Chapter 123
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Dear, I believe you may be misunderstanding. Chapter 123 Hiess Cerviente had made good on his boast. Across approximately twenty newspapers, the ugly crimes committed by the yellow lily of the Oellin Family were spread far and wide. The special editions, released simultaneously on the same day and hour, set the tedious daily lives of the nobility ablaze. 【Special Report! Exposing the Rot Beneath the Lily's Facade!】 Capren Oellin had always maintained a strong image as a somewhat conservative yet upright and incorruptible nobleman. Yet it was revealed that he engaged in tax evasion and bribery as casually as breathing, a hollow husk concerned only with appearances. Most particularly, the revelation that he had refused to pay for his wives' medical treatment until their deaths, or had neglected the royal physicians, ignited the fury of nearly every noblewoman. The countless verbal assaults and neglect inflicted upon Grace Oellin—whom he had kept hidden away as his one precious daughter—further highlighted his callousness. But.... The most fervent reaction was ultimately directed toward Norman Oellin, the Oellin Family's one and only son. The evidence that he had repeatedly assaulted Grace Oellin since childhood was overwhelming. In particular, the servants working at the Oellin Family Mansion all spoke in unison, recounting his crimes. [He is a demon. He was laughing even as he broke his young sister's limbs.] [Whenever the young lady fell ill with even a cold, he would sneak in at night and open every window. He wanted her to die of pneumonia!] [When he grew angry, he would beat the young lady repeatedly. He never ceased his contempt and mockery.] [Yet Miss Grace never once yielded to the young master. Instead, she told us servants not to interfere, saying we would be hurt as well.] [Yes, that's right. Miss Grace—no, Duchess Black—is that kind of person. She is the only true lily of the Oellin Family!] This alone would have been shocking, but testimonies from women Norman had assaulted and violated came pouring forth. The newspaper offices were inundated with their contributions and complaints, forcing them to release new editions without pause. Regardless of status, countless women had been destroyed beneath him, their lives hidden away. The problem was that other noble families connected to Norman also began to face scrutiny. In mere half a day, everyone in the kingdom had learned of the filth of the Oellin men. People called their friends to whisper and gossip about this abominable, sensational, and unbelievably barbaric affair. And at precisely the right moment, Grace Oellin filed a petition requesting permission to renounce the Oellin name. And furthermore... she filed a petition for a noble trial, demanding that Capren Oellin and Norman Oellin face justice for their crimes. 'Oh, heavens! What a dreadful affair! I've never seen a noble house in such disarray!' 'What in the world is happening! A daughter prosecuting her own father! Unthinkable!' Some whispered their condemnation, cursing not Norman but Grace herself as a disgrace to the nobility. Though heinous and inhumane acts had indeed occurred within the Oellin Family, they could not fathom how she could voluntarily tarnish her family's honor. In a mud-slinging battle, it is not only the perpetrator who faces condemnation. Some turned their blades toward the victim. They disparaged her courage as foolish and shameless. Yet despite this, Grace did not falter. To make known that family harming family was not inevitable. Someone had to begin, and Grace willingly took that first step. Thus, she could never stop.
* * * 'What do I do? I'm so overwhelmed!' I pressed my fingers to my temples and began sorting through the avalanche of letters that had descended upon me. Hundreds upon hundreds of pages had accumulated—letters from supporters pledging their strength to me, letters from Norman's acquaintances hurling curses in my direction, and additional exposés stacked high. On top of that came letters from Royal Palace administrators demanding clarification on how I would manage my newly granted Territory, tax settlement agreements, and documents for the noble tribunal. The work ahead was mountainous. But the real problem was....
"What do I do? I don't have time. I have to leave this afternoon."
Today was the very day I needed to depart for Contana. I hurried to organize the documents, but it proved far from simple. No matter how sharp my mind was, I was a complete novice when it came to administrative work. Most of these documents were ones I'd never laid eyes on before. I'd risen before dawn to examine the mountainous pile of letters and papers, yet I'd barely made it through half. As the hour of departure drew nearer, my anxiety only intensified. I pored over the papers with desperate intensity, scrutinizing every detail. How much time had passed in this manner? A long, heavy shadow fell across the half-open doorway. It was Lucas, who had risen late for my sake and completed all the departure preparations on my behalf, coming to retrieve me from the room where I still remained. '...Oh no.' He clicked his tongue softly to himself as he observed me struggling and groaning over the documents. I had skipped breakfast entirely and hadn't even changed into my traveling clothes, clinging only to the papers. 'At this rate, there will be no end to it....' Just as Lucas, who had been quietly observing me, was about to take a step forward and approach me. He stopped, his hand gripping tightly at his chest. Pain and irritation twisted his brow into a deep furrow. He felt his blood coursing rapidly through his veins. As though on the verge of transforming into a beast, his entire body grew scorching hot and swollen, his heart pounding excessively. 'Too... fast.' Lucas closed his eyes and regulated his breathing. Fortunately, the pain was not severe. He rubbed the area near his chest in circular motions, composing his breathing. When he lifted his head again, his expression had settled into perfect composure. Taking a short, deep breath, he walked toward me, who seemed as though I might disappear entirely into the papers.
"At this rate, you won't finish even if tomorrow comes."
"Ah...! Lucas, when did you arrive?"
"I've been standing here for a while now. Your concentration is remarkable."
"I'm sorry. I've held us up terribly, haven't I? This won't do. Let me change my clothes first and gather these documents...."
"Grace."
He caught my hand as I scrambled to gather the remaining papers.
"When we return, I'll need to have your study built first."
"Pardon?"
"You'll need a deputy as well. I've arranged for a tutor skilled in administration and numbers to be assigned to you. I'll expedite finding someone suitable."
Lucas smiled gently, his fingers brushing the tired corners of my eyes. His thick, calloused fingertips massaged beneath my eyes with careful tenderness, as though touching something infinitely delicate.
"For documents, it's best to learn to read them quickly, focusing on key points. The ideal solution is having a capable deputy to assist you. Haem excels at selecting competent people for such roles."
"I see."
"Once we return, let's ask Haem to find suitable staff. While we're away in Contana, Gabriel will handle urgent matters. He's an exceptionally capable and experienced butler."
Lucas conveyed his message indirectly—that we shouldn't waste our precious time staring at papers. He kissed the tired corners of my eyes, then swiftly scanned through the documents I hadn't yet reviewed. He selected only the most important ones and placed them in an envelope.
"Take only these with you. Since the noble tribunal won't convene for another month, none of this is truly urgent."
"I'm sorry. I've been so scattered, haven't I?"
"It's understandable. If I were in your position, I'd be just as scattered."
Lucas laughed reassuringly.
"But."
His gaze shifted suddenly, his expression transforming. He pulled me close and took my earlobe between his lips.
"Lucas... ah, mmm."
My body responded instantly to the sensation of his moist lips and the heat of his tongue brushing against my delicate skin. After being held and caressed dozens of times in such a short span, my body reacted automatically to even the slightest pleasure he offered. Heat surged through me in an instant, my legs weakening beneath me. His hand, which had been stroking my waist, gently gripped the area near my hips. His other hand traced across my abdomen, rising toward my heart, which was racing wildly.
"Mmm."
In moments, our bodies intertwined as one, and we collapsed onto the round side table laden with my documents. Several papers scattered and fell to the floor, but neither of us had the presence of mind to care. He dominated the space between my parted lips with practiced skill, then lowered his mouth to trace my delicate jawline, nibbling at my fragile neck. The sharp sting of pain melded with pleasure. Uncontrolled moans escaped between my lips. Only when those sounds—part cry, part whimper—had escaped me several times in succession did Lucas finally pull his lips away.
"But from now on, this won't do. For now, be entirely mine. Don't think of anything else. Focus only on me, only on our time together."
"I understand. I'm sorry."
"I didn't mean to hear an apology, but... I truly hate anything distracting your attention from me."
Lucas murmured against my neck, his nose buried in my skin.
"I never thought I could be this childish. But as I've said before, strangely, I lose all restraint whenever I'm before you."
His voice carried a bitter self-deprecation, yet sounded as pitifully yearning as a boy seeking affection. It was the voice of someone suffering from an unbearable thirst. I pulled Lucas deeper into my embrace, whispering as I kissed his forehead, cheeks, and nose.
"Lucas."
"Hmm?"
"Did I mention it before?"
"Mention what?"
She lifted his face toward hers. Lucas's eyes were beautiful—like blue gems, shimmering with iridescent light that danced across their depths. Grace drew his cheek closer to her own. Two lips parted, interlocking like gears about to mesh as one.
"That I..."
She whispered in a voice like spring's hazy shimmer.
"Love you."
Lucas's breath caught. Grace seized the moment, gently claiming the inside of his lips just as he had done moments before.
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Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org
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