The Villainous Family Loves Me Too Much!

“It’s because I deliberately trapped those two inside the wormhole. If even Lucian can’t track them down, you can rest assured.”

I explained in detail to Lucian what had occurred in the northern imperial palace.

“Which is why I need to go verify it! There are only a few days left now!”

“Jonathan and even the Tower Master said you absolutely must rest for the time being. To prepare for that day, resting is best.”

“But I’m fine! Why do you keep insisting when I say I’m fine?”

Once I had somewhat recovered, I attempted to resume my duties as the Lord Roati.

However, every time I tried to leave my room, Lucian locked the door to bar my way.

“The healer says you’re unwell. That means you’re unwell.”

“But…”

“I’ll let you return as Lord Roati tomorrow.”

I found Lucian’s unexpected remark puzzling, as if he had unexpectedly relented.

But upon returning to work, a situation unfolded where even Lucian could no longer intervene.

“Hey! Not you, call your Lord Roati over here! Is this how you work? Where is Roati?!”

Originally, the Princess’s palace had formidable soundproofing, preventing noise from leaking out.

Yet from within that palace…

“Bring Roati here right now!!!!!!!”

Beatrice’s raging shouts calling my name could be heard even outside the building.

Before entering the Princess’s palace, I peeked through the slightly ajar door to observe how Beatrice treated the employees.

That way, I would know how to properly handle her upon entry.

“Hey! I said I’m unwell? Why did you make this dress so abrasive against my skin!”

“My… My apologies.”

“Who’s in charge of the dresses? Bring the manager here! You’re all useless without Lord Roati!”

Not only hurling objects, but even grabbing an employee’s hair.

“In the ownerr’s absence, I am the acting manager, Your Highness.”

Hailey stepped between Beatrice and the employees, bowing her head.

“I sincerely apologize that our service has failed to please Your Highness.”

She addressed Beatrice with the utmost courtesy while maintaining a gentle smile.

But then…

“Smiling? You dare smile at me?”

For the most nonsensical reason, Beatrice’s nerves were suddenly frayed as she started choking Hailey.

I could no longer stand idly by.

“Your Highness!”

I rushed over to Beatrice and reprimanded her sternly.

“What is the meaning of this, Your Highness? My goodness! If you make such an unsightly scene, we’ll have to readjust the dress. Who has wronged Your Highness so?”

Oblivious to the unfolding situation, Beatrice simply stared at me wide-eyed.

“That was…”

As Hailey tried to explain, I gave her a subtle wink.

‘Get out quickly.’

Nodding discreetly for them to leave unseen by Beatrice, the employees swiftly exited the room.

“It seems chaos ensued in my absence, Your Highness. My apologies.”

“No, well… I know Lord Roati’s capabilities, but the employees were just so infuriating…”

“I shall take appropriate measures immediately. My sincere apologies.”

I bowed at nearly a 90-degree angle in apology.

“Then shall I prepare a relaxing massage service for you today?”

I couldn’t let Beatrice’s whims derail our work.

After completing the massage cum physical examination with Jonathan, Hailey stood outside the Princess’s palace with a grim expression.

“I’m sorry. Because of me…”

Even in the dim light, a bright red mark was visible on her neck from the choking.

“Not at all. Let’s return to the manor for now.”

On the way back to the Roati Manor by carriage, Jonathan treated Hailey’s neck.

“Though there are no external bruises, it will likely be painful for a while. Limit speaking as much as possible.”

Instructing the Roati Company’s chief planner Hailey to minimize speech was simply astounding.

Yet as the healer’s diagnosis, we could only comply.

“Who’s unwell, Rena?”

Having just returned, Gabriel must have overheard our conversation from Hailey’s room.

“Hailey sustained some injuries. Jonathan has treated her, but…”

“Your Highness the Princess.”

In a voice now reduced to a raspy whisper, Hailey spoke:

“I’ll explain everything now. Please go rest.”

As I turned to close the door, Gabriel silently embraced Hailey tightly, his expression grave.

‘Huh, I suppose no explanation is needed after all.’

So this is what they call love. I felt an inexplicable pang of envy.

“How enviable, the tender affection of young lovers.”

“Ah, I see. So this is what you’ve been jealous of?”

Lucian appeared nonchalantly in the hallway before me, arms folded. Holding a wine glass in one hand, his shirt was partially unbuttoned in a casual, disheveled manner.

“Oh! No, I… Well then, I’ll take my leave. Rest well!”

No longer able to fight his drowsiness, Jonathan rubbed his eyes and departed.

The two of us were left alone in the dimly lit corridor.

Transfixed by Lucian’s rumpled, untidy appearance, I found my gaze inexplicably drawn to his figure.

Through the parted white shirt gleamed his chiseled abs in the moonlight.

“Perhaps it’s time we young lovers try being a bit more… intimate, don’t you think?”

Whether flushed from the wine or me, I couldn’t tell, but his face was vividly flushed.

“You have no idea how devastated I was, thinking you might die.”

* * *

“Just one more day until… the wedding.”

After undergoing another bonding ritual with Lucian, the dusky pre-dawn had already arrived.

To recover my health and prepare for the final battle, we focused on amplifying my Ability.

Gazing at the fluffy white clouds drifting overhead, memories of the happy ending wedding I had prepared for Beatrice and Liam resurfaced.

Though both involved wedding preparations, this ceremony held numerous firsts for me in different ways.

Previously, I had prepared to successfully conclude weddings, but this time, I had diligently prepared to sabotage the event.

“Do you think things will unfold as we envision?”

“Realistically, the odds are higher of plans not proceeding smoothly.”

The thunderous beat of my heart pounded audibly. To calm my nerves, I exhaled a deep breath.

Lucian gently stroked my head with his large hand.

“Don’t worry, you’ll be able to manage it.”

I swiftly caught his hand and clutched it tightly with both of mine.

“So warm…”

The hand I held, Lucian remained silent.

“Why is that?”

“This won’t do. You’re far too defenseless right now.”

Lucian abruptly rose, wrapping me tightly in the blanket until I resembled a snug cocoon before lying beside me with his chin propped contentedly.

“Just what are you doing?”

“Protecting my wife.”

His childishly adorable antics starkly contrasted his decadent appearance, evoking laughter.

You and I, the two of us. Will we be able to continue like this going forward?

“What if… Just if, hypothetically…”

Lucian rolled me around like a caterpillar encased in the blanket.

“Something happens and I die?”

No sooner had I finished speaking than the rolling motion abruptly halted.

“You won’t die.”

Lucian rolled me tightly like a kimbap roll.

Naturally settling before my human kimbap form, Lucian whispered calmly in my ear:

“Perhaps this will offer some protection?”

“This is supposed to prevent my death?”

I eyed the thick blanket cocooning my entire body, leaving only my head protruding.

“How ridiculous, honestly.”

“…And you’ll become far stronger than you are now.”

His lips then met mine in a deep kiss.

I could feel the potent mana entering my body merging with my Ability.