‘I think I’ve come up with a good idea…’
Soon, thoughts followed one after another. I barely held back the corners of my mouth from curling up. Then, putting on a deliberately serious expression, I looked at Duke Yusten and said:
“… How about giving the information His Majesty desperately wants as a gift?”
“Information? How can we get such a thing right away? Explain it in a way I can understand.”
The Duke urged. Pretending to be lost in thought, I lowered my gaze with my chin resting on my hand and continued:
“Recently, His Majesty’s secret investigators secretly visited the southern border region, right? You mentioned in passing that you were quite concerned about that matter, Uncle. Well, I was also concerned, so I looked into what exactly they did in the south.”
“… Ah, now that you mention it, Christine, I remember. The movements of those Yalta and Rugul tribes in the southern border seemed quite suspicious, so the Emperor sent investigators to check on their activities.”
“Yes, that’s right. According to the report from those secret investigators, due to the unprecedented cold wave that hit last winter, the seeds they had were damaged by frost and became unusable, and most of their livestock perished.”
“… Is that so?”
“Yes. As a result, countless people died of starvation. As discontent among the tribespeople accumulated, intelligence suggests that the leaders of the Yalta and Rugul tribes formed an alliance to invade our empire’s border region. The timing… if the intelligence is correct, is about a month from now.”
I paused briefly to catch my breath, then continued.
“But as you know, Uncle, they have always been skilled in crossbows, horseback riding, and ambush tactics. If we fail to stop their invasion, the attacked regions will be devastated. In contrast, our empire’s southern border region that we need to protect is very wide.”
“… That’s right.”
“In other words, we know who the invaders are and when they’re coming, but we don’t know ‘where’ they’ll attack. And His Majesty can’t afford to mobilize all the imperial troops to guard only the south, so he’ll inevitably have a headache over this. So.”
“… So, you’re saying we should find out which route those barbarians will use to invade and offer that information to His Majesty?”
“Yes. That’s exactly it.”
I nodded and answered Duke Yusten’s words. The Duke seemed to ponder for a moment before asking me:
“But how do we find out that information? Do you have some good method?”
“Of course.”
“What is it?”
The Duke urged impatiently. I deliberately paused for a moment before answering.
“Among the empire’s nobles, there’s someone called Viscount Miles. I think it might be possible through him.”
“Miles? Was there such a noble in the empire?”
“… Yes. Why, you know him. He received the Tusa territory in the western outskirts of the capital as his fief, and he’s raising an only daughter about Danae’s age.”
“Ah. Right. There was such a person. The fool who was driven out of the Leitin Count’s family for eloping with a barbarian, became a provisional noble, and then regained his viscount title through the knighthood exam and returned to the empire’s social circles. Why him?”
When I gave a subtle hint, the Duke finally seemed to remember and hit his palm with his fist as he spoke.
I nodded slightly and said to the Duke:
“His wife, Viscountess Miles, is from the Huchi tribe, isn’t she? I must have mentioned it before, surely you haven’t forgotten?”
At my words, the Duke clicked his tongue briefly in displeasure and replied:
“How am I supposed to remember everything about that insignificant viscount, let alone his wife’s background? Isn’t it enough to know that he married a barbarian? And from what you’re saying, it seems Viscountess Miles is neither from the Yalta nor the Rugul tribe, so how can she find out information about those two tribes?”
“… You know one thing but not the other, Uncle.”
“What?”
When I slightly mocked him, the Duke shouted in anger. I smiled at him as if to calm him down and then said:
“… What if that Huchi tribe has been in long-standing conflict with the Rugul and Yalta tribes? So… what if they’re more aware of those two tribes’ movements than anyone else?”
“… What?”
“In other words, through Viscountess Miles, we might be able to find out in advance about the expected invasion routes of the two tribes that His Majesty so desperately wants to know.”
I said with a meaningful expression.
Duke Yusten’s eyes widened as if he finally understood the intent of my words. Then he clapped his hands on his knees and exclaimed loudly.
“I see! As you say, if we use him, we can obtain the information the Emperor wants!”
“Yes. If this succeeds, His Majesty will not only be grateful, but he’ll also be deeply indebted to you, Uncle. After all, you’ll have prevented the citizens of the southern border from suffering great harm.”
“Right. You’re correct! Oh, Christine! I really can’t trust anyone but you!”
Duke Yusten rejoiced greatly and reached out to pat my shoulder.
I forced a smile while suppressing the urge to scream in disgust. At the same time, I glanced sideways at Danae sitting across from me.
‘Huh….’
At that moment, I almost burst into laughter, forgetting the situation I was in.
As expected, Danae was pouting and crushing the cookie in front of her with a spoon. I observed her irritated expression and thought.
‘Danae, you always want everyone, at every moment, to look only at you and talk only about you. Is that why? You always couldn’t stand it when Uncle, Duke Yusten, relied on my knowledge and focused on my words.’
So, was that why you stole my fiancé and led me to death? Because you couldn’t stand even that little bit of attention directed at me?
I let out a bitter laugh as I mulled over these thoughts. I couldn’t help but sneer. Danae, it’s precisely because of that trait that you’ll be ruined in this life. Thinking this, I sorted out what to say in my mind. Then, at an appropriate moment, I opened my mouth.
“So, Uncle.”
“Yes?”
“To secure Viscount Miles’ cooperation, how about Leonard and I attend the birthday party of Viscount Miles’ daughter next weekend?”
The Duke slightly furrowed his brow and asked me:
“To secure the viscount’s cooperation…?”
“Yes. From what I’ve heard, Viscount Miles cherishes his only daughter so much that he would gladly give his life for her. But because she’s of mixed blood, not a pure-blooded imperial, she’s been subtly discriminated against and hasn’t even had her social debut party yet.”
“And?”
“If news spreads that Leonard and I will attend the party, all the nobles under you and Duke Klein will want to attend as well. It might turn out to be as grand as a debut party for a count’s daughter.”
“Are you saying you’ll help with Viscount Miles’ daughter’s social debut? And use that opportunity to build a relationship and get information about the Yalta and Rugul tribes’ invasion from Viscount Miles?”
“You’ve grasped it perfectly, Uncle.”
I answered with a gentle smile.
Duke Yusten looked stunned for a moment, then exclaimed in admiration:
“Yes, that would work! I wondered why you suddenly brought up the birthday party, but you had such a plan.”
“Yes, Uncle.”
“Thank you, really thank you. Then I’m counting on you, Christine.”
“Yes, you can trust me.”
I replied to the Duke in a reliable voice, then glanced sideways at Danae. It was to check her expression.
As I expected, her face was contorted with anger, turning red and blue. She was already upset about being left out of the conversation, and now hearing that Leonard and I would go to the party without her made her even more furious.
I inwardly mocked her as I watched her. Soon, I expected the reaction I had anticipated from her would burst forth.
“Father! About that viscount’s daughter’s birthday party. Can’t I attend too?”
It was exactly as I had predicted.
Barely suppressing the laughter that was about to escape, I put on an expression of apparent difficulty and said to her:
“Danae, I’m sorry. That might be a bit troublesome.”
“Why? Do you think I’ll interfere with your work?”
Danae asked in a sharp voice. I deliberately remained silent.
Danae looked at me with displeasure and pouted her lips. Then, with a pleading expression, she turned to her father, Duke Yusten, and said:
“Father, please let me go to that party too! Please?”
“… Danae.”
“I promise I won’t interfere with sister at all. Please? Father. Please. Since the day we returned from the imperial palace until now, I haven’t been able to take a single step outside the mansion because of the confinement order. It’s suffocating.”
Duke Yusten’s expression softened as he looked at Danae.
The Duke finally let out a big sigh, then turned to me and said:
“… Since Danae wants to go so badly, I can’t stop her. Christine. Take Danae with you to Viscount Miles’ daughter’s birthday party.”
“Yes, Uncle.”
I answered with a stern expression, nodding my head.
Then Danae smiled brightly like a blooming flower and hugged me and Duke Yusten with both arms.
“Wow! Thank you, Father! Thank you, sister!”
“Ho ho. This child, really!”
I heard the Duke’s laughter and Danae’s affectionate nasal voice from above my head.
I smiled along with them, embraced by Danae’s arms.
All the while inwardly laughing at these foolish and evil people who had fallen into the excellent trap I had set.
Male lead is a clingy little husband
One-line summary: The male lead is initially an arrogant, noble, love-deprived brat, later a cute, clingy, scheming little jealous one.
Introduction:
One day, Lu Yuner’s soul transmigrates into a female-dominant world. She enters the Imperial Academy and takes up the position of a doctoral instructor, teaching classes and grading schoolwork.
One day, she encounters the young prince Su Qingwan secretly skipping class from the male academy.
As a result, Su Qingwan is punished.
From then on, Su Qingwan sees Lu Yuner as a “thorn in his side”.
But before long, this “thorn” becomes the person he cherishes most, and he goes to great lengths to win Lu Yuner’s affection.
Mini scene 1:
One day, the sun is high in the sky but Su Qingwan still hasn’t gotten up for class.
Servant Xiaoyuan: “Young prince, it’s time for class. You’ll be late otherwise.”
Su Qingwan says arrogantly: “I’m not going. I am the esteemed prince, my status is so noble, why should I suffer this hardship? Besides, isn’t learning all this just to please women? Hmph, they’re not worthy!”
Mini scene 2:
After Su Qingwan falls for someone, he completely changes. He no longer skips class and diligently learns how to be a good husband and father. But he discovers that Sister Yuner is always surrounded by admirers.
Drunk and overcome with jealousy one day, he clings to Lu Yuner, crying beautifully like a pear blossom in the rain.
Su Qingwan: “Qingwan likes Sister Yuner.”
Lu Yuner: “Young prince, you’re drunk.”
Su Qingwan: “Qingwan isn’t drunk. Qingwan likes Sister Yuner, likes you so much, likes you to bits…” Before he can finish, Lu Yuner’s eyes flash with emotion and she leans in closer.
[Reading Guide]
1. The female lead is gentle, gracious, humble and polite but not weak. The male lead is initially an arrogant, noble, love-deprived brat, later a cute, clingy, scheming little jealous one.
2. 1v1, a bit torturous in the beginning but definitely sweet later on.
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