I Became the Obsessive Male Lead’s Ex-Wife

Sibelom became angry and confronted the emperor.

“What are you talking about? Aren’t I, not Carlisle, the heir to the royal family and a strong successor to Your Majesty? Carlisle is not the eldest grandson of the royal family, but a descendant of the scum-like Erwin Carlisle…”

Sibelom, who had been trying to slander Erwin Carlisle, Pervin’s 6th-great-great-great-grandfather, froze the moment his eyes met the portrait. In the portrait, the dark green eyes seemed to be gazing solemnly at Sibelom. How much she resembled Per Vin’s eyes, especially that cold atmosphere that seemed to freeze her. I flinch. Pervin seemed to be staring at him from the portrait. As his whole body felt cold, his finger, which had been pointing at the portrait, hurriedly moved down. His body had suddenly changed into a polite posture. The emperor sneered and cupped his chin arrogantly.

“Why don’t you keep going, Sibelom? What do you call the great ‘Erwin Carlisle’ of the Empire? The dross of the imperial family?”

“…”

“You have no guts and yet you covet the throne. The one who is being naughty is quiet, and the one who is not qualified is active.”

Erwin Carlisle. He was the youngest son of the 30th emperor of the Theresian Empire, the 6th great-great-grandfather of the current emperor. He had six half-brothers and was born to the mistress of an unfavorable emperor. He was born as a weak, premature baby, but his mother died soon after, and he was treated with worse than indifference. Maybe that’s why no one expected that the weak Erwin would grow up to become the supreme commander of the empire. Based on his endless training and brilliant mind, he saved the empire from crisis several times, and gradually his name began to grow. And when a plague struck the capital, killing his five half-brothers and leaving only his two sons, including Erwin, the emperor granted him the honorable title of Duke of Carlisle.

“How can they look so similar?”

The emperor muttered as he looked at the portrait of Erwin Carlisle, who looked exactly like Ferwin. The loss of his mother at an early age and the fact that he grew up well despite his father’s indifference were all similar. If there’s one thing I don’t want people to be like, it’s that their hands are precious.

“I need to receive the blessing of fertility…”

In fact, it was not only the Duke of Carlisle whose hands were valuable, but also the royal family. The current emperor only had two daughters, and the empress’s body was weak, so no more children could be expected. However, since the emperor had already made it clear that there would be no divorce from the empress, Erwin’s 6th generation grandson, Perwin Carlisle, came to be noticed as a strong successor to the imperial family. Sibelom’s cunning voice penetrated the emperor’s pensive mind.

“I’m sure Carlyle isn’t blessed with children, brother. So, trust me more, because if I put my mind to it, the kids will come one after another.”

“It’s even more surprising that after all this time beating up women like that, she didn’t have any children.”

“That… I controlled it well. So, don’t be concerned about Pervin, who can’t have even one successor, and trust me for once.”

The Emperor looked at Sibelom’s triumphant face and let out a small sigh of his own. Sibelom is his half-brother, the son of the previous emperor, who was a lecher, from his mistress when he was in his 70s. Since the current emperor had no son, he was the likely successor, but he was not in Yong’s favor. Will his younger brother, who always likes to have fun, hang out with immoral people, and chase after women, be able to lead the empire well? If I just think about Sibelom, I get sick that I never knew existed. The emperor declared, pressing down on his throbbing head.

“Pervin has already renounced her right to succession to the throne. So, don’t bring up that boring story about succession to the throne in front of me anymore.”

“…yes?”

“Your loyalty to me is so great that you have already returned it yourself. Sibelom, his loyalty is at least more loyal than yours.”

Without even hearing the last words, Sibelom sighed in relief. But there was still an atmosphere of disbelief.

“It looks like you know your situation. It didn’t make sense to me that I, a relative of the royal family, had the right to succession, even though I was a descendant of the royal family.”

“But the right to succession for that son was not returned. And according to the information I secretly obtained, it looks like good news will soon be coming from the duke’s house. So don’t act carelessly. You will never be my only successor.”

“What…”

“My mother is the Princess of Berma, and my father is the Duke of Carlisle. Pervin’s son could become a strong successor to the imperial family.”

The Emperor strongly attacked Sibel Rom, as if trying to silence him. A cold voice came out of his mouth.

“In terms of bloodline, I have a much better lineage than you.”

“Older brother!”

“Who do you think is your older brother?”

Sigh! The emperor bit his lip.

“You should know that you are lucky that I am barely able to maintain my sanity thanks to the maintenance of my late father.”

Sibelom fell down as if he had come to his senses. This was the first time the emperor had been so angry since he caused a scene at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Carlisle.

“Brother, please forgive me. I was just keeping Carlisle in check for my brother.”

“Don’t be rude.”

The emperor, who remembered his mother in Sibelom’s silver hair, gritted his teeth.

“If you find out why your mother was kicked out of the imperial palace, behave yourself, Sibelom. Before you do that too.”

* * *

A few weeks later. The Duke of Carlisle’s residence, which was usually quiet, was crowded with people. The hall in the large mansion was filled with many people, and that was because I had opened a salon. I didn’t have a decent salon, and I especially wanted to enjoy social activities with Pervin. I wanted to contribute to solidifying the foundation of Pervin by inviting not only noble ladies but also various high-ranking nobles. Pervin, who seemed reluctant at first to hover around me, was actively interacting with various nobles as if he had always done so. Did you say that a man who is absorbed in his work is cool? Pervin was so attractive that my eyes kept drifting towards him as I was enjoying the game with the noble ladies. Sometimes, he brushes away stray hairs from his forehead, the tendons on the backs of his hands stand out, and he speaks to many people with a serious expression. Pervin, who said he wanted to be alone with me, had disappeared, and seeing him confidently leading the conversation while receiving everyone’s attention made his heart tingle for some reason.

‘Sometimes you say you just want to be with me, but you get along well with other people too.’

As I let out a small sigh, feeling both proud and relieved, he caught my eye. Pervin turned his head towards me and made eye contact with him. The pale green eyes blinked a couple of times, looked at me, raised their hands, and opened their eyes beautifully. I took a throbbing breath as I saw a bright smile that seemed to linger in the spring breeze. That moment when he tilts his head because he seems to be saying something with his mouth, but I can’t understand it. Before I knew it, he had escaped the group and was standing next to me. He smiled sweetly as he stroked my head.

“Irwen, I hope you make time for me now.”

Marchioness Celestine, who was enjoying the game next to him, playfully joined in.

“While you’re here, why don’t you join in on our game, Duke?”

“What game is it?”

“It’s a game called ‘Of course,’ and it’s popular among noble ladies these days. It’s a one-on-one match, and if you answer that it’s natural no matter what they say, the game continues, but if you don’t agree with what the other person says and say no, the winner is decided.”

“Sounds like fun.”

Surprisingly, when he willingly expressed his willingness to participate in the game, several noble ladies gathered at the table whispered as if it would be fun. I got up and tried to call Mrs. Tilly.

“Mrs. Tilly, please get me one chair here.”

“No, you can sit like this.”

Pervin quickly sat down in my seat and took me into his arms. I felt somewhat embarrassed by the strange looks around me, but I had no intention of leaving Pervin’s embrace. I liked the way he patted my back, as if he was satisfied. The game proceeded as is. Even though it was his first time playing the game, Pervin suited the game well, knocking down Lady Stella all at once and making Marchioness Celestine look blank. A fierce battle ensued, and eventually it was up to me and Pervin to decide the winner. Perhaps because we didn’t want to hurt each other, we only threw light sentences at each other for a while.

“Irwen, don’t you secretly like it when Marianne compliments your appearance?”

“Of course. Pervin, aren’t you enjoying the admiring glances Alfred gives you when you swing your sword?”

Lady Stella across from me sparkled with playful eyes.

“Duchess, you are saying too much. You throw so many odds at us, but don’t you think the Duke of Carlisle is just your husband?”

For no reason, my face got hot at their words that hit the nail on the head. Pervin told me it was okay.

“Yes, Irwen. You don’t need to look at me too much, this is a game, not a competition.”

Okay, so you don’t need to look at it? Pervin’s nonchalant attitude gave me a competitive spirit.

“Then I’ll do it again.”

I patted Pervin’s head and asked in as calm a voice as possible.

“Pervin, do you like Irwen?”

It won’t be easy to answer these questions in front of others, Pervin Carlisle. Sure enough, I see Pervin’s eyes shaking violently. The women watching from the side were already cackling and going crazy. Pervin dropped her gaze from me for a moment and looked at me as if I was dumbfounded. His hand around my waist became much stronger.

“No.”

The moment I thought I had won since his answer came out like this. A clear voice rang out as if telling everyone to hear it.

“I am in love with Irwen.”

“…”

He smiled sweetly and placed his hot lips on the back of my hand.

“Do you want me to sait it again? I love you.”

* * *

It was clearly a perfect victory for me, but why does it feel like a sweet defeat? After finishing the game, I and Pervin sat alone on the sofa in the corner of the hall. At Pervin’s confession that he loved me, excited shouts erupted from those around me, and I couldn’t help but feel ashamed and ran away alone with Pervin. To be exact, I wanted to be alone with him. Her face heated up at the unexpected confession, and as she continued to fan herself with her hand, Pervin quickly pulled me into his arms. A soft voice rang in my ears.

“Isn’t it time to get used to confessions like this? I’ve told you more than once that I love you.”

“It’s because I’m embarrassed to speak in front of other people.”

“What are you ashamed of? It’s an obvious fact.”

I lifted my head and looked up at him. A serious face with all smiles removed is staring at me passionately. He touched my face and spoke quietly.

“When will I hear such words from you, Irwen?”

“I am…”

“Shh, I’m not forcing you. I can wait.”

Pervin’s eyes were a mixture of determination and regret. In this space filled with music and people chatting happily, only the two of us are in each other’s sight. Now I wanted to put my true feelings into his hands. It may be too late, but they say late is fastest.

“Pervin.”

“Huh?”

“I have something to tell you.”

He tilted his head towards me. The fact that his ears were red seemed like he was expecting something. So I hugged the back of his neck and whispered sincerely in his ear.

“Actually, I… I like you.”

As soon as he heard my words, his body shook violently.

 

—————————————————————

Translator Note: