I Was Marked as the Grand Duke Male Lead’s Stepmother - Chapter 28

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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 28

 

And the book slid smoothly out of its place.

 

“Thank you, Spen… ser-?”

 

I turned around, inwardly praising Spencer’s thoughtfulness for coming to help me even though I hadn’t called for him.

 

“Huh.”

 

It wasn’t Spencer.

 

“Why, why… Your Highness…?”

 

So shocked that I lost my balance and was about to bump into the bookshelf, but faster than that, his arm wrapped around my waist and pulled me toward him.

 

“Uh, um…”

 

From the momentum, I ended up pressed against his chest.

 

A firm chest. A cool menthol scent that tickled my nose.

 

A dangerous and dizzying atmosphere filled the air.

 

‘Hup. This is too dangerous.’

 

“Ah, Your Highness. Thank you.”

 

I offered my thanks to try to escape from his embrace.

 

Despite that, he didn’t release the arm wrapped around my waist.

 

‘Why isn’t he letting go? We’re too close.’

 

Just as I looked up at him questioningly.

 

“Are you alright?”

 

A gentle voice reached my ears.

 

Our eyes met.

 

‘What? Why are his eyes so tender…?’

 

My heart started beating foolishly fast.

 

‘No. Look away! Quickly!’

 

I turned my eyes away. His gaze was so deep and tender that I felt like I might be enchanted. It was dangerous.

 

“I, I’m fine. And th-thank you.”

 

I answered with my gaze averted and eyes cast downward.

 

“Shouldn’t you at least look at someone’s face when thanking them?”

 

Again, that gentle voice reached my ears.

 

“And sorry I’m not Spencer.”

 

“Pardon?”

 

Surprised by his gentle but somewhat sarcastic tone, I reflexively looked up.

 

“I wasn’t hoping it would be Spencer. It’s just that only Your Highness, myself, and Spencer are here, so I naturally assumed it would be Spencer.”

 

“Now you’re finally looking at me.”

 

“…?”

 

‘Don’t tell me he did that on purpose because I wasn’t looking at him?’

 

He smiled, lifting the corners of his mouth as if he had finally received a satisfactory answer.

 

“But… Your Highness, could you please… your arm…”

 

Being pressed so close together for such an unnecessarily long time was making me quite anxious.

 

But he just smiled and actually pulled me closer.

 

‘Hup. No, why is he pulling me dangerously closer?’

 

I was so flustered that no words came out.

 

“No.”

 

“Pardon?”

 

What is he talking about now?

 

“This is the second time you’ve tried to fall in front of me. At this point, isn’t this some scheme using chivalry?”

 

“What?”

 

‘What kind of absurd statement is that?’

 

Does he think I’m trying to seduce him right now? That I stumbled on purpose?

 

It was ridiculous. I felt wronged too.

 

Sigh. I took a deep breath. I couldn’t just stay silent like this. I had to defend myself.

 

“Your Highness. I-”

 

But at that moment, he moved his hand from his waist and extended his index finger to seal my lips like a latch.

 

“Shh! Stop. I know what you’re trying to say. Don’t say it.”

 

He raised one eyebrow and blocked my words.

 

‘What. How does he know what I was going to say.’

 

A feeling of injustice welled up inside me.

 

I wanted to bite this wicked finger that was blocking my lips.

 

“Were you that upset? I understand. Let’s say there was no misunderstanding.”

 

He chuckled softly and gently wiped the corners of my eyes with his fingertips.

 

‘Don’t tell me I even had tears welling up?’

 

How upset must I have been…

 

But saying let’s pretend there was no misunderstanding.

 

Why is he making all the decisions by himself, playing both sides.

 

And the one who’s actually making moves is you, so don’t call it making moves.

 

Being timid, I couldn’t say it out loud and only argued internally.

 

Wait. Making moves? Don’t tell me, really. Does this man like me?

 

Even if that were true, nothing would change.

 

Just because he likes me now doesn’t mean he’ll continue to like me forever. It’s likely just a passing fancy.

 

He has the powerful destined love from the original story.

 

Who could stand against the pull of fate?

 

‘Give it up. No matter how much you might like me, it’s just a pipe dream.’

 

I shook my head to prevent even the slightest possibility from taking root in my mind.

 

“Does shaking your head mean you want me to say it’s real, not a misunderstanding?”

 

“Pardon?”

 

Hah. The timing… I couldn’t help but sigh.

 

“No, that’s not it. By the way, did Your Highness also come to look for books?”

 

I hurriedly changed the subject.

 

“Of course, I came to the library to look for books. Is there any other reason to come?”

 

“Ah, yes… That’s true…”

 

A lukewarm voice escaped from my mouth.

 

‘Of course.’

 

I felt strangely relieved by his sarcasm.

 

“What, did you want to hear that I came looking for you?”

 

“Pardon?”

 

‘Why is this man acting like this.’

 

“No. Your voice was full of disappointment. I thought maybe you were feeling hurt.”

 

As he said this, he laughed quietly, making his Adam’s apple bob.

 

‘He’s teasing me.’

 

Have I now been reduced to a plaything? I felt bitter.

 

“If there’s something you’re looking for, shall I help you find it?”

 

“No, Your Highness. I wouldn’t be of any help in finding what you’re looking for, and I think I should take the book you retrieved and go to the lovely young master.”

 

“What, am I not lovely?”

 

‘Why does this man keep acting like this?’

 

They say when you hear something too absurd, you’re left speechless. That was exactly how I felt right now.

 

Without realizing it, I frowned deeply.

 

“Don’t look at me like that. It’s scary. I can’t even joke around.”

 

But contrary to his words, he kept chuckling as he looked at me.

 

Then he took the book and strode over to the long table where Fleur was sitting, placing it down with a thud.

 

Fleur looked at Morgan and jumped up from his seat with joy.

 

“Uncle!”

 

“Yes. Have you been well?”

 

“Yes. Let’s go on another picnic next time.”

 

Fleur immediately started talking about the picnic.

 

He showed a kind smile in agreement.

 

‘Yes. Good job, Fleur.’

 

I used Fleur’s words about wanting to spend more time with Morgan as a signal to broach the subject.

 

“Um, Your Highness? I have something to tell you…”

 

He turned his head toward me.

 

“Now? Here?”

 

“Ah, it would be a bit difficult here, so if you could spare just a little time, just a very little bit… I would be grateful.”

 

He stared at me silently for a long while, then opened his mouth seriously.

 

“Then tonight at 11 o’clock. Let’s meet in the study.”

 

I had been nervous that he might find some fault again, but his unexpectedly ready agreement suddenly made me relax.

 

“Yes. Thank you, Your Highness. Then I’ll see you then.”

 

“Very well. Fleur. Enjoy reading your book.”

 

He gave Fleur a warm farewell and walked over to the desk where Spencer was.

 

After saying a few words to him, he left. I could see Spencer immediately start taking notes as soon as he was gone.

 

It seemed to be a list of books to find.

 

Once his figure completely disappeared, I also opened a book with Fleur to stay true to our original purpose.

 

“Young Master, was there a rhinoceros in there?”

 

“Mm-hmm. No. But there are lots of other amazing pictures so this is fun too. Marisselle, you find the rhinoceros.”

 

“Yes. Let’s do that…”

 

Fleur, focused on his book, looked like a little scholar. A cute little scholar.

 

As Fleur requested, I began quickly flipping through the thick book page by page, searching for a rhinoceros mainly through the pictures.

 

When I had passed the halfway point and reached about three-quarters through, I finally spotted our target.

 

“Found it!”

 

Unable to contain my joy, I clapped my hands dramatically.

 

“Really? Where, where? Let me see, Marisselle. Hurry~”

 

“Here.”

 

I pushed the book in front of Fleur to show him.

 

“Wow! So this is what a rhinoceros looks like. It’s amazing!”

 

Fleur exclaimed in wonder at the rhinoceros illustration.

 

“I wish I could see one in real life…”

 

Fleur murmured, having learned that they couldn’t be seen in the empire.

 

“When Young Master becomes a proper lord of the Duke’s Household, you’ll be able to see one. When you become an adult, you could ask your uncle and travel to see them. Of course, you’d need to have skills that your uncle would approve of.”

 

“I will. I’ll develop skills that uncle will approve of. Then I’ll definitely see a rhinoceros and lots of other amazing things too.”

 

“Yes. Of course. Our Young Master can do anything. Absolutely.”

 

Fleur’s eyes were filled with determination, as if he had made some grand resolution inside.

 

We stayed for about two more hours after Morgan left before departing.

 

That night, Fleur went to bed early. Whatever dreams he was having, his face was smiling like a Hahoe mask.

 

Seeing him like that made my eyes crinkle and the corners of my mouth turn up as well.

 

I left the soundly sleeping child behind and returned to my room.

 

Thanks to Fleur going to bed early, I had time for a quick wash.

 

I chose a light dress so I could simply undress and sleep immediately after finishing our conversation.

 

‘Is my bare face too plain?’

 

My skin was good enough that there wasn’t much difference between a lightly made-up face and a bare one, but I wondered if going without makeup might be rude. It was a dilemma.

 

But applying makeup again late at night to a face I had already washed seemed too troublesome and tiring.

 

“Ugh. What am I worrying about? He probably won’t even care whether I’m wearing makeup or not.”

 

Using lack of time as an excuse, I left the mirror and headed to Duke’s Office.

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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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