The Obsessive Male Leads Want to Eat Me Alive - Chapter 35

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 35
“It’s a small gesture of my affection, my lady.”
Tremble, tremble.
His small gesture was quivering left and right a hundred times per second? Oh, what a nervous young gentleman.
I accepted the flower with a gentle smile, and in that moment, our hands brushed briefly.
“…!!!”
The little chestnut’s delicate hand darted away like a startled squirrel, disappearing behind the sofa.
Oh dear, I must have frightened the child.
“Thank you so much, sir.”
Yet this gentlemanly little chestnut fell silent for a moment.
Bijeje, who had been watching, called out his son’s name with a puzzled tone: “Kyle?”
After a brief moment of deep breathing, the little chestnut spoke.
“I-I’m terribly sorry. My heart is racing so.”
How adorable this little chestnut gentleman is, goodness.
I had to suppress my laughter to keep from snorting with amusement.
The boy’s fingertips, now visible again from behind the sofa, had flushed a deep crimson.
“My lady.”
“Yes?”
Despite his bashful demeanor, his manner of speech and accent were unmistakably aristocratic.
“Once I come of age, would it be permissible for me to propose to you formally?”
…Such a bold declaration from a ten-year-old!
Was this the ‘beastly nature’ that Bijeje had mentioned about Kyle?
I glanced subtly at Bijeje’s expression.
He was beaming with pride, his eyes gleaming with encouragement directed at the sofa behind which his son hid.
‘I cannot refuse.’
If I did, it seemed both father and son would spend the night wrapped in their blankets, sobbing in unison.
I answered with a delighted smile.
“Of course, sir.”
Besides, by the time little chestnut grows into adulthood, he’ll have forgotten this promise entirely.
Hmm, our little one seems so small—I should give him a ride on my shoulders too.
“Just as I’ve heard from Marquis Winston, Kyle seems to be as gentlemanly and splendid as they say.”
“…!”
Kyle fell silent for a moment.
Only the little chestnut head visible behind the sofa fidgeted with embarrassment.
I laughed quietly to myself.
Then Bijeje, Marquis Winston, answered proudly on his behalf.
“Of course! My son truly is a charming man. I’d love to show you more of that side of him… Ah, Anette, would it be alright if we invited you to dine at House of Winston?”
“Pardon?”
‘You’re inviting me to the Marquis’s estate?’
This is ridiculous—even a prospective father-in-law is being this pushy!
‘Is being a bulldozer a family trait?’
Bijeje must have read my expression, for he hastily added something.
“Not today, of course. I simply wish to show you around Taran Boulevard—the Empire’s most vibrant district—and perhaps purchase some books for you.”
“I apologize, Marquis, but that seems like it would be too much trouble.”
“As your patron, I wish to do at least that much for you. Modestly, of course.”
“My patron, you say?”
I was genuinely startled.
The patron I’d been so curious about since yesterday—was it Marquis Winston?!
Before my eyes, wide with shock, the innocent Bijeje smiled with dimples that deepened adorably, bashfully rubbing the back of his head.
He was embarrassed.
His embarrassment only made him more handsome—like a youthful form sculpted by the gods themselves with affection.
“The truth is, I found myself sponsoring you without quite realizing it. Because I’ve taken a liking to you.”
“…!”
Oh no, people will misunderstand if they hear that!
Please clarify that it’s as a father-in-law, Marquis.
‘A bulldozer patron with such an angelic face, quietly eyeing a daughter-in-law candidate.’
Could the true obsessive in this novel actually be Bijeje?
Toward Bijeje, who cared for me—unremarkable as I was—and even sponsored me, I felt gratitude and affection.
Now that I’d actually met my mysterious ‘patron,’ the distance between us had narrowed considerably.
In truth, living in the Forest, I rarely had the chance to visit bustling districts.
I’d always wanted to see Taran Boulevard, the Empire’s premier thoroughfare. I’d heard the crêpes sold there were absolutely delicious.
Besides, if I grew closer to the young master, perhaps he’d tell me where he’d seen me before and why I’d caught his eye?
‘And I’d finally see his face.’
Surely he wouldn’t be carrying a sofa around even in the bustling district.
As I was thinking such things, a small voice came from behind the sofa.
“It would be my greatest honor if you would come, my lady.”
‘The child has worked up his courage so earnestly.’
I should respond in kind. I broke into a broad smile.
“I’d love to.”
“…!”
“…!”
Both father and son clenched their fists simultaneously and shouted “Yes!” They looked like a large rice ball and a small rice ball, which made me chuckle slightly.
‘Their actions are identical, like a pair of fish-shaped pastries.’
I laughed softly. Their joy at my acceptance lifted my spirits as well.
“Then please accept this, Anette.”
“What is this, Marquis?”
The object Marquis Winston offered was small enough to fit in the palm of my hand, fashioned in the shape of a brooch.
At its center gleamed a pearl-sized green mana stone, surrounded by intricate patterns wrought in gold.
At a glance, it was clearly a valuable item.
“A reusable teleportation brooch.”
“…!”
In this world, not only were supernatural abilities and magic rare, but magical artifacts themselves were precious commodities. Yet this wasn’t even a single-use item—it was a reusable teleportation device! I couldn’t even begin to estimate its value.
Of course, it would lose its magical properties after two or three uses, but it would still be worth as much as a necklace studded with diamonds.
‘To gift something like this so readily.’
His wealth truly reflected his sincerity.
As I stood before him, unable to hide my curiosity while observing the magical artifact, Bijeje knelt on one knee and met my gaze gently.
“If you press this jewel with a click and place your hand on it, you’ll teleport directly to Marquis Winston’s Estate.”
“Ah.”
“The distance from The Forest to Marquis Winston’s Estate is quite considerable, so the little lady would grow weary traveling by carriage. Why not teleport directly to the Marquis, have an early meal together, and then venture out to the bustling district afterward?”
…So character really does correlate with handsomeness.
Wait. ‘Then why is Heinrich’s character…?’ My thoughts began to spiral before I shook my head vigorously.
Then I answered with a gentle smile.
“That sounds wonderful, Marquis! I think it will be truly enjoyable.”
Bijeje smiled with delight.
“Then I’ll send an invitation in four days.”
I had witnessed several instances where a patron invited their group to visit, and Mimosa always graciously accepted.
Spending time with a patron was something the Forest actively encouraged.
Thanks to this, I could give an immediate answer.
“Yes, I’d love to.”
“Oh, and be careful not to let your clothes touch the teleportation artifact by accident.”
Hmm, the clothes shouldn’t touch it before my hand does?
As I stood there puzzled, Bijeje leaned in and whispered carefully to me.
“If your clothes touch it first, only the ‘clothes you’re wearing’ will teleport.”
“…!”
* * *
‘Oh my, I need to be careful.’
After exchanging farewells with Bijeje, I carefully slipped the teleportation artifact into the pocket inside my dress.
If my clothes accidentally teleported away at the Imperial Palace, well—I didn’t even want to imagine it.
I was shaking my head, pressing both cheeks with my hands, when—
Heinrich suddenly appeared around the corner.
“Sister! What’s going on? I’ve been looking for you. Where have you been?”
“Oh, just…!”
‘If I tell him I just got a marriage proposal, that temperamental little pup might tear down the Imperial Palace.’
I smiled awkwardly as I gazed into those beautiful violet eyes, so firmly set with personality.
Just then, Julius approached from behind and spoke.
“I heard you requested to end today’s socialization training, Anette.”
“Yes, I wanted to go home. Julius.”
Please.
There’s a terrifying prince here!
The nightmare I had momentarily forgotten while meeting the angelic Marquis came rushing back.
Julius adjusted his glasses with a smooth motion and spoke.
“There are still many nobles to greet, but I’ve determined that pushing too hard during the first socialization training would be unwise. Besides, since Anette performed well today, I believe we should conclude here.”
“Yes!”
Heinrich expressed his delight loudly. Of course, I felt considerably relieved as well.
“Then, shall we offer our thanks to His Highness the Prince for inviting us and take our leave?”
“…What?!”
What did you say? Julius, wait a moment. Who exactly are we thanking?
“Ah, he’s arriving now.”
As I stood there in confusion, I spotted a tall figure approaching from a distance with measured steps.
It was Prince Gerard.
Beneath his dignified silver-gray hair, those cool crimson eyes suddenly felt terrifying anew.
Gulp—
While I swallowed nervously, Heinrich and Julius offered him respectful bows.
I managed to lower myself a beat too late.
“It’s a shame you’re leaving so soon. It would be nice if you enjoyed the banquet a bit longer, Anette.”
The cool light in his eyes warmed as he looked at me.
‘…Gerard remembered my name?’
I’d only mentioned it once.
Did he simply have an excellent memory? Or did he take a special interest in me?
“Was there something lacking in the Imperial Palace banquet?”
“…No, Your Highness. The banquet was splendid and you treated me well, but I grew a bit nervous and felt unwell.”
“That’s unfortunate.”
At my careful, model-student response, the Prince gently extended his hand to stroke my head. It was at that very moment.
“…!”
The image flashed before me—his merciless form as he severed the High Priest’s neck.
Without thinking, I flinched and stepped back, and Gerard stared at me intently.
“….”
At his gaze, which suddenly turned sharp and piercing, my heart pounded wildly.
If he discovered that I’d witnessed the murder and taken his cigarette case, I would die, wouldn’t I?
Just like Arthur High Priest, silenced by death for knowing the secret.
It was at that moment. Gerard’s sharp gaze moved downward with a subtle motion.
Toward the pocket where the case was hidden.
‘Oh God!’
I squeezed my eyes shut.

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