Suddenly Reincarnated Into R-19 Novel

"YOUR GRACE! Lady Peneloppe is bleeding!" The urgency in the voice of my attendant startled me, pulling me away from my thoughts. I immediately stood up and rushed to where Peneloppe was. She was sitting on the floor, clutching the side of her head, a look of pain etched across her features. My gaze shifted to Henny, whose eyes were devoid of emotion, betraying no hint of concern.

"What's happening here?" I asked as I approached Peneloppe. Her eyes widened in fear as she looked up at me, her hands trembling.

"It's nothing, Felix. I just had an accident," she replied, forcing a smile that did little to reassure me. I turned my attention back to Henny.

"I'm sorry, Duke. I failed to protect the Duchess. I deserve punishment," Henny said, bowing her head in shame and pressing it against the floor.

"It's okay. You can stand up," I offered, wanting to comfort her but fearing that I might embrace her too tightly.

"Thank you, Duke, for sparing my life." With that, she stood up, and I gently lifted Peneloppe and laid her down on her bed before calling for a physician to tend to her injuries.

"I believe your grace should leave us now. I will take care of the Duchess," Henny insisted.

"Alright," I replied reluctantly as I exited the chamber and made my way back to my office.

Henny's Perspective

Once the Duke left, I approached Peneloppe and clapped my hands in front of her face.

"That was impressive, my lady! For a moment there, I thought you would collapse!" My grin was met with a glare from her.

"You have no idea how terrified the Duke would be if he knew everything," she retorted. I sat on the edge of her bed and held her chin so we could meet each other's gaze.

"Why can't you speak?" She swiftly brushed my hand away from her chin.

"You will not succeed in your plans, Henny! If you do anything to harm the Duke, I will personally kill you," she spat with fury. Standing up, I laughed at her threat.

"Really? Do you think you can kill me? Well before you manage that, the Duke would already be in hell."

"You know Peneloppe, there's still time for you to choose. You have a chance to back out of this marriage because there are many women vying for the Duke's attention; he might get tempted. And what about you? Left with nothing?"

"Felix will never look for anyone else! I'm the only one he loves; remember that."

"Fine... There's nothing more I can do about your decision. It's your choice if you refuse to believe."

"Why! What do you know about Felix that makes you think you know him so well—"

"BECAUSE HE IS A DEMON!" My anger erupted as memories of his past actions flooded my mind; I couldn't help but feel disgusted with myself.

"Why are you crying, Henny?" she asked softly. Ignoring her question, I left her chamber. It hurt too much. Why should I be kind now? Tell me—does the Duke deserve my forgiveness? How many times have I begged him for mercy only to be ignored? He never respected me as a woman.

I halted when I collided with someone—

"Why are you crying?" He stepped closer and wiped away my tears gently.

Henny's Perspective

"Why are you crying?" he asked again while brushing away my tears.

"R-ronan?" My voice trembled as his familiar face came into view.

"Oh... You know me?" He seemed surprised by my recognition.

"I just heard your name from the gardeners around here," I quickly explained.

"Oh, is that so? But why are you crying? Did someone bully you?" Ronan had always been kind-hearted; it was comforting to see he hadn't changed. Shaking my head, I smiled at him.

"It's nothing... I'm just missing my family whom I've left behind because of work." He nodded in understanding.

"Don't cry; you'll see them again someday." His words lightened my heart a little.

"I'm Henny," I said as I extended my hand towards him. It felt like our first meeting all over again.

"I guess there's no need for introductions anymore since you seem to know who I am." He scratched his head sheepishly as we shook hands.

"I hope we can be friends," I said earnestly as he looked into my eyes.

"Okay!"

Duke Felix's Perspective

"I hope we can be friends." Those words filled me with an unexpected joy at hearing them from Henny.

"Okay!" she replied cheerfully before leaving. I'm sorry Henny if I have to change my appearance just to get closer to you.

I longed to see your smile again—even if it was just for a moment. I know you're furious with me for what I've done, but regret fills my heart every day. I love you deeply, Henny.

I had sent the real Ronan away from my mansion to assume his identity so that I could be near Henny without revealing who I truly was. Using transformation magic purchased from the black market, this potion would allow me to maintain this guise for some time.

Returning to my office, I changed back into my normal appearance and gazed out the window just in time to see Henny entering the building.

"Henny, please forgive me. I'm truly sorry," I whispered sadly as I watched her from afar.