Who Spent the Night with the Tower Master (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 7
“I would like to proceed with marriage to Lady Riley.”
Everyone doubted their ears at the shocking statement.
Claire was horrified as if she couldn’t believe it, the baroness who had brought Claire turned pale, and Ryan froze like a stone. Riley herself, the one directly involved, was so startled that she abruptly lifted her bowed head.
The moment she raised her head, their eyes met. Calm pupils, unreadable in their thoughts, locked onto each other. It was a dispassionate gaze—utterly devoid of affection—unlike what one would expect from someone proposing marriage.
That made it even harder to understand. Why on earth had he come all the way here just to mention ‘marriage’?
‘Could it be because we shared a bed last night?’
At that moment, when everyone’s minds were tangled with their own thoughts, Ryan uncharacteristically stammered.
“W-why on earth…?”
Ryan’s question was clearly filled with bewilderment. He genuinely couldn’t comprehend what was happening.
The young Archmage, whose future was so bright!
He, who was constantly embroiled in scandals with countless noble daughters—including even the Imperial Princess—why on earth?
“Is a reason necessary for marriage?”
Well, of course a reason is needed—marriage isn’t child’s play.
“I simply… want to.”
At this straightforward answer, Ryan barely managed to control the involuntary twitching of his facial muscles.
“I-I’m sorry, but Riley already has an official fiancé…”
“I’m well aware that arrangements are underway for her marriage to Count Ermeintz.”
“Then why…?”
“It seems to me this isn’t a marriage she truly desires. Besides, I’ve also heard rumors of an annulment circulating.”
“A-ah, no! That’s not true at all…”
“What do you yourself think?”
Gibnen passed the floor to Riley.
Riley set aside her urge to decipher his intentions for a moment and fell into deep thought.
Between Gibnen Lianster and Count Ermeintz—if she had to choose one to marry, it wasn’t even a matter worth pondering. In fact, merely hesitating would be an insult to the man standing right before her.
If marriage were a fate bound to a predetermined person… if no matter how hard she struggled, she could never escape the confines of Ryan Eadallin…
“I don’t wish to marry Count Ermeintz. It’s a union my uncle arranged unilaterally.”
“Riley!”
“She herself says that. What are your thoughts?”
“W-well, it’s already been decided… Besides, even if we wanted to call it off, what power do we possibly have to dare defy Count Ermeintz…”
“Then let me make a proposal.”
“…?”
“If you entrust Lady Riley to me, I’ll offer double the dowry Count Ermeintz proposed, and furthermore, provide residence for your entire family within my domain.”
At this extraordinary offer, Ryan’s eyes widened in astonishment.
“You mean… you’d accept our entire family as residents of the Lianster Duchy…?”
“I can also promise Horizon’s support for your future business ventures.”
Ryan rapidly calculated in his mind.
Becoming in-laws with the Lianster family meant the honor he’d so desperately craved would practically fall into his lap.
Moreover, offering them residence within the duchy implied acceptance as duchy residents—which in turn granted them the right to reside in the capital.
And on top of that, double the business dowry Count Ermeintz had offered! Plus ongoing support?
“Don’t worry about Count Ermeintz’s retaliation. You’ll be safely protected within the Lianster family’s sphere.”
Ryan swallowed hard, clearly tempted, then looked at him with suspicion and asked,
“But why go to such lengths just to marry my daughter…? Besides, we’re in no position to repay you in kind.”
“What grand reason is needed for a man and woman to marry? If you like someone, you marry them.”
“W-well, even so, your offer is far too generous…”
“So you dislike it?”
“Hm… It’s not that I dislike it, but… shouldn’t we first hear the opinion of the person involved?”
At Ryan’s words, Riley barely suppressed a scoff.
Hear her opinion now? How absurd. Hadn’t he been silencing and steamrolling her all along?
“Lady Riley.”
“…Yes, Duke Lianster.”
“Will you marry me?”
Riley slowly looked around.
She felt everyone’s attention focused on her. The varied expressions of those awaiting her answer—how strange it felt.
Claire and the baroness, anxiously trying to smooth their distorted faces; Ryan, wearing an awkward, embarrassed look as he feigned indifference; even the servants, staring with unabashed curiosity as if watching a spectacle.
Observing the myriad emotions blooming on faces that had always regarded her with contempt and dismissal, Riley finally grasped just how utterly absurd this situation was.
She met Gibnen’s eyes and nodded.
“Of course. I accept your proposal, Duke Lianster.”
“The honor is mine, Lady.”
Gibnen gently kissed the back of Riley’s hand.
Claire trembled violently, fists clenched, while the baroness wrapped an arm around her daughter to calm her. The servants exchanged glances, clearly struggling to make sense of this bewildering turn of events.
“Hmm, very well. Since Riley agrees… let’s discuss the details further.”
“Agreed.”
“Everyone, leave. Riley, you too.”
Everyone hurriedly exited the hotel room.
The moment Riley closed the door behind her, she was blocked by something—or rather, someone. It was Claire, who had been waiting for her to come out.
“Hey, wait a minute.”
“No.”
“Are you insane? Causing a scene here won’t do you any good—just come with me.”
“I have no intention of making a scene here. If anyone wants to cause trouble, it’s you. So I’ve nothing to lose. And why should I follow you? It’s obvious nothing good would come of it for me, so why bother?”
“…Were you always this sharp-tongued? Was everything I’ve seen from you until now just an act? You sly fox.”
“I’m tired. I’m going upstairs.”
“I said wait!”
As Riley ignored her and walked past, Claire chased after her, spilling out everything she wanted to say.
“You’re really something. Such a cunning little thing. Where did you learn those despicable tricks?”
“…”
“The woman the Archmage took away last night was you, wasn’t it? I saw everything. Don’t think I don’t know! So, did you sleep with him? Someone like you? What exactly did you do to make the Archmage come here personally and cause such a fuss about marrying you?”
“A fuss? You’re the only one making a fuss here.”
“Hey!”
Claire followed Riley all the way to her room door, and even blocked her when she tried to enter without a word.
Claire, panting and glaring fiercely, was utterly transparent. Riley stared at her for a long moment, then sighed.
“Why did I… struggle so hard back then?”
“What?”
What pathetic people they were. What was so frightening, what was so desperately desired, that she’d yearned so intensely to become a true family with Claire, her uncle, her aunt-in-law…
“Ha! Hey, why are you looking at me like I’m pathetic?”
“I have nothing more to say to you. Just go.”
“Go tell him right now you won’t marry him.”
“Why should I?”
“Is that even a proper response? Know your place. Do you really think someone like you—with no manners or grace whatsoever—is fit to be the lady of House Lianster? Besides, you’re just an adopted daughter! Do you honestly think the elders of House Lianster would approve of you? You’d be lucky if they didn’t throw you out.”
“Even if I am thrown out, I’ll deal with it when the time comes.”
“Hey!”
“Stop with your ridiculous demands. Did you really think I’d obediently follow your every word forever? Please, stop making unreasonable requests like they’re perfectly normal. It’s infuriating.”
Riley pushed Claire aside, stepped inside, and firmly shut and locked the door.
“You despicable creature! Yes! That’s your true self! All that sweet, well-behaved act you put on in front of me was all a lie! You fake—!”
Claire’s shouting from outside was heard only briefly. When Riley gave no response, Claire returned to her own room.
Leaning against the door, Riley rubbed her forehead and sank down weakly.
“What on earth is going on…?”
She’d played along as best she could, but now she was confused—was this right? Was this the right choice? What exactly was happening?
“But… isn’t this actually for the best? I don’t know what the Duke wants or what he’ll ask of me, but still… anything is better than marrying Count Ermeintz.”
There was no disagreement—it was a far better option.
With her tension finally released, Riley slumped down and closed her eyes. And she thought:
When I open my eyes again, please let this not be a dream.
[This is the timeline separator]Discussions regarding the marriage proceeded smoothly.
Sak, who stood beside Gibnen, was on edge, constantly suppressing, suppressing, and suppressing the doubts welling up inside him. Even a complete stranger could see this deal was to Gibnen’s disadvantage.
Moreover, he hadn’t even consulted the family elders about this marriage. Was it really feasible for him to make such a decision on his own while his father was still very much alive?
And furthermore… it was almost laughable that the baron’s side was dragging their feet on a marriage that carried absolutely no downside for them.
‘Unlike Count Ermeintz, who’s about to die… this guy is far too young and green.’
Ryan sank into deep thought.
Count Ermeintz versus Gibnen Lianster. Judging purely by conditions, the latter was flawless—but precisely that flawlessness… his extreme youth and inexperience… troubled him.
Count Ermeintz, after all, didn’t have many days left. And his reason for wanting to marry Riley was straightforward: purely to satisfy his lust. But Gibnen Lianster?
Since his intentions behind this marriage were impossible to predict, Ryan had no choice but to be extra cautious.
To Count Ermeintz, Riley was merely a disposable commodity to be replaced. But to this man?
If their feelings were genuinely mutual? Then to him, Riley wouldn’t be a replaceable commodity… but a lifelong partner.
In that case, Riley would wield immense power. And it was all too obvious where she’d point that sword once she held it.
‘This is far too dangerous a gamble.’
“No matter how I look at it, Riley lacks the qualifications to become the lady of House Lianster.”
“So you, Baron, intend to oppose my proposal—even though the lady herself has accepted it?”
“N-not at all… I merely hope you’ll consider this carefully. Marriage isn’t something you can take back once done, after all.”
“I’ve already considered it thoroughly. Why do you think I invited your family to the reception?”
Seeing Gibnen’s resolve was firm, Ryan broke out in a cold sweat, clearly flustered.
Gibnen looked at him with an expression of incomprehension and asked,
“House Lianster holds far higher status than House Ermeintz, and I’m surely preferable to a decrepit old man on his deathbed. You welcomed sending your daughter to an old man with open arms—so why object to giving her to me?”
“T-that’s not what I meant!”
Gibnen openly showed his displeasure and said,
“Or is it because she’s an adopted daughter?”
“…”
“Or perhaps… you’re afraid of what she might do the moment she escapes your control—the girl you’ve treated like an outcast?”
Ryan turned pale. Regardless, Gibnen continued without a change in expression.
“Frankly, it doesn’t seem you’re even in a position to pick and choose suitors.”
Gibnen tossed a newspaper onto the table in front of Ryan—a fresh copy from that very day, featuring a stereoscopic photograph of Riley entering the hotel with him.
“I suppose that old man never mentioned it was me—the reckless fellow who eloped with Lady Riley.”
Ryan fumbled open the newspaper in alarm. There they were—two figures entering the hotel.
The man was unmistakably the one standing before him now. And… though only her back was visible, there was no mistaking it was Riley.
‘So that’s why he suddenly flew into a rage and demanded annulment…’
Count Ermeintz had assumed Riley had been impudent and fled from him, which led him to break off the engagement.
Furious beyond measure, he’d stormed in, announced the annulment without explaining the circumstances, kicked up a fuss, and left. Though he gave no reason, Ryan had vaguely guessed Riley was the issue due to her absence.
He had no idea Riley had eloped with a man, that the man was Horizon’s Archmage, or that their scandal was splashed across the front page of every gossip rag.
‘So… did he really decide on marriage just because they spent one night together?’
“Lady Riley’s background will inevitably come to light anyway.”
“…”
“I doubt Count Ermeintz would accept her now that she’s already spent the night with me.”
Ryan rubbed his throbbing temples.
‘This is a disaster.’
“Please grant me one day. I’d like to consult with my daughter… and my family.”
“Understood.”
Gibnen rose with a pleasant smile.
“Then I’ll await your answer tomorrow. I hope for a favorable outcome.”
[This is the timeline separator]“You go on ahead, Sak. I have someone to meet.”
At Gibnen’s words, Sak hesitated, then asked cautiously,
“Are you truly certain this is alright?”
“About what?”
“…The marriage. Won’t you regret rushing into this without careful deliberation? And proceeding so unilaterally without consulting the elders… they might be furious.”
“Well, I suspect my father will welcome it with open arms.”
“…Really?”
“If you think about who’s actually losing in this deal, it’s certainly not me.”
“To anyone watching, Master, this marriage seems like a loss for you.”
“If it looks that way, all the better.”
“Are you going to see Lady Riley?”
“Yes. She’s the one I’m marrying—it’s only proper we have a meaningful conversation before the wedding, isn’t it?”
He even hummed a little tune as he waved his hand—a clear signal meaning, “You’re annoying me, so disappear from my sight immediately.”
‘The very person who used to grimace at mere betrothal letters—what on earth has him so cheerful he’s humming? She’s clearly just an ordinary girl from an ordinary family. Ugh, this is bizarre. He’s lost his mind. I should just earn enough money quickly and quit.’
Indulging his unpredictable whims was tolerable for a day or two, but who could possibly understand that mad mind of his? It was far easier to give up trying.
Sak let out a heavy sigh—again and again—as he turned away, stubbornly refusing to understand that utterly unreasonable man through the lens of common sense.
[This is the timeline separator]Knock knock—
At the rather polite knock, Riley, who had dozed off for a moment, sat up. She must have been extremely tired, or perhaps the released tension had overwhelmed her with drowsiness—she’d apparently fallen asleep slumped against the door.
Assuming the late-night, unexpected visitor must be her uncle, aunt, or Claire, Riley hesitated briefly before opening the door.
The moment the door opened and she saw the unexpected figure, Riley’s eyes widened in shock, and she froze in place.
“Hello.”
Flustered by Gibnen’s calm greeting, Riley stood dumbly, forgetting to open the door wider. He reached out and gently took hold of the door.
“Let’s talk for a bit.”
His demeanor was completely opposite to what she’d seen just earlier—so much so she wondered if he was truly the same person. In that instant, he slowly pushed the door open and stepped inside unannounced. Then, flashing a slight smile at Riley, he said,
“Let me in, Nuna.”
My Arch-enemy Sealed My Memory and Said That He is My Husband
This is an incredibly captivating story that you absolutely shouldn’t miss! I’ll give a brief introduction here, and below you’ll find a detailed synopsis of the plot.
The female lead is a fierce and powerful demon king. The male lead is a once-in-a-millennium celestial lord, admired by the entire cultivation world.
They are equally matched, legendary rivals who have battled for centuries.
In the final duel, the female lead is gravely injured. The male lead saves her, seals her memories, and hides her true identity. He tells her that he is her fiancé. His entire life has been flawless—except for the one thing he never expected, never controlled, and never wanted to control: falling for his greatest enemy. She is his inner demon, his obsession.
When the female lead regains her memories, she is furious at his deception.
She makes his life a living hell.
And somehow, the male lead—possibly a total masochist—doesn’t mind at all. In fact, he’s happy she’s paying attention to him.
Yep, we’re back to my favorite trope: male lead suffering. If you love this kind of story, jump into the pit with me now!!!
Intro
Dong Xia lost her memory.
Her handsome and extremely powerful fiancé Li Qing comforted her: “It’s okay if you can’t remember. I’ll always be with you.”
Everyone thought Dong Xia’s ancestors must have burned incense to get such a perfect fiancé. He was the number one person in the immortal realm, yet he remained chaste and only loved her.
…
The day before marrying her fiancé, Dong Xia finally remembered everything.
She wasn’t suffering from memory loss at all.
Her arch-enemy had made her fake her death, destroyed her cultivation, replaced her memories, and pretended to be her deeply in love fiancé.
No wonder he said, “It’s okay if you can’t remember”!
Dong Xia laughed coldly as she pulled out her long knife: Li Qing, prepare to die 🙂
*
Li Qing, as the supreme being of the immortal realm, was the people’s shining beacon.
The only unknown stain in his life was his affection for Dong Xia, the ruler of the demon realm.
In the final battle of the war between immortals and demons, the sky collapsed and the earth shattered. The ruler of the demon realm was finally slain under the sword of the supreme being of the immortal realm, and everyone in the immortal realm applauded.
The cultivation world lost a ruler of the demon realm.
And in the back mountain of Li Qing’s cave dwelling, he secretly hid away a fiancée.
Notes:
1. The female lead is white on the outside, black on the inside, and the queen of flattery; the male lead repeatedly tests the edge of darkness, a VIP guest at the crematorium.
2. Fantasy cultivation world setting.
[Touch the gear icon in the bottom right corner of the screen to move to the next chapter if you want.]
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?