Who Spent the Night with the Tower Master (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 12
“What a damn fool!”
Count Ermeintz tore the tabloid featuring Gibnen’s scandal with all his might.
Even after tearing it up, the vivid image of Gibnen and Riley entering the hotel side by side kept replaying in his mind.
Furious, Count Ermeintz stomped on the shredded tabloid and shouted,
“Get rid of it! Remove every single newspaper from my sight—right now!”
At the Count’s furious command, the servants—who had been watching his mood carefully—hurriedly gathered the torn gossip sheets.
Wanting to be alone, Count Ermeintz dismissed everyone, breathed heavily, and began throwing every object within reach.
It was the first time in his life he’d felt such humiliation—and worse, it came from those two thorns in his side, which made it utterly unbearable.
Ever since the reception, when Riley had been snatched away from him, Count Ermeintz hadn’t slept a wink—so unjust! so infuriating!
Whenever he tried to lie down and sleep, the faces of those who’d humiliated him appeared before his eyes.
Then, the very next day, gossip sheets detailing their scandal were scattered all over the streets.
Wherever he went, people were talking about Gibnen Lianster’s new romantic interest.
Who was she? Which family did she belong to? How old was she?… Since nothing was known about Riley Eadallin, public curiosity exploded, and their story kept circulating endlessly.
The moment Count Ermeintz received the gossip sheet with the photo of them entering the hotel together, he simply couldn’t contain his rage.
“How dare some greenhorn steal what’s mine?”
The thought that they’d shared a bed twisted his insides with disgust.
“How could anyone possibly love a madman like you, old enough to be my father, who lacks even basic sense and wants to make me his wife? How could anyone love a man older than her own father?”
“It’s horrifying, revolting. I’d rather die than marry someone like you.”
What angered him even more was the insult Riley Eadallin had delivered.
In all his life, no one had ever openly disrespected him. Even though he was aging and his influence wasn’t what it once was, no one dared to openly ignore him—yet Riley Eadallin had done exactly that.
“Old, ugly, repulsive, dreadful.”
The words she’d chosen dredged up deep-seated feelings of victimhood buried within Count Ermeintz.
Moreover, the fact that she’d humiliated him right in front of none other than Gibnen Lianster only fueled his fury.
To be bested by some sniveling upstart!
The sheer humiliation of having shown his vulnerable side to that very upstart was unbearable.
Eventually, the belief that all women were the same took hold of his mind.
So this is it—just be young, handsome, and rich, and you win? These vulgar creatures… obsessed only with dressing garishly to lure men.
Just relying on a passably pretty face and living carefree made his blood run cold. What arrogance for someone with nothing but looks!
Though old and ailing, unable to relive his former glory, he’d always been certain he could buy youth and beautiful women with money.
Yet that certainty had just been utterly shattered by some lowly girl from a minor baronial house.
The sudden realization that even money couldn’t grant him what he wanted plunged him rapidly into despair. He remained trapped in his youth.
Back then, I was truly exceptional—I could hold any woman I desired without effort, keep dozens of concubines… I was the envy of every man.
Now… the thought that he was merely a decrepit old man hiding in a back room filled him with endless gloom.
“If I just leave things as they are, I won’t live out my natural life. At this rate, I’ll die young from sheer anger.”
Though aged, his belief in repaying every slight in kind remained unshaken.
“Hey! Someone come here at once!”
At Count Ermeintz’s booming shout, his butler, who had been waiting outside, entered immediately.
“Your command, my lord?”
With a resolute expression, Count Ermeintz ordered in a deep, low voice,
“Contact every single reporter. Tell them to gather here immediately.”
[This is the timeline separator]Ever since returning from Blessidge—or rather, ever since her marriage to Gibnen was finalized—Riley’s life had turned completely upside down.
Truly, many things had changed.
For starters,
“Miss Riley, your meal is ready.”
“…Alright. Should I come down now?”
“Yes, miss. I’ll guide you. Please follow me.”
The servants’ treatment of her had changed.
Especially the head maid, MacDalin—her transformation was astonishing. Gone was the cold, repulsive demeanor and harsh words she’d always shown Riley; now, she actively avoided Riley altogether.
MacDalin, as the de facto leader among the servants, naturally influenced those beneath her.
Riley was now allowed to go out freely and had even been given Claire’s large former dressing room. Moreover, she received a brand-new dressing room filled to the brim with the latest fashionable dresses, outerwear, and everyday clothes.
She even began receiving an allowance—something she’d never gotten before. Surprisingly, it was about 10% more than Claire’s.
Of course, this was kept secret from Claire, who was already furious about losing her dressing room and seemed ready to erupt like a volcano at any moment.
Additionally, Riley was now included in family meals.
“Eat plenty.”
At Baroness’s warm urging, Riley sat down without a word. The Baroness chuckled awkwardly, perhaps embarrassed, but Riley didn’t feel like reciprocating, so she quietly began eating.
No more meals of stale bread and cold soup alone in her room. Enjoying a lavish, multi-course banquet was truly wonderful.
Yet, it didn’t taste particularly good—perhaps because Blessidge had spoiled her palate.
The course meals she’d shared with Gibnen had been truly delicious.
Besides,
“Disgusting.”
In another sense, this meal was repulsive—not the food, but the people dining with her. Hypocritical. Pretentious.
Being recognized as a member of this family was something she’d longed for so deeply, yet this situation brought her no joy at all. Instead, it made her stomach turn.
“…Thank you for the meal.”
“Why did you eat so little? Won’t you have more?”
“My digestion isn’t great. Maybe because it’s not my usual portion.”
At Riley’s words, Claire shot up angrily.
“What? What kind of nonsense is that? Are you implying we haven’t been feeding you properly?”
Her aunt intervened, sweating nervously.
“Dear, how can you speak to your older sister like that?”
“Mother! Just look at how she talks! Doesn’t that make you angry?”
“Calm down.”
“…Why is everyone acting like this? Suddenly treating her nicely now? As if everything you’ve done until now just vanished! Why are you all being so two-faced!”
“Sit down.”
Ryan, unable to tolerate it any longer, frowned and scolded Claire.
“What appalling manners.”
“Father, Riley was the one being rude first…”
“I told you to sit.”
“…Yes.”
“Riley, you may stop eating if you wish. There’s no need to force yourself. Just ignore Claire’s words—after all, she’s still young and immature, as you know.”
Claire bowed her head, fists clenched tightly.
Her shoulders trembled visibly. Was she crying, or was she furious beyond reason?
Riley looked at Ryan.
He was a despicable man. She finally understood just how obsessed he was with advancement—so much that he’d coldly neglect his own daughter overnight. Would he really abandon even his family for success?
Was that all his paternal love amounted to?
Perhaps all along, she’d been treated as a burden not simply because she wasn’t his biological daughter, but because he’d judged her less useful than Claire.
After all, Claire, who’d received proper education since childhood, was clearly deemed far superior to a mere mountain guide’s daughter.
The sudden reversal of her circumstances brought her no happiness—only growing disgust and distrust toward them.
“To them, I’m nothing more than someone they can discard the moment I become useless.”
Riley forced down her discomfort and rose from her seat.
“Then I’ll take my leave.”
She glanced briefly at Claire.
“…You’re pitiful too, really.”
Never in her life did she imagine she’d feel sympathy for Claire.
“Wait, Riley.”
“Yes, Uncle.”
“A tutor will be visiting starting tomorrow.”
“…A tutor?”
“Yes. I don’t know if you’ll like them, but… since we went to great lengths to secure their services, please treat them well. Though it’s late, you must begin receiving basic education now. After you marry into that household, if they find any fault in you… your position will become very awkward, won’t it?”
Or perhaps it’s simply that you don’t want the shame of sending off a daughter with no proper upbringing?
“Time is short, but do your best to learn and absorb as much as you can. You yourself know you lack the qualities needed to be mistress of the Lianster household, don’t you?”
“…”
“If they realize how inadequate you are, Duke Lianster might change his mind. His family’s opposition would intensify as well. Given the significant gap between your houses, isn’t it your duty to bridge that gap as best you can?”
Riley swallowed the words rising in her throat and forced a smile.
“I understand.”
She had much she wanted to say, but decided to hold back—no need to stir up trouble unnecessarily.
After all, she’d always wanted to receive etiquette lessons.
She keenly felt the disparity between their houses and the gap in their education. Ryan’s words were irritating, yet not entirely wrong—in fact, they bordered on brutally realistic.
Compared to him, who lacked nothing, she knew all too well how deeply lacking she was.
Even if it wasn’t her fault, who would care about her sense of injustice?
It saddened her that rights which should have been hers by default were only now being granted, one by one.
So much had changed—then why wasn’t she happy? These were all things she’d desperately longed for, so why did none of it bring her joy?
She felt like a buoy adrift in a vast, directionless ocean.
[This is the timeline separator]What on earth is this man?
“Why are you staring like that?”
“Just… it’s surprising.”
“What is?”
“I thought you’d rush off immediately to see Miss Riley, whom you sent away so far. You seemed so affectionate.”
He’d returned to his usual workaholic self.
He’d efficiently handled the mountain of piled-up tasks and even secured a deal with Forenco’s Mine King.
Sak had secretly worried about him—after all, going from a one-night stand to marriage so abruptly, with such reckless behavior—but now decided his concern had been unfounded.
Yet, he was still puzzled.
Didn’t you decide to marry because your feelings were so intense you couldn’t live without her?
“Don’t you miss her?”
“Not particularly.”
“…Really?”
“We’re not that inseparable.”
“If you’re not that close, why rush into marriage so quickly?”
“Marriage is business.”
At this calm statement, Sak frowned and said,
“Oh, that’s honestly the most garbage thing I’ve ever heard you say.”
“What can I do? I’ve only spent three days with her. Love is too much to ask for—though I do feel some attraction.”
“And yet you managed a perfect proposal and marriage in just three days. Truly a high-speed talent for this high-speed era.”
Sak finally thought, Ah, the tower lord, rational to his core, has truly returned to his old self.
At the reception, he must’ve just been momentarily out of his mind. Yes, this is his true nature.
As he spoke, Sak handed him today’s freshly printed gossip sheet.
“And here’s a piece of trash gossip to match your trash statement.”
“Am I on the front page again today?”
“Yes, even the headline.”
“It’s been a while since I’ve graced the headline—quite thrilling.”
Gibnen paused his work briefly and took the day’s gossip sheet.
“Horizon’s Tower Lord, Duke Gibnen Lianster, to wed imminently! Bride revealed as former fiancée of Count Ermeintz—shock! Will the scandal of the century truly unfold?”
Despite his name splashed across the sensational headline, Gibnen remained calm.
This wasn’t just idle gossip—it was a scandal implying an illicit affair.
Gibnen chuckled, amused.
“The wedding arrangements are being kept strictly confidential—how did this leak?”
“That’s not the point!”
Sak pointed at the word “scandal” with an exasperated gesture.
“That’s the core issue!”
“Scandal”—a term literally describing an unhealthy, immoral, unethical, and pathological love affair.
He didn’t even need to read the full article. The content was obvious: a condemnatory piece portraying him as a shameless rogue who stole Count Ermeintz’s betrothed, just as the headline suggested.
After all, the engagement between Count Ermeintz and Riley Eadallin had also been a secret. The fact that this detail was exposed made the origin of the article glaringly clear.
Gibnen burst out laughing as he read.
“The old man must be furious.”
“You’re laughing? This is extremely serious! This isn’t like previous rumors—calling it a scandal… this is unprecedented humiliation!”
“Am I the only one humiliated? The old man’s humiliated too.”
Count Ermeintz would undoubtedly suffer reputational damage from this controversy.
Preparing to marry a young woman for the fifth time was already a damaging issue for him, yet he’d gone so far as to leak this article—proof of just how twisted his anger must be.
Admittedly, the article’s content was entirely truthful—so he couldn’t even argue—
“But how did the old man find out I’m actually getting married?”
“Could Baron Eadallin have mentioned it?”
“Why would he? It wouldn’t benefit him at all.”
“True—instead, it’d only provoke Count Ermeintz’s wrath…”
“And strangely, they didn’t reveal Riley’s personal details. Why? If he was so enraged he published this, there’d be no reason to hide Riley Eadallin’s identity.”
“Maybe he only cared about humiliating you?”
“Then he should’ve revealed even more. Given the huge gap between your houses, that would’ve made it far more sensational.”
After all, looking at his previous wives’ families, most were either severely impoverished or obscure minor houses from remote regions.
No respectable family would ever consent to marry their daughter to Count Ermeintz, considering his public reputation and their children’s future.
Thus, even if the Eadallin family’s status as a minor baronial house were exposed, it wouldn’t significantly harm Count Ermeintz.
So why go out of his way?
Could it be consideration for Riley? Absolutely not.
Then, had age dulled his sharpness, leading to an unintended mistake? No—he was sharper than anyone when it came to tormenting others.
“Indeed, since this isn’t ordinary gossip but a reported scandal… it might cause some trouble.”
“Hmm.”
“How should we respond?”
“For now, leave it.”
“Understood.”
“You have people monitoring Count Ermeintz, right?”
“Yes.”
“Increase their numbers and assign them to watch him 24/7. Order them to report immediately if they spot anything suspicious.”
“Understood.”
Filthy media tactics weren’t new to him—he’d faced them too many times to be surprised.
Granted, the “scandal” angle might cause minor damage, but surely not enough to tarnish Horizon’s prestige.
In this world, even scoundrels like Count Ermeintz manage to live comfortably. Honestly, the noise will probably die down in a week.
Still, a faint unease lingered.
A nagging feeling that something had been overlooked.
Gibnen leaned back in his chair, rubbed his forehead, and fell deep in thought.
“This is bothering me. What is it?”
What had he missed?
At that moment, Gibnen thought of Riley.
It would take a little time for today’s gossip to reach where she lived. It was fortunate her personal details hadn’t been exposed, but Count Ermeintz’s unusually sloppy handling of the matter left him unsettled.
Was this truly a mistake—or was it intentional?
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.]
murder and torture, no question or hesitation, But this? This is where you flinch? I hope they all get whats coming to them
yikes girl, these are not good dreams. at this point is the sleep even doing anything?
A note that this should say “your father” as Clair is Ryans daughter not niece