Rebel quietly adjusted his hood, waiting for the crowd to get more inebriated and less discerning. Drunken people lose their judgment and restraint. Any incident wouldn’t seem out of place in such an atmosphere. Rebel was biding his time.
As the spilled alcohol started to give off a sharp and uncomfortable stench, a man, caught up in the excitement, climbed onto a table and started playing the violin.
The tavern’s patrons responded with applause and cheers, some even finding dance partners. The sound of tapping shoes filled Clover Tavern.
The noise drowned out the bell above the door.
Just as Ilaiyd and Lynett, who had stopped momentarily at the chaotic scene, entered, the tavern owner gestured for them to come in.
Most patrons were too drunk to notice the newcomers.
Still, caution was always prudent. Lynett, slightly nervous, adjusted Ilaiyd’s hat to hide her identity better.
“Your Majesty, shall we go somewhere else?”
“No, it’s been a while since I’ve been in such an atmosphere. It’s nice.”
Ilaiyd seemed more excited than Lynett. Guided by her, they moved through the crowd towards the bar.
Allen, leaning on the bar and glancing at the two hooded figures, quickly shifted his attention back to the women surrounding him.
“Hello. Two beers, please.”
“…Not sure if that’s to your taste, your highness.”
“I’ve had it before. I came here to relive that memory, so don’t worry.”
The owner, seemingly catching on but acting as if he hadn’t, looked at Ilaiyd briefly before placing two beers on the counter.
Lynett, tense and ready to flee if necessary, clutched Ilaiyd’s arm.
“Here you go.”
The owner’s nonchalant demeanor could mean he either knew and ignored it or was truly oblivious. Either way, it was a relief.
“Phew… I thought we were caught for a moment.”
“You seem more nervous than I am.”
“Of course. If I fail to protect the Empress, I won’t be able to rest even in death.”
“…Let’s avoid dying, shall we? And here, let’s not use titles. How about we call each other by our names like old times?”
“I’d rather have my salary cut.”
“Then… ‘Miss’?”
“That’s perfect. Understood, Miss.”
It truly felt like a return to old times, to the days of experiencing the festival’s atmosphere firsthand with the thrill it brought.
The memories of sneaking out to enjoy the festival and getting caught up in a commotion in an alleyway faintly came back to Lynett.
“Do you miss it?”
“…I can’t say I don’t.”
The rich beer reached her lips and disappeared, leaving a taste that was bitter and slightly astringent, but Ilaiyd’s expression while looking at the lively atmosphere was brighter than ever.
“If you feel even a bit better…”
Before Lynett could finish her sentence, a loud commotion filled the tavern.
The sound of a glass breaking and a woman’s short scream drew everyone’s attention to the source of the disturbance.
“Why are you talking back when I tell you to sit and pour? Do as I say!”
“Please put this down and talk. I’m an employee here, not someone to serve drinks.”
“Do you know who I am?”
Everyone knew. Ilaiyd’s brows furrowed involuntarily. The man’s uniform and distinctive metal badge indicated he was an officer of the Imperial Guard.
Ilaiyd quickly surveyed the room.
Most mercenaries murmured among themselves, avoiding the officers’ uproar. They knew better than to anger the royals and nobility.
The only group paying close attention to the officers’ disgraceful conduct was a group of men. Ilaiyd’s eyes narrowed as she observed them.
‘Those must be the ones.’
She was certain these mercenaries were waiting for an opportunity. Even if a dangerous situation arose, those who had been commissioned would handle it.
But she didn’t want to let the Imperial Guard’s pathetic behavior slide.
The Imperial Guard was meant to serve and protect the Emperor at close quarters. Supposedly selected from the elite of Astrid’s Empire, they seemed far from impressive now.
What kind of fool, dressed in uniform, gets drunk and harasses the citizens of the Empire?
“Such a disgrace. No better than a nuisance.”
Lyle sneered, glancing at Rebel sitting nearby. After working together for years, Lyle could almost read Rebel’s intentions just by following his gaze.
‘He must have a plan for stepping into this situation, even if it risks offending the Empire.’
As always, Lyle decided to trust Rebel. He discreetly readied his weapon, prepared to jump in if needed.
Rebel quickly assessed the situation. It was the perfect moment to start their mission. With many witnesses around, the incident would quickly spread.
And the opponents were officers of the Emperor’s Guard – ideal for drawing attention.
Moreover, the officers were extremely rude, grabbing the waitress’s wrist and demanding she pour drinks. It was reason enough for them to intervene.
At Rebel’s signal, all members exchanged glances and stood up to confront the Guard.
“Such impudence.”
A commanding voice came from the bar area. The entire tavern’s attention shifted to the source of the sound.
Ilaiyd’s deep, clear eyes shone brightly under her hat. Lynett looked back and forth between the Guard’s officer and Ilaiyd with a troubled expression.
Before Lynett could intervene, she strode confidently towards the table where the Imperial Guard was gathered.
A familiar, unforgettable voice echoed in Rebel’s ears. He paused his movement, captivated as he watched her. With every step of this stranger, a familiar fragrance wafted through the air.
It was a gentle and nostalgic scent, one he had encountered in his past.
Male lead fell into her trap — and shattered when she walked away
This is also on my reread list!
This one is a slow burn, but when it burns, it burns hard.
Definitely worth a read, y’all!
The story follows a thousand-year-old seductive spirit who, on a bet, sets out to charm the male lead—a once-promising but unfortunate cultivator.
But just when she succeeds in making him fall for her, she heartlessly leaves, driving him to madness.
Determined to find her at all costs, he captures her, keeping her by his side no matter what, even if she hates him.
I love this kind of trope—I enjoy watching the male lead suffer in agony.
The ending drags a bit with unnecessary filler, but that’s fine.
As long as I enjoy the beginning, I’m good.
Intro
As an enchantress, Su Heng possesses captivating eyes and charming beauty, easily manipulating the joys and sorrows of living beings at her fingertips.
But to enchant a god, making him taste the bitterness of love’s separation, long-lasting resentment, unattainable desires, and inability to let go…
Do you dare?
Su Heng assists a divine lord in his cultivation, aiming to make him experience all the sufferings of love, so that he can attain the Great Dao.
Only after being chased down from the heavens by the divine lord, confined and completely possessed by him, does she realize how successful she has been.
The once gentle and polite youth has transformed into someone she no longer recognizes.
[Touch the gear icon in the bottom right corner of the screen to move to the next chapter if you want.]
