
How odd. Riley had expected an immediate outburst.
“Riley, there you are! Good! Let’s hurry.”
Even her aunt’s voice, usually so sharp, now sounded gentle.
It was nice that her treatment had improved overnight, but could a person really change this much? Riley simply couldn’t adjust.
Now that she saw their true colors, all she could do was laugh. Honestly, if she’d received this kind of treatment back when she’d clung desperately to their affection… she really would have believed they were family and obeyed them obediently.
“Miss Riley.”
Even the maids were now treating her with utmost respect.
“Yes?”
“Master is calling for you.”
What could it be this time?
Riley turned toward the room where Ryan was staying.
Knock knock.
“I’ll come in.”
The door opened.
“You’re here.”
An unexpected figure greeted her.
“…Your Grace, what brings you here?”
Gibnen Lianster—why was he here?
Gibnen approached the flustered Riley.
“I just felt it would be a shame to let you leave like this.”
Was it because Ryan was present? He was being exceptionally courteous—and his expression, as if he adored her to death, was just an added bonus.
What was this?
Ryan, who had been silent until now, cleared his throat and spoke.
“His Grace said he wanted to spend some time with you.”
“…Huh?”
“I’ll have your luggage moved, so don’t worry.”
“Are you telling me to stay here?”
Gibnen smiled and answered in place of Ryan.
“I’d like that, but it’s not possible. You have many preparations to make… though honestly, you could’ve just come empty-handed.”
“…Oh.”
“Then I’ll take my leave, elder.”
“Yes, I entrust my daughter to you, Your Grace.”
Gibnen led the way.
Following him out of the hotel where they’d been staying, Riley asked in a daze.
“Why are we here…”
“I already said a moment ago—I missed you.”
“I thought that was just an excuse.”
“It’s both an excuse and the truth.”
“…”
“And besides, we don’t need a specific reason to meet each other, do we?”
Since they were going to marry anyway, that made sense.
But wasn’t this a marriage of convenience?
“…Isn’t this a marriage arranged purely for mutual convenience?”
“That may be true, but just because it’s a contract marriage doesn’t mean we have to be distant.”
True enough. Even if the marriage was obligatory, the relationship itself didn’t have to be.
Still… wasn’t this man known for clearly separating personal matters from official ones?
From their first meeting to their first intimate encounter, and even in their conversation when he’d brought the formal proposal… he’d always drawn a firm, unmistakable line.
Was this really the same man who’d coldly stated they should use marriage as a means for mutual convenience?
“I always thought you were the type who separates personal and professional matters more clearly than anyone.”
“Well, that’s true.”
“Then why…”
Gibnen stopped walking at Riley’s question. Then, flashing his perfectly aligned teeth, he smiled.
“Because I’ve developed a personal interest.”
At that radiant smile—even if it might have been merely polite—her breath caught for a moment.
Standing with the wind at his back, his smile was stunning. It felt like a painting, unreal to the point where she couldn’t tell if this was a dream or reality.
He reached out his hand to Riley.
“So, spare me some time, older sister.”
As if entranced, Riley couldn’t help but take his hand.
[This is the timeline separator]Riley nervously gripped the hem of her skirt.
‘What… what am I supposed to do?’
She felt as though she’d had many friends to play with when she was younger… but now, her memories of how she used to play with them were hazy.
Perhaps it was because she hadn’t interacted with anyone since being adopted into House Eadallin… that spending time alone with the man who would become her husband—someone who wasn’t even a friend—made her incredibly nervous.
Her mind went blank. She didn’t know what to say or what to do.
“Why are you so tense?”
“…It’s just my first time doing something like this.”
“Something like this?”
“…Spending time alone with someone else.”
“You know…”
“?”
“That day we spent time together.”
“Oh…”
“Technically, it’s not your first time.”
Back then, she hadn’t been in her right mind. Now, she was perfectly sane.
Riley found the whole situation deeply confusing. Conversing casually with the Master of Horizon’s Mage Tower? Walking alone together on the street?
Seeing Riley so stiff, Gibnen let out a soft chuckle.
“Relax.”
“…”
“You don’t need to do anything. It’s a gentleman’s duty to lead a lady.”
He skillfully guided Riley.
They boarded the floating-seat carriage they’d used to escape the reception hall and headed somewhere.
The cityscape came into view for the tightly wound Riley—things she hadn’t noticed when she first arrived were now clearly visible.
Magical fireflies flitted through the air, lighting the city; small black orbs rolled along the ground, sucking up trash; clouds floated through the sky, drifting among flowerbeds placed throughout homes and sprinkling rain.
It felt like an entirely different world from the territory where she’d originally lived.
People routinely carried one or two magical artifacts, and working artifacts were commonly seen throughout the streets. Even pet magical beasts were visible.
So the people here kept magical beasts, not ordinary animals.
“…After we marry, we’ll live here, right?”
“Yes. Why, is that a problem?”
“No, it’s just hard to believe. There are so many wondrous things here—it feels like a completely different world from where I lived.”
“Magical artifacts haven’t been widely distributed for long, and Blessidge is one of the few places where they’re commonly used, so the difference in lifestyle must be quite stark.”
Everything was unfamiliar, filled with things she’d never experienced. Perhaps after marriage, that gap would feel even more real.
“What should I prepare?”
“Prepare?”
“What should I prepare to live as your wife? I… don’t know how to do anything…”
It was only natural—she hadn’t learned anything, so she couldn’t do anything.
She’d eagerly accepted his marriage proposal, seeing it as a perfect chance to escape Count Ermeintz, but now she felt a little afraid.
Their worlds were so different—would she adapt well? She worried about knowing so little.
Even if it was a marriage of convenience, they’d said she must fulfill her duties as a wife. Didn’t that also mean she had to properly assume the role of lady of House Lianster?
Would she be able to manage it?
Would she be treated even worse than she was in House Eadallin—as more of a burden?
“You don’t need to prepare anything like that.”
“But you said we must fulfill our duties as husband and wife. I’m not confident I can properly carry out the responsibilities expected of your wife.”
“I said we must fulfill our duties, but I never expected you to be a perfect wife.”
“…”
“Well… instead of worrying about what you need to prepare, it’s better to think about what you’d like to do going forward.”
“What I’d like to do…?”
“There are so many things you’ve never gotten to try.”
Riley stared blankly as if struck on the head with a hammer.
It had been so long since she’d heard words like this.
‘Riley, just do what you want. I wish for you to live more freely than anyone else.’
‘Of course! I’ll live doing exactly what I want! I have so, so many things I want to do!’
Her father had told her to live doing what she wanted,
‘What are you doing? I told you not to do anything!’
‘If you just stay still, you’ll at least pass as average—why do something you weren’t even told to do?’
‘Don’t do anything at all. Just breathe and stay quiet. I don’t expect anything from you. Just do what you’re told.’
while her uncle had told her not to do anything.
Yet this man was saying the same thing her father had—telling her to think about what she wanted to do, not what she had to do.
Why did such a simple phrase resonate so deeply? What was this feeling?
“…I’ll think about it.”
Riley turned her gaze out the window to avoid his eyes. For some reason, her chest felt fluttery. She felt a little shy about meeting his gaze.
·
·
·
The place they arrived at was one Riley knew well.
The Hotel Inghinia, where they’d spent the night together.
This time, however, their destination wasn’t a room but a restaurant situated on the rooftop observation deck.
“We’ve been expecting you, Master. Please allow me to show you to your seats.”
Beneath them, Blessidge’s dazzling night view spread out in full view.
“Choose.”
He pushed the menu toward Riley.
Since all the dish names were unfamiliar, Riley handed the menu back to him.
“I don’t really know about these things—could you just pick something suitable for me?”
“Sure.”
Since her usual meals consisted of stale bread and bland soup, anything would taste delicious anyway.
Gibnen ordered the food, and soon the dishes began arriving one after another.
Who would have thought she’d end up savoring an unheard-of feast, with elegant jazz classics playing in the background and the city’s splendid night view before her?
Riley timidly picked up her fork and knife.
Though she’d never formally learned dining etiquette, constant scoldings and punishments had ingrained some of it into her—but she was still nervous about making a mistake.
Just as she hesitated to eat, Gibnen chuckled softly, cut some meat, and placed it on her plate.
“I’m not going to eat you alive—being this tense at the dinner table is awfully embarrassing.”
“Oh! Sorry…”
She was so used to being scolded that she instinctively shrank back.
Riley swallowed the rest of her words and put the meat in her mouth. She barely chewed before the juices burst forth, and the meat melted tenderly on her tongue. So this was what truly delicious food tasted like.
“Wow.”
Riley instantly covered her mouth after blurting out the exclamation. Gibnen burst into laughter at the sight.
“I’m glad it suits your taste.”
Once delicious food entered her mouth, her tension eased and her appetite grew.
Riley began truly enjoying her meal. Then, she suddenly noticed something odd.
“There are no other guests.”
The food here must be extremely expensive. Surely not just anyone could afford to dine here—so it made sense there were no other customers.
But Gibnen casually added,
“I rented the entire place.”
“…Huh?”
“So you could eat comfortably.”
It would be uncomfortable with too many eyes watching.
His tone was indifferent, yet his words were considerate. Riley immediately recalled the rumors about Gibnen.
‘He’s… being thoughtful.’
And on an extraordinary scale, too.
The prices on the menu alone were shockingly high—how much must he have spent to rent the whole place? Her head spun at the thought.
“…Thank you.”
“You’re very welcome.”
Despite all the scandals swirling around him, she finally understood why he was so popular.
He seemed aloof but was actually quite thoughtful. Maybe, contrary to the rampant rumors, he really was a decent person.
Of course, even if the rumors were true and he truly was a reckless rake, it didn’t matter—what he’d done for her remained unchanged.
“I had a wonderful time—the meal was absolutely delicious.”
The meal was over, and it was time to leave. Riley felt oddly reluctant to part from him. After all, she wouldn’t see him for a while…
“And thank you so much for your help. Coming here was truly the right decision.”
It was time to say goodbye.
“Shall we go, then?”
Riley stood up from her seat.
In that instant, Gibnen caught her wrist. Then, with a soft chuckle, he asked,
“Want to stay the night?”
Ex-husband Wants Reconciliation
One-line summary: Chasing the wife to the crematorium (making an effort to attract someone who has become indifferent), the female lead doesn’t look back, the second male lead takes the position.
Intro:
To repay the kindness of the older generation, Su Mu crossed into a female-dominated world and became a live-in daughter-in-law of the Yan family, single-handedly saving the Yan family from fire and water.
But her husband, Yan Jiyue, the eldest son of the Yan family, treated her with sarcasm and never showed her a good face.
It wasn’t until after Su Mu’s death that this pampered and arrogant young master shed a few fake tears and pretended to want to die for love.
This life’s kindness was enough. If there was a next life, she would definitely kick Yan Jiyue away.
Who knew that the heavens would be so kind as to allow her to be reborn, returning to the time when she had just married into the Yan family.
Su Mu glanced at the Yan eldest son, who still spoke coldly to her, and threw a divorce letter in front of him.
“Let’s divorce!”
***
Yan Jiyue never imagined that he would be reborn. He happily went to find Su Mu, wanting to make up for the mistakes he had made in his ignorant youth.
Wasn’t the reason the heavens allowed him to be reborn to let him reconcile with Su Mu?
But when he pushed open the door to Su Mu’s room, the person lying on the bed was another man.
Su Mu’s personal attendant, Xie Yi.
Yan Jiyue hated him so much that his teeth itched. In front of Su Mu, Xie Yi was a gentle and considerate whisperer of sweet nothings, but in reality, he was vicious-hearted and deliberately sabotaged their husband and wife relationship.
In the previous life, it was he who secretly hid in Su Mu’s coffin and committed suicide, stealing a step ahead of him to be buried with Su Mu.
Yan Jiyue’s eyes were filled with hatred as he cursed, “What kind of thing are you? Your background is lowly, what right do you have to occupy Su Mu?”
Xie Yi looked at the sleeping Su Mu and no longer pretended to be a whisperer of sweet nothings.
He proudly stuck out his belly, “I have the right because my belly is capable of giving the Wife-master a daughter.”
***
Yan Jiyue was consumed with jealousy. He spread rumors that Xie Yi had once been branded with the mark of a “harlot” on his chest.
But on the night Xie Yi cut off the flesh bearing that mark, Su Mu suddenly realized something was amiss.
“How did you know the exact moment I was poisoned? And why did you show up a month early?”
Xie Yi remained silent, blood from his wound soaking through his robes. His sapphire eyes brimmed with anguish – or was it just a flawless act?
Between a once-arrogant husband now seeking redemption, and a gentle soul willing to die for her – who truly held the darkest secrets? And could it be that Su Mu and Yan Jiyue weren’t the only ones given a second chance at life…?
[Reading Guide]
1. True divorce, chasing the wife to the crematorium, the female lead doesn’t look back, the male lead is Xie Yi.
2. The ex-husband did not cheat, he just realized too late and didn’t realize that he liked the female lead.
_____
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Calling her sister while discussing how she will be treated as your wife is so weird
??? Yes you are. Contract or not, sex is involved therefore you are “real” lovers.
Yes, they are clearly prepared to take their objections to the wall. Wait, I’m getting an update from our team in the field…