The Obsession of the Tyrant Sub-Male Lead is Unnecessary

Episode 29

“What do you mean?”

Verona had a feeling she knew where Olivia’s words were headed, but she asked anyway. Olivia, looking pitiful, continued.

“There have been some minor issues with the other maids. They’re not things I’d want to bother Your Highness with—just small, petty matters that have been quite stressful for me.”

Verona had never heard anything like that from Mary. Considering Mary was Olivia’s roommate and well-connected with the other maids, it seemed unlikely she wouldn’t have mentioned such conflicts.

“It’s also been difficult to see Lady Retinan, an old academy acquaintance, during tea times. I never told you this before, but I was once slandered back at the academy. It was so bad that I cried myself to sleep every night until my eyes were swollen. I barely managed to endure it back then, but seeing her again as your personal maid brought all those memories back.”

Olivia’s explanation was lengthy and heartfelt, painting a picture of her struggles. But Verona could see through her words.

Olivia was deliberately omitting her own wrongdoings, emphasizing only how much she had suffered. She was clearly appealing for sympathy, hoping Verona would take her side.

It was frustrating, and Verona didn’t want to hear any more.

“Yes, it might be best to send her far away.”

Getting into the Academy would depend on her abilities. Achieving research success wasn’t something that the Grand Duke’s money could guarantee. The Academy was managed by the royal family and was known for its integrity, immune to any bribes.

“I’ll speak to His Majesty and make sure you can leave the palace as soon as possible. Take some time to rest and pursue your studies.”

“Thank you so much, Your Highness.”

Olivia, with tears brimming in her eyes, expressed her gratitude repeatedly. Rubbing her temples from the headache this conversation caused, Verona dismissed her.

It didn’t take long for Carlos to approve Olivia’s departure from the palace.

“You should have dismissed her sooner.”

Carlos quickly signed the dismissal order and stamped it with his signet ring.

“Now, I hope Merelton will focus on her own matters and stop hovering around you.”

“You’re right. I wasn’t thinking clearly before.”

“Verona, now there’s only me left by your side.”

Carlos, with a charming smile, pulled Verona into a close embrace.

“Do you like the pearl necklace?”

“Oh, yes! It’s truly beautiful. I love it. I’ve never seen a pearl like this before.”

“There’s a kind of protective magic woven into it.”

“Protective magic?”

Carlos explained with a serious expression.

“It forms a barrier against physical attacks. I had it made in case of any unforeseen attacks. Since it’s a gift, no one would suspect if you keep it on at all times.”

“Did Retrius create this too?”

Verona examined the pearl curiously, but Carlos shook his head.

“No.”

“Then, who did…?”

“It’s time to sleep.”

Carlos gently changed the subject.

“From tomorrow, we’ll need to start preparing for the party.”

“Oh, right. Mary has been bringing out every kind of dress, which is driving me crazy.”

“Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. You’re beautiful no matter what you wear.”

Verona’s cheeks flushed with warmth. Carlos chuckled, covering her with the soft feathered blanket.

“Sweet dreams, Verona.”

—

Thanks to the preparations for the party that Carlos had arranged, Verona found herself quite busy. When her birthday finally arrived, she woke up feeling unusually cheerful.

“You’re awake, Your Highness? Wouldn’t you like to sleep a little longer?”

“There’s a banquet this evening. How could I sleep in?”

“But His Majesty specifically instructed me not to wake you up early.”

Mary fidgeted nervously as she helped Verona get ready.

“Just rest a little longer. You only need to show your face for a short time at the evening banquet. It’s best to prioritize your health, especially since you’re expecting.”

“Huh? But I still have to prepare for everything. There’s the dress we fitted yesterday…”

Yet, as Verona busied herself around the room, Luigi chimed in, agreeing with Mary, and sent the other maids away. When it was just the two of them, Mary whispered.

“Don’t worry, Your Highness. We’ve already made all the arrangements.”

“What arrangements?”

“Arrangements for your free time, of course.”

“Oh!”

Verona had nearly forgotten, since there hadn’t been any mention of it since that day. But it seemed Carlos had already coordinated with Mary.

“His Majesty said that if the head maid knew, she would certainly oppose the idea, so he told me to keep it a secret. You’ll simply need to claim that you’re feeling unwell and excuse yourself early from the banquet, saying you need some rest. I’ll wait here until you return.”

“Got it. But will it really work? I doubt Luigi will be easily fooled…”

“Don’t worry, I’ve got it all planned out.”

Mary gave a knowing smile, lowering her voice further.

“That knight’s great-grandfather left behind a magic potion that can change your appearance for a certain amount of time. Isn’t it fascinating? The head maid will be completely fooled.”

In the corner of the room, Retrius, standing guard, couldn’t help but scowl.

Mary, thinking her comment wouldn’t be overheard, spoke casually. But there was no way the dragon could miss something like that. His expression grew increasingly displeased, but Mary remained oblivious.

“See? Everything has its use.”

“Y-yeah, it worked out, I guess. Since you’re friendly with Retrius, no one will suspect anything when you’re together.”

“Huh? Me? Friendly? What do you mean, together?!”

“Retrius is going to disguise himself as Carlos, remember?”

“W-what?”

Mary’s mouth dropped open in shock. Apparently, Carlos hadn’t given her the full story. Verona patiently explained.

“While you disguise yourself as me, Retrius will take on Carlos’s appearance. The two of you will be pretending to be us.”

“But I can’t do that! How could I? And besides, I’m definitely *not* friends with him!”

Ah, right.

Verona bit her lip and went silent.

The one who was close to “puppy Retrius” was Mary. She had often showered affection on him when he was in his puppy form, even giving him little kisses on the nose when she found him in the morning. Without thinking, Verona had assumed the two were friendly.

“As if I enjoy this!” Retrius grumbled loudly, irritation clear in his voice. Sparks practically flew from Mary’s eyes.

“Did you just say something?!”

“I wish a certain maid, who dares to question His Majesty’s orders, would learn her place.”

“What did you say?”

The two of them, Retrius’s sarcasm and Mary’s blazing temper, seemed ready to clash at any moment, so Verona quickly intervened.

“Stop it! Mary, I’m hungry.”

“Oh! Yes, Your Highness. I’ll get breakfast right away.”

Mary, startled, quickly ran off. Distracting her with Verona’s meals was always the best way to calm her down, given her dedication to ensuring Verona’s well-being.

“I still don’t like that maid, no matter what.”

Retrius muttered, his irritation lingering.

“Even if it’s just for a short time, pretending to be her husband is a nightmare. Please return quickly, Your Highness.”

“You secretly enjoy it when Mary dotes on you, so why are you acting shy now?”

“When? When have I ever enjoyed that?”

Retrius snapped, raising his voice. Just then, Mary burst back into the room, and Retrius clamped his mouth shut immediately. Mary shot him a suspicious glare as she brought the stew over to Verona.

“Please eat your breakfast and rest for a bit, Your Highness. After that, we’ll start with your hair.”

“All right.”

Verona decided to pretend she hadn’t noticed the tension between Mary and Retrius, following Mary’s lead for the time being.

The evening banquet was elegant but modest, held as a dinner party in line with Verona’s wishes.

Part of the reason was the small incident that had occurred during their engagement party. But it was also because, ever since her pregnancy, Verona often found herself hungry.

Carlos arranged a long and grand dining table, instructing the chefs to prepare a spread from appetizers to desserts.

The setting was meant to encourage people to sit, eat, and chat, rather than stand around and introduce themselves or dance.

“You’re still so thin.”

As the time for the banquet drew near, Carlos arrived to escort Verona and paused, concern in his voice as he took her arm.

“Is your diet lacking? It doesn’t seem like you’re gaining weight.”

“Lacking? I’ve never eaten so well in my life.”

“But look at how thin your wrists are. And your shoulders too.”

Carlos seemed dissatisfied with her gold gown, which left her shoulders slightly exposed, as he helped her into the carriage.

“I hope you’re not dressed too lightly.”

“The banquet hall will be warm enough, so it’s fine.”

“Make sure you’re dressed warmly when you leave. Wear a thick robe.”

“Yes, yes, I will.”

Verona nodded quickly, cutting off his endless stream of worries. If she argued, he might cancel their plans and insist she stay in bed, wrapped tightly in blankets.

“So, what are we going to do outside?”

In truth, she hadn’t given much thought to what she’d do once she left the palace. She wasn’t familiar with Clarence, after all.

“It just so happens that there’s a night market tonight. To celebrate your birthday, they’ve kept the city gates open a bit longer, so more visitors can come.”

“Wow, really? So, people will be selling things at stalls?”

“I suppose so.”

Verona was intrigued, recalling how in stories, night markets often played a role in bringing lovers closer together. But Carlos didn’t seem particularly interested in that aspect.

“Wait, is this not meant to be some romantic surprise for me?”

Verona tilted her head, puzzled. It occurred to her that this was the kind of thing Osmund had done for Olivia, not something meant for her.

She remembered the episode where Olivia had glanced at items in a stall, and Osmund had bought everything on display for her in one swoop.

“That didn’t happen during the Emperor’s fiancée’s birthday party, but still…”

Thinking it was a relief that Carlos didn’t seem inclined to recreate that scene, she allowed herself to relax.

“So, what are we going to…”

“Time to step down, Verona.”

Carlos smoothly cut her off as the carriage came to a halt. He stepped out, opened the door, and offered her a hand to help her down. His touch was more gentle than ever.

As she draped the white shawl he provided over her shoulders, she wondered,

“What exactly is he planning that he’s being so secretive about?”

Curiosity welled up within her.

As they entered the banquet hall, she recognized some familiar nobles from their engagement party. A few young ladies she had met during tea times were also present.

With Carlos’s arm wrapped around hers, they exchanged polite greetings while walking. Suddenly, Verona froze at the sound of a familiar voice.

“Greetings, Your Majesty. Greetings, Your Highness.”