I Was Marked as the Grand Duke Male Lead’s Stepmother - Chapter 51

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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 51

 

Watching Morgan, who was just staring in a dazed, enchanted manner, Bronte smiled triumphantly to herself.

 

‘I knew this would happen. Hohoho.’

 

“Your Highness? Your Highness!”

 

“Ah, ahem. Pretty.”

 

Morgan finally seemed to come to his senses and cleared his throat unnecessarily.

 

Then he turned his head and gestured for them to move on to the next outfit.

 

He must have turned his head because he didn’t want to show his reddened face… but what to do, I already saw it.

 

“Ah! Yes, yes. Next!”

 

Bronte did a little shoulder dance inconspicuously and pushed Marisselle back inside.

 

As Marisselle went in, she saw Morgan who couldn’t even look at her properly and let out a small laugh.

 

‘How cute.’

 

As if he never got tired, every time Marisselle came out wearing a different dress, Morgan would blush with a dazed expression as if he were suffering from a fever.

 

Marisselle found watching Morgan’s reactions unexpectedly entertaining.

 

Thanks to that, Marisselle was able to finish the difficult fitting process somewhat less strenuously.

 

Bronte selected three dresses based on Marisselle and Morgan’s opinions.

 

Then she had Robert consult with Marisselle to choose accessories that would match the dresses, while she brought a men’s catalog to Morgan and subtly presented it to him.

 

“Your Highness. Here are the men’s formal wear that would match Lady Marisselle’s dresses – this one, this one, and this one. With slight modifications, they become completely different outfits. If you two wear them as a set to the debutante ball, you’ll undoubtedly be the best couple. Hohoho.”

 

“…?”

 

Morgan looked questioningly at Bronte, who naturally used the word “couple.”

 

Bronte flinched momentarily under Morgan’s gaze, but knowing he wouldn’t refuse, she responded coyly.

 

“Oh, perhaps I overstepped my bounds, Your Highness.”

 

At the word “couple,” Morgan had already finished imagining himself holding hands with Marisselle and attending the debutante ball together.

 

“No. Do it.”

 

Morgan hadn’t even thought about dressing like lovers in matching outfits, but he was rather grateful for the suggestion.

 

‘She’s good at reading situations.’

 

“Then I’ll quickly take your measurements. Please stand up for a moment, Your Highness.”

 

Bronte smiled brightly and quickly measured and recorded Morgan’s dimensions.

 

Meanwhile, Morgan glanced at Marisselle.

 

He didn’t know what she was choosing, but her brow furrowed and relaxed, her eyes widened and narrowed – she was busy.

 

‘How cute.’

 

A smile unconsciously appeared on his lips.

 

‘Oh my. If this goes well, I might even get to make the wedding dress myself?’

 

Bronte caught a glimpse of Morgan’s smile and thought to herself.

 

Even though she had finished taking measurements, seeing that the accessories discussion was still ongoing, Bronte didn’t miss the opportunity to increase sales.

 

“Your Highness. The accessories side seems to be unfinished still, would it be alright if you joined us and gave us your valuable opinion?”

 

Morgan noticed Bronte’s scheme, but wanting to adorn Marisselle entirely with his things, he was rather pleased with her suggestion.

 

“Oh my, what are you pondering so deeply about?”

 

Bronte interjected cheekily.

 

“In my opinion, this aquamarine, blue and purple sapphire earrings and necklace would suit you well, and this tiara-style hair ornament and this, this… also, this…”

 

Robert listed jewelry and shoes that would suit Marisselle, looking more at Bronte and Morgan than at the indecisive Marisselle, wanting confirmation of his taste.

 

“Hmm… they all certainly suit the young lady, which makes it difficult indeed. Which ones do you prefer, Your Highness?”

 

Morgan spoke with a calm expression as if he couldn’t understand why they were worrying.

 

“Is there really a need to worry so much?”

 

“…?”

 

Marisselle, who had been examining the jewels so closely she almost buried her nose in them, looked up in surprise.

 

Without her noticing when he had come, he was right beside her.

 

Then he spoke as if it were truly no big deal.

 

“We’ll purchase all the recommended items. Bill the Duke’s Household for the cost, and now, let’s wrap this up.”

 

Morgan was concerned about Marisselle, who already looked quite tired, and wanted to let her rest as soon as possible.

 

“What? Your Highness. We only need to buy what’s necessary, no…”

 

Marisselle was so flabbergasted that she could barely get her words out properly.

 

‘This expensive thing…’

 

I was planning to casually ask Robert about the price, then pretend to hesitate because it was too expensive, act like I didn’t like it, and have the jewels removed…

 

‘What the. But why is this man smiling so unsettlingly.’

 

Morgan stared intently at Marisselle with a mischievous face, then opened his mouth with a smile that curved even his eyes.

 

“Just work as much as you receive.”

 

‘Geez. Just how much does he plan to work me?’

 

Marisselle was so dumbfounded that she just stared blankly at his mouth, but he didn’t give her a chance to object and quickly turned around, showing his back as he walked away.

 

“Ah! No, Your Highness!”

 

Marisselle urgently called out to Morgan, but he only hurried along his way as if he hadn’t heard.

 

She tried to lift her dress and chase after him, but before she could even take a step, he had already left the room.

 

‘Why are his steps so fast?’

 

She had no choice but to give up chasing him, but it was an excessive gift. He had expressed his intentions so clearly before leaving that it wouldn’t be proper to return it either.

 

But the burden was still a burden.

 

“No. What kind of work and how much does he plan to make me do…”

 

From Marisselle’s grumbling remark, Bronte immediately sensed that this was Morgan’s unrequited love.

 

‘Your Highness. Stay strong!’

 

Bronte clenched her fist and sent heartfelt encouragement inwardly.

 

Then, Marisselle approached Bronte and spoke to her.

 

“Bronte? How much do the dress I first wore and the long earrings with diamonds cost?”

 

“Oh my! Miss! Why? Are you planning to place a separate order?”

 

Bronte read Marisselle’s thoughts brilliantly, and Marisselle nodded.

 

While doing so, Marisselle didn’t forget to bargain, asking for a discount since the Duke’s Household had purchased many expensive items.

 

‘Oh?’

 

Bronte found such a Marisselle interesting.

 

“Oh my! Of course I should give you a discount. But when are you planning to wear it? During this debutante?”

 

When Bronte asked with sparkling eyes, Marisselle shook her head vigorously.

 

“Then when are you planning to wear it? Such a tempting dress…”

 

When Bronte narrowed her eyes and asked playfully, Marisselle gestured for Bronte to bring her ear closer.

 

And whispered.

 

“When I’m alone, for self-satisfaction. Well, it would be nice if someday comes when I can wear it.”

 

Then Marisselle laughed “ho ho ho” as if a bit embarrassed.

 

Bronte was momentarily stunned by such unexpected words. But she couldn’t help but laugh heartily right away.

 

‘What an interesting young lady’

 

“Please send the bill to the Manua Barony.”

 

Marisselle said with a bright smile, pleased with the clothes.

 

“I will. By the way, it’s been truly a long time since I’ve looked forward to a debutante like this. Ho ho ho.”

 

Bronte was looking forward to the stories about Marisselle’s attire and other things that would be heard in high society after the debutante.

 

Marisselle wanted to ask why Bronte was so excited, but she was tired and it seemed like the conversation would get long, so she gave up asking.

 

Team Bronte thus finished all their schedules, prepared contracts and bills, and left the Duke’s Household.

 

After the bustling Bronte team left, the Duke’s Household felt quieter than usual, as if a typhoon had swept through.

 

* * *

 

News that Madame Bronte’s team had visited the Duke’s Household spread widely throughout high society.

 

The renowned high-ranking noble young ladies felt like they had been hit on the back of the head, yet on one hand, they were pleased.

 

When a banquet was scheduled, Ludia Atelier had to be visited after Bohra went first to avoid trouble.

 

Otherwise, the greedy and wicked Bohra would often retaliate using her family’s influence.

 

But Marisselle, who had never once shown her face in high society, preempted Ludia Atelier and dealt a blow to not only Bohra but everyone.

 

Though they didn’t know for sure, it was obvious that the person most shocked and hurt in their pride would be Bohra. Why wouldn’t they be pleased!

 

With just this one incident, Marisselle had already unintentionally become a celebrity in high society.

 

Another thing, who would Marisselle’s cavalier be at this debutante?

 

With this much speculation – some saying it must be Morgan, others saying it’s not that much – there were even people making bets.

 

Bohra, who had to hear stories about Marisselle and Morgan being linked together wherever she went, was extremely irritated with Kazuri for making things this bad.

 

‘That bastard ruined everything!’

 

“Aaaaaaahhhhh!”

 

Bohra couldn’t contain her boiling rage and let out a shriek.

 

Even though she had used every means possible to find out about the dress and accessories Marisselle had chosen, Bronte wouldn’t tell her.

 

She tried coaxing gently, bribing with money, and even threatening, but nothing worked.

 

She should be the one who stood out the most, but she couldn’t bear the anxiety of what would happen if Marisselle outshone her and became the center of attention.

 

“My cavalier absolutely has to be Morgan…”

 

Bohra muttered to herself while gnawing on her fingernails.

 

‘There’s still no reply to my letter. Should I send another one? Or maybe visit in person?’

 

He wasn’t someone she could meet just by visiting. She couldn’t know his schedule in advance either.

 

“Ah!”

 

Then Bohra, as if something had occurred to her, had the maid beside her call for the butler.

 

“Miss, you called for me?”

 

“Yes. Plant some people near Duke Yohaim’s residence. When the Duke goes out, have them follow him to his destination and report to me.”

 

“…Near the Duke’s residence, you say? The vigilance against the Count’s family is already severe… If the Count finds out…”

 

“Then make sure he doesn’t find out. Why are you being so dense! Just stay far away and follow. Then the Duke will just think they’re passersby!”

 

Annoyed by his uncooperative attitude, Bohra immediately spoke irritably.

 

“I need to meet Morgan to try something. Tch. And when exactly is Mother coming?”

 

The butler, used to this routine, spoke calmly without any change in expression.

 

“Madam will likely need a bit more time. But surely she’ll come before your debutante, won’t she?”

 

The butler’s words were merely meant to appease Bohra. The Countess, who lacked family affection, rarely kept her promises.

 

This trip too – she had left saying she’d come before the debutante, but there was a high chance she wouldn’t come.

 

Bohra knew this as well, so she glared at the butler openly and snapped back.

 

“Just handle what I told you to do properly.”

 

The butler took a moment before bowing his head and speaking.

 

“…I’ll do it if the Count permits after I report to him. I’m sorry…”

 

“Ahhh! Fine. Don’t do it! I don’t need it! Get out of my sight right now!”

 

Bohra was so furious she shouted and fumed, unable to contain her anger.

 

After the butler bowed and quietly left, Bohra called for her close maid.

 

“Saelin. Pick out some tight-lipped ones and bring them here. Give them some money.”

 

Saelin grasped her master’s intention, gave a brief answer, and hurriedly left the room.

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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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