I Had No Complaints About This Marriage - Chapter 16
Esina was immensely satisfied with the current situation. So much so that, flushed with the pride of having avoided the original plot, she even said things she had never said in her life.
“As you said, it seems I’m prettier than I thought.”
“…….”
“Anyway, I managed to move Herman’s heart. Right?”
Compared to the times when she only brought misery upon herself, she now felt a sense of pride. When she grinned brightly at them, people naturally recoiled and stepped back.
Around that time, Roger, who had always hated her, approached. Then, he whispered coldly.
“No matter what you do, it’d be best for you to cling to this place.”
“…….”
“Because your worth can’t be proven anywhere else. You damn half-breed.”
It was the kind of line that would appear when an abused heroine in a bleak romance novel was about to be sold off. Of course, she herself was the villainess.
‘Truly, like friend, like trash.’
Such words couldn’t faze Esina. In fact, now that she had escaped the forced engagement and avoided death, even his gritted-teeth insults sounded like whining to her—sweet, even.
‘Well. He must be furious.’
His plan to sell her off to Baron Elzen for his own benefit had failed, and she heard he had thoroughly earned the dislike of Duke Telloien. Because of that, several of the Lehire family’s businesses had shut down—all of them crucial sources of Roger’s income.
Remembering this, Esina’s mood improved, and she replied with a dazzling smile.
“That’s right. Since my worth will be proven here, Father must be relieved.”
Perhaps because of her experience seducing Herman and spouting all sorts of out-of-character remarks, her words flowed smoothly this time as well. Lastly, she felt like dealing at least one blow to Roger, who had tormented her all this time.
“With one less worry about a child who shares no blood, now if only a certain blood-related brother could prove himself, Father would have no regrets.”
“…What?”
“I heard every business you’ve touched lately has been doing poorly… Oh dear.”
“…Damn it.”
As she widened her eyes and covered her mouth as if it were unintentional, Roger cursed under his breath and left.
‘Ah, refreshing.’
Delighted, Esina unfolded the fan she was holding and gently fanned herself as she looked around. Then, her gaze settled on one corner.
“They’re still busy over there.”
Herman could be seen in the distance, surrounded by noble ladies.
The young ladies, gathered in small groups, wore expressions of dismay over Herman’s marriage. Yet, holding onto a sliver of hope that he had married a mere baronet’s daughter—a girl who had never even appeared in high society—they threw themselves at him like moths to a flame.
“Aren’t you holding a public wedding?”
“Ah, I really wanted to see you in your groom’s attire.”
“Even after marriage, you’ll still spend time with us, won’t you?”
Even to Esina’s eyes, the young ladies with teary eyes looked incredibly precious and beautiful. Unlike her—raised as the family’s disgrace, who until just last year couldn’t even dress properly.
The lavish bonnets and frilly dresses had only started being given to Esina early this year, upon her coming of age, when the Lehire father and son discovered her usefulness in the marriage market. After all, to sell her off, they had to dress her up prettily and put her on display.
‘Compared to me, those ladies have been groomed since birth.’
Herman was naturally pressing his lips to the backs of those ladies’ hands. His dark eyes lingered on each of them, as if lost in emotion. It was impeccable manners and attitude—drawing a line while leaving just enough room, fitting for someone nicknamed “the playboy.”
‘No wonder he’s good at night activities.’
Remembering how skillfully Herman had undressed and devoured her, her ears grew slightly warm. Shaking her head lightly to dispel the thought, Esina watched indifferently as Herman greeted the ladies like a pilgrim making his rounds.
Then, a sudden thought struck her.
‘Among all those women…’
Was there someone he favored or had been with for a long time?
‘Men who play the field usually rank women arbitrarily.’
It was a realization born from experience. A few of the trashy men she’d met had kept a “proper wife” while taming her—clueless as she was—like a fish in their pond, making her pay for all their dates.
Herman might also have such a woman—someone whose body suited him exceptionally well or a lady he particularly cherished.
Esina pondered for a moment.
‘At the very least, I should stay on decent terms with her.’
