How The Sub-Male Lead’s Stepmother Teaches Love Chapter 219

– crhhh!

 

The round mirror split in half and shattered.

 

Because of that, the woman’s face that had been reflected in the mirror just a moment ago disappeared as if it had been erased.

 

Because it disappeared so quickly, she couldn’t see the woman’s face properly.

 

However, she could definitely tell that the color that filled the mirror was a light pink.

 

And also—

 

‘The crow closed its eyes even though no one told it to.’

 

Did the crow think the woman would go blind if it kept its eyes open?

 

Or that her information would be leaked through the crystal ball?

 

It is unknown how much the crow knew before closing its eyes.

 

But either way, the result was the same.

 

The crow was trying to protect the woman.

 

‘A crow that had been brainwashed and modified… Why? How?’

 

There was only one possible explanation.

 

‘That woman, the Marquise of Ajas. She was Pel’s daughter….!’

 

Even she was not in the castle of Ajas, which was surrounded by several strong walls, but on the road.

 

And at that, at the crossroads near the gate of Anild.

 

No doubt about it—she’s heading to the capital.

 

‘How can things work out so well?’

 

‘I must go to the capital. There, I can revive the bloodline of Sesto that I thought was lost forever!’

 

Ran quickly got up from her seat to tell the Master that good news.

 

Tap, tap, tap… The sound of footsteps growing fainter was reflected in the broken mirror.

 

As if to foreshadow someone’s ominous future, the remaining glass shards shattered into smaller pieces with an ominous cracking sound.

 

* * *

 

Day 20 since we left Ajas Castle. We’ve finally arrived at the capital.

 

“Wow, it’s been a long time since I’ve been here, but the capital is still the same.”

 

Through the carriage window, I could see densely packed buildings and a sea of people.

 

The only reason the carriage could move through the crowd was because the roads for carriages and people were clearly separated and well-maintained.

 

“That carriage…!”

 

Passersby are seen muttering in surprise as they see the flag of Ajas.

 

Looking at that sight, I thought to myself, I really have become famous.

 

“Mother, did you live in the capital for long?”

 

Then Noah came close to me and asked.

 

I gave up my seat a bit so he could enjoy the view outside.

 

“No, I only lived here for a few months. Originally, I was just supposed to find a fiancé and return to the Howard Territory. But then your dad completely swept me off my feet.”

 

Just as I finished, Rake flew into the air.

 

– Where’s the dessert shop? Where’s it?

 

“You can’t see it from here. I’ll take you tomorrow, so be patient.”

 

– Why?! We just got to the capital! Why wait?!

 

“It’s not that I won’t give it to you, just wait a little bit. You’ll be able to eat as much dessert as you want once you get to the mansion.”

 

– I’m going to eat so much! Chocolate! Mille-feuille! Crème brulee!

 

While the already excited Rake was rolling around in the air, our group arrived at the Paul Hervina mansion.

 

“Welcome, my lady. It’s been a long time.”

 

Logan, the head butler, was already at the gate with dozens of staff, clearly having been informed in advance of our arrival.

 

“Wow… The mansion is huge!”

 

“I’ve never seen such a large garden before. Just walking from the gate to the house might take half an hour!”

 

“It’s truly amazing that there is a mansion with such a large garden in the capital city.”

 

Marilyn and Layla’s gazes said it all: So this is what the Marquise of Ajas owns—amazing!

 

‘To be exact, Ajas’s wealth is amazing.’

 

Thinking about the annual cost of maintaining the Paul Hervina Mansion, I felt glad we’d come to the capital.

 

It would be a waste of money to let such an expensive mansion just rot away.

 

‘Though honestly, even living here all 365 days of the year still feels like a waste of money.’

 

Anyway, having a place to rest without worrying about others’ eyes—it was a good feeling.

 

“Nell, then I will go straight to the palace.”

 

“Right now? Can’t you rest for a bit?”

 

“As the matter is so serious, I am sure His Majesty is anxious as well.”

 

It seemed as if an order had been given to enter the palace immediately upon arrival in the capital.

 

‘Tsk.’

 

I just grumbled to myself and told Leonhard to be careful and have a safe trip.

 

After he left for the palace with a few knights, I instructed my servants to guide my party and followed Logan to our rooms.

 

“Oh, right. This is your first time meeting him. Say hello—this is my son.”

 

“Nice to meet you, young master. My name is Logan. I may be unworthy, but I serve as the head butler of this mansion.”

 

“Nice to meet you, please take care of me.”

 

Noah’s room was assigned to the room opposite our master bedroom.

 

Because the structure was like that, it was the same size as my room, so I thought the room was too big for Noah to use alone.

 

– Alone?! I’m staying in that room too!

 

“Yes. I’ll be with Rake, so it’s fine.”

 

“If you ever feel lonely, come visit me anytime, okay?”

 

“Yes.”

 

I was a little worried about Noah being alone in such a big room, but hearing Rake would stay with him reassured me.

 

‘As long as we give her enough desserts, she’ll be quiet.’

 

Speaking of which, I asked Logan to have lots of desserts prepared, then went into the bedroom and collapsed onto the bed.

 

Ugh… So tired…”

 

My eyelids felt heavy, and I wondered if I had fallen asleep just like that.

 

I woke up to a hand gently shaking me.

 

“Nell.”

 

“Hmm….”

 

“It’s dinner time. Please try to eat something, even if it’s just a little.”

 

‘It’s evening already?’

 

‘I slept for a really long time…….’

 

But my eyes didn’t open well.

 

In a hazy state of consciousness, I gave up on opening my eyes and shook my head a few times.

 

“Mmm… I don’t want to eat…”

 

The voice that had been coaxing me suddenly fell silent.

 

After a moment, I heard a sigh, and then Leonhard began unbuttoning and loosening the ties of my dress.

 

‘Come to think of it, I fell asleep without even changing my clothes.…’

 

I didn’t wear a corset, so just unbuttoning the buttons and knots that fit my body made it easier to breathe.

 

Then Leonhard completely removed my dress and dressed me in something else.

 

Judging by the texture, it was probably a nightgown.

 

I breathed more comfortably and stretched out my arms and legs on the bed.

 

“Then I will go and have dinner with Noah. Please rest well.”

 

“Enjoy your meal…..”

 

As his footsteps faded into the distance, my consciousness drifted away again.

 

It felt like I slept for a long while again.

 

I next opened my eyes when I felt my head being gently lifted.

 

Something firm slid under it—and as I nuzzled into it, I quickly realized it was Leonhard’s arm.

 

“Was dinner good…?”

 

“Are you hungry?”

 

“I wasn’t asking because I’m hungry…”

 

My grumbling response drew a quiet chuckle near my ear.

 

“Rake enjoyed it the most. She was so full she couldn’t fly, so Noah had to carry her.”

 

“Then I guess we don’t need to take her to the dessert shop tomorrow…”

 

“That’s one thing, and this is another,” he replied.

 

Apparently, someone had already asked the same question.

 

Just picturing Rake flapping his wings and singing about dessert made me chuckle.

 

“I think I’m going to wake up now.”

 

“Should I ask them to prepare a meal?”

 

“It’s okay. I’m not that hungry.”

 

Still lying down, I stretched my arms above my head and yawned. My body felt a bit more refreshed.

 

I sat up to stretch more thoroughly, and Leonhardt watched me while still lying down.

 

Unlike me, who had slept all day and felt refreshed, he looked very tired.

 

Only then did I remember that he had been to the palace.

 

“Right—how was the palace? What did His Majesty say?”

 

“There will be a banquet soon. His Majesty asked us to attend.”

 

“A banquet? What kind of banquet is this all of a sudden? Is it a welcome party for the Third Prince or something?”

 

“No. The Second Prince’s wife is expecting an imperial heir. It’s a formal announcement and celebration.”

 

“Oh my, really?”

 

The male lead is finally going to be born!

 

Of course, what I saw wasn’t a novel but the future—and he wasn’t really the male lead anymore, but…

 

Still, he was a familiar name, so it felt like running into someone I knew while abroad. I was oddly happy.

 

But I must’ve looked too pleased. Leonhard looked at me curiously, and I hurriedly changed the subject.

 

“Ahem, will the Third Prince be at this banquet?”

 

“No. If he debuts in a society like that, it would be the same as the Emperor acknowledging him as the Third Prince, even without a formal ceremony.”

 

“Hmm, but hasn’t he already been acknowledged? Everyone seems to call him the Third Prince.”

 

“His Majesty hasn’t officially recognized him. Even the palace he was given is one meant for guests.”

 

Still, people likely call him the Third Prince without hesitation because of the symbol of Estroa.

 

They probably believe it’s only a matter of time before he’s officially titled.

 

After all, one of the requirements for being recognized as a prince or princess is manifesting the symbol of Estroa.

 

* * *