“It’s not hard. How about Tediel?”
“…….”
“Nickname, Teddy.”
Was it not good? She had spontaneously suggested a name, but his expression darkened even more.
“If I’m bad at naming…”
“No. I like it very much. Tediel… Teddy… Thank you. I’m grateful for the name you’ve given me.”
He couldn’t possibly know his life better than those who lived it. But she knew his life was anything but comfortable.
Tediel, who spent his life in the dark cells of a slave market, might think of running away, now that he has freedom for the first time.
Even then, it didn’t really matter. Eventually, he would appear as he did in the original timeline.
‘Then… I’ll just be a wealthy hypocrite…’
Regardless, the future will change. Cesenia was betting on Tediel as a pawn.
“What’s there to thank for?”
She couldn’t say much, unable to reveal the truth.
Then, Tediel kneeled and kissed Cesenia’s hand.
“If you do not wish it… I will not do it.”
“No. A sign of loyalty is necessary. I bought you, after all.”
“Yes.”
“Live comfortably here.”
“As you wish, my lady.”
He never had salvation in his life. The closest thing to it might have been when a patron brought him to the palace and he was recognized as a prince.
His life before death was tragic. As a young child, he was abused by strangers, and later, he lived like a beast in the slave market.
It was unclear whether he was targeted for having imperial blood, or if his mother was involved, or if there was another faction. Yet, Cesenia wanted to be his savior.
Cesenia felt compassion for Tediel, who was around her age and noticeably lean.
She gently stroked his hair, and he quietly closed his eyes, seemingly comforted by the gesture.
After a while, Cesenia stepped back.
“Well, I should be going now, Teddy. Take good care of the cotton.”
“Yes.”
That was all he said. Having said all she needed to, Cesenia headed to the carriage where Lizbeth and Rohan were waiting.
“Ah, miss. Is it okay to leave him like that? What if he runs away? Shouldn’t someone watch him…?”
“It’s fine if he runs away. But he won’t. Teddy won’t.”
“Why do you trust him so much?”
“Just do.”
Rohan still looked puzzled, but Cesenia climbed into the carriage and gazed out the window at Tediel.
“If he really runs away, you’ll have wasted your money.”
“Didn’t you hear me? If that happens, I’ll just think of it as a wealthy person’s empty pretense. So, let’s leave it at that.”
Hearing this, Rohan sighed deeply and nodded in agreement.
“Alright, if you say so, miss… I have nothing more to say. Let’s return. I will continue to check on him.”
“Okay.”
Like a puppy watching its owner leave, Tediel watched the carriage drive away, not taking his eyes off it. Cesenia couldn’t precisely discern his emotions. Was he happy? Did his pride hurt from being sold to such a young lady? Was he plotting an escape? She didn’t know.
However, Cesenia felt somewhat relieved. At least he could live a more humane life now.
She felt comforted, sensing that she was gradually changing the future.
Ten more days passed since that day.
It seemed like it had been a little over two weeks since Cesenia had returned to this time. Winter’s cold was expected to hit in about two weeks, and there were no issues with her business.
Rohan kept her updated on Tediel, who diligently worked on the cotton. It was so well done that the quality of the cotton was even better than when they first received it. Rohan didn’t like Tediel, but he admitted that Tediel’s physique was exceptional.
“He seems born to wield a sword, with well-developed muscles. He’s thin, so it was quite noticeable.”
Though Rohan didn’t favor Tediel, he seemed to have developed an interest in teaching him swordsmanship. Meanwhile, Tediel had gained some weight and, due to his quick learning abilities, had read all the few books available in the storekeeper’s quarters.
‘Quite satisfactory, indeed.’
The Male lead Always Seduces Her with His Beauty (Matriarchy)
Xin Jiao Zhou is the leader of the world’s premier sect. She has just experienced betrayal from all sides, was poisoned in an assassination attempt, and faced death squad attacks while the poison was taking effect. After finally clearing out the scum from her sect, she was drugged again while trying to detoxify.
After waking up from a night of unconsciousness, she gained a “beautiful and kind-hearted” husband.
Xin Jiao Zhou: “???”
He fell ill.
She came to see him, bringing breakfast.
As she put down the breakfast and was about to leave, his hand slipped while holding the spoon. “Clank!”
She turned around upon hearing the noise.
He looked up at her, his eyebrows drooping: “My hand… has no strength.”
“Shall I… feed you?” she asked tentatively.
He opened his mouth cheerfully: “Ah—”
Thinking she was drowning, he jumped in without hesitation to save her, but nearly drowned himself. In the end, it was she who swam over to rescue him, giving him air underwater.
After emerging from the water, his ear tips turned red. He lightly brushed his cheek, tucking his sideburns behind his ear, revealing delicate, pink-tinged ear tips. He lowered his gaze, too embarrassed to look at her.
Xin Jiao Zhou: He’s truly beautiful, kind-hearted, and adorable.
A certain someone when disciplining subordinates behind the scenes: “If they don’t obey, just kill them.”
What’s that? She might already have someone she cares about in her heart? A certain someone: Find out who it is, kill them, and then there won’t be anyone.
What? She met a man by the riverside? What? That man even hurt her? A certain someone: Whichever hand hurt her, chop off his entire arm.
Love at first sight without realizing it, gradually falling in love, slowly getting closer…
Family and national grudges, schemes and desires, good and evil, crime and punishment, she and he face the future together, seeking justice with passion!
A naturally dark female lead who could accidentally destroy the world but is actually an honest person VS a weak, pitiful, and helpless but skilled fighter, beautiful white-cut black male lead
My heart is not of stone, how steadfast is your love? — Tao Yuanming “Imitating the Ancients (No. 3)”
— Reading Guide —
Cold female lead & dramatic black lotus with hidden yandere traits male lead
