I Was Meant to Be the Evil Wife, But the Cold Marquis Fell for Me - Chapter 11

That evening, they shared dinner together. The menu Liliana had planned with the housekeeper and chef.

Though few words were exchanged, the atmosphere at the table was calm and comfortable.

“Rest well. Tomorrow, let’s have breakfast together again,” Leivis said afterward, before returning to his own room.

Liliana prepared for bed and retired to her chamber. Even after lying down, a warm sensation lingered in her chest.

(It feels as though Leivis is still here.)

She couldn’t forget the feeling of his magic guiding her. The warmth of his hand, his scent, the piercing gaze of his golden eyes. Her body grew hot, her heartbeat quickened.

(I can’t sleep!)

Excited by the new sensation of magic, she rose from bed, retrieved the crystal Pillar he had given her, held it tightly, then carefully returned it to the drawer. Sitting back down, she closed her eyes, trying to recall the feeling of his guidance.

Behind her eyelids, tiny lights floated like stars. She tried to gather them into a crystal, but they scattered before taking shape. Opening her eyes, she found nothing in her hands—only the faint trace of magic.

(Leivis said he made his first Pillar at age four. It must take years of training.)

Disappointed, yet strangely exhilarated, she drifted into sleep.

The Next Morning

At breakfast, Liliana greeted him nervously.
“Good morning, Lord Leivis.”
“Good morning.”

Bathed in soft morning light, he looked slightly drowsy. She hesitated, longing to ask for another lesson in magic, but swallowed her words.

Leivis noticed. “Liliana, is something wrong?”
“Ah… no…”

She faltered, unwilling to speak in front of Elina, who was nearby.

“Nothing at all.”
“…I see,” he said, sounding faintly disappointed.

Later, as they walked the corridor, Leivis stopped and turned to her.

“What were you about to say earlier? No one else is here now.”

Alone together, she gathered her courage.
“…Could you teach me again how to draw out magic?”
“Of course.”

He agreed readily, even looking pleased.

“I’m interested in your magic as well. It might even help my research. But only if you’re willing.”
“If I can be of use to you, I’ll gladly do anything!”

Her eagerness made him avert his gaze, his face faintly flushed.

Liliana felt joy too. Her magic could serve a purpose beyond childbearing.

(If our relationship improves, then when he eventually chooses Elina, he’ll send me to the convent kindly.)

But the thought of him with Elina made her chest ache.

“…Liliana?” he asked gently.

She gasped. “It’s nothing…”
“You don’t seem fine. Tell me if something troubles you.”
“…Do you have someone you’re interested in?”
“You.”

He answered without hesitation.

“…Not like that—” she stammered, thinking of Elina.

(Does he know about her true power yet?)

But there was no sign he did.

“I don’t understand your meaning,” he said.
“Forgive me. It was a strange question.”
“No need to apologize. Whatever you’re worried about, know this: right now, I’m captivated by you.”

(He means my magic… right?!)

His words were dangerously ambiguous.

“I’d like to continue this later, but I may not return tonight. Tomorrow evening or the next, we’ll have another lesson. I promise.”
“Yes… Please take care, Lord Leivis.”
“Thank you. I hope you spend your day peacefully… though that may not be possible.”

His cryptic tone made her blink. He smiled wryly.

“Ask the butler for details. Don’t strain yourself. I’ll be off now.”

With that, he strode away. Liliana watched his back for a long while.