The Obsession of the Tyrant Sub-Male Lead is Unnecessary

Episode 14

The ring, with a large diamond set in a gold band reminiscent of Verona’s hair, sparkled brilliantly.

She had often found valuable items and jewels in sunken ships under the sea, so she thought she was familiar with most gemstones, but such a large diamond was rare.

Carlos, without a word, took her hand and slipped the ring onto her fourth finger.

“It fits perfectly.”

Carlos looked down at the ring glittering on her pale finger with immense satisfaction and then gently kissed her hand.

Feeling slightly frozen, Verona instinctively glanced at Olivia.

As expected, Olivia’s face was twisted in an expression of displeasure. This time, she couldn’t immediately change her expression, indicating how much the sight had shocked her.

“Verona.”

“Ah…”

“Where are you looking?”

Carlos pulled her closer, wrapping an arm around her waist and holding her against him as he whispered low. The sudden proximity flustered Verona, causing her to lower her eyes.

Luigi quickly ushered the other maids out of the room and shut the door behind her.

With only the two of them left in the room, Carlos became even more overt in his closeness.

“Why do you keep paying attention to that woman?”

“Did you notice?”

“Did you think I wouldn’t? Merelton is getting bold because she sees you looking at her.”

“Hahaha…”

Why is he acting like this?

It was confusing and alarming to see a secondary male lead showing such hostility towards the female lead.

“It hurts my pride.”

Carlos whispered as he pushed her golden hair back. His breath tickled her exposed shoulder. The warmth of his breath heated her skin with each word he spoke.

“I want you to focus on me.”

“…”

“You said it yourself.”

Carlos lowered his head and kissed her shoulder. The sensation sent a vivid thrill down her spine.

“You said we need a mental connection.”

That night flashed in her mind.

The memory of the initially painful but ultimately exhilarating experience overwhelmed her.

Carlos had kissed her skin like this before giving her that overwhelming sensation.

It was dangerous.

“I’ll focus on you from now on. Sorry, I’ve been disoriented with the change in environment…”

Verona tried to pull away, but Carlos didn’t let go.

“I don’t believe you. If that’s difficult, we can connect in other ways.”

“What kind of connection?”

She felt her face heating up. Carlos lowered his head further, pressing his lips to her collarbone.

“A physical connection.”

“What?!”

“I figured you’re more familiar with that.”

Carlos smiled suggestively.

“How about it?”

“D-don’t talk nonsense!”

Verona shuddered and pushed him away. This time, he let her go.

She was relieved. If he had pressed a little more, she might have given in.

Her mind knew it was wrong, but the moment his lips touched her skin, the memory of that night almost made her lose control.

Regardless of the intentions and outcomes, that night had been overwhelmingly intoxicating.

“Are you sure you won’t be late? Let’s hurry!”

“The protagonist is always late. Besides, who dares to accuse the emperor of being tardy?”

“Even so!”

Verona used the party as an excuse to hide her flushed face.

Reluctantly, Carlos escorted her out the door. However, he had no intention of letting the matter rest.

Once they were in the carriage heading to the imperial palace’s ballroom, Carlos sat very close to her, playing with her hand, particularly pleased with the ring on her fourth finger.

“This is a jewel traditionally given to the crown princess. I’ve had it for a long time but never found the right person. It suits you perfectly.”

“Oh. Should I really be wearing such a precious ring? What if I damage it?”

“So what? It’s yours now. When we get married, I’ll give you the empress’s ring, so wear this one without worry.”

Carlos, wanting everyone to see the ring on Verona’s finger, kept her hand prominently displayed even when they linked arms after exiting the carriage.

Noticing Olivia approaching to straighten Verona’s skirt, Carlos pulled her close by the waist and whispered as they walked to the ballroom.

“I hope I’m mistaken, but…”

He kept his eyes forward.

“It seems like you want me to get closer to Merelton.”

Her heart raced, but she couldn’t tell if it was from fear or excitement.

Verona bit her lip in silence. As they stepped into the ballroom, Carlos turned his head and looked at her.

“Why not get closer to me instead?”

His deep green eyes seemed to peer into her soul.

Before she could respond, Carlos naturally took her hand and led her forward.

The dazzling lights of the grand ballroom filled her vision. With a fanfare, Chamberlain Jess announced the emperor’s arrival.

“It’s a brief ceremony; it won’t take long.”

Carlos whispered as they headed to the highest point in the hall.

“All you have to do is stand by my side.”

“…Okay.”

Many eyes followed her every movement.

Though she was used to being a princess, the scale difference between a small kingdom and the empire was overwhelming.

The rustle of her silk dress and the click of her high heels, the champagne bubbling in glass flutes, and the merry laughter made her acutely aware of her surroundings.

Thousands of crystals on the chandelier lit up the hall brighter than daylight.

Verona, arm in arm with Carlos and wearing the ring that marked her as his future wife, stood before the throne.

The opulence around her was intimidating. Her body tensed unconsciously, and Carlos gently took her cold hand.

“Don’t be nervous.”

His sweet whisper felt like a magic spell. When she looked up into his eyes, the words became truth.

The high priest from the temple officiated the engagement ceremony. Usually, the high priest assisted the pope and rarely left the temple. However, the presence of a mermaid descendant warranted his participation.

After the high priest finished his invocation, Carlos recited his vow of engagement.

“I, Carlos Gruenwaldt Clarence, vow to cherish Verona of Waterfall with love and fidelity, and never part from her for any reason, before God.”

The emperor, who had always regarded the gods and the pope as troublesome, knelt reverently to make his vow, and the high priest smiled approvingly. Then he turned to Verona and asked,

“And you, Verona of Waterfall, do you vow to cherish Carlos Gruenwaldt Clarence with love and fidelity, and never part from him for any reason, before God?”

Verona took a deep breath and glanced at Carlos, who was looking at her expectantly.

“Do you, Verona of Waterfall, also agree?”

“Yes. I also vow to cherish Carlos Gruenwaldt Clarence with love and fidelity.”

As Verona finished her vow, Carlos lifted her ringed hand and kissed it. A fanfare erupted, and the nobles attending the engagement ceremony burst into applause. The sound was so loud it almost hurt her ears.

Carlos helped Verona, who was wearing high heels, to stand up.

“Would you like to dance with me?”

A lively and cheerful tune was playing. As Verona looked around, she saw couples dancing and chatting.

“I’m not very good at dancing…”

“But if we don’t dance now, annoying people will swarm us.”

Carlos whispered.

Sure enough, noble ladies with curious eyes were already glancing at Verona, their fans covering their whispers. They would soon approach her if she didn’t move.

“Shall we?”

“Yes.”

Though she was new to such gatherings and feared making a mistake, dancing seemed a better option than mingling with the noble ladies.

“Good.”

Carlos smiled brightly and swiftly took her by the waist. The conductor, noticing this, quickly waved his baton to slow the music. A very sweet and soft tune began to play.

Verona glanced down nervously, almost stepping on his foot earlier. Noticing her discomfort, Carlos whispered,

“It’s okay if you step on my feet, Verona.”

“Really? But these heels are quite high.”

“It’s better than you staring at your shoes.”

He lifted her chin to meet his gaze, pulling her closer. The already narrow distance between them closed even further, making it feel like she was practically in his arms.

With one arm around her waist, Carlos led her gracefully in time with the music.

Blushing, Verona surrendered to his lead, her heart pounding wildly.

The short song soon ended, and Verona hurriedly stepped away from him.

“I’ll go get a drink.”

Without waiting for his response, she quickly walked away. They had danced to the far end of the ballroom, where few other nobles were.

Her cheeks felt hot as she touched them.

‘What’s happening to me…?’

Reciting a false vow before God hadn’t bothered her.

Holding his hand wasn’t new. Why was her heart racing now? Her throat was dry, and her legs felt weak.

Verona convinced herself it was the unfamiliarity of dancing that made her so nervous and headed to a secluded corner.

As she walked away, the nobles who had been watching her turned to find new dance partners as a sensual and beautiful melody started to play.

Successfully avoiding everyone, Verona sat on a sofa and called for a passing attendant to bring her a drink.

“What is this?”

“Green apple juice.”

The attendant added, handing her a napkin,

“It’s very popular. This is almost the last glass.”

His manner was like that of a generous tavern owner selling his finest brew. Judging by his attire, he wasn’t of high rank among the attendants. He seemed unaware of who she was, possibly missing the engagement ceremony. He soon disappeared into the crowd.

Verona sipped the juice, watching the people.

The juice in the crystal glass was a shade lighter than her eye color, with a tart aroma that tasted wonderful. Unlike ordinary juice, it had a slightly spicy kick and a sweet aftertaste.

‘I’d love another glass.’

As she finished the glass, the attendant reappeared.

“Oh! There you are! Some others requested more of this juice, so I brought some fresh. Would you like another?”

“Oh… Yes. Just one more, please.”

“I’ll bring you as much as you want, my lady. Let me know if you need more.”

He handed her a larger glass this time and winked. He still didn’t seem to realize she was the emperor’s fiancée.

‘Maybe he didn’t see the ceremony?’

It was puzzling, but she felt at ease with someone in the palace who didn’t act nervously around her.

Smiling, Verona took the glass. The attendant disappeared into the crowd again.