Who Spent the Night with the Tower Master (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 4
Riley barely managed to suppress a scream.
She had briefly crossed paths with Count Ermeintz before, but the feeling she had then was worlds apart from what she felt now.
This wasn’t just a chance encounter between strangers—it was meeting him as his fiancée.
“Oh my! Your husband has arrived!”
“Claire, what are you doing? Come here quickly! Hurry!”
Viscountess, horrified, yanked the gleeful Claire—who was eager to tease Riley—away and hastily pushed her back. It was plainly clear she worried her own daughter might catch Count Ermeintz’s eye and cause trouble.
Though it was proper to introduce one’s family in such a setting, Ryan deliberately coughed and waited until Claire had disappeared.
Only after Claire had gone did Ryan hurriedly introduce his family.
“This is my wife, and this is my daughter, Riley.”
“Oh ho! This beautiful lady is Riley? I wouldn’t have recognized her.”
“Ha ha, well, Riley was still very young back then, wasn’t she?”
“Yes, she was cute and endearing then, but now she’s grown into a stunning beauty. Time is fearsome indeed—that sweet, innocent child has blossomed so beautifully.”
“Riley, greet him properly. This is Count Ermeintz.”
A chill ran down her spine. Cold sweat broke out in a steady trickle, and an unpleasant sensation, as if insects were crawling all over her body, layered on top.
“R-Riley Eadallin……”
“Yes, Riley. It’s truly a pleasure to see you here.”
Count Ermeintz seized Riley’s hand abruptly, then covered it with his own wrinkled, plump hand and fondled it for a long while.
An overtly lecherous touch.
Just the contact alone made her feel nauseated. His dim, seemingly sly gaze and the rough, coarse texture of his wrinkled hand were utterly repulsive.
“But tell me, how did you get in here? This isn’t a place just anyone can enter.”
“Well… the Archmage sent an invitation to me and my family.”
At Ryan’s reply, Count Ermeintz narrowed his eyes suspiciously.
“That whelp invited your entire household here? Were you already acquainted?”
“Of course not—we were just as surprised to receive the invitation.”
“Hmm, this makes no sense. It’s already strange that the brat even knows of your existence, yet he personally sent you an invitation while acting as if he doesn’t know you here? I can’t fathom his intentions.”
“Y-Yes, exactly.”
“Well, I have so much I’d like to discuss, but given the setting, it’s rather difficult. After the reception ends, I’d like to have a serious conversation about the marriage. Would you allow your daughter to stay at my estate?”
“Of course! Please take her anytime. She can stay with you right up until the wedding if you’d like.”
Madness! Riley stared at Ryan in shock.
Regardless, Ryan—seemingly thrilled to have someone to talk to—hurriedly flattered Count Ermeintz, eager to make a good impression.
“Ha ha, then I’ll see you later. Unfortunately, there are far too many people I must greet, so I can’t linger here.”
“Of course. I’ll see you after the reception, then.”
Once Count Ermeintz left, Ryan patted Riley’s shoulder a few times and said,
“You heard that, right?”
“……”
“Don’t cause any trouble until the reception ends. Just wait quietly.”
“……Uncle, I—”
“Don’t entertain any foolish thoughts.”
“……”
“And don’t even think about running away. I’ve stationed guards outside. Anyone leaving must undergo identity verification anyway. I’ve already instructed the guards at the exits about you—I told them you’re mentally unwell and require supervision, so they must ensure you don’t go outside alone without me.”
Riley bit her lip and lowered her head.
Her body trembled violently with shock and fury. Ryan, sneering at her, offered what was meant as encouragement but felt like anything but.
“If you just let go of your stubbornness and give up, everything will be easier.”
“……”
“It’s not all bad, you know. Even if Count Ermeintz has his flaws, he’s still far above your station. Do you really think it’s common for someone to accept the adopted daughter of a lowly baron’s house as a bride? Besides, the Ermeintz family is one of the most prestigious noble houses. Consider it an honor.”
So no matter what she did, she was always right in her uncle’s palm.
After Ryan left for another part of the hall, Riley staggered and leaned against the wall. He had clearly anticipated the possibility of her trying to escape.
Escaping from here was impossible. Did that mean she truly had to marry that old man?
If she went to his estate tonight, who knew what would happen to her? She couldn’t even stand sharing the same air with him.
If merely holding hands was this horrifying, what even more dreadful things might he force upon her? Could she endure it? Would she survive?
Dazed and despairing, Riley leaned shakily against the wall.
There was no way out. No path forward, no retreat. Trapped in place, isolated—she felt like a cow locked in a narrow slaughterhouse, awaiting death.
If she couldn’t act either way, then perhaps… rather than let that vile man defile her honor, wouldn’t it be better to take her own life?
Father would understand. Truly, this isn’t right. This is just…
Riley suddenly lifted her head and looked up at the ceiling—an impossibly high, endless expanse.
Yes, this was the Mage Tower.
The tower!
It was vastly larger than the modest three-story Eadallin residence. If she jumped from the top of the Mage Tower, she would surely die.
‘Yes. Better to end my own life than be defiled.’
She no longer had any attachment to life.
Because she knew, no matter what she did, she could never truly become a full member of the Eadallin family. She understood that no matter how hard she tried to earn love, she would never receive it.
The realization that nowhere in this vast world was there a place that needed her was heartbreakingly sorrowful and terrifyingly lonely.
Just knowing there was no place for her anywhere was enough to extinguish her will to live. She no longer knew why she should stay alive. If she was only going to suffer miserably, live wretchedly, and be tossed about helplessly, wasn’t choosing death at least something she could decide for herself?
‘Yes, it’s over now.’
There was no other way.
Riley straightened her posture with resolve, then began walking—following her heart, guided by impulse.
[This is the timeline separator]For someone who absolutely loathed crowds, holding a position that required meeting countless people daily was sheer torture.
In that sense, this reception was an exceptionally grueling and infuriating ordeal for Gibnen.
It was his first official event since assuming the role of Archmage, meaning it wasn’t a gathering where he could simply invite whomever he pleased.
Invitations had been sent to every major political and financial figure of note in Blesstige, and naturally, all who received them attended.
These were precisely the people Gibnen, as Archmage of Horizon, needed to maintain constant relations with. So while it was called a social gathering, in truth, it was more like a battlefield of diplomacy.
And then,
“It’s truly regrettable that Yung met such an end.”
This uninvited guest before him was undoubtedly the most troublesome of them all.
“I didn’t expect you to attend, my lord Ermeintz. Thank you for coming.”
“What kind of event is Horizon’s reception that I could possibly skip? Even if my influence isn’t what it once was, I doubt I’m so easily ignored.”
“Of course not.”
“By the way, are you holding up alright? Your master met his end right here of all places—you must be suffering greatly.”
“……I’m fine now.”
“Well, you’re probably too busy to even grieve for your dead master. Perhaps it’s for the best—keeping yourself occupied might dull the sorrow.”
Instead of replying, Gibnen downed his champagne.
Undeterred, Count Ermeintz continued cheerfully,
“I’m quite worried, you know. No matter how much Yung’s disciple you may be, you’re still just a greenhorn. Horizon’s Mage Tower isn’t something a mere boy should lead. Wearing a crown that doesn’t fit is hard on you and your subordinates alike. Why not sell it to us? Or perhaps hire a professional manager—I know just the person to recommend.”
Count Ermeintz had always been known for his sharp sarcasm and blunt speech.
His personality clashed completely with Gibnen’s careful and meticulous nature.
Especially since the Count didn’t merely speak coarsely—he couldn’t distinguish between what should and shouldn’t be said, blurting things out like excrement, earning him a notorious reputation even in high society.
“As Yung’s case shows, in this world, making too many enemies leads to an early grave. The Mage Tower needs change now. Political neutrality? Sounds nice in theory, but in practice, it just makes you a nobody. The Mage Tower is a core institution of the state—such an organization must firmly establish its political stance to grow stronger.”
Gibnen gave no reply. He simply didn’t feel the question warranted an answer. Yet Count Ermeintz, oblivious, kept chattering on.
“How about I introduce you to that professional manager I mentioned? Just say the word—I have plenty of capable managers around me.”
To the taunting noble, Gibnen replied politely with a practiced business smile.
“Thank you for the offer, but we’re not facing any difficulties in management at the moment.”
“Is that so? What a pity. Still, running such a vast Mage Tower without trouble—even a genius would find that hard. Could it be that Yung passed on his knowledge and mana to you? Given that you were his prized disciple and named successor, it seems plausible.”
“……”
“Yes, that’s what felt odd. Yung wasn’t the type to be ‘easily’ assassinated. If he transferred his knowledge and magical power to you, he’d have had almost no strength left as a mage—so his death wouldn’t be surprising. Did he sacrifice himself to create a monster like you? My, how frightening. A born genius now wielding a Grand Mage’s knowledge and power—Horizon’s future looks bright indeed!”
“You flatter me.”
“By the way, have they caught Yung’s killer yet?”
“The investigation is still ongoing.”
“It’s dragging on. If you just consider who benefits most from Yung’s death, the answer should be obvious, don’t you think?”
At the Count’s question, Gibnen set down his wine glass. Count Ermeintz, noticing Gibnen’s eyes suddenly turn icy cold, overacted with exaggerated gestures.
“Just a joke! Merely jesting. With that murderous glare, who dares make jokes anymore!”
At the Count’s theatrics, Gibnen gave a faint smile and shrugged.
“You’re not the man you used to be, my lord. A general who once fought tigers barehanded is now intimidated by a green youth like me?”
“What did you say?”
“What’s the difference between a toothless old tiger and a day-old pup? Yet the old tiger himself doesn’t realize it and still struts around pretending to be fearsome.”
“Is that so? But a tiger is still a tiger—can a pup pretending to be one truly compare? The world has changed so much these days—it’s become quite comfortable to live in. After all, isn’t this the age where ruffians become Archmages? Heh heh.”
At Count Ermeintz’s boisterous laughter, Gibnen also chuckled lightly in response. Beside him, Gibnen’s aide Sak stood pale-faced, nervously observing the tense exchange.
“Please enjoy the rest of your evening. At your age, don’t overexert yourself.”
“Of course! And you be careful too. I noticed beautiful ladies eyeing you hungrily. At your vigorous age, you must stay alert. If any scandals spread by the end of the reception… just think how exhausted your subordinates will be! Ha ha!”
Gibnen thought it ironic that a man who couldn’t even control his own lower half and had turned his household into a laughingstock would give such advice—but he simply nodded with a calm smile.
“Please be careful yourself, my lord Ermeintz. In a world where even my master was murdered, do you really think a toothless old tiger is safe?”
“Heh heh, noted.”
The moment Count Ermeintz left, Sak muttered under his breath.
“He truly has less manners than a speck of dust. How can such a person even exist?”
“Leave it. Trash never changes, no matter what you do. No amount of polish can make garbage anything else.”
The polite smile Gibnen had worn while dealing with the Count vanished instantly. Muttering coldly, he immediately greeted the next guest with an angelic smile the moment they approached.
How could anyone shift expressions so instantly? Sak, feeling dizzy, ran a hand over his forehead as he stared, awestruck, at his superior’s dazzling social grace.
No wonder he’d earned the title of Archmage—anyone with such skill could’ve become a legendary actor.
While Sak stood mesmerized by Gibnen’s remarkable hospitality, Gibnen skillfully welcomed each arriving guest.
His natural eloquence and poise proved he was the true host of the party, making him stand out even more. With only brief information relayed by Sak, he effortlessly guided conversations with fluency.
Even before the most intimidating magnates—whose names alone made eyes widen—he showed no sign of nervousness, conversing naturally and flawlessly.
Thus, he spent his time frantically greeting countless guests, exchanging news, and even discussing business matters related to the Mage Tower’s operations.
Then, a brief moment of respite appeared. Gibnen seized it without hesitation.
“I’ll step out for a moment to clear my head. Please handle the guests.”
“Go ahead.”
Gibnen loosened his tightly knotted tie and unbuttoned a few of his neatly fastened buttons. Perhaps he could finally breathe easier. Clearly exhausted, he swept a hand over his thin face and hurried off.
He needed a break—even five minutes would do. He required time to calm his pounding head before continuing to receive guests.
He immediately stepped onto the teleporter and, without hesitation, pressed the button for the top floor.
Nothing was better than resting under the stars atop the Mage Tower.
Yet the moment he arrived at the tower’s summit, he couldn’t help but frown.
“D-Don’t come any closer!”
Why was this secluded space, which should have been empty, so chaotic? And that desperate cry from a woman—so close to screaming…
“Good grief. We’re going to be married anyway—why act so fiercely?”
A familiar yet unpleasant voice reached his ears.
It was so distinctive he could identify the speaker by voice alone.
[This is the timeline separator]“Where did she go?”
“She went up to the top floor of the tower.”
“Alone?”
“Yes.”
The news that Riley Eadallin had gone alone to the tower’s summit reached Count Ermeintz.
Seeing a brief window of opportunity, the Count thought it a perfect chance to speak with Riley alone.
“I’ll go to the top floor. You wait here.”
Count Ermeintz headed upward, carrying a flicker of anticipation.
He truly wanted to have a meaningful conversation with Riley—she had captured his fancy. Despite knowing she was merely the adopted daughter of a lowly baron’s house, he’d decided to marry her because she resembled his first love from long ago.
Moreover, her docile and introverted nature appealed to him. The Count believed assertive women always tried to dominate their husbands, and after multiple failed marriages, he particularly disliked women with strong opinions.
That day, young Riley had been remarkably well-mannered for her age.
Now that she’d grown even more, her grace and beauty must have ripened considerably.
“There you are, Riley.”
“H-How did you… get here?”
“I saw you heading somewhere and took the chance to slip away when I could.”
As Count Ermeintz smiled and moved toward her, Riley panicked and clutched the railing.
“Don’t come any closer!”
The Count frowned.
“Why? I only came to talk.”
“I have nothing to say to you.”
“Aren’t we to be married soon? I thought the matter was already settled.”
“That was settled with my father! I… I don’t want to marry you!”
Having already resolved to die, Riley felt no fear. So she spoke her true feelings plainly. Count Ermeintz responded with disbelief.
“Why?”
He genuinely looked puzzled.
“What’s wrong with a high noble like me personally taking in the adopted daughter of a humble baron’s house? What could possibly displease you?”
“How could anyone possibly like a madman your age, who can’t even keep his wits about him, trying to make someone your child’s age your wife? How could I ever love an old man older than my own father?”
“……What? Such insolent nonsense! Do you even know who I am to speak to me like that? Who do you think you are?”
“It’s horrifying, revolting. I’d rather die than marry someone like you.”
“Ha! You came here to kill yourself? Because you don’t want to marry me?”
Count Ermeintz was deeply offended.
“Even if I’m not what I once was, now even the lowest rabble dare to disrespect and crawl over me.”
“D-Don’t come any closer!”
“Good grief. We’re going to be married anyway—why act so fiercely? Let’s just relax and make this easy on both of us.”
“I said I won’t marry you!”
“Oh? Well, if you’re going to jump off that ledge rather than marry me, I don’t care. But if you’re going to die anyway, I might as well hold you once—just to soothe my anger.”
It was at that moment, as Count Ermeintz stepped toward Riley—
Something suddenly darted past the Count from behind and stood firmly in front of Riley, blocking his path.
Count Ermeintz looked up to see who this insolent figure was—and froze.
“……You.”
“I have no idea what vile situation this is.”
Gibnen, standing between Riley and Count Ermeintz with arms crossed and a sideways glare, issued a warning.
“That’s enough.”
An unexpected three-way standoff had begun.
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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Calling her sister while discussing how she will be treated as your wife is so weird
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?