rosalie
Stories
19
Chapters
1,146
Words
1.9 M
Comments
8
Reading
6 d, 17 h
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"I'm tired, so I'd appreciate it if you'd leave now. If you truly came as my 'friend.'" Calyx's mouth was smiling, but his reddish-brown eyes remained coldly frozen. As if he had seen through the secret the other was hiding. "Wh-what are you talking about? I was just worried because you disappeared leaving only a letter......" "What's there to worry about when a perfectly healthy man goes to find a bride? Don't tell me...... you hate the idea of losing me to another woman......" "If you're just…-
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"Lady Fortgard!" "Don't you think so, Viscountess? It's already overwhelming enough to part from beloved family, leave a familiar home to adapt to a strange new house, and then on top of that, I have to take over all the duties my mother used to handle overnight? When I'm just a clueless girl around twenty?" "That's," "Lottie, do you know what a married woman's most important duty is? Pregnancy and childbirth to continue the bloodline. Do you know how babies are made? Imagine pushing your thumb…
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'She must be someone who can't freely enter this place.' Even though the gathering allowed relatively free entry, guests who didn't match the proper status were treated as unwelcome intruders and chased away after being beaten. Despite this, she was someone who had donned men's clothes because she absolutely needed to meet someone. Since she tried to sneak into the hunting grounds, the person she came to meet must be one of the men who went on the driven hunt. Come to think of it...... They say…
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Calyx nodded slowly toward the surroundings as he spoke. Something interesting was about to happen. Passersby who had an incredible nose for such things were already sneaking closer, casting sidelong glances. Lottie knew she could simply pretend not to notice and walk away. It wasn't as if the rules of a game were law. Unless Her Majesty the Queen became senile from excessive official duties and participated in the drawing, there would be no criticism for not following the rules. Even if…
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'Yet he shot without listening to the person begging.' Indeed. He probably didn't even want to show mercy to an in-law whom he treated worse than a stranger during seven years of marriage. She started feeling sorry again for fleeing in shock from him during his seizure, but Lottie quickly came to her senses. Anyway, that man is a murderer. He committed unforgivable acts. If he hadn't fired that gun back then, instead of receiving courtship from several men like now, she would probably still be…
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Afterward, the two parted without incident. As if certain they would meet again, Calyx obediently sent Lottie home. It felt like she had just woken from a dream. Was that man really the Calyx Valdea she knew? That question tormented Lottie like a mild headache for about two days, but she soon forgot about it completely due to becoming somewhat busy. The marriage talks between Lottie and Andrew had begun to take concrete shape. * * * 〈When I return from my busy schedule and gaze at the…
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"She'll be in a place impossible to reach with your pace. Let's ride there." "Wait, just tell me where they are and I'll go by myself, eeeek!" Acting without listening to others seemed to be his innate personality. Calyx lifted the resisting Lottie and placed her on the saddle, then quickly mounted behind her before she could protest that she couldn't ride. "It seems I'll somewhat keep my promise to teach you horseback riding." Calyx spoke in a voice that seemed to embrace her ear, his body…
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Queen Catherine was the first woman to ascend to the throne in Matila, a strictly patrilineal country. Following the sudden death of Winston IV, his son Calyx should have succeeded to the throne. However, after an unprecedented event that no one could have imagined, he was stripped of Castle Redbreeze. The royal family fell into chaos. There were no more direct male descendants in the paternal line who could inherit the throne. The one who emerged through the chaos was the first princess…
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As if reading his thoughts, an exquisitely timed voice fell. When Calyx's eyes met his, William visibly froze. Calyx, who had been quietly watching him, smirked. "I know my role better than anyone." "......" "So. Are you sharpening the axe well?" 'Sharpening the axe' was their code phrase asking about the status of soldiers hidden throughout Matila. As was customary when discussing matters others shouldn't hear, shrill moans began to sound from the adjacent room. Using the cries of…
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'For now...... let's just endure until the social season.' Lottie's resolution to remain unmarried was firm. And now, if possible, she wanted to protect her family with her own hands. If she suddenly brought this up, the adults, including her grand-aunt, would only feel confused. When the adults were somewhat mentally prepared, that's when she would tell them her real plan. Why she didn't want to marry, how she would live afterward without marrying. Calmly and with certainty. Lottie…
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Calyx immediately retorted as if he had anticipated it. "Are you satisfied as you are? With the reality that you can no longer call the home and homeland where you were born and raised your own?" "......!" "I don't think the lady I know would be." He smiled as if he had no intention of hitting such a sore spot, despite having done exactly that. Once again, cunningly and purely. "I don't wish to possess wealth. If I, who have survived until now by the royal family's grace, start…
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Calyx whispered in Patrick's ear in a low, chilling voice. "......! What......!" "Ah, my mistake. I momentarily forgot." Calyx's large hand covered the top of Patrick's head, then stroked his hair in the same way he used to pat his cousin's head when he was the crown prince. "You wouldn't know." Slowly, leisurely, from the crown to the back of his head. "You're just the queen's puppet." One who would never measure up to his mother's expectations and ultimately be unable to do anything…
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"This...... bastard......!" Patrick, enraged, lunged at Calyx. Calyx didn't even assume a defensive stance. As if he knew all too well what his position was. With the sole thought of preventing bloodshed, Lottie threw herself between the two men. "......!" Before Lottie, who blocked him with her arms spread wide, Patrick froze in the position of raising his fist. The same was true for Calyx. Faced with the delicate figure standing with her back to him, he forgot what he had been about to do…
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At the back of the mansion, a side door used by the servants came into view. He walked there as if entranced. The servants, busy with their work, hadn't even properly secured the door. Calyx easily entered the house through that door. Or more precisely, he trespassed without permission. The maids coming toward him screamed at the sudden intruder. He didn't stop. Though it was his first time in this house, he felt like he knew exactly where everything was. He went straight up to the second…
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Anger slowly rose within Lottie. She hated many things about this man, but most of all, she hated his arrogance in thinking he could control others as he pleased. "No." "......" "Rather than marry you, I would rather drown myself in the Contra River." Calyx laughed dryly. It seemed like he would once again tear into her mind by calling it another lie. Lottie had no more excuses to squeeze out. She didn't even have the strength to hold onto her wavering heart. "......!" Lottie grabbed…
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Damn it. Just imagining sitting face to face with a man on a bed in a room barely the size of a palm made her head spin. Perhaps sensing the despair in Lottie's voice, a small laugh came from beside her. "The patient should follow the doctor's instructions." Calyx walked past Lottie and sat on the edge of the bed. Then he gestured to the space beside him as if asking why she wasn't sitting down. Lottie hesitantly perched herself on the very corner of the bed. Calyx let out a low…
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Isabelle and Silvia noticed immediately why Lottie had suddenly mentioned a Trienean language tutor. Their faces gradually turned ashen, but Delinda's expression remained innocent. Lottie spoke with a smile that seemed strangely bright. "A teacher who doesn't even teach how to properly pronounce my name Charlotte—I can see that while other subjects might be fine, their Trienean language skills must be quite poor. Our estate is close to Triena, so we have many people who speak Trienean fluently.…
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At that moment, a familiar voice broke through her wretched self-loathing. "I saw a carriage with a familiar crest at the palace, so I came to check, and here you are, my lady!" "Princess." Patrick's younger sister, Princess Silvia, approached with delight from behind Isabelle. Surprised by the unexpected encounter, Isabelle hastily offered a formal greeting. As Silvia turned her sky-blue eyes toward Lottie, Isabelle belatedly remembered that the princess and Lottie had never met…
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The fistfight between the two men took an entirely unexpected turn afterward. It didn't go in the feared direction of the deposed crown prince being accused of throwing the first punch at the crown prince. However, the truth was that both men had exchanged blows amicably, and without proper testimony, fierce debates began among the nobles about who had thrown the first punch. "The deposed crown prince must have had another fit of madness!" "To dare commit violence against the crown prince of a…
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〈We request your presence to grace a dinner ball attended by Her Majesty Queen Catherine and His Highness Crown Prince Patrick.......〉 "It's common knowledge even to three-year-old children that the Prostis family are radical members of the Rose Party." At Luka Brown's words, Calyx shifted his gaze from the invitation bearing the clear seal of the Prostis family. Luka added with a seemingly surprised tone. "I'm amazed that the head of such a family would send you an invitation. It's not…
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When I opened my eyes, I found myself as a 'trivial young lady' in a novel. But it was okay. I lived a life worse than a dirt spoon in South Korea. "Your ordered macarons are ready, my lady." A western man with blonde hair and green eyes, resembling a Hollywood actor, Brad Pitt, approached with a refreshing smile. He placed the three-tiered tray with macarons on the table. "Thank you." I am currently inside a 19+ dark romance fantasy novel, <The Men of Saintess Rosetta>, not in South…-
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In any novel, the existence of a spiritist is rare. Few are born with a high affinity for nature, and even fewer form contracts with high-ranking spirits. It is not easy for trading companies, guilds, or even the imperial family to scout a water spiritist. Their value is high, and they earn a lot of money, which makes them arrogant. I scanned the five spiritists lined up in front of me. Their attire was shabby compared to their reputation. ‘Hmph, a good-for-nothing.’ Interestingly,…
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There was a soft expression on my father's face, but his words were firm. "I'm glad you're sincere about the trading business. However, the Crown Prince has sent a directive from the imperial court to temporarily halt supply support to the Auguste family. We must comply with imperial commands, even if we don't know the reason. So, why don't you come with me next time, hmm?" Perhaps feeling sorry for rejecting my proposal outright, my father tried to coax me with a softened voice. In truth, I…
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Originally, I was Lee Joo-hee, a 23-year-old. Amidst the abuse and discrimination from my stepmother and stepsister, I took on all sorts of part-time jobs since high school. So, instead of becoming an all-rounder... I became a jack-of-all-trades. One day, while living as the ATM machine and fool for those two women, the evening before my stepsister's wedding… — Hey, don't come to my wedding. Do you want to advertise that Mom remarried? The voice over the phone was chilling. “Why…
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The next day, after sleeping in late, I went down to the dining room just in time for lunch. Baron and Baroness Graham were already seated there. They greeted me with smiles as bright as flowers, as if I were the most precious thing in the world. Douglas Graham, who had sky-blue eyes just like Yuria, was the first to acknowledge me. "Yuria, my daughter, come sit here!" He seemed to be in high spirits. Joseph must have written a good 'work report' about me. And there was Naomi Graham, the…
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Xavier hurriedly descended the mountain and convened an emergency meeting with three generals at the command tent. Inside the tent, a peculiar atmosphere lingered. Receiving supply support was not unusual, but it was the first time a noble lady had come directly to the battlefield. Moreover, the woman entering the camp was notorious as the immature little villainess, one who had persistently followed Xavier like a leech. Xavier was slightly taken aback, and the generals felt the same. "Your…
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He might break his promise to me later, saying he’ll pay off my ‘small request’ with money. Like those exploitative employers who don’t pay part-timers even if there’s a written contract. After all, he’s a great noble, and I’m just a low-ranking one. Right now, I can’t even send a carrier pigeon to the mercenaries. It’ll take at least two days for them to reach Pins, and even if I send a message, it’ll take at least four days for them to come and pick me up. While I’m here,…
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Whoa, whoa. Calm down. I swallowed hard and continued speaking. “...If you agree to the contract, I’ll give you everything I’ve brought at half the price.” “The Auguste family is wealthy enough to afford that.” “Is that so? Well, similar-sized carriages have already arrived not only here at the First Division but also at the Second Division’s camp. It must have cost an astronomical amount to prepare all of this.” “So, this is the Graham Trading Company we’re talking…
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“What?” Duke Xavier furrowed his brows as he looked down at me, a deep crease forming between them. His teal-green eyes, which I had silently admired for their beauty, now held a clear trace of contempt. Perhaps thinking I hadn’t understood him, the Duke repeated himself, enunciating each word carefully. “I’ve already told you before. I have no intention of marrying you, Lady Graham.” “...Marriage?” His sculpted face briefly twisted into an expression of disgust before…
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Xavier gestured toward the entrance of the tent. When Rexton lifted the flap, Jude stood there with a slightly flushed face. Jude glanced at Rexton’s emotionless expression before saluting Xavier. Receiving her salute, Xavier asked, “What is it, Jude? What about Lady Graham?” “There’s something Your Grace absolutely needs to know.” “Something I need to know?” “Yes.” “Come in and report.” Jude, her senses heightened, approached the desk where Xavier was…
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‘Is a reaction time of 0.1 seconds even real?’ “Were you actually planning to kill me? With that bag?” I had been marveling at the Swordmaster’s abilities when his angry voice snapped me back to reality, and I realized what I had done. “……Your Grace, I’m sorry.” I quickly moved the bag aside, only to see blood dripping from the Duke’s palm, which had been struck by the corner of the bag. Oh no, I need to make a good impression, but instead, he bled first. I could almost…
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“Are you being serious? Take it easy, will you?” I was dumbfounded by Xavier’s words. What’s with this electric guitar riffing sound in the middle of the night? “Don’t go fishing for people who are sleeping like tonight.” “Fishing for what?” “I followed you just to say this. Well then, sleep well.” Before I knew it, he gave me a silent bow. Coming to my senses, I realized the Duke’s back was disappearing into the darkness. ‘Ugh, that… that original…
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“Miss, you truly do have feelings for the Duke… So the rumors were true.” “Huh?” Despite my questioning glance, the middle-aged man looked at me with eyes burning with newfound determination and declared, “Miss, trust me. I misunderstood you before, but now I’ll actively help you.” The man, oddly excited, clenched his fists and abruptly stood up from his seat. ‘Oh my, that startled me.’ “Everyone, as the chef of the Auguste Ducal House, I, John Van, have…
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“I’ll be going now.” “Yes, take care.” Barely acknowledging my response, Rexton hurriedly left, holding the cat under its armpits with both arms. It was surprising to learn that Rexton had a cat. Bringing it to the battlefield suggested he cherished it dearly. More surprising was the fact that the strict Duke allowed the cat to accompany him. I slowly got up and looked at my right hand. I could still feel the fluffy and warm sensation. I carefully brought my precious palm to my…
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Inside the command tent. After finishing breakfast, Xavier and his generals were holding a briefing for the next battle. “There are currently no signs of the Moirai forces attempting to cross the Hume River.” “What about the Crown Prince? Have we gathered any information on his beast form?” “Not yet... He hasn’t stepped out of his tent even once.” Xavier stroked his chin with his index finger. “That’s even more suspicious. Given his temperament, he’s not the type to…
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“Mya, meooow!” Both Rexton and I turned our heads simultaneously toward the Duke's tent. “Is that Kiki?” “That can’t be.” “What?” I squinted at Rexton, who seemed to be trying to dodge the question, when I sensed someone approaching from above. “Viscount Rexton!” “Ah, General Jude.” Jude was coming down briskly. “Wait, you need to come here.” “What’s going on?” “Someone destroyed my personal tent and ran away.” “Who on earth…
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“What are you doing to our Kiki?” Just as I was about to kiss Kiki, Rexton returned. His usually neat hair was disheveled. “Oh, Kiki climbed onto my lap, started purring, and didn’t move even when I touched him.” “Do you think it’s okay to kiss him without asking his consent?” “His consent?” Rexton strode over to me and swiftly snatched Kiki away. Dangling in his hands, Kiki avoided my gaze. Ah, so he didn’t like it. “I’m sorry, Kiki. I was too forward,…
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I was startled by the loud thumping of my heart and felt a sudden fear as I tried to make sense of the situation. The sensation of the Duke's lips on my neck was still vivid. Instead of fading with time, the memory burned hotter, as if it had been branded onto my skin. ‘Get a grip, Yuria Graham! That man is someone who could take your head off!’ Thinking that snapped me back to my senses. If I stayed like this, I’d get caught up in something I couldn’t handle! Right now, I just…
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The rhythmic clatter of horses' hooves had become familiar by the time the silhouette of the Auguste ducal mansion appeared in the distance, no larger than a fingernail. “This is unprecedented.” Rexton, who had been silent the entire ride, finally spoke. “What is?” “His Grace sending a carriage for a lady. It’s never happened before.” “Hm, should I feel honored by that?” “…...” Rexton’s eyes wavered, unable to find a proper response. At first, I was a bit…
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I stood at a distance with Maya, watching Xavier’s tent. Soon, the entrance of the tent opened, and Duke Xavier and a man wearing a black mask and a white robe walked out. “Xavier, the funds you provided will be well-used for the refugees of the war.” “Alright. I’ll leave it to you.” The priest patted Duke Xavier on the shoulder before boarding a white carriage. ‘He must have read the note, right?’ I was about to continue on my way after watching the Duke’s retreating…
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‘Come to think of it, the Duke's eye color is the same as Kiki's.’ Xavier roughly tousled his hair and rubbed his face with both hands. “Stop trying to change the subject and answer me. Let’s assume the matter with the Crown Prince was a coincidence, but isn’t it a clear fact that you deceived me?” “I absolutely didn’t deceive you.” “Hah.” I was the one on the verge of a mental breakdown. Why on earth did I end up with the Saintess’s mark on my back? I wanted to grab…
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In the carriage, as the Crown Prince mentioned, there was a priest. When I turned around on the carriage seat, he started healing the wound on my shoulder with holy power from a slight distance. The cool sensation felt nice, but the feeling of flesh filling in on my shoulder was strangely unsettling. The intense pain gradually subsided. However, I sensed the priest who was diligently channeling holy power suddenly flinch and tremble. "What's wrong?" "Oh, it's nothing. Not just your shoulder,…
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Although I couldn’t tell what he was thinking, an incredulous expression briefly flickered across the Duke’s face. In the original story, Rosetta barely escaped being sold to slave traders. However, while wandering the streets of Pins, she encountered three beastmen. After a desperate chase, she arrived at the Pins Clock Tower. ‘In the original story, the Crown Prince arrived at the clock tower before the tenth bell rang, so Rosetta should appear even earlier. All we need to do is wait in…
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Although I couldn’t tell what he was thinking, an incredulous expression briefly flickered across the Duke’s face. Well, of course, he’d find it absurd. A request to save the Saintess who is supposed to appear soon? But, ‘What if I said, “I don’t love you anymore, Your Grace. Why don’t you meet someone else?”’ How would he react? If I were to throw such a blunt statement at him, he might gather every reason under the sun to accuse me of being insolent. Or he might use his…
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The Duke of Xavier glided closer and whispered in my ear. “You said it yourself, didn’t you? That you’re ‘the Duke’s Saintess.’” “That’s—!” His teasing voice sent shivers up my spine, and a ticklish sensation spread to my lower abdomen. I couldn’t resist this man any longer. “...Just this once! Not any mo—mmph!” Before I could even finish granting permission, the soft scent of the man washed over me…
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For Xavier, marriage was insanity. The previous dukes had attributed their deaths to events on the battlefield, so their wives, unaware of the curse of the Auguste family, mostly became widows and returned to their families early on. Of course, they were not afflicted by the curse. However, Xavier’s mother stayed in the Auguste household even after becoming a widow, raising her son well. But she eventually realized that the curse was hereditary and passed down to her son.…
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“Where am I being taken?” Inside the carriage, a black-haired woman with cat-like eyes asked the man sitting across from her in a trembling voice. Rexton, who had been staring straight ahead, turned his gaze to the woman. Despite wearing old and worn-out clothes, the tall and slender woman stood out. Her pale face contrasted with her shiny, long black hair, which only emphasized her delicate beauty. Her jet-black eyes sparkled like stars. However, despite…
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「To Lady Yuria Graham, Congratulations」 How did it come to this? The banner fluttering in front of our mansion’s gates left me feeling deeply unsettled. The temple had announced that they would officially declare Yuria Graham as the Saintess during the victory banquet. Upon confirming the truth with me, my parents were elated beyond belief and promptly hung that congratulatory banner for everyone to see. Since the temple requested that the announcement…
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‘Thank goodness. She seems happy.’ As someone who had twisted the original story, I felt at ease knowing Rosetta was happy. ‘But does the Duke really feel nothing for her?’ I glanced up at Xavier, who stood beside me, observing the scene with calm eyes. ‘Hmm, if I can bring those two together, I won’t have to get married.’ Men and women develop feelings when they keep meeting. Even if there’s nothing at first,…
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Except for the clueless young ladies, no noble dared to pick a fight with me. Those who had been through the ups and downs of this society knew well the position of a ‘saintess.’ Instead, they tried to leave a good impression or make requests of me. For example: “Your Eminence, I never believed the rumors.” “The Goddess has truly sent us someone precious.” “Thanks to the Saintess, we no longer need to worry about a war with the Beast Kingdom.” Or even: “Your Eminence, I…
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I thought he was teasing me again, but Xavier looked unusually serious. His deep green eyes swayed gently with each jolt of the carriage. I must have been staring at him with a flushed face. He was too handsome, and he was acting far too kind. It was strange how his actions caused ripples in my heart. “Please don’t do this without warning. You and I aren’t even in that kind of relationship, Duke.” “You were the one who kissed me first. You stole the…
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If the original story had gone as planned, Rosetta and the Crown Prince would currently be in the midst of a budding romance. However, because of me, the connection between the two was severed. But now, they somehow know each other? A strange sense of unease crept over me, and I furrowed my brows. Rosetta clasped her hands together and gazed dreamily at the ceiling, murmuring as if reciting poetry. “I was so happy that His Highness the Crown Prince welcomed me warmly.” Her black eyes…
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Crown Prince Arthur lightly patted Duke Xavier Auguste on the shoulder, wearing his characteristic affable smile. Despite being slightly shorter than Xavier, his aura was in no way overshadowed. “Haha, why so stiff? It’s not as if the ladies’ lounge is some forbidden territory for men.” “Wouldn’t it be a different matter when someone like Your Highness enters?” “Ah, do you have a precious lover hidden away in here?” Arthur’s gleaming golden eyes narrowed as they locked onto…
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Duke Xavier Auguste and I stayed in the garden for quite a while. It was because the Duke’s hand, which was wrapped around my waist, refused to let go. One by one, the stars began to fill the black sky, which had previously been sparsely dotted. "Your Grace." When I tugged at his hand, surprisingly, he released it without resistance. I placed his two large hands on my lap. The man, who had been like a wild leopard, abandoned his sharp edge and sat quietly like a docile house cat, allowing…
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"Rexton, listen carefully." ...Huh? "Yes, Your Grace." That voice—it’s Viscount Rexton, isn’t it? Something felt off. ‘I’m certain I left the ladies’ lounge and got into the carriage…’ My body was leaning to one side. Cautiously, I opened one eye and saw the side profile of Duke Xavier Auguste. Startled, I immediately shut my eyes tightly. But, of course, a Swordmaster like him would notice. "Awake?" "......" "I know you’re awake, so stop…
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When I suggested we get to work, Xavier responded with a soft smile. “Let’s head to the space I reserved in advance.” Reserved? Was there such a space here? I looked around in confusion. The café patrons who made eye contact with me quickly turned their heads and shrank back. After the commotion caused by the duel, the people who had been watching us didn’t dare make a sound. Having witnessed firsthand that any reckless…
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I pulled my scarf tighter to avoid Viscount Harris's gaze. Xavier, who had been watching me, asked curiously, “Why are you covering your face like that?” “My face has been sold all over Pins—no, the entire empire.” “Ah, you mean the photo with me?” “Yes.” Thanks to the famous Duke, of course. “So what?” “Unlike the war hero Duke Xavier, I have this ‘little…
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Jude, who had returned to the palace, couldn’t sleep and spent the night wide awake. Every time she laid down to rest, her conversation with the Crown Prince replayed in her mind, one thought leading to another. ‘Is it because of Xavier Auguste?’ “Ugh.” Jude abruptly sat up in bed. Her back was drenched in cold sweat. ‘No, it’s not that! His Grace has nothing to do with why I cried!’ Arthur, the Crown Prince, nodded with a…
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While I hesitated, something sweet delved deeper. ‘Ah, his lips are like jelly, and inside is like a burst of syrup.’ I drank it in, again and again, unable to resist. With trembling hands, I clung tightly to his waist. If I didn’t, I felt I might truly lose my senses. So I clung to him even more. After what felt like an endless kiss, he gently caressed my face and held me in his arms. The sound of my heart fluttering like a small bird and Xavier’s loud, thundering heartbeat pounded…
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“Ah, is it because of this outfit?” Jude smiled, her eyes crinkling as she spoke. “Your Grace, have you forgotten that I’m a woman?” Xavier tilted his head, looking at Jude once more before finally responding. “Oh, right.” Concern briefly flickered across Xavier’s face as he wondered if something was troubling Jude, one of his most trusted subordinates. However, he didn’t press further. He wasn’t the type to…
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I nearly choked on the cookie I was eating and started coughing violently, clutching my chest. Rosetta, startled, quickly handed me a nearby water bottle. “Here’s some water! Are you okay? Oh no.” “Cough, a maid?” “I’d be happy to serve as even a simple maid by your side, Saintess!” Was she serious? In the original story, trying to save the heroine had backfired on me before, and now she wanted me to make her my…
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The Imperial City was bustling over the weekend. At the entrance of the famous boutique street in the Imperial City, we parked the carriage, and Xavier and I decided to walk instead. Gentlemen and ladies alighted from carriages at various points, just like us. I placed a hand on my forehead. “To think Mother’s favorite boutique is in the Imperial City.” Lady Naomi certainly had grand tastes. “I thought it would be in Pins too, but mother-in-law truly thinks big.” Xavier playfully…
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Pfft. I was so surprised that I ended up spraying the asparagus in my mouth onto Jude’s face. But wouldn’t you be startled if someone who always wore a uniform suddenly showed up in a dress? Jude’s appearance in a dress overloaded with frills seemed to have left quite an impression on others as well. Although everyone kept their mouths shut since Jude was the Duke’s closest confidant, some couldn’t help but turn their heads away, covering their mouths as their bodies shook with…
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542.0 K • Completed
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Sweat dripped from Xavier’s forehead, clinging to his face and falling to the carpet as he gripped the bedpost tightly. “What’s wrong?” “I-It’s fine. This happens sometimes... at night.” At that moment, I remembered something from the original story. 「He suffered every night because of the curse.」 “Oh, it’s because of the curse.” Despite claiming he was fine, Xavier eventually collapsed onto the bed…
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542.0 K • Completed
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“...W-What are you saying?” My neck felt hot. I couldn’t bear to look at Maya and Rosetta. Rosetta covered her mouth with her hand, throwing me a sly glance, while Maya blinked her wide eyes like a startled bull, her face flushed red. “Ahem. Or... is it so bad that I can’t even look?” Of course. After a few more awkward coughs, the door, which hadn’t budged despite Maya’s efforts, finally…
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542.0 K • Completed
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The imperial capital of the Brillante Empire. The Emperor of the Empire, Charles de Fabian, the symbol and ruler of the nation, sat on a garden chair waiting for Duke Xavier Auguste. The Emperor, with a silver beard that gleamed like the snow of the hundred-year-old snowy mountains, and long silver hair of the same shade, had a warm and gentle appearance, reminiscent of a kind grandfather from the neighborhood. Despite being in his mid-50s, his naturally silver hair gave him an aura that made him…
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542.0 K • Completed
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Why am I seeing things? I've been thinking about him since earlier. But as our boat got closer to the lakeside, that man looked more and more distinctly like Xavier. Rubbing my eyes with both hands, I asked Maya in a daze. "Maya, I think my eyes are going bad. I can see Xavier." "My lady, your eyes are working fine. That is indeed the Duke." "I can see him too." Rosetta chimed in, making a visor with her palm above her eyes, squinting and widening them. "What?" I jumped up in…
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542.0 K • Completed
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"Time to depart!" Finally, the carriage carrying Xavier and me set off after completing our travel preparations. Centered around our carriage, there were quite a few vehicles — knights' carriages in front, servants' carriages and luggage carts behind. Five carriages for the Duke and Duchess moved simultaneously. "How are you feeling?" "I'm fine." I was wearing a comfortable chemise dress. Xavier, in his black uniform, was gleaming as usual today. The style is nice, but it must be quite…
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542.0 K • Completed
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"Could we bathe together today?" I couldn't say no. Sweat trickled down from his forehead, across his cheeks, and beneath his chin. 'Is the curse's pain acting up?' But it's still evening? Remembering our first night, I couldn't easily refuse. How did he manage to hide his pain from me before? Eventually, bath preparations were made in my bathroom, which was larger than the one in his room. Rosetta seemed to want to say something with her flushed, excited face, but Maya must have…
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542.0 K • Completed
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"What are you doing here?" Margaret could only gape wordlessly before breaking into a smile. "I was trying to bring a cushion to the Master and Madam's bedroom, but got confused about where it was." "Is that so?" "It's my first day here, after all." "Then why are you wandering around voluntarily?" A glint of cunning flashed in the woman's black eyes. 'The Duchess's maid… Rosetta was it? She's been following me since the dining room.' Margaret answered cheerfully with the most…
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542.0 K • Completed
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A Russian Blue with sleek grayish-blue fur. The cat buried in black uniform breathed laboriously. Its narrowly closed black eyes seemed like they would never open again. "A beastman...! No wonder the holy power didn't work!" The healer retreated trembling and collapsed to the floor. Watching this, Rexton bit his lip. Unable to hide his bewildered expression, he bowed to me. "It's my fault. In my haste... I called this person. His Grace rarely gets sick, and when he does, Lord Melvin always…
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542.0 K • Completed
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"His Grace has collapsed!" "What?!" The healer and Jude shouted simultaneously. I also asked in surprise. "What?" Soon after, Rexton's brown gaze shifted from the healer to me. "Duch... no, Madam, please come quickly!" Rexton, who always called me Duchess, called me Madam for the first time, but there was no time to think about such things. Xavier collapsed? That's impossible. I roughly pushed aside the tent flap and ran outside. Even as I rushed to Xavier, it didn't feel…
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542.0 K • Completed
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I handed the seasoning container to Rosetta for safekeeping and asked John again. "But why did this appear in front of me?" "That... I'm not sure either." John bowed his head deeply as his voice trailed off. When my gaze fell on them, the maids' shoulders trembled. Some were even on the verge of tears. "It's, it's unfair." "We, we don't know anything. We're not the ones who make the meat seasonings." Some maids looked at John with resentful eyes. Receiving those glares, John turned pale…
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542.0 K • Completed
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Inside another carriage heading toward the neutral city of Berg. The golden carriage gleamed even more magnificently in the sunlight. "How did it go?" "Yes, Your Highness. Margaret contacted us through the magical device. She says the plan was successful." "I see." Arthur de Fabian's eyes sparkled as he looked through the documents. "Who collapsed? Was it the Saintess or the Duke?" "It was the Duke." "We'll be able to confirm sooner than expected." A faint smile appeared on Crown…
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542.0 K • Completed
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Lucas hated his beast form to death. However, he was an eccentric who pathologically loved investigating things, and there was no better method for spying than this cute yet deadly form. In the Beast Kingdom, it was taboo for the ruling class to show their true form. While some had powerful true forms, many were too delicate and cute, which could become a weakness. Especially since while most who transformed to fight on battlefields became large beasts, Lucas was different. Lucas's beast form was…
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542.0 K • Completed
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'W-what is this woman saying?!' Lucas froze in shock. She saw mine? This is insane! The mating season is over, how dare she make such an inappropriate comment! Until now, he'd never felt shame regarding women. Beastmen had specific mating seasons and typically practiced either polygamy or polyandry. But Lucas's situation was somewhat special. 'I'm single, and moreover, I'm a virgin!' "Male?" The Saintess was looking his way. Lucas used his tail to cover his important parts as…
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542.0 K • Completed
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When we left the camp, I was told to dig up that Valian flower or whatever it was called, but no one mentioned how dangerous it would be! Why are they changing the story now? Have I gone mad since entering this book? What is this thought that keeps surfacing in my mind? ‘...This is starting to get a little scary.’ I got chills. If it weren’t for Xavier, I would’ve dropped everything and run away. I closed my eyes tight in fear. The image of a cat lying on a bed flickered in my…
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542.0 K • Completed
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So, this is why it felt like I was being let go too easily. Chloe Liden, who had just turned away with a light heart after finally escaping from the Duke’s mansion, froze in place as her legs stiffened the moment she turned around. Standing right in the middle of the alley entrance, staring intently at her, was none other than the lord of the Duke’s mansion she thought she had safely escaped from—Duke Hughgray Wulfaz. He stood there like a gatekeeper, as…-
412.1 K • Ongoing
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“There’s a woman I must find.” Thud. At Duke Hughgray Wulfaz’s words, Chloe Liden felt as if she could actually hear the sound of her heart dropping. A woman. The word ‘woman’ had come out of the Duke’s mouth. And not just that—he needed to find her? “Ah…” A sigh involuntarily escaped Chloe’s lips. Both the Duke and Sir Joyce, who was listening to the Duke’s orders, frowned as…
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412.1 K • Ongoing
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When the Duke discovers that the personal attendant he had kept by his side for three months, thinking he was a man, was actually a woman, there was no way to predict how he would react. Although he had been like a beast in heat last night, she knew better than anyone how wary the Duke was of women, having observed him up close for the past three months. The Duke despised women so much that he would take a detour if he saw one walking towards him from the opposite direction. For a Duke who hated…
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412.1 K • Ongoing
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However, as a servant, there was no way she could refuse to follow orders. Eventually, she approached right in front of the Duke. "You..... Phew." The Duke started to say something but stopped, furrowing his brow and letting out a long breath. "Did you perhaps... spray women's perfume?" Chloe's eyes widened at the Duke's words after a brief pause. "What? Women? No! What are you talking about!" Chloe's voice rose instantly. Perfume? And women's perfume at that. She was already…
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412.1 K • Ongoing
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"Ugh, really! Chloe Liden, are you a beast?!" A wave of intense regret suddenly washed over her. If she had known he would look for her so seriously, she would never have caused such trouble. But even that wasn't certain. No matter how she thought about it, her condition last night wasn't normal. She hadn't taken any mind-altering drugs, yet she couldn't understand or explain how she had caused such a massive mistake of her life. Ah, wait! She drank alcohol yesterday, didn't…
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412.1 K • Ongoing
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"Yes! Do you have any instructions for me?" Chloe turned around and answered while enviously watching Sir Joyce's back disappear through the closing door. "You handle the information guild request." "Ah!" She would have to make a request to find herself. "Yes, understood. Then, I'll be going now." "By the way, are you feeling unwell?" "Pardon?" Chloe's voice cracked a little. It was an unexpected question. Come to think of it, she had been so tense that she'd forgotten about…
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412.1 K • Ongoing
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A chill suddenly ran down her spine. She couldn't understand why the Duke felt like such a dangerous beast. Was it because of Sir Joyce's words about ‘tearing to pieces’ that lingered in her mind? "Then I'll take my leave." Watching the Duke approach the sofa, Chloe spoke with an air suggesting she had finished her duties and would leave. "No! Sit and drink with me." "Pardon?" Why? This had never happened before. He would always say things like 'leave it and go,' or 'bring it…
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412.1 K • Ongoing
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Hughgray couldn't get proper sleep all night. His head was throbbing as if Clyne Liden's body scent that rose from his nose had penetrated his brain. Finally, in the early dawn, giving up on sleep, he headed to the Second Archive to see if there might be any unknown facts about side effects in the records about imprinting. The Second Archive was a secret archive within the First Archive, where records about the Wulfaz Duchy of wolf beast-people were kept. The beast-people, who were few in…
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412.1 K • Ongoing
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However, Chloe's legs stopped after just a few steps. Running away? What nonsense. Obviously, after the words "We're returning to the ducal mansion" came an unspoken command of "Follow me right now." Though the Duke had left her behind as if giving her the freedom to choose her next action, unless Chloe was a fool, there was no way she could run away. Not when she had left behind a guarantor. This is why guarantors are scary. If she were to cut the noose around her neck and run away, the…
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412.1 K • Ongoing
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Before being discovered about her male disguise and being found out as 'Chloe', his one-night stand partner, she needed to leave this house while the Duke still thought she was a man. Of course, having only worked for 3 months, she would have to pay back nine months' worth of the year's salary she had received in advance. But that was far better than paying a penalty fee or facing punishment. Though she had no idea how to get the money right now, that was something to think about later. She…
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412.1 K • Ongoing
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Chloe carefully watched the Duke's expression as she prepared the tea. "Then, I'll take my leave." "Come and drink with me." The Duke said as he moved to the sofa in front of the table. "No, I couldn't possibly with Your Grace." "It's an order." "...Yes." Chloe clenched her molars and carefully perched herself on the edge of the sofa opposite the Duke. "Since when?" "Pardon?" Just as she was about to lift the teacup to her lips, the Duke's question made her set it back…
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412.1 K • Ongoing
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"Yes. Please speak." Chloe spoke, hoping for an easy question. "Before that, we need some ventilation." Instead of asking his question, he casually ordered ventilation. Though slightly annoyed, Chloe quickly opened the window and returned. "Are there any blondes among the servants working in this house? Blonde hair about this length." The Duke spread his hands about 60cm apart as he spoke. Blonde? Not only were there few blondes, but in this house with only male servants, there…
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412.1 K • Ongoing
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Liking men… Is this really the best solution? But the words had already been spoken, and there was no turning back now. The only option left was to press onward in this direction. Not only cross-dressing, but now having to act as a man who likes men. Life is hard. "What?" The Duke blinked at Chloe. Like someone who had heard something they shouldn't have. "Actually, I'm not interested in women. To be completely honest, I like men. That's why I was trying to leave this…
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412.1 K • Ongoing
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Chloe could only stare blankly at the Duke without being able to respond to his words. "Aren't you hot? Looking at you now, you're wearing quite many layers. Why are you wearing so many? Can you properly assist with my bath wearing all those layers?" As the Duke said, the bathroom air was stuffy, perhaps due to the warm water filling the bathtub. Maybe it felt hotter because she knew the Duke was watching her. "Ah, I get cold easily compared to others, so I need to wear multiple…
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412.1 K • Ongoing
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The Vanished Prince. Kalkus Traskan. The First Prince, son of the First Empress. Despite being second in line to the throne after the Crown Prince, the son of the current Empress, he left the palace and disappeared during his childhood, withdrawing early from the succession battle. The First Empress still resided in the imperial palace, supported by the Emperor's affection, but she had sent her son away from the palace early on. She…
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412.1 K • Ongoing
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"Yes, I'll leave now." Only then did Clyne stagger to his feet and slightly turned his head to look at Hughgray. "Ha, seriously. What's with your appearance? Can you even see like that? Why don't you take off your glasses?" Now he understood why he had been fidgeting with his head earlier. Clyne was wearing his usual thick glasses that covered half his face, looking as suffocating as ever. But now the lenses were fogged up with steam, making one wonder if he could see anything through them at…
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412.1 K • Ongoing
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While the designs differed between men's and women's styles, fundamentally, nightwear in the Elion Empire was a one-piece dress regardless of gender. So when the Duke unbuttoned his nightwear down to his waist and slipped out of it, nothing remained on his body except for the undergarment below. For Chloe, this meant dealing with an unadjustable state of 95 percent nudity. Even though the Duke thought Chloe was a man, still. He apparently didn't believe or care that this man of the same sex had…
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412.1 K • Ongoing
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Inside the door, the conversation between the butler and Wilson continued. "Well... His Grace must have his reasons." "That weak-looking guy seems born lucky with people. Who would even provide a guarantee these days? I thought it was strange from the start." "Must be Clyne Liden's fortune. Both the guarantor and His Grace." "Hmph! That guy looks somewhat feminine. Maybe there's something going on with this so-called guarantor?" "Hey! What are you suggesting? How improper." "Well, it's…
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412.1 K • Ongoing
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Clyne was focused on his translation. All while mercilessly emanating that fragrant body scent. He seemed so focused that he didn't even notice Hughgray had been watching him for an hour. By now, Hughgray had grown accustomed to this state of struggling with the side effects of imprinting that made him lose his mind over Clyne. Since he thought this dizzying obsession with that scent was just temporary confusion until Joyce found the woman, unlike before, he could now enjoy that scent…
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412.1 K • Ongoing
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The next morning. Chloe set down the teacup on the Duke's desk. The Duke glanced briefly at the teacup and returned to reading something without even lifting his head. "Good work. You may go." This was how the Duke used to react before anything happened between him and Chloe. Back when he would usually just tell her to leave the tea. When he had no particular interest in his personal attendant. "Ah! You don't need to attend to meals. I won't call for you again today, so rest…
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412.1 K • Ongoing
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Though she had acted like she liked men, being told so directly left her dumbfounded. Had he not believed it all along? "Well, I wouldn't know about that. Even close friends don't necessarily talk about such things." The fewer lies told beyond the essential ones, the fewer errors there will be in those lies. Chloe tried to stick to the truth as much as possible, except for one crucial lie. "If you're close enough that he would nurse your mother, you must be very close. You could have told…
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412.1 K • Ongoing
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Even though she had told him from the start of the request that it wasn't like that, this guild member had jumped to his own conclusions and even told the elderly couple. She was even more angry because his guess was actually correct. "Anyway, as soon as the old folks heard that, they got excited saying they were right about the woman being a beast-person. When I asked what they meant, they just trailed off saying it was just their thoughts. I left because it sounded ridiculous. Plus it was noisy with…
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412.1 K • Ongoing
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What did he just do to me? Why... is he acting like this towards me? Countless unresolvable questions swirled in Chloe's mind. It was similar to the confusion she felt that moment when the Duke held her frozen hands during their last outdoor meal. That day her hands felt like they were on fire, but today her whole body felt frozen. However, the Duke who had thrown her into confusion had already passed by her and was heading to the bathroom. Chloe hurriedly followed behind the Duke. Her state…
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412.1 K • Ongoing
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