Living a Scheming Marriage with a Mad Villain - Chapter 34

“Thanks to you, a wonderful cake…”

 

“You do know it was Derwin who picked it out, right?”

 

Of course… I could tell right away it was something Derwin had arranged…

 

“Yes, Derwin… picked a nice cake, haha…”

 

Seeing how he didn’t even try to hide his displeasure, it seemed like this answer was also far from what he wanted.

 

What kind of answer does Reus really want?

 

He wouldn’t have called me here just to say he’s giving me a birthday present, would he?

 

As soon as I thought that, Reus got straight to the point.

 

“I want you to tell me what you’d like as a gift.”

 

I calmly looked at Reus’s face.

 

But surprisingly, there was no hidden meaning behind it. He seemed to be saying—quite literally—that he wanted to give me a birthday present.

 

“Are you saying… you want to give me a birthday gift?”

 

Even as I asked, I couldn’t help but be doubtful inside. But Reus gave a slow nod.

 

So then… why?

 

I debated whether or not to just ask him the reason—at least a dozen times. But since Reus didn’t seem to be in the best mood, I decided to hold my tongue.

 

Still, something I need, huh…

 

I can’t think of anything.

 

Thanks to the servants who were always eager to give me more, and Shanette, who sent anything nice straight to the Grand Duke’s estate, I was already enjoying more luxury than I deserved.

 

“I don’t really need anything…”

 

I was just being honest, but the moment I said that, Reus’s eyebrows twitched.

 

Why… now what…?

 

“Even if it’s not something essential, there must be something you’ve wanted, at least a little.”

 

Somehow, I had a feeling this conversation wouldn’t end unless I said something.

 

So this time, I gave it a bit more thought.

 

What I had really needed was a warm room, good food, and a peaceful place to be alone—but I got all of that when I came to the Grand Duke’s estate.

 

Hmm… then, something I’ve wanted…

 

A new identity and a ticket to Veliata.

 

Other than that, nothing comes to mind… Oh! There is one thing.

 

Something I genuinely needed—and also made a good gift.

 

“If it’s something I’ve wanted… then yes, there’s one thing.”

 

“What is it?”

 

“A bag.”

 

“A bag?”

 

Reus’s expression softened noticeably after hearing my answer.

 

So saying something really was the right move.

 

“Yes, a bag. I realized I don’t have anything to carry my belongings in when I leave this place. Oh—! I don’t mean I’m taking the things here with me. It’s just that I’ll have to take a ship, and the trip will be long, so I’ll need to pack a few things…”

 

Just a moment ago, he didn’t seem too upset.

 

“I can’t… take one of the bags here… with me…”

 

But the more I spoke, the more tense the air around us became. My words trailed off, and eventually, I shut my mouth completely.

 

It’s not like I asked for anything expensive…

 

When a woman travels alone, carrying something expensive just makes her a target for thieves. I was going to say a cheap cloth bag from the marketplace would do…

 

But never mind. I feel like saying more might really get me in trouble.

 

As I quietly lowered my head, Reus let out a barely audible sigh. Then he spoke again, sounding a bit weary.

 

“A travel bag… Fine. I’ll prepare two. And?”

 

And?

 

I only looked up, but it was as if he could already sense my confusion and wanted to cut it off with his firm tone.

 

“And?”

 

“Uh… and…”

 

I tried to think of something else to say, but nothing came to mind—because I hadn’t thought of anything else.

 

“Then… maybe two bags?”

 

I thought that wasn’t such a bad answer.

 

“Sigh”

 

Reus pressed his fingers against the edge of his brow, then sighed like the ground might collapse beneath him.

 

“Bags… fine, two it is. I’ll prepare two travel bags. But next time, I expect a proper answer.”

 

That was the last thing he said before I was practically thrown out of his room.

 

Why is Reus doing something so out of character?

 

Whatever the reason is, one thing’s for sure—this won’t be a gift without strings attached.

 

So… does he want to ask me for something?

 

I kept thinking about it after that day, but couldn’t come up with an answer.

 

I spent days in confusion before finally deciding to confide in Derwin about what happened with Reus.

 

“His Highness?”

 

“Yes”

 

“What…? A birthday present, from him? He can barely remember his own birthday.”

 

We sat together and shared theories, but it was no use.

 

Now there were two of us worrying instead of one.

 

“Could it be… I upset him somehow?”

 

“W-What? What could you have done wrong, Your Grace? No way! That’s impossible!”

 

“Well…”

 

There was something that had been on my mind.

 

No, unless Reus had suddenly gone mad, this had to be it.

 

“Actually, it was when His Grace had just returned…”

 

“When he returned… don’t tell me—!”

 

“I insisted on treating his wounds…”

 

Derwin frowned deeply, as though I’d just told him something quite troubling.

 

“What should I do, Derwin?”

 

“I’ll look into it, Your Grace. Please don’t worry too much!”

 

Maybe I shouldn’t have done anything in the first place—just like Derwin said. Then none of this would have happened.

 

I felt terribly uneasy.

 

Derwin decided that today, he would speak plainly to Reus.

 

But for some reason, his master looked as moody as ever. And as always—at the end of that gaze—was Her Grace.

 

It was driving him mad.

 

Sure, maybe Her Grace had made a mistake, but it wasn’t out of bad intentions. Her only fault was that she couldn’t ignore someone who was in pain.

 

She was someone who never complained, so for her to come talk to him personally must have meant she was deeply troubled.

 

Yet his cold-hearted master remained as displeased as ever.

 

What could she have possibly done so wrong…?!

 

As Derwin silently fumed, Reus—

 

What’s she doing over there? That’s dangerous…

 

Loelle had come out for a short walk and was now standing near a gardener with large shears. Reus’s full attention was locked on her, afraid she might get hurt.

 

“Your Highness.”

 

“Your Highness?”

 

Only after being called a second time did Reus turn his head, reluctantly. He looked irritated at being distracted from watching Loelle.

 

Despite the chilly stare, Derwin bravely opened his mouth and brought her up.

 

“Is there something suspicious about Her Grace?”

 

He asked, intending to investigate and clear up any doubts. But Reus’s face contorted like he’d just heard the most ridiculous thing.

 

Flustered, Derwin quickly clarified:

 

“N-No, of course I don’t mean I think that way about Her Grace! Absolutely not! I only asked because… you’ve been watching her very closely lately.”

 

But Reus’s reaction was… strange.

 

He looked genuinely confused. As if he hadn’t realized he’d been doing that—until someone pointed it out.

 

Have I really been watching Loelle Ivelle that much?

 

Enough for even my oblivious assistant to notice?

 

“If there’s anything, please let me know. I’ll investigate thoroughly.”

 

If only there was something to investigate.

 

For Reus, it was torture. Whenever he came to his senses, his mind—and eyes—were always on Loelle. How could he possibly explain that to Derwin?

 

With no excuse at hand, Reus decided to just send him away.

 

“Isn’t it time for you to be at Loelle office? You should go.”

 

“Yes, Your Highness.”

 

Derwin, dismissed before he could say much, left looking gloomy.

 

Only the soft rustle of leaves could be heard in the quiet office.

 

So I’ve been watching Loelle Ivelle all this time…

 

He admitted she was a fascinating woman. He admitted she had strength of character he didn’t. He even admitted he’d been observing her unconsciously.

 

He’d admitted all that—and yet hadn’t realized his behavior had changed.

 

Outside the window, Derwin reappeared. At that moment, Loelle saw him—and smiled brightly.

 

Unlike how she always seemed tense and forced a smile in front of Reus, this smile was natural and full of joy.

 

That realization made his chest feel strangely tight.

 

He unbuttoned his shirt, thinking it might ease the discomfort—but it was no use.

 

Looking at the clock, it was already past 11 PM.

 

“Derwin, thank you for today. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

 

“You did a great job today, Your Grace.”

 

I always told myself I’d get off work early for Derwin sake, but it wasn’t that easy. There was still so much to learn, and the work itself was fun when I got into the groove.

 

Also… with Reus becoming so touchy lately, it made me hesitate to head to the bedroom.

 

But tomorrow—I really will get off work early.

 

Because of me, he’s been doing things he didn’t plan for, and working late every night—how frustrating must that be? And yet, Derwin always showed up with a cheerful face. I was truly grateful for that.

 

Feeling unexpectedly reflective, I headed to the bedroom.

 

I carefully opened the door. The room was so quiet, I could hear the dust settling. But before I could feel relieved, the sound of rustling blankets broke the silence.

 

So Reus isn’t asleep again today.

 

He used to stay away from the bedroom often, and even when he did come back, he’d enter much later than me and leave before I even woke up.

 

But lately, whether it was because his schedule had lightened or something else, Reus always got to bed before I did—and stayed even after I woke up.

 

Soon, he turned his head slightly to look at me, making my body freeze up on reflex.

 

“You’re not asleep yet?”