Chapter 3: The Fastest Way to Become a Successful Fan (3)

“According to the rumors I heard, Duke Louvremont apparently had a woman in his heart for a very long time.”

I was busy going over the novel <Persona> in my head when suddenly Anne whispered in my ears. I immediately became curious because the book mentioned no such thing.

“Really?”

“Yes. I don’t know who it is, but seeing as how he was unable to make her a duchess, perhaps she’s a fallen noble or a lady of humble origins. These are just my speculations, but don’t you think she might be Childe Louvrement’s real mother?”

I knew that couldn’t be true because Abel was not Hades’ biological son. But of course, Anne didn’t know that.

And anyway, it was true that Hades had kept the seat of the duchess empty for a long time even before he met Abel. So, the rumors Anne mentioned didn’t sound completely groundless.

But if the rumor really was true, then seriously, why? How could he have some woman already in his heart, then make the bold claim that due to my devotion, he’s willing to accept me as his wife?

Perhaps he was planning to make me his wife in name only, then keep a secret lover behind my back. If that really was the case, I would not be able to hold back my contempt for him. In some sense, I was being used here, so it would only be natural for me to feel bad, no matter how insignificant my house may be.

I may have been swayed for a brief while, but I got a hold of myself.

“I think I’ll go see him and tell him that there had been a misunderstanding. I’ll tell him we should forget about the marriage. I should hurry before he sends those marriage papers.”

“So, you’re not getting married?”

“Would you marry him if you were in my shoes?”

Duke Louvremont was, without doubt, a powerful man, but I wasn’t about to decide something as important in life as marriage in a blink of an eye. As much as I believed that my new life existed for the sole sake of Abel, I had my own life to carry on since I was given a life as Aisha Heathcliff.

Despite its obvious merit, this marriage wasn’t something I could accept on a whim.

Although I couldn’t say anything during my earlier confrontation with Hades, I had some time to contemplate the issue, so I could see that marriage was a bad idea. Selling out my life for the sake of more convenient stanning was going way overboard.

Meeting a well-earning husband and supporting him would pretty much be the only way for a lady from a mediocre house can live well in this world. But I didn’t really need to make myself a picture-perfect housewife.

Knowing the entire plot of <Persona> was a huge advantage that I could use to take control of my life and live in content without having to rely on a husband. All that was left for me to do was enjoy my life here in the Crescenta Empire, fangirling Abel from time to time.

At least, that was what I thought before I headed over to the duke’s room to call off the wedding.

* * *

It was easier than expected to meet Duke Louvremont, who was said to be the busiest man in the empire.

The duke oversaw not only the Louvremont duchy but also the entire northern regions of the empire. As such, he rarely stayed in the castle for long. But for some reason, he happened to be spending all his time indoors ever since I arrived at the castle.

But that hardly meant he was idle. Even when I was visiting him, he was busy reading from a mountain of papers on his desk.

Hades glanced at me, put aside the document in his hand, and offered me a seat. I approached him hesitantly.

“Er, Your Grace. I came to discuss our marriage. But it seems you are busy. My apologies.”

“Busy I may be, however… I’m not the kind of man who can’t spare a moment for his future bride-to-be. There’s no need to apologize.”

Oh god. That sounded like a typical romantic male lead’s line any girl would fall for, so why was I getting goosebumps all over from hearing it?

I wasn’t sure if my repulsion was due to the fact that I’ve never been in a relationship before or that I knew Hades had someone else in his heart.

With an awkward smile, I settled on the seat offered to me by Hades.

Soon the butler appeared with a tray of tea in his hand.

I felt my lips stick together from the nervousness of having to bring up a difficult topic, and my gaze naturally shifted to the teacup in front of me.

Suddenly, I noticed that these tea leaves weren’t from the North. Instead, these were the type of tea made with tea leaves that were only common in mid-southern regions. The kind I enjoyed at my house. I was genuinely surprised to see them here.

I mean, I did request to visit the duchy in advance, but he couldn’t have prepared these just for me, could he?

Hades’ voice pulled me from my thoughts.

“I’m preparing the marriage proposal papers to send to the barony right now. I’ll be working on it on time, what made you worried enough to come here? I was going to send a messenger tomorrow,” asked Hades, rubbing his temples with a tired expression. He seemed to think I was worried he’d call off our marriage.

My expectation soon proved to be correct.

“I promise to keep my word. I’m sure you’re ecstatic and in utter disbelief of your good fortune, but you needn’t worry, for this is not a dream.”

“Haha….”

‘This narcissist and his overinflated ego are giving me goosebumps!’ I screamed inside my head.

“Um…. Actually, Your Grace, about this marriage….”

“Father!”

Wham-!

Suddenly, the door to Hades’ office burst open with a bang. At the same time, an excited voice rang out.

“Oh gosh!”

It took me by complete surprise because I didn’t think anyone in this castle would dare open the door to the duke’s office without knocking.

With a startled squeal, I moved my hands over my chest to calm myself.

Hades seemed as surprised as I was. He carefully looked over me with worried eyes.

“Oh… I didn’t realize there was a guest. M-My apologies.”

But soon, my surprise was replaced with anticipation, thrill, and excitement. When I realized who the voice belonged to, my heart began to race even faster than before.

Oh my god!

No way!

You gotta be kidding me!

I could tell since I had been stanning Abel for over a year, albeit from afar.

This was my dear male lead Abel’s sweet, innocent voice that hadn’t hit puberty yet!

I did see Abel briefly coming out to greet the guest right after I arrived at the Duchy, but that was about it.

I was but a random guest 1, and Abel had yet to be officially appointed the duke’s successor. There was no reason for us to see each other privately or even accidentally walk into each other in a castle as large as the one we were in.

And, since I was still trying to keep up my façade of normality, I couldn’t just roam around the castle in search of Abel. That would look way too suspicious even for me, though that might seem ironic considering how I came all the way here to the North.

I, a determined noblewoman who had traveled hundreds of miles with only a bodyguard and a maid by my side, instinctively trembled at the thought of finally reaping the fruit of my efforts after eleven long days.

How should I describe this?

I felt as though I was about to have a private meeting with a member of a popular idol group who had millions of fans worldwide.

Of course, I had Duke Louvremont by my side who was nothing but an unwelcome guest in this scenario.

“What unruly behavior is this? Lady Heathcliff is our honored guest. Come here and apologize to her immediately.”

Hades sprang up and glared over my shoulder, but by the time he did that, my ears were barely capable of registering his words, because I was so nervous to the point that I couldn’t even turn around.

‘Abel! Abel! Abel!’

Ah, A name I would die for.

With unrivaled strength, perfect looks, upright character, excellent political skills, and, most importantly, an utmost devotion toward the heroine — a trait every male lead must possess — Abel was undoubtedly my favorite character of all time!

‘Abel Louvremont!’

I heard his small, precious steps approach me from behind as I slowly turned around with a trembling heart.