Thought It Was 'The End', Only to Return to a Changed Genre - Chapter 104
To appear favorable to Adeline, he pretended to be kind and gentle only in front of her.
At least he managed his reputation back then.
If he had tried to gain advantages, he was capable of using such cunning methods.
Without Adeline, Shane Blanchard could have lived a better life. If he had spread the attention he gave to Adeline a bit more to those around him, he might not have had such a poor personality.
If he had taken care of his household and relationships a bit more and met someone worth pouring his love into, he could have become someone capable of ideal and devoted love.
He might have become someone who loves, cherishes, and protects one person single-heartedly.
‘It’s a useless assumption now.’
It was water spilled and a cup broken.
Adeline had already ruined Shane.
To Shane, Adeline was also poison.
Lloyd quietly observed Shane giving orders to his lieutenant. The lieutenant, who came from a knightly background, had short-cropped reddish-brown hair and tried to maintain a stoic expression, but couldn’t hide the sparkling eyes that seemed completely captivated by Shane.
However, Shane had not the slightest interest in his lieutenant. Did he even know his name? He had probably long forgotten that he once saved this man’s life.
“But, Your Grace, have you taken on a new attendant?”
Lloyd raised his eyes. The lieutenant glared at him as if he were an intruder.
“Is it any of your concern?”
“But, I mean, this conversation is nearly confidential, isn’t it?”
“If any secrets get out, it will be my problem, not yours.”
“Well, that’s….”
“Stop worrying needlessly and just do your job properly.”
The lieutenant bit his lip in frustration.
To Lloyd, the lieutenant looked like a puppy wagging its tail desperately, wanting its master’s affection. What was so great and admirable about a master who wouldn’t even give a treat? The sparkling eyes were full of longing to be loved.
Well, he did look impressive on the outside.
Lloyd thought generously and said,
“I’ll leave.”
“You said you had something to discuss with me.”
Lloyd didn’t want to receive unnecessary jealousy from Shane’s followers. Looking at the lieutenant, who couldn’t hide his irritation, Lloyd saw his face turning as red as a tomato. Lloyd said,
“Call me when the important conversation is over.”
“It wasn’t that important, and now it’s over.”
Shane gestured to the lieutenant.
The lieutenant gritted his teeth and bowed his head before leaving the office.
“Sometimes it’s good to give a dog a treat.”
“I don’t keep dogs.”
“Well, you are like a dog yourself.”
“You’re the mutt barking under your master’s protection.”
“You used to call me a rat.”
“That was Jeff’s opinion. I called you a damn pest.”
“There’s a big difference. Astonishing.”
“You never back down, do you?”
“Should I? I’ll consider it next time.”
Of course, he had no intention of considering it.
This man only acted like a child when it came to matters involving Adeline.
Shane scowled in irritation.
“Enough pointless bickering.”
“Ask me anything. My master told me not to hide anything.”
“…….”
“If you plan to lock me up for a while, let me fetch my belongings from the palace first.”
“I won’t do such a thing.”
“That’s… surprising.”
For once, Lloyd was genuinely surprised. When he widened his eyes, Shane snorted.
“I never expected to keep her perfectly confined. If I had, I would have never done a wedding and never would have announced our marriage to the world. I would have kept her locked up forever.”
“That would have given you peace of mind, I agree.”
“But she would have hated me completely.”
“Are you still afraid of that? Even now?”
“…….”
Shane didn’t answer. Lloyd changed the subject.
“Will you return to the palace then?”
“If Adeline wishes for it. But I have something to ask you.”
“Go ahead. Why are you hesitating? It’s unlike you.”
“Was Adeline originally prone to sleeplessness?”
“…….”
“I never thought I’d ask another man about my wife’s sleeping habits.”
“Don’t express it so disgustingly.”
“Tell me, Lloyd.”
“Recently, she seemed to sleep deeply. I see. It’s starting again.”
“…….”
Lloyd sighed.
“Is that all you wanted to ask?”
“No….”
If it was just that, he wouldn’t have called me separately. As Lloyd waited quietly, Shane covered his eyes with his hand and said,
“Adeline has changed.”
