The Obsession of the Tyrant Sub-Male Lead is Unnecessary

Episode 40

“Please, leave this to me.”

Carlos gave her a soft, sympathetic look. “It pains me to see you shouldering this burden alone.”

Verona shook her head firmly. “And I feel the same way. You constantly overwork yourself on my behalf.”

Having someone who offered to shield her from every harsh wind was comforting, but simply enjoying that warmth from a sheltered place while he took the brunt would only lead to more criticism aimed his way.

Perhaps she wouldn’t hear those whispers now, but everything Carlos did would be recorded in history books, and even the annual reports published by the noble families would contain details of his reign. His quick temper had already created tensions with the nobility, and more resentment could spell disaster. Of course, the cunning Grand Duke would relish any chance to see Carlos fall.

That’s why she wanted Carlos to take a path that would earn him respect rather than criticism, even if it meant taking a longer or roundabout route.

“Alright,” Carlos finally agreed with a reluctant nod. “But if Lady Milecour tries to overstep, you must let me know. I’ll make sure she can never parade around as nobility again.”

“It’s fine, really.” Verona reassured him several times.

A few days later, as she sat in the parlor waiting for her guest, Verona recalled Lily’s words.

—‘Winning her over… well, that’ll be easy.’

Lily had confidently given her insights into her cousin Elise. She said Elise feared her father but also wanted to escape from him. While it might be challenging at first, with the right approach, it could be done.

‘Maybe it’s a blessing that Carlos allocated some extra funds to the private palace?’

Verona sipped her warm tea thoughtfully.

Carlos, typically frugal, had diverted part of the imperial treasury for his future empress. She hadn’t had much use for it, but if Lady Milecour wanted anything, it would be helpful to offer it.

It would take at least two weeks to observe whether the ocean currents between the North and South Seas were stable, given how unpredictable they could be. In the meantime, she planned to get closer to Lady Milecour.

She was also grateful that Lily, nearing graduation, was allowed to go out regularly now.

‘They said Elise was mild-mannered,’ Verona thought, feeling a bit nervous nonetheless. Just as she finished her cup, Mary came in to announce her guest’s arrival, and Verona eagerly instructed her to bring her in.

“Hello, Your Highness.”

Elise, the young Lady Milecour, appeared as Lily had described—innocent and sweet. The 16-year-old girl with red hair offered a shy smile as she curtsied.

“Welcome, Lady Milecour. Has Lady Retinan not come with you?”

“Oh, Lily had an urgent matter come up. Her professor summoned her unexpectedly…” Elise glanced around nervously.

‘I wasn’t informed beforehand… Must’ve been something sudden?’

Despite her curiosity, Verona noticed Elise’s unease and quickly invited her to sit.

“I see. Well, that’s fine. Please, have a seat.”

“Thank you.”

Relieved, Elise sat across from Verona, her expressions openly displayed. Verona chuckled softly.

‘She’s quite different from her father, the Marquis of Milecour.’

Seeing her delight in the novelty of the palace, Verona presented her with delicious tea, pastries, and cake.

“It’s wonderful, Your Highness.”

“Please, enjoy. I prepared it especially for you.”

Verona cut a slice of lemon pie and placed it before Elise.

“Thank you. But may I ask… why have you invited me here?”

“Oh, I simply wanted to get to know you better.”

“W-What?”

Elise’s eyes widened with surprise, clearly not expecting such a reason. Her hand trembled slightly as she reached for her pie.

‘What’s this?’

Did I say something wrong?

Verona pondered as she watched Elise’s unusually tense reaction. But nothing in her words seemed out of place.

“Is something making you uncomfortable, Lady Milecour?”

“Oh, no, not at all.”

“Then perhaps the fork is uncomfortable to hold?”

At Verona’s nod, Mary quickly replaced the fork with a shiny new one. Then, Mary left the room with the other maids.

“It’s alright, Lady Milecour. I don’t have many friends here in the empire, so I thought I’d like to find someone to confide in. Lily suggested introducing you, and since you’re her relative, I saw no reason to refuse.”

“Yes…”

“There’s no need to think too much about it.”

“T-Thank you.”

Even with Verona’s reassurances, Elise remained stiff as she ate her dessert, her movements somewhat awkward.

‘She seems more cautious than I expected. Maybe a bit shy too.’

Verona discreetly signaled Letty, who had transformed into a small dog for the occasion. With an air of disgruntled obedience, Letty trotted over and wagged his tail by Elise’s feet.

“Oh, who is this little one?”

“He’s my pet dog. Isn’t he adorable? Feel free to pet him as much as you’d like.”

“Really? He won’t bite?”

“He would never. You can pet him anywhere.”

Verona had heard that Elise adored small animals, so she had “encouraged” Letty to help charm her. Elise beamed with delight as she stroked Letty’s chin and head, then his back, belly, and tail.

Letty looked as if he might bare his fangs, but a sharp glance from Verona forced him to reluctantly settle beside Elise, determinedly guarding his belly.

Even that small gesture brought Elise great joy. She placed Letty on her lap, petting him, and gradually began to relax. Verona breathed a quiet sigh of relief.

Engaging in various light-hearted conversations, Verona observed that Elise was indeed unlike her father. Unlike the stern and outspoken Marquis who frequently clashed with Carlos, Elise was reserved and seemed timid.

At the same time, she didn’t seem like someone who would harbor any sort of scheme. In fact, Verona began to feel a bit guilty for having felt jealous over her being a crown princess candidate.

“So, Lady Milecour, is there anyone you fancy?” Verona teased, hoping to lighten the mood. Elise, who had been happily petting Letty, jolted in shock.

“W-What?!”

“Pardon?”

Verona was startled; this was the loudest Elise had been throughout their tea time.

“No, no! I don’t have anyone I fancy!”

“…”

“Really, I don’t. Please believe me. I have no objection to Your Highness becoming empress. Any past marriage talks were merely conversations between my father and the late emperor.”

“I didn’t invite you to criticize you for that, Lady Milecour.”

“But… I know my father constantly opposes you at court meetings. But, please believe me, Your Highness, my thoughts are entirely different from his. No matter what he may have said, I’ve never thought of… anyone else in that way….”

Her words trailed off into incoherent rambling, her eyes misty with unshed tears.

‘So she doesn’t want to be empress—that much is clear. But she’s never thought of anyone else?’

It didn’t quite add up. In fact, it almost sounded as though she did have someone she liked, which was why she had no interest in marrying Carlos.

This felt like listening to the love story of a young girl with a secret crush. Curious, Verona leaned in and nodded encouragingly.

“Lady Milecour, there’s no need to be afraid. I was simply curious about your heart. Liking someone isn’t a crime, is it?”

“W-What? No, it’s not that, I mean… I just…”

Elise stammered, her face turning a deep shade of red. Verona’s suspicions seemed to be right on the mark.

“I don’t know who it is that you hold dear, but as long as he isn’t a married man, there’s no problem, is there?”

“Oh, no! It’s nothing like that. The gentleman I admire isn’t married… yet!”

In her haste to clarify, Elise clamped her hands over her mouth, her face even redder than before. Verona couldn’t help but laugh.

“See? So, you do have someone in mind! Who is he?”

“N-No, it’s just that I admire him quietly. He doesn’t even know who I am.”

Elise lowered her head, blushing furiously, unwilling to let any more slip. Even when Letty jumped off her lap, she just waved her hands in a flustered attempt to change the subject.

“Hmm, is that so? That’s a shame. I was hoping we could get closer and, if you had a gentleman in mind, I might even arrange an introduction.”

“A-An introduction?”

“Yes. You’re sixteen, aren’t you? That means you still have two years before your debutante ball. But what if he’s invited to another lady’s debut before then?”

Elise’s expression turned serious as she mulled over Verona’s words.

In noble society, being invited to a lady’s debut was significant; most gentlemen were expected to attend unless there was a pressing reason not to. And often, young men and women found themselves forming relationships at such events.

“I thought it would be nice for you to get a bit closer to him before your debut. I could even arrange a small tea party for you, with His Majesty’s permission…”

“Could you really do that?”

Elise’s tone was no longer hesitant. Her eyes sparkled with hope as she looked at Verona, who nodded.

“Of course.”

“The truth is… I’ve been so worried. He’s very handsome, tall, and kind… And it feels like he might be close to other ladies… But Father told me he’s not an option for me… he’d rather I marry a fellow noble.”

Elise cut herself off abruptly. Verona could guess the rest of what she was going to say.

‘Yes, because as far as her father is concerned, it’s better for her to marry an emperor than a noble.’

Clearly, the marquis hadn’t completely given up on that fantasy. Verona resolved to support Elise’s secret love to put an end to his ambitions.

“Yes, it would be wonderful for you to get close to such a fine gentleman before he finds someone else. I’ll give you all the support you need. Now, what is his name?”

“Oh… his name…”

Elise placed a hand over her heart, breathing deeply as if just thinking about him set her heart racing.

“Yes, what’s his name?”

“It’s… Osmund Portrey.”

Excuse me? What?

Verona felt her mind reel with shock. Elise, mistaking Verona’s reaction for disbelief, repeated herself with wide, earnest eyes.

“The Grand Duke Osmund Portrey.”