The Obsession of the Tyrant Sub-Male Lead is Unnecessary

Episode 36

“If this keeps up…”

She might end up clinging to him again like last night. Verona’s expression wavered.

“No one in the empire will be unhappy about the arrival of an heir.”

Carlos whispered in her ear, and Verona, feeling a strange sense of exhilaration, opened her eyes wide. But Carlos seemed to interpret her expression differently.

“Don’t worry. If you’re concerned about appearances, I’ll have the historians adjust the wedding date after the baby’s birth.”

“Alright…”

“If there’s any blame, it should fall on me, not you. It was my responsibility.”

Carlos pressed a kiss to her cheek.

“Our first child will be named as the heir right after they’re born. To give them strong legitimacy, we’ll need the blessing of the Pope or a high priest.”

Such legitimacy was important not only for Clarence but also for Waterfall. The heir’s lineage would provide strength to Clarence against the nobles and protect Waterfall from calamities. The late emperor had favored Osmund over the crown prince, which had already emboldened the nobility within the empire.

“Starting tonight, I may be even busier. Don’t wait up if I’m late.”

“Alright.”

Verona tried to push the thoughts aside. His warmth and breath on her skin made her want to forget about worrying over the future.

“I’ll miss seeing you, but once you’re the empress, we’ll have more time together.”

With a look of pride and happiness, Carlos gently set her down and looked directly into her eyes.

“Kiss me, Verona.”

The unwavering desire in his emerald eyes was clear.

Verona reached up, wrapping her arms around his neck, and kissed him. His arms encircled her waist, warm and firm, making her feel like she’d never be able to escape.

* * *

“…The baby likes this,” Leti muttered.

“I thought so. I was craving grapes too.”

Verona reached out from her comfy rocking chair, where she’d been reading. Leti, pouting, held out a basket brimming with fresh fruit.

“Of course, the Princess would have me running errands…”

“I can hear you.”

“Hmph.”

Despite his grumbling, Leti stayed by her side, attending to her needs. Mary, seated in the opposite chair, snorted as she continued knitting.

“Why does he act like that when he can’t even hear what we’re saying?”

“He probably thinks he already knows what you’re saying.”

“Oh, so you two think you’re so clever? I’m still a dragon, you know!”

“Yes, a hatchling dragon.”

Verona ignored Leti’s complaints as she ate a grape. Meanwhile, Leti sighed, still holding the basket.

“Look at this, Princess.”

Mary, having finished her knitting, approached with an adorable ivory-colored baby hat.

“It’s so cute!”

“I made it hoping to put it on the baby when they’re born.”

Verona showered Mary with praise, and Mary clasped her hands in delight. Leti, however, had to throw in his opinion.

“But it’ll be summer when the baby’s born. What’s with the wool hat?”

“Does Lord Ellota think winter won’t come next year?”

Mary and Leti launched into another argument, bickering as usual. Verona tuned them out, examining the hat closely.

As expected from Mary’s skilled hands, the hat was cute and well-made. Although she didn’t know if the baby’s hair would be black or blonde, it would suit either color.

She had a feeling it might be black.

The image of the baby’s face from her dreams floated into her mind.

A face resembling Carlos much more than herself, yet she felt no resentment over it. It only made her feel even more love.

She couldn’t tell if the baby in her dream was a boy or a girl, but the memory of how utterly adorable they were lingered.

I can’t wait to meet you, my little one.

Whether Rainstra or Lenox…

Six months felt unbearably long.

“I think I’ll step outside for a moment.”

Verona spoke with a sense of excitement. She wanted to sit by the lakeshore, a shade matching the eye color her baby might inherit.

But at her words, Mary and Leti’s bickering stopped abruptly.

“Right now?”

Verona nodded while holding the baby hat, noticing the look of hesitation on Mary’s face.

“Yes, now. Why? When evening comes, the breeze will get chilly, so I’d rather go out while the sun’s still up.”

“Um, Princess… perhaps it’s best to just stay in your room today.”

“No. I’ve been cooped up here all day, and I just want a moment in the garden. It’s suffocating, especially with Carlos telling me not to open any windows because it’s ‘too cold’.”

“It would be wise to listen to His Majesty.”

Even Leti moved to stop her.

It’s not like I’m planning to go far, just to the garden. Why are they so against it?

Verona started to feel that something was off. Mary, avoiding her gaze, seemed different from usual.

“His Majesty wouldn’t be pleased. You could catch a cold…”

“Then at least let me open a window.”

“The cold breeze…”

“It’s not even the middle of winter yet.”

“Well… that’s true, but…”

They couldn’t seriously think an arrow would reach this deep into the imperial palace.

Carlos was generally concerned about her health, but he’d never tried to keep her confined like this. Today, however, felt excessive.

Verona stood up and, before Mary could intervene, opened the window.

A chilly breeze, typical for early winter, flowed in. But along with it came a sound even colder than the winter air.

“Is that… carriage wheels?”

The annex was close to the emperor’s palace, especially near the exit used after court meetings. That’s why Carlos often came straight to the annex as soon as he finished his work.

“And it sounds like more than one or two…”

She could hear the clattering of carriage wheels, scattering in different directions. It sounded as if drivers were urgently pulling reins, and the startled neighs of horses echoed. The hurried footsteps outside sounded unusually tense.

“Do you know what today’s court meeting was about, Leti? Carlos said it was nothing serious.”

“How would I know? His Majesty doesn’t bring me to court meetings.”

Even Leti’s evasive attitude seemed suspicious. Normally, Mary would scold his impertinence, but she remained silent.

It’s as if they’re telling me I’m not supposed to know.

By court etiquette, nobles were not permitted to leave an audience with the emperor all at once; they had to take their leave one by one in order of rank. When multiple nobles departed together, it could mean one of two things: either the emperor had abruptly dismissed the meeting, or many nobles were actively opposing his stance.

Verona slipped off her indoor slippers and put on low-heeled shoes.

“Princess! Where are you going?”

“Mary, fetch my shawl.”

“What? But… you shouldn’t leave the annex. It could be dangerous…”

“If you’re going to try to stop me with lies, I’ll go alone.”

Moving quickly, Verona grabbed a thick, soft shawl. Though she wore an indoor dress, the warmth of the shawl should be enough.

As she exited her bedroom, the two guards stationed outside looked at her in shock.

“Princess, where are you headed?”

“Outside.”

“Pardon?”

They were visibly taken aback but didn’t dare block her path. Verona briskly passed the guards.

“Princess, please, reconsider. Alright?”

“Yes, just enjoy some more grapes! You can ask His Majesty about this later.”

Mary, looking distressed, trailed after her, as did Leti, both trying to persuade her.

But Verona didn’t want to just sit and wait. She soon reached the garden, walking toward the fountain on the east side, where she could see the court hall nearby. She observed several ornately adorned carriages departing.

So, it’s the latter.

Despite the distance, Verona’s sharp eyesight allowed her to recognize the scene.

The nobles boarding their carriages all wore solemn expressions, and even the coachmen looked tense, careful not to upset their masters.

Did they argue with Carlos?

But what on earth could have caused so many nobles to express their disapproval? And why were Leti and Mary intent on hiding it from her?

If it’s something they oppose, and Carlos feels the need to keep it from me…

As she pondered, a familiar voice came from beside her.

“Curious, are you, Princess?”

“…Duke Portrey.”

“It’s an honor to be addressed so.”

A man with blue hair draped in a black cloak smiled, appearing pleased.

“Your future majesty.”

His tone was slightly exaggerated, and Verona frowned.

“What are you playing at?”

“I’m merely showing respect to the one whom His Majesty holds so dear.”

Something pricked at Verona’s nerves. Despite his polite manner, she couldn’t shake the feeling that he was mocking her.

“His Majesty seems to genuinely love you, Princess. And I see he raised his voice boldly on your behalf.”

“What do you mean he raised his voice?”

“Insisting on a marriage that some might consider… beneath him.”

Her heart sank. Seeing her reaction, Osmund’s smile widened as if entertained.

“I, of course, support His Majesty’s decision. But it appears that most don’t share my sentiments. While the engagement was seen as a fleeting whim, marriage is a different matter. After all, the late emperor broke off his first engagement and chose a second fiancée as the empress, so everyone assumed the same might happen this time.”

The Kingdom of Waterfall was a small country on the edge of the continent. Though Verona held the title of princess, she was closer in rank to a count’s daughter managing a small fief on the border. She knew this well.

“Quite a few families had their sights set on becoming the crown princess’s household. One such family was Millecour, I believe.”

Millecour was the most distinguished military family in Clarence, connected to the Retinan marquessate and known for generations of beauty among its daughters.

“Thanks to His Majesty’s determination, the position of crown princess slipped away from them, so they set their sights on the empress’s role instead.”

Osmund continued, even offering information she hadn’t asked for.

“So they became displeased. They voiced strong opposition. Since this seemed to have upset him, His Majesty ended the meeting early, and everyone left.”

“You seem to have come out rather late, Duke.”

Verona replied in a cool tone.

“Were you persuading the nobles, or were you agreeing with them?”

“I am a pacifist. However…”

Osmund took a step closer to her.

“Do you remember?”

“Remember what?”

“When I said I wished to be of help to you, Princess.”