I Was Marked as the Grand Duke Male Lead’s Stepmother - Chapter 15

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 15

“Don’t say such nonsense.”

Morgan narrowed his brows at Rino.

‘That cunning bastard. What do you mean led away during a walk? And tempting?’

Morgan cursed Rino inwardly while secretly feeling relieved.

He had arrived just in time when Rino was about to make a move on Marisselle.

‘I knew this would happen.’

As Morgan stood glaring at Rino, Marisselle hurriedly offered her chair and urged him to sit.

“Ah! Lady Marisselle, a new chair will come soon-“

“Governess! Not lady.”

Morgan found it quite irritating that Rino called Marisselle a lady.

“Heh heh. Understood. Governess Marisselle, the chair will come soon. Don’t worry about it.”

Then Morgan pulled the chair over and sat right next to Marisselle.

“Ah. Your Highness, please try this too. I’m not sure if it will suit your taste.”

Unlike with Rino, Marisselle felt nervous when Morgan joined them.

“Why are you cutting the meat with scissors?”

“Ah. Today’s meat needs to be cut with scissors for the flavor. If it’s uncomfortable, I can prepare it again-“

“It’s fine. Don’t bother. I was just asking because it’s the first time I’ve seen this method.”

Morgan was displeased that Marisselle seemed uncomfortable around him.

‘Why is her attitude different from how she treats Rino.’

And he didn’t want Marisselle to leave to get new utensils.

Of course, someone else could go get them, but knowing Marisselle’s personality, she would obviously insist on going herself.

“Huh? Butler Porel is coming with chairs, and it’s not just one but two? How did he know…?”

When Abilene stood up and spoke, Jeffrey quickly ran over to receive one of the chairs.

“Has Your Highness arrived?”

Porel spoke as if he had been waiting for Morgan to come.

“Put one chair here for Marisselle to sit, and the other one over there next to Rino.”

That meant he wanted Marisselle to sit next to him and for Porel to go sit next to Rino.

Porel smiled slightly and placed his chair next to Rino and Mary before sitting down.

The atmosphere became somewhat tense with the arrival of the highest master, but Rino and Fleur seemed to be enjoying themselves.

Rino was quite amused by Morgan’s reaction, and Fleur was happy to see his uncle and Marisselle sitting side by side.

* * *

Fleur went to bed earlier than usual that day.

How wonderful must the party have been for him to be smiling even in his sleep?

He said he would just lie down on the bed for a moment before washing up, but ended up falling asleep, so I had no choice but to skip bathing for today.

It’s not like anything terrible would happen from not washing once, and waking him from his peaceful sleep didn’t seem worth it, so I boldly let it pass.

Thanks to that, I was also able to wash up early and finish my daily routine before lying down, so it was good for both of us.

Anyway, having Fleur participate as the main character of the party was truly an excellent choice.

He liked it more than I expected and was so happy…

I was so moved that tears almost welled up in my eyes.

There was a bit of a variable with Rino and Morgan showing up in the middle, but it was still quite successful.

But the person I thought would leave quickly ended up staying for a whole hour.

‘Wasn’t he busy…?’

Hmm…, he must have been working, but I can’t understand how he spontaneously took out an hour, and it’s also strange that he only got up when Rino did.

‘Gasp! Could it be…, does he like men…?’

Ah! No. In the original story, he fell madly in love with the female lead.

What a foolish imagination.

‘Anyway, if he can spontaneously spare an hour, doesn’t that mean he could secure about two hours in advance?’

This was definitely a good sign.

I had been waiting for an opportunity to bring up the picnic topic. The possibility of making the picnic plan happen faster than expected had opened up.

‘I should ask Porel or Rino to help arrange an appointment.’

But when Rino said I become more tempting the more he gets to know me, what did he mean by that?

Just when I was about to ask, Morgan appeared and I couldn’t ask.

‘He’s really no help at all.’

I can’t just go find him and ask for one simple answer.

‘Could it be… does he like me?’

Rino is the likeable type. With his cheerful smile, he understands women’s hearts, he’s kind, caring, and good at socializing.

The problem is that he clearly shows signs of being a playboy.

Which means he’d be somewhat unreliable as a marriage partner.

I’ve already experienced a man who was kind to everyone in my past life.

Of course, I was also at fault for mistakenly thinking he was only like that with me.

So when someone like Rino approaches me, I guess I naturally become wary first?

Anyway, it’s true that I develop prejudices.

In my past life, after being strung along twice, I was too scared to even date.

Sigh. The side effects were quite severe.

Since I’m naturally trusting, I considered it lucky that I didn’t fall for bigger scams, but the wounds were unavoidable.

After that, I questioned everything, became suspicious, and sometimes lived with constant ‘whys.’

Anyway, I’ve resolved to live a new life now, but this isn’t easy either.

I feel like I’d need to be around twenty-four to comfortably date, but the problem is that twenty-four is almost an old maid in this world.

Well, as they say, even straw shoes have their match. I must have a match somewhere. I want to believe that.

If not, there’s always arranged marriage according to the customs here.

Looking at Marisselle’s parents, they’re people who prioritize Marisselle’s safety and happiness above all, so that wouldn’t be too bad either.

‘Wait, then. Should I ask what Marisselle’s parents think of Rino?’

If they say he’s fine, maybe he really is?

…But honestly, this is also awkward to ask about. If I ask, they might think I’m interested in Rino and push for marriage.

‘Ah, missing that chance to confirm makes everything so frustrating…’

Pfft.

‘What’s this? I guess my life is pretty good now. Having such luxurious thoughts.’

I laughed, feeling like I was indulging in unnecessary extravagance.

* * *

Nearly three weeks after the party, I still haven’t seen hide nor hair of Morgan.

In these three weeks, I successfully completed separating bedrooms with Fleur, so what’s this about a three-week business trip?

They said it’s in the Southern Outskirts, quite a distance away, taking a full week just to travel back and forth.

Still, they said he’ll return tomorrow, so I should ask Porel to arrange an appointment in advance.

Just as I was thinking this, the first floor was unusually noisy.

‘What’s going on?’

Peeking down from the second floor, I saw Porel hurrying out to the Foyer. Then the servants quickly followed behind Porel.

“Did something urgent happen?”

Just in case, I quickly came down the stairs.

As I stepped down the last stair and looked up, I saw Porel and the servants standing at attention on both sides of the Foyer.

And at the same time, I saw Morgan handing his gloves and coat to Porel.

‘Wow! He’s back!’

I was so happy that I ran over with quick steps to join in the greeting.

“Welcome back?”

“…?”

But his reaction was cold. No, he even looked displeased.

‘Why is he like that? Did I make some mistake?’

I turned my head to look at Porel.

Porel looked surprised and troubled. I had a gut feeling.

I made some big mistake.

“…Ah, Your Highness. I was just so happy to see you. Please forgive my rudeness.”

The only thing I could think of was that I didn’t use honorifics with the Grand Duke and spoke somewhat casually, so I apologized first.

But strangely, his reaction was even colder and more indifferent.

On top of that, he looked at me with contemptuous eyes and asked.

“So you knew it was rude but did it on purpose?”

“What? Absolutely not. I really did it out of joy at seeing you. I’ll make sure to use proper honorifics from now on.”

“Honorifics?”

“Yes. I should have said ‘Have you returned?’ instead of ‘You’re back.’ That’s where I was discourteous, wasn’t it.”

Then Morgan stared at me intently as if trying to bore holes through me. I really thought holes might actually appear on my face.

I didn’t even know what I had done wrong, but receiving such cold, piercing looks made me feel both embarrassed and wronged.

I was barely suppressing my complicated feelings when, thankfully, he withdrew his contemptuous gaze, told Porel to prepare some light refreshments, and strode toward the study with long steps.

‘Phew…’

I unconsciously let out a sigh of relief.

The servants looked at me with pity as I was left alone, and as time passed, the embarrassment and shame gradually rose up, making me feel like I might cry.

‘What on earth did I do wrong?’

If only he would tell me, I could at least apologize and fix it.

I felt wronged and hurt for no good reason.

Once he completely disappeared from view, I grabbed Porel and asked.

“Porel, what did I do wrong?”

“Well, that is…”

Porel hesitated for a moment, then leaned close to my ear and explained the meaning of what I had just done.

“Whaaaat?”

I thought I might faint from shock the moment I heard it.

That action was something only the lady of the house would do.

My feelings of disappointment and injustice completely vanished, and I understood him.

‘Oh. This is driving me crazy. No wonder his expression soured. He had every right to be contemptuous.’

But how was I supposed to know that’s how it would be interpreted?

Come to think of it, Viscount and Viscountess Manua were like that too. I just didn’t know it was something only married couples should do.

Looking back, it seems the original Marisselle was not only uninterested in such matters but also ignorant about them.

I had been singing about having absolutely no interest in such things. What must he think of me now?

He probably sees me as a shameless woman who says one thing but secretly schemes for the position of Grand Duchess while cracking sunflower seeds behind his back. That I’m finally starting to show my true colors.

I’m so embarrassed I want to crawl into a mouse hole. Really.

What if he suspects the Fleur picnic matter is also me making advances?

That can’t happen… Am I going to get kicked out at this rate?

Oh. No!!

I have to clear up this misunderstanding somehow. And as quickly as possible.

“Um…, Porel?”

“Yes. Please speak, Governess.”

“I really didn’t know that had such meaning. I don’t want His Highness to misunderstand me as a shameless person who’s after the position of Grand Duchess. I want to clear up this misunderstanding quickly. As you know, Porel, my heart is only focused on taking good care of Prince Fleur, right?”

“Of course. How could I not know?”

How could Porel’s words of understanding sound so warm? I felt like I had gained a thousand troops and ten thousand horses.

“Thank you, Porel. For believing in me. So, could you please arrange an opportunity for me to clear up this misunderstanding?”

“Don’t worry, Governess. I’ll mention it to him. And I hope your misunderstanding gets resolved well.”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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