How to Tame That Gentle Male Lead - Chapter 6.13
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“Resena. Are you awake?”
I opened the door to my mother’s knock as she held a letter. I had just finished preparing to go out, so my makeup was very bright. Moreover, the purple dress with lots of lace only covered my back with lace, so I had to let my black hair down to my waist to hide my exposed skin subtly.
“Mother. What’s the matter?”
The Duchess smiled kindly at my affectionate voice.
“I received a letter that seems to be related to the guild, so I wanted to show it to you.”
“What kind of relation?”
“It’s a letter asking if there’s any way to have the Lai Python we recently imported handled at their restaurant.”
Resena reached out and took the letter. As the neat handwriting seemed to reveal the writer, her eyes slowly scanned the letters from top to bottom.
“Hmm… You sent a gift to someone whose tea party invitation we had previously declined. And you sent Lai Python, no less.”
“Yes. That’s right. But as you can see, the Marchioness of Mandarin seems to have really liked your Lai Python. Seeing as she wants to introduce it to her restaurant called ‘Heaven’s Lake’.”
Resena briefly reviewed the inventory of Lai Python. The stock stored in the warehouse near the canal dock was in excellent condition thanks to magical refrigeration. However, there wasn’t enough quantity to supply other restaurants. Acknowledging this, Resena had to respond with a rueful smile.
“I’m sorry. We don’t have much quantity of Lai Python. It’s barely enough for our guild alone. Moreover, because the demand is high, it’s a bit difficult to share with other restaurants…”
Mother nodded gracefully.
“I suppose that’s the case. However, considering the influence the Marchioness of Mandarin has in social circles, I thought it might be an opportunity to change your reputation for the better in one go.”
“…Reputation?”
“Yes. You see… it’s time you begin preparing to inherit the family responsibilities. And as part of that process, I wonder if you might need to consider choosing a husband – perhaps between His Highness Crown Prince Eldis or Vernas.”
Ah. Of course. Mother continued.
“I’m not saying you need to get married quickly. What I mean is, perhaps it’s time to start considering an engagement.”
“…”
Resena hesitated.
She had only met Vernas twice. Although they had kissed during those early meetings, she didn’t want to make him her husband right away. She could only consider it when feelings naturally developed between them, so her mother’s words were a bit bewildering.
‘Moreover, Mother never said anything like this in previous regressions. Really… This is an unexpected variable. An engagement…’
“Resena? …Is my suggestion perhaps burdensome?”
“No. I am at an age where I should start considering engagement. But with Vernas… we’ve only met twice.”
The Duchess’s eyes widened in surprise. While the Duke had informed her of Resena’s feelings for Vernas, she hadn’t realized these emotions had developed after just two encounters.
It was a mistake that occurred because Resena hadn’t explained the detailed circumstances to her father. Mother covered her mouth and slightly lowered her eyebrows, her lips moving slightly.
“…If you say you’re attracted after meeting only that much, it seems Vernas must be quite charming to you, Resena.”
“Yes. I feel comfortable and at ease when I’m near Vernas. When I watch him sculpting, it feels like all my worries and concerns disappear.”
“Oh my…”
Mother remained silent for a moment, then smiled bitterly.
“I apologize, Resena. It seems my words have only caused confusion. Please disregard what I said. I had thought this might be the perfect time for an engagement, given His Highness Crown Prince Eldis’s interest in you and your long-standing affection for him… However, with two men now occupying your heart, it appears you’ll need considerable time to make a decision.”
“…”
“Renard says that His Highness the Crown Prince seems to be treating you with a fervor he’s never seen before. Despite that, your heart is drawn to Vernas, so it must be difficult to choose between the two. …But you’ll be able to choose which man is most suitable as your husband only after properly dating both of them.”
“…Yes. That’s right, Mother. I need time. Time to draw a blueprint of the true nature and feelings of both men, and what the future path would be like walking with each of them.”
At Resena’s words, the Duchess gently curved her eyes and took her daughter’s hands. The warmth coming through beneath the soft skin’s touch. Realizing that this was what she had always missed when she lost her mother, Resena felt her chest ache and tears welling up.
But the Duchess, not noticing this, seemed to think her child was moved because she understood her feelings. Mother comforted Resena in a very affectionate and gentle tone.
“Get to know them well. Don’t hurt either of them. Be cautious, for the pain you inflict on others may return to you twofold in the future. Furthermore, if you hurt someone you care for, that wound could end up piercing your own heart as well.”
“Mother…”
“Until now, Alex and I have supported whatever you’ve done. But we were relieved when you stopped verbally abusing and hitting the maids. We thought you had finally matured. And you proved our expectations by advising His Highness Crown Prince Eldis and not being at odds with Saint Lorona Weiz.”
“…”
“I believe you’ll do well. You’ve always been my lovely daughter, Resena. From now on, don’t be discouraged by anything and carry on confidently. Don’t forget that we are here to support you.”
“Mother…”
The Duchess pulled Resena into an embrace and patted her.
“Stay strong, Resena. Do exactly as you wish.”
Warm feelings bubbled up inside her chest. Resena couldn’t say anything. She just nestled in her mother’s arms, her resolve strengthening that she couldn’t lose a single one of these lovely family members.
Before entering this book world, Heejin lived a hamster-wheel life commuting between work and home. Amidst that life, “The Name of Love” was a happiness recipe that enriched her life even with just a little time. But more than that, every time she spent time with her family after coming here, Heejin felt a deep sense of fulfillment welling up in her chest.
Because of this, she was thinking. Although she had to prevent the world’s destruction here, even so, she wanted to be with her family for several lifetimes. Hence, her motivation surged even more. Dark mages and serial killers were difficult opponents, but she was determined to rescue the male lead Eldis from the swamp of unhappiness, avoiding them at all costs.
“Thank you, Mother.”
End of Volume 2
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