I Was Meant to Be the Evil Wife, But the Cold Marquis Fell for Me - Chapter 44

After everything ended, Leivis collapsed asleep on the sofa in his chamber. Since the night of the ball he had not slept at all—investigating the intruder, repairing the castle wall, questioning the servants, auditing the accounts, even testing whether Liliana could lift a flowerpot.

Liliana wished he would rest properly in his bedroom. She gazed at his sleeping face.

Earlier, when she had checked on him, he had half-awoken and asked her to stay. Somehow, she had ended up giving him her lap as a pillow, and he slept peacefully in that position.

She could not move, nor did she want to.

(So defenseless…)

Smiling faintly, she gently smoothed his hair. He stirred, opening his golden eyes slowly.

“…How long have I slept?”
“About thirty minutes since I came.”

At her reply, his face stiffened. Realizing his position, he flushed slightly, sat up quickly, and straightened himself.

“…You stayed here all this time?”
“Yes. If you’re still tired, you should rest in bed.”

He shook his head.

“No, this is enough… Forgive me, for sleeping on you.”
“Please don’t worry.”

Her smile drew a faint smile from him.

“Lord Leivis, thank you. For believing in me.”

She bowed deeply, expressing gratitude. He had trusted her, unmoved by Elina’s lies, seeking truth instead.

“I only confirmed the facts. That was possible because you had earned the trust of those around you. And—”

He paused, meeting her eyes.

“Believing you is natural.”
“…Thank you.”

She knew the cold side behind his kindness. If she truly had been a wicked wife, he would have condemned her without hesitation. He bore the duty to protect House Elsdean, to continue its bloodline.

She respected him for that. His severity made his trust all the more precious.

“I will repay the money sent to my family… even if it takes my whole life.”

He raised his brow, shook his head.

“No. This time it will be considered aid to your family.”
“But then—”
“Only this once. Next time, consult me first.”
“No, from now on I will refuse them outright.”

Her firm words made him smile faintly, pleased.

“…Good. Still, they are kin. If the use is proper, I will help. But I will investigate thoroughly, and if it is waste, I will force them to liquidate assets.”

His calm, precise judgment made Liliana straighten unconsciously.

“If they approach you directly, I will not forgive it. I have already warned them.”

—When had he done that?

“If you have troubles, tell me. Even if it’s just about dinner menus.”

His gentle tone eased her heart. Yet responsibility pressed heavier.

(How can I repay him…?)

He had done so much for her.

She thought as he slept. There was only one answer.

(The one thing I can give…)

She must fulfill it. She breathed deeply, steeling herself.

“Lord Leivis…”
“Yes?”

His golden eyes met hers. She forced down her trembling heart.

“Shall we have a child?”

Bearing an heir—that was her role. It was the only way she could repay him.

“……”

Silence filled the room. His reaction was not what she expected.

“Liliana, I am glad… but I said I would wait until you truly wished it.”
“I do wish it—with you!”

His eyes flickered.

“…Truly?”
“Yes.”

Her heart pounded. She clenched her hands, summoning courage.

“I want your child, too.”

It was her honest feeling.

“……”

Silence again. Anxiety spread. Had she erred?

Then he spoke.

“…In magic theory, there is a phenomenon called resonance.”
“Y-yes…?”

She faltered at the sudden shift. His face was serious.

“The theory existed, but I had never seen it until now.”

He drew a small hexagonal crystal from his chest. The pillar they had created together.

“Legend says—when a man and woman of high magic, deeply in love, unite, resonance occurs.”

His golden eyes studied the crystal.

“This contains both our magic, perfectly blended. I have never seen such beauty.”
“……”

Liliana gasped.

Her feelings for him had taken form, lying in his hand. Her heart raced, as if all her love was exposed.

“Liliana. Do you think this is proof of love?”
“Eh… I…”

Her voice trembled.

“I believe it is.”

His words were firm.

—Proof of true love.

The crystal shone before her, proof of her love for him, and his love for her.

He handed it to her.

(Beautiful…)

She received it, warmth filling her chest. She saw their magic perfectly mingled within.

She breathed deeply, nodded.

“…Yes. I think so too.”

Her feelings overflowed.

“I love you, Lord Leivis.”

Blushing, she met his gaze.

“When we made this crystal… and now, even more—I love you.”

His lips curved in joy.

“And I love you. Truly, with all my heart.”