The Obsession of the Tyrant Sub-Male Lead is Unnecessary

Episode 31

“Ah, I never thought I was pretty enough to attract attention from random strangers like that,” Verona mused.

But it seemed much more likely that someone like Carlos would attract such attention, not her. Even dressed in a plain robe, he looked tall and refined—easily mistaken for a noble’s bodyguard.

His high-bridged nose and thick eyebrows gave him a dignified, noble air. His sharp features were striking, and though his lips were often set in a firm line, giving him an almost austere look, Verona knew better.

His lips were anything but austere…

‘Wait, what am I thinking?’

Verona quickly pulled herself out of her wandering thoughts, realizing they were taking a rather inappropriate turn.

“Stop saying such nonsense, and let’s go already, okay? We need to be back before the party ends.”

She didn’t want her thoughts about his lips to go any further, so she grabbed Carlos’s arm and pulled him along. He gave her a look that suggested he had no choice but to comply, leading her toward the back gate.

Carlos had already made arrangements with the guards, and a small side gate meant for transporting supplies had been left open. He ushered Verona through first, then followed behind her, carefully closing the gate.

Hand in hand, they walked down a short wooded path, emerging onto a bustling main street.

“Wow…”

Verona’s mouth fell open as she took in the sight before her.

She had thought the night sky filled with stars above the separate palace was beautiful, but Clarence’s capital, Dorovel, had an even more breathtaking charm.

The lanterns hung from the balconies of buildings glowed in warm shades of crimson and pale yellow, more welcoming than the distant stars.

The streets bustled with lively faces, filled with the sounds of laughter.

Children ran about, each holding a piece of candy or a sweet treat, while people carrying large baskets rushed to browse the stalls.

“They don’t usually hold markets at night,” Carlos explained.

“Since Dorovel Square is so close to the palace, it can get quite noisy. Night markets like this only happen during festival times. For this event, taxes are reduced on the goods sold, so many stalls stay open all night.”

“Oh, I see.”

“It’s something we started a few years back, and it’s been quite effective.”

Verona was genuinely impressed. Waterfall’s population was small, and most people lived by self-sufficiency, so commerce had never been its strong suit. Experiencing the different culture of another country was fascinating and delightful.

‘If Waterfall had been part of an empire, could it have been like this?’

With the night market’s sales undoubtedly higher than on regular days, the tax reduction was indeed a smart move. While it might mean a temporary reduction in royal revenue, it ultimately lightened the people’s burden and encouraged spending.

‘Carlos is such a wise and forward-thinking leader. Why did he choose war in the novel?’

Surely, there must have been peaceful alternatives, just like this.

Walking leisurely through the market stalls with Carlos, Verona found herself enjoying the sights. She didn’t particularly want to buy anything, but seeing the simple, charming items so different from the grandeur of the palace was a pleasure.

“Oh, look at this!”

Verona suddenly stopped and pointed.

“What is it?”

“This flower—it’s so pretty, and I’ve never seen it before. I wonder what it’s called?”

“Hmm, I don’t know either. It’s the first time I’m seeing it.”

The stall was piled high with little white flowers, delicate yet lush. Carlos looked puzzled, but the woman tending the stall quickly stepped in.

“There’s no official name for it. It’s a wildflower.”

“Oh, is that so?”

“But its scent lasts much longer than that of the fancier varieties. Would you like some? My daughter made these arrangements herself.”

The woman behind the stall reached for something and pulled out a flower crown made from the white flowers that had caught Verona’s attention.

“It’ll look great on a young bride. I’ll let you have it for just 10 coppers.”

“Give me one.”

Carlos didn’t even hesitate. He handed over the money and took the flower crown, gently placing it on Verona’s head.

“You’ve got yourself a kind husband!” the flower vendor remarked with a grin.

“It suits you perfectly, miss. I’d believe you if you said you were a princess.”

“She’s far greater than a princess, so that’s only natural,” Carlos replied with a proud smile.

“Hah, you two look like you’re in that newlywed phase, completely oblivious to everything around you,” the woman teased, but her tone was more affectionate than mocking, like a mother watching over her children.

“Thank you,” Verona replied shyly, enjoying the sweet, refreshing scent of the flowers. Carlos took her hand again, leading her down the bustling street.

“When we get back, I’ll plant the finest saplings in the garden of the separate palace. I never realized you liked flowers so much.”

“I wouldn’t say I’m particularly fond of them; they just caught my eye.”

“Then perhaps it’s our child who likes them?”

Carlos laughed softly as he tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. The closeness between them made his breath brush against her cheek, leaving her feeling tingly.

‘Ah.’

Her heart, which had just started to calm down, began racing once more. Something definitely felt strange.

‘Baby, is this your doing?’

Verona cleared her throat awkwardly, trying to shake off the odd feeling. The flower vendor’s earlier words kept replaying in her mind.

— “You’ve got yourself a kind husband!”

Did they really look like a married couple to an outside observer?

The thought felt strangely warm. In fact, she realized she quite liked it.

But Verona kept these tumultuous emotions to herself, worried that Carlos would be concerned if she said anything.

“Let’s turn that corner. There’s something I want to show you.”

“What is it?”

“You’ll see when we get there. This way…”

“Oh! Wait a moment.”

Verona suddenly tugged on his sleeve.

“Come over here.”

“Huh?”

Carlos followed her, confused, to the source of a mouthwatering aroma: a stall where meat skewers were sizzling over an open flame.

“Welcome!”

The friendly stallkeeper greeted them, flipping the meat on the grill with a pair of tongs. The air was filled with the delicious smell of roasting meat and the sound of sizzling fat.

“Do you want some? I’ll buy it for you.”

Carlos reached into his pocket for coins, but Verona shook her head and spoke directly to the vendor.

“What kind of meat is this?”

“It’s lamb! Grilled with our special sauce. There’s no one in this area who doesn’t love our lamb barbecue, I can guarantee it!”

The woman spoke proudly as she filled a paper bowl with generous portions of meat.

Indeed, a small line of customers waiting to buy the barbecue was forming. Verona, her face lighting up, joined the end of the queue.

“Verona, why are you waiting in line? I could just…”

“Shh, come over here.”

Afraid that Carlos might use his money to jump the line, Verona quickly pulled him by the hand, making him stand with her. Her determined stance left Carlos with no choice but to wait alongside her, looking rather out of place among the commoners.

Yet, he waited patiently, standing beside her as the barbecue continued to cook on the grill.

“Thank you for waiting! Oh, are you expecting?”

“Huh? How did you know?”

The vendor, seeing Verona up close, made the observation immediately. When Verona looked surprised, the woman chuckled warmly.

“I raised four kids myself! It’s not too cold tonight, yet you’ve bundled up, and even if you are newlyweds, you’re sticking so close together and looking a bit anxious. I can just tell.”

She handed them a portion of the lamb that was a bit more generous than the others.

“Early on, it’s important to eat well. It helps the baby grow strong! It looks like you might be in that stage where food is tough to keep down, but our barbecue is easy on expecting mothers. Here you go.”

“Thank you so much!”

Verona beamed as she accepted the paper bowl. Carlos quietly paid for the meal, and she led him to a bench in the center of the square.

“Do we really look like a married couple to everyone?”

“I guess so.”

Carlos looked thoroughly pleased.

“It’s good to know that lowering taxes for the night market paid off. The vendor knew the Empress right away.”

“You’re not planning to lower that stall’s taxes even more just because of this, are you?”

Verona teased, and Carlos gave her a warm smile.

“Maybe. Ah, if you were still hungry, you should have said so. I thought you were full, which is why we left.”

“I am full. My stomach is satisfied.”

“Then why…?”

“Here.”

Verona picked up a large piece of lamb and held it out to him.

Carlos’s eyes widened.

“…For me?”

“Yes, Carlos.”

“You want me to eat this?”

“Of course. Hurry up and eat it. My arm’s getting tired.”

“…”

“You haven’t eaten anything. If you keep skipping meals and overworking, what are you going to do? It’ll come back to haunt you when you’re older.”

Verona urged him, seeing him frozen like a statue. For some reason, his expression became complicated. He didn’t seem upset, but he didn’t appear overjoyed either. Instead, he wore a strange mix of emotions that she couldn’t quite decipher.

‘Why is he acting like this?’

She had thought he’d be grateful, but his reaction was puzzling. Just as she was about to ask, Carlos leaned forward and took a bite of the meat she offered.

“…It’s delicious.”

“Really? That’s a relief. I was worried you might not like street food.”

“Why wouldn’t I?”

“You’ve lived as an emperor, surrounded by the best. I thought you might be sensitive about food, even though it’s popular.”

“If it’s from you, I’d even take poison willingly.”

“What?”

Carlos spoke in a softer tone, quickly finishing the rest of the lamb.

“You’re right. I shouldn’t let my wife or my child suffer.”

“It’s not about me suffering…”

“No, Verona. I have both the duty and the right to make you happy. I can’t forget that. I must stay healthy so I don’t become a burden to you.”

“I just thought you might be hungry and suggested we buy some…”

“There’s no need to worry, Verona. I’ll make sure you and our child live in comfort and happiness for the rest of your lives.”

“…”

Couldn’t he listen to me for once…?

It was hard to stop Carlos when he was so earnest, as if he’d just made a grand resolution.

But despite everything, it didn’t feel bad.

To live by his side, safe and happy.

‘This sounds just like a marriage proposal, doesn’t it?’