Who Spent the Night with the Tower Master (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 9
“You’re back early. I thought you’d stay the night there.”
At Sak’s words, Gibnen chuckled and sat down.
“I wanted to, but held back.”
“…Here are the documents you instructed me to prepare.”
“Good work. What about the reporters?”
“I’ve taken measures to ensure Riley Eadallin’s personal information doesn’t leak.”
“You’re quick on your feet. Well done.”
“Since I did well, I’d appreciate it if you’d consider a raise.”
“I’ll consider it.”
“Thank you.”
“Leak to Count Ermeintz that I spent the night with her at the hotel. He’s probably already guessed from the photos in the article, but it wouldn’t hurt to confirm it for him, would it?”
The shameless scoundrel who stole another man’s fiancée was now ordering a devastating blow to be delivered to the very victim whose fiancée he’d stolen. Truly fearsome. Though one might question whether that victim was truly a victim at all.
“Did your talk with her go well?”
“Very well. We understood each other clearly.”
“And she accepted your proposal?”
“Of course. Where would I ever be rejected? Though I’m unsure about the baron. He might try negotiating with her himself. Just in case, prepare some leverage we can use to pressure him.”
He was young but cunning. Clearly, he never even considered the possibility of rejection—he knew his own worth too well.
He was certain of this deal. Certain it would succeed.
“Was she the one you initially intended to appoint as your guardian?”
“…”
“Did you choose marriage because of the scandal?”
“You’re full of questions.”
“Naturally—I don’t concern myself with just anyone. As your Master of the Tower’s personal aide, showing interest in you is simply the best way to serve you well.”
“How dependable of you. I had no idea you cared for me so thoughtfully.”
“I’m glad you noticed. And please do consider this effort when reviewing my raise.”
Gibnen leaned back against the chair and, twirling his quill neatly, chuckled softly.
“It was a choice made for convenience.”
“…”
“I could have pursued the guardianship route, but that sly fox didn’t seem likely to hand her over easily.”
“What is your purpose in marrying that lady?”
“Protection, for now.”
“…”
“And perhaps, incidentally, to make use of her. Add curiosity to that as well.”
His master’s legacy had been a nuisance, but Riley Eadallin, whom he’d unexpectedly inherited, turned out more appealing than expected.
“She seems sweet. I think we’ll get along well.”
“…How can you be so certain after just one day together?”
“Chemistry never lies.”
…You madman!
Sak’s face flushed bright red, nearly dropping the documents he held.
“Why are you embarrassed?”
“Well, you’re the one who made the embarrassing remark, Master.”
“The marriage will proceed in absolute secrecy. Ensure nothing leaks out.”
“Of course. By the way… have you informed Lord Alton yet?”
“What for?”
“About your marriage.”
“No, I’ll tell him now.”
Ever since he rejected the Seventh Princess’s proposal, people had called him mad—but now, to marry first and inform later?
Sak turned away, pinching the bridge of his nose.
“I’ll be heading back.”
“Alright.”
Trying to understand him only exhausts me. Only me.
Sak boldly resolved to stop guessing his superior’s thoughts. After all, madmen weren’t meant to be understood. It seemed the saying that all geniuses of the century were madmen wasn’t entirely baseless.
Thinking about it… every historically renowned figure had always been missing a screw or two.
Just look at Count Ermeintz’s current state…
“Good heavens.”
Sak genuinely worried for Riley Eadallin—marrying that unpredictable madman!
Suddenly, he felt deeply sorry for the young lady.
He’d never felt this way about any of the women Gibnen had dated before, but perhaps because Gibnen seemed unusually serious this time, it felt even more troubling.
Please run away. Please.
Muttering words that would never reach her ears, Sak fled his office as if escaping.
[This is the timeline separator]Perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
An even lower probability than a street beggar suddenly becoming a millionaire. A chance to grasp wealth, honor, and entry into the central elite all at once—the moment he believed without doubt he’d seize everything he’d ever dreamed of.
Yet…
“Why Riley of all people! Is our Claire really that unappealing?”
Why did it have to be Riley?
“We couldn’t even mention Claire! You were so adamant about marrying Riley…”
“Has that eccentric rumor driven him completely mad? Of all people, what’s so special about Riley…”
Ryan ran a hand over his weary face.
“I don’t know what to do.”
“…Still, shouldn’t we just approve it for now? If the scandal spreads… it’ll be hard for her to marry elsewhere. Then she’ll become impossible to deal with, won’t she? Especially since the Tower Master’s side offered such an unprecedentedly generous proposal…”
“Do you really think Riley, once she gains power, will leave us alone?”
“…Surely not. We’re family, after all.”
“It’s because you haven’t seen that girl’s eyes! That venomous glare—as if she wanted to devour us whole!”
“…But she’s always been so obedient. She’s kind-hearted too. If we treat her well from now on, she might forgive us.”
“Nonsense. People always change once they taste power.”
Ryan snapped at his wife’s naive optimism.
“That girl! Isn’t she the one who stabbed us in the back and got us into this mess? Do you still see Riley as a complete fool?”
“Then what should we do! How can we possibly reject a marriage proposal from House Lianster!”
House Lianster, though not of royal blood, was one of the Empire’s three great ducal houses, granted its title directly by the Emperor.
Having produced generations of mages, House Lianster was a founding pillar of the Empire, its influence rivaling even the Imperial Family. Already formidable by lineage alone, its status had become truly immeasurable now that it had produced the Grand Master of the Great Mage Tower.
If their humble baronial house rejected a proposal from the heir of such a house… it would clearly be seen as an insult to House Lianster’s honor, inviting certain retaliation and guaranteeing their social ruin before they could even enter high society.
Moreover, they were now completely at odds with Count Ermeintz because of Riley… and who knew when that senile old man might strike back.
They were truly trapped with no way out.
Approving the marriage would let ‘Riley’ slip beyond their control, making her their greatest variable; rejecting it would surely send them plummeting into ruin.
“We could use this marriage to our advantage too.”
“Use it?”
“Of course! Riley is, after all, officially registered as our daughter. Even if she wants to marry, without our permission, what can she do?”
“Hmm.”
“She’ll know well enough that if we oppose the marriage, she’ll be stuck—unable to be sold off to anyone else. She’s no fool; she’s clever and quick to please.”
“…”
“Besides, by social norms, could Riley really cast us aside so easily? We’re still her family in public eyes, aren’t we? Publicly causing discord with her family would only harm her own reputation—her standing would clearly suffer.”
“That may be true for now, but what about the future…”
“Oh dear, my love. Will you just laze about until then? Being overly cautious is a problem too. By then, we’ll have built up our own foundation sufficiently. For now, let’s get a written pledge—from her, promising not to harm us and to fulfill her duties as a family member in exchange for our approval of the marriage.”
Ryan brightened at his wife’s suggestion.
“That’s an excellent idea. If we secure a legally binding pledge, we won’t need to fear any repercussions.”
Relieved to have found a solution, Ryan called out cheerfully.
“McDallin, go fetch Riley.”
[This is the timeline separator]“Do you wish to marry Duke Gibnen Lianster? I called you to ask your thoughts.”
Riley stared fixedly at Ryan.
His unusually gentle demeanor—something she’d never seen before—was utterly disorienting. Could this really be the same man who’d cursed at her and raised his hand just yesterday?
“…I do.”
“Very well. If that’s your wish… we’ll proceed with the marriage. However.”
“…”
“I’d like you to sign a written agreement.”
“…An agreement?”
Ryan handed her a sheet of paper.
“Read it and sign.”
Riley began reading the document. In summary, it stated:
1. All past grievances are to be set aside; neither party shall hold the other accountable for prior wrongs.
2. The public familial relationship must be maintained; no discord shall be disclosed.
3. As a member of House Eadallin, she shall uphold family ties and do her utmost for the house’s prosperity and advancement.
Riley let out a derisive laugh—so absurd she didn’t even try to suppress it.
“If you abide by what’s written there, I’ll permit the marriage.”
“Uncle… are you afraid of me now?”
“…”
“When I desperately sought your recognition as family, you treated me like a burden. Now you consider me family?”
Ryan honestly admitted his fault.
“I admit my wrongdoing.”
“…”
“Frankly, I didn’t want to take you in. After your father died in that carriage accident, leaving you utterly alone, my own circumstances weren’t comfortable enough to support you. Nor did you inherit any wealth from him… Yet I couldn’t simply abandon you once it became known you were my niece. I admit it—you were a thorn in my eye.”
“…”
“Moreover, I never got along with your father to begin with. Honestly, we shared blood but were worse than strangers. To then be left with you… yes, it infuriated me. I was struggling just to feed my own wife and children—your very existence was a burden.”
Uncharacteristically watching Riley’s reaction, Ryan continued.
“But regardless, we are family. You’re my legally adopted daughter.”
“…”
“I admit our relationship has been flawed. I truly regret the terrible things I’ve done to you. But now that things have come to this, my family and I wish to rebuild our relationship with you properly.”
“Why? Because I’ll become mistress of House Lianster? Have I suddenly become useful to you?”
“Yes. Duke Lianster’s proposed terms are far too… generous. Yet I hesitated solely because of you.”
“…”
“Because I feared you might harbor resentment and harm me or my family somehow.”
He truly had a talent for choosing the most infuriating words right to the very end.
“What if I refuse to sign here?”
“Then the marriage will be called off.”
“…”
“Marriage isn’t just a union between individuals—it’s a union between houses. Even House Lianster cannot proceed unilaterally without both families’ consent. You know that well enough.”
“If you reject the proposal, how will you handle the repercussions?”
“I’ll still oppose it. Better to face ruin than hand you the knife.”
How absurd. The man who always ruled like a beast—now making such a ridiculous spectacle of himself.
“I hope you understand our position—we can’t do any better than this.”
Riley silently stared at the agreement.
Seeing them go this far, they must truly be terrified of the current situation.
In truth, she hadn’t considered revenge. Accepting Gibnen Lianster’s proposal stemmed not from vengeance against them, but from her yearning for freedom.
If they kept tormenting her, she might consider revenge—but right now, her desire to finally live her own life outweighed any wish to settle old scores with them.
“You really are determined to humiliate me to the very end.”
“…”
“I never asked for much. Anything would have been fine, as long as I could cancel the marriage to Count Ermeintz. Personal revenge? I never even thought of it. But… your attitude now, Uncle, is making me consider things I never intended to.”
Riley picked up her quill and signed the document.
“I don’t desire a genuine familial bond either. I’ll play along with your ‘family’ charade as I always have. After all, the fact remains that you took in someone with nowhere else to go.”
“…Alright, thank you.”
“This isn’t for you—it’s for my own life. Don’t try to control or interfere with me again. As long as you leave me alone, I won’t stoop to petty revenge.”
“Of course.”
“If you have nothing more to say, I’ll take my leave.”
“Go ahead.”
Shortly after Riley left, the baroness entered.
“My dear, how did it go?”
“More or less settled.”
“That’s a relief.”
“I don’t know how long this scrap of paper will hold, but at least it eases my mind for now.”
“Indeed. But how on earth will we manage her temper? My head already aches.”
“Pamper her as best you can—she’s no longer a burden.”
“Ugh, I’ll try…”
A relationship broken beyond repair.
With such deep emotional rifts, winning her favor now seemed futile—but there was no need to make enemies either.
Ryan took the agreement bearing Riley’s signature and smiled contentedly. Then he ordered a servant.
“Send a letter to Duke Lianster immediately—tell him we wish to proceed with the marriage.”
[This is the timeline separator]“A letter has arrived from Baron Eadallin. He wishes the marriage to proceed as soon as possible.”
Gibnen nodded unsurprised at the expected reply.
“Will you proceed?”
“We must. Someone might snatch her away otherwise—best to act as soon as possible.”
“I see. By the way, the Eadallin baron’s household is returning to their estate.”
“When?”
“Today. They’re departing this evening.”
Gibnen glanced at the pile of documents awaiting his attention.
Right after the reception, there was an unusually heavy workload—likely requiring an all-nighter—but after a brief pause, he rose from his seat.
“Where are you going?”
“My wife is leaving—I must see her off.”
Excuse me, you’re not married yet.
Sak stared at Gibnen in utter disbelief. Gibnen simply smiled, picked up his coat, and said,
“I’m taking the day off. You handle things here.”
Oh no!
The shadow of sudden responsibility fell heavily over Sak’s face.
Turns Out He’s Been Secretly in Love with Me
One-line summary: He acts like he doesn’t like her but is actually playing hard to get.
Synopsis:
Xu Muzhou like her. He has liked her for a very long time, and through repeated schemes, he finally closed the distance with her.
But this is still far from enough.
He wants to be the one who stands out among her many suitors, to fight for her attention, and to make her take the initiative to pursue him.
_____
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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…