I Become the Villain's Bride - Chapter 24
Chapter 24
No matter what gift she received, it was always something she could leave behind. But this gift was an exception.
“Thank you.”
To others, it might have seemed like just a book, but to Freesia, it became a treasure beyond measure.
Watching her, overwhelmed with joy to the point of tears, the Duke wore a light smile as if to say it was nothing.
“I’ll be busy in the future, so I thought you deserved this kind of reward.”
“Busy? How so?”
“I received an invitation from the palace.”
As soon as she saw the paper he offered, the smile vanished from Freesia’s lips. She wondered why such a grand gift was given, but as expected, there are no freebies in this world.
“This is…”
“I told you. I need you by my side.”
Faced with the invitation from the Crawford Duke and Duchess, Freesia fell into a moment of dilemma.
So, that’s how it is. She had thought her role was over after the wedding, but it seemed the rigorous training was merely a prelude to her debut on the social stage.
***
Twice a year, the Empress would invite noble couples of higher rank than barons to the palace to foster friendship. These individuals, separated by insurmountable class barriers, gathered here to solidify their positions by exchanging information on marriages and business.
Among them, the most intriguing topic lately was undoubtedly the sudden news of the Crawford Duke’s marriage.
“The Empress must have spent much effort on the issue of the Princess’s marriage. What a pity.”
“Yes, indeed. And to top it off, it’s with the Devlanc.”
It was a well-known fact that Viscount Gondair intended to marry off his unsightly son to the daughter of the Devlanc, but he ended up losing his casino and even his title for sullying the honor of the nobility. Now, almost everyone knew who was responsible for the unprecedented disgrace.
“They’re here.”
Responding to the request of their secret lovers, who were clandestinely seeing each other, the Crawford Duke used ruthless means to bring about the downfall of Viscount Gondair.
Deep down, the Emperor, who had secretly wished to make him his son-in-law, had no choice but to accept his request upon hearing the Duke’s words about his already established relationship with another lover.
Even if it were a dispute over succession, now that he had already secured the position of Crawford’s head, his intentions were not easily thwarted even by the Emperor. Despite this, the veiled lover, Freesia Devlanc, for whom he had gone so far as to beseech the Emperor, finally revealed herself to society by formally taking on the role of Crawford’s wife.
“She was a lady we didn’t even know existed until now, overshadowed by her sister’s brilliance.”
“Still, her beauty rivals that of her sister.”
Thanks to Crawford’s know-how, she’d at least stopped being told she didn’t look right.
Hearing murmurs from various corners, Freesia cautiously looked up at the Duke standing beside her.
“Your gaze is too intense, Madam Crawford.”
“I’m just curious to know how far your plans extend.”
Marrying someone like Freesia was just a part of his plan. Leveraging this sudden variable, the Duke had gained everything he needed.
Despite her husband, whose intentions were clear, wrapping his arm around her waist with a seemingly carefree smile, she tenderly leaned into his embrace.
“I’m here to work today, so I hope you’ll behave properly.”
“Whether I do or not, I’ll do it right.”
Showing off their happy newlywed life while affectionately leaning against him was far more effective than a hundred words to establish the Duke’s authority and prevent interference from the palace.
“This goes well with wine.”
Holding a piece of salty chocolate, he willingly offered to feed her by hand.
“There’s no need for such gestures.”
“Come on, just have a bite.”
Despite it seeming a bit much to publicly display affection like this, there was no way to stop the Duke who was already running rampant.
As if to say there was no other choice, she cautiously opened her mouth, took the chocolate he offered, and swallowed a sip of wine.
“It’s delicious.”
“I thought you’d like it. My lady.”
With a casual smile, he subtly gestured for her to feed him as well. Since it was already too late to turn back, Freesia, too, had no choice but to showcase her role as the devoted wife.
As she fed him a piece of chocolate, he licked her fingers wistfully, then licked her fingertips lightly.
“It’s sweet.”
Unconsciously, her heart began to race as if it would melt away under his tender gaze.
She hurriedly withdrew her hand, but the seasoned elderly ladies watching them couldn’t help but pause their chatter, captivated by the newlyweds’ affectionate display.
“Oh my, how adorable.”
“We had those days too, you know.”
Where did his usual solemn demeanor go? Today, the Duke escorted Freesia with an unusually affectionate attitude.
Normally, she would have scolded him for being too overbearing, but thanks to Alster’s autograph, she decided to let him do as he pleased for today.
“Did you really like the sign?”
“Of course. Tell the author that I loved the first book so much, and I’m eagerly awaiting the second one.”
Even if her married life were to end, she made a promise to herself not to end things too badly considering her connection with the author. The Duke would probably never know that.
Though she didn’t know what exactly was conveyed with gratitude and love, it seemed like the genuine sentiment of liking was properly delivered, and that’s all that mattered to her.
“I thought authors who write that kind of stuff were common. I don’t understand what was so special about it.”
“Someone like you wouldn’t understand everything. That book meant so much to me as a source of comfort.”
When she first realized she was in this unfamiliar world, to be honest, there was a mix of unfairness, sadness, and anger. She is truly grateful for meeting Rose and Lily here, but it didn’t completely erase the primal loneliness.
“You’ve been a lifesaver for me and my sisters, so I appreciate the autographs, but next time, at least give me a heads up.”
She wanted to show it to Rose or Lily too, but when she suddenly couldn’t find the book, she thought she would faint for real.
“I’ll take note.”
“If possible, please ask for plenty of spin-offs.”
“It feels like your demands are increasing.”
“Blame it on the mood.”
She didn’t realize he would subtly step forward as if he could sense her intention to retreat.
People who didn’t know the details were naturally accepting the affectionate conversation between the Crawford couple as if it were nothing out of the ordinary.
In that moment of fleeting relief, the mission seemed to be going well.
“It’s been a while, both of you.”
Princess Royal Hyacinth, the Emperor’s daughter and the Duchess of Ducale, appeared on behalf of the Empress to lead the social scene.
Freesia only realized after marriage how influential Princess Royal Hyacinth was.
‘She must have had quite a hold on the Duke.’
She was amazed at the sight of both proposal and coercion happening simultaneously, but regardless, the princess knew about the Duke’s ‘secret’ and used it to coerce him into marrying her.
However, the Duke didn’t care about secrets and outright refused the proposal. The only witness to that scene was Freesia Devlanc.
“Freesia Devlanc Crawford wishes to meet the Princess.”
“No need for such formality. We’re old acquaintances.”
Despite the first meeting not being particularly pleasant, the Princess offered her hand to Freesia with such a sweet smile.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Duchess Crawford. I’d like us to become friends starting today. Would it be alright if we took a walk together over there?”
“Well…”
Seeing the numerous questions written on her face, the Duke’s brow furrowed mercilessly at her proposal. Reading his intention to reject outright, Freesia quickly took the initiative and firmly grasped the Princess’s hand.
“Y-yes, of course. I’m also very pleased. Isn’t that right, dear?”
She never thought she would have to use the term ‘dear’ for her husband in this situation to avoid it.
Despite forcing herself to smile as hard as she could, her lips trembled slightly. Nevertheless, it was not good for him or herself to unsettle the Princess once again in front of her.
With Freesia desperately trying to block anything, the Duke’s reluctance still prevailed.
“Even though we’re in the midst of a passionate honeymoon, it’s uncomfortable for me when she’s out of my sight for even a moment.”
“Excessive possessiveness isn’t a good look. Surely you don’t wish for your beloved wife to be isolated without any friends?”
If the Princess truly set her mind to it, implicitly excluding someone to the point of isolation wasn’t a big deal.
If it really came to that, it wouldn’t be the two whales but Freesia herself who would be in the most difficult situation. However, even so, her admiration couldn’t help but rise for the Princess who dared to provoke openly in front of the Duke without any fear.
“I’ll be back soon.”
“Freesia.”
“Can you wait here alone?”
Intentionally raising her hand as if to show off, Freesia lightly lifted her toe and playfully tousled his bangs.
Invading his private space so boldly, something that no one else had ever done, was one of the few privileges wives had.
Slightly apologetic for treating him like a child, he quickly understood her meaning and obediently took her hand.
“If you say so, then I can’t help it.”
Then he lowered his head slightly towards Freesia’s ear.
“But there’s a condition.”
In a voice that even the nearby Princess couldn’t hear, he subtly pointed to his cheek with his finger.
No way, it couldn’t be.
Trying hard to deny it, he furrowed his brows with a stern face, using silence as a protest to assert his demands.
“Everyone can see. Absolutely not.”
“I’ll have him prepare two more copies of the first edition, autographed.”
“I love you, dear!”
Desperately whispering words of refusal, Freesia momentarily sold her conscience to the wind.
Perhaps saying “I love you” was easier than she thought. Moreover, without hesitation, Freesia pulled him closer and kissed his cheek.
With a new edition, signed no less, of the book, both Rose and Lily could have one copy each without fighting over it.
Although she couldn’t shake off the feeling of having been properly taken advantage of, ultimately, the Duke seemed satisfied as he placed his hand where her lips had just touched, smiling.
“I hope you come back soon. Otherwise…”
‘Because I don’t know what I might do.’
Just by looking at his murmuring lips, one could now guess vaguely what mischief he was about to stir up.
If he didn’t come back acting properly, who else would suffer the consequences after Lord Gondair?
“Shall we hear the stories bit by bit?”
Seeing the smiling Princess, there was nowhere left to retreat.
“I’ll be back soon.”
The expression on her face looked so long that one might suspect she was a talented actress. Leaving him behind, Freesia walked towards the lion’s den alone.
“Smile Love”