If You Conquer Me - Chapter 24
For the first time, Ophelia felt something unnatural about the man. It was only by being a monster in every way that he could control even the fierce soldiers of Yerhalt. At that moment, as though sensing her gaze, Hugo glanced back at her.
“What?”
“No, it’s nothing.”
Ophelia replied reflexively. Hugo, however, narrowed his eyes, a smile playing at his lips.
“Do I look that good?”
“…”
Ophelia felt a strange sensation, as if he had seen through her. She bit her lower lip tightly and tried to look nonchalant as she turned her head. But Hugo wouldn’t leave her alone. With a sly voice, he asked again.
“After being stuck together for ten days, are you going to ignore me?”
“…”
Ophelia frowned, but Hugo didn’t miss the chance to tease her.
“Looks like ‘Leticia’ is secretly shy.”
“…”
“Where did that boldness go, the one who saved my life back then?”
“Enough already.”
Ophelia shot him a sharp glance. Laughing mischievously, Hugo leaned back casually in his seat. Ophelia stared out the window, thinking back on the past ten days of travel with him.
“Here, Leticia. Have this.”
His thoughtful gestures as he made sure she ate,
“How’s your bed?”
His natural concern for her comfort.
As Ophelia reflected, Hugo had always been around her. Before she even realized it, it became natural to find him by her side. The crease between her brows deepened.
This shouldn’t be happening.
Then, Ophelia’s eyes widened. The bustling capital landscape had suddenly appeared outside the carriage window, spreading out like a painting.
Unlike Ascanior, which had a somewhat austere feel as a holy kingdom, the capital was a pinnacle of splendor. The delicate marble sculptures decorating the building facades, the large plazas, fountains, and the elegant clock tower standing in the distance—all of it was a visual delight.
Perhaps because of that, when they arrived at Grand Duke Morgana’s estate, Ophelia felt a subtle sense of unease.
Huh?
The carriage passed through the well-maintained garden of the Grand Duke’s estate.
Moments later, the carriage stopped in front of a two-story mansion. The servants were lined up outside, presumably waiting to greet the master.
“Let’s get off.”
Hugo extended his hand to Ophelia, his lips curled into a mischievous smile.
Hmm.
Over the past ten days, she had seen him take care of her in this way many times, but no matter how many times it happened, she still didn’t get used to it.
As Ophelia stepped out of the carriage with Hugo’s escort, she finally realized the source of her unease. Unlike the vibrant capital, Grand Duke Morgana’s estate gave off a strangely sinister vibe.
It wasn’t that it was dirty or shabby. Everything was impeccably tidy, with no dust in sight, and everything was of high quality. But still…
It feels… lifeless overall.
A poor comparison, but it felt like a shadow, a place where sunlight never touched. Just being there made her feel oddly cold.
“Leticia.”
Hugo introduced her in a voice that lacked any hint of warmth.
“She’ll be staying here for the time being, so make sure to serve her well.”
Then, in a languid tone, he added,
“Keep things smooth, alright?”
…Somehow, the emphasis on ‘smooth’ made her feel like something else was implied. Ophelia subtly furrowed her brow. Meanwhile, the servants bowed politely.
“Yes, Your Grace.”
At the same time, Hugo wrapped his arm around Ophelia’s waist.
“Let’s go inside.”
For a moment, Ophelia tensed up, but then, as a proper mistress, she leaned into Hugo’s body. The servants silently observed the backs of the two entering the mansion. Their gazes were as cold as ice. At that moment, Ophelia realized,
They really despise me.
The intense hostility she felt against her skin was unmistakable. Living in the Grand Duke’s estate… might not be as easy as she thought.
