The Obsessive Male Lead Wants To Become My Husband - Chapter 50

Chapter 50

The beautifully crafted lapis lazuli radiated a mysterious iridescent light. Ruby and emerald, intertwined in layers, shone a dark red light from the center of the medal.

…Such lights cannot come out of ordinary jewels.

I swallowed dry saliva.

‘That’s—’

How could I not know? None of the finest jewels I have ever bought were like this. Some of them had qualities comparable to those of the imperial collection, though that unique luster and light meant only one thing…

Only the jewels in the hands of the pure descent of the Bynell Royal Family could emit such a light.

‘….’

When I stretched out my hand as if possessed, Gabriel meekly presented the medal. As soon as it was placed on my hand, the jewels lost their mysterious effulgence and became normal.

‘That’s right.’

I had no choice but to admit it.

The man in front of him was the Prince of the Bynell Kingdom… It meant that he was from the same Bynell Kingdom, which sent assassins to Cassius at the beginning of the original novel.

Complex emotions fluttered in my mind. The feeling that resembled betrayal, but was not completely dark, stopped wriggling for a moment at the following words.

“My real name is Lucifer Bynell.”

…Gabriel, or should I call him Lucifer? The blue-haired man whom I thought I knew well, but that was no longer true anymore, whispered softly.

“I always wanted to be Gabriel in front of you. Though…”

“Please, tell me one thing.”

I interrupted Gabriel’s words.

Now was not the time to hear excuses.

“Did you get on that ship after me?”

“No.”

He shook his head vehemently before adding, “How would I know Eve was coming?”

“….”

I am not an idiot.

Is it truly because Gabriel loved me like he said that he came to me with his life at stake…? Even if that were the case, would it have nothing to do with the fact that the Duke of Brudenell and the Royal Family of Bynell are enemies?

Nonetheless, pointing out that fact would be of no use.

Gabriel’s answer had been decided, and I could not believe whether it was the truth or a lie.

“You don’t believe me.”

I turned my eyes away at his words.

Although I needed time to think, he pushed on without giving me the slightest a break.

“Eve, it’s okay if you don’t trust me. Instead, think of it as you using my power for a moment to escape from him. You know enough what kind of man Cassius Brudenell is.”

Of course.

Had it not been for his true identity, I would have agreed with his words over and over again.

It was true that Cassius Brudenell was a monster without blood or tears. Though now, things were very different. At least, I was familiar with Cassius. It meant that I knew even the most sloppy side of him, either from the novels or from my own experiences.

Whereas it is different with Gabriel.

In the meantime, he had been completely hiding his identity from me. If I had chosen to run away without asking him for proof, he might not have revealed his identity until the very end.

…Known dangers and unseen dangers.

The choice was not difficult.

“Please, go.”

I returned the medal to him. No matter how much I wanted to run away from Cassius, this was not the case. If I do not give up, another opportunity will come.

“Eve…”

Gabriel whispered urgently.

“Do you know what Cassius Brudenell is up to?”

“…What are you talking about?”

My mouth was dry.

It was because I sensed that his words were not made up at all.

Perhaps, like the original novel, he was trying to put his father into a coma…? The story had changed a lot. Although it would not be that surprising considering the causality in this world that had tormented me so much just a few months ago.

“You seem to know nothing.”

Gabriel was not trying to ridicule me at all. Rather, a sad tone came out of his mouth.

“Cassius Brudenell is…”

I swallowed my saliva and waited. Even though it was not that I liked Duke Brudenell, he had to be alive anyway, so that Cassius could not wield unmanageable power.

I was going to do anything to stop it at all costs.

“…He’s planning on forcing Eve to marry him and lock you up in the villa forever.”

“…What?”

At the completely unexpected remark, my voice naturally rose in absurdity and astonishment.

I stared blankly at Gabriel.

Of course, Cassius Brudenell was a person who would do that. In fact, he even acted like that for Ophelia in the novel. But, now that I am still next to him as his fiancée, why would he obstinately tie me by the hands like that? Well, maybe it was half right.

“Please, don’t exaggerate.”

I replied sharply.

“At best, it would be a forced marriage. Does it make sense to keep me, the successor of the Count, in a villa and not the Duchy?”

“When was Cassius Brudenell a man of common sense?”

For a moment, I was speechless.

Because there was nothing wrong with Gabriel’s words. Yes. Cassius was a person who would do whatever he desired and pleased no matter how absurd it was.

He then continued in a soft but cold voice.

“Recently, he’s given Eve everything you wanted, right? Even when he saw me with you, he even let me walk away like that.”

Goosebumps rose.

Yeah, lately, Cassius has been strangely listening to everything I say. I thought it was just proof that he was utterly obsessed with me…

“I took advantage of the time he was away from the Capital so that nothing like last time would happen again. Don’t miss this opportunity either.”

“…I need time to prepare.”

I did not say I needed time to think, or that I needed more evidence to believe him. If what Gabriel said was true, he was already risking a lot to save me. So, I did not want to show any more suspicion, even if it was not just for pure goodwill.

However, he seemed to have noticed the hidden meaning of my words.

“You’ll have to make a decision by today. He’ll be back in the evening the day after tomorrow.”

“Thank you for letting me know.”

“I’ll be waiting for you here at this time tomorrow.”

After saying those words, Gabriel quickly left. I stood there blankly for a moment, after coming to my senses I started running.

There was no time.

‘I have to go to the Duke’s house right now!’

* * * 

As soon as the carriage arrived at the Duke’s mansion, I jumped in haste.

“Sister!”

It was Ophelia’s voice, which would have been really congenial to hear normally, though it was the opposite now. I did not send a messenger to the Duke’s mansion on purpose, and I ran right away, but I did not know that I would be found out this quickly.

I walked briskly to the mansion and answered dryly.

“Yeah, Ophelia. How have you been?”

“Good. By the way… Is something wrong?”
​​
Fortunately, Ophelia fully showed her usual sensibility.

“I’m here because I have something to check.”

“Is there anything I can help you with?”

“…If Lord Cassius comes, let me know right away.”

Ophelia blinked her eyes for a second and then answered, “I heard that the Lord would return only the day after tomorrow.”

“That’s something we wouldn’t know.”

I snorted.

If it was Cassius Brudenell, it would not be surprising if he appeared in the Duke’s residence right now.

“Then, I’ll be watching the front door from here. Hurry in.”

At my words, Ophelia replied bravely. I paused for a moment and gazed at her. She did not have the eyes trembling with anxiety like before, instead, it was straight eyes facing me.

It was then.

I hugged her impulsively.

“….!”

Ophelia’s eyes widened.

“Thank you, for everything.”

“Sister…”

Ophelia’s voice began to tremble. I stood there for a moment and stroked her back.

‘…If I run away, I will never see Ophelia again.’

If I go to the Bynell Kingdom, I will become an open enemy of the Duke. Even if they do not officially seek asylum, they would have to live in hiding for the rest of their lives—that means I could not afford luxuries like visiting Ophelia or telling her where I am.

“I’ll go now.”

As Ophelia nodded her head slightly, I bit my lip and hurried my steps again.

‘I should go to my room first.’

I had no intention of rushing into Cassius’ bedroom or study. I should be able to find something if I enter the study while pretending to clean while wearing the maid clothes I have in my room. Nevertheless, if I can’t find anything…

Thinking that, I shut my eyes tight and opened them again.

Who should I trust, Gabriel or Cassius?

…No, who am I going to trust?

After a while.

Arriving at my bedroom, I took a deep breath and opened the door.

‘The maid’s clothes were hung between the dresses, so they would not have been noticed…’

It was time to stride towards the vast closet.

Something shiny caught my eye between the carpets.

“….?”