The Obsession of the Tyrant Sub-Male Lead is Unnecessary

Episode 7

Count Merelton’s daughter.

Verona knew her very well.

Because “The Grand Duke’s Woman” described the protagonist in such detail and length that anyone who read the novel couldn’t help but remember the setting.

So even though it had been a long time since she possessed, Verona still had a thorough understanding of her.

With delicate and innocent looks, and a heart as pure as silk, any man who laid eyes on her would fall for her at first sight.

However, she was merely of noble birth, the daughter of a poor household. Thanks to this, her parents pondered how they could effectively marry her off to a wealthy family.

Nevertheless, being the protagonist, she had exceptional abilities besides her pretty face. She was skilled in ancient languages and had a natural talent for tending to flowers and trees.

She always wanted to make use of her abilities and dreamed of success by attending the renowned Imperial Academy she had only heard rumors about.

However, the academy tuition was exorbitantly expensive, making it nearly impossible for her, a penniless provincial noble, to qualify for admission. It was a challenge even for a beautiful and intelligent protagonist in the face of harsh reality.

So, she became disheartened, and her parents eagerly considered sending their daughter to the home of some old spinster to make ends meet.

Soon, they found a middle-aged man to buy her. The tragic life of the poor protagonist began with this episode.

But, as expected, a prince would always appear to rescue such a distressed heroine.

Of course, because a more dramatic development was needed than a typical Cinderella story, the male lead was not a mundane prince.

The Grand Duke was the heir of a prestigious lineage and, on top of that, a nobleman of immense power favored by the Emperor.

One day, he went out for a “solitary” hunt and, due to a “very minor mistake,” fell from a cliff and broke his leg.

He groaned in pain and fainted, and the protagonist passing nearby couldn’t just ignore the suspicious man out of sympathy.

The Grand Duke, touched by her attentive care as she tore off her skirt and used it to bandage him, promised to repay her kindness.

The heroine, who wanted to escape her home, asked the Grand Duke to take her away, and he readily agreed.

And so, the Grand Duke, now her guardian, let her live in the mansion of the Duchess of the capital. It was only natural for various emotions to emerge from their cohabitation.

But as the novel, which was running towards such a clichéd happy ending, took a turn when the Emperor, who happened to visit the Grand Duke’s house by chance, became increasingly infatuated with Olivia, the atmosphere changed. Thus began the prelude to the madness of the sub-male lead.

“Haah…”

Thinking about that, Verona sighed unknowingly. Then Olivia, surprised, cautiously approached.

“Oh my, can’t you speak?”

Olivia widened her pretty purple eyes with interest.

‘Even if I wash my eyes and look again, it’s unmistakably the eye color of the protagonist.’

Verona really wanted to cry.

‘Why do I keep getting involved with the main characters in novels?’

But she couldn’t just burst into tears in front of the protagonist for no reason, so she spoke with a resigned attitude.

“No… I’m fine.”

“Oh my goodness!”

As soon as Verona spoke, Olivia clasped her hands together and exclaimed enthusiastically. It was truly a reaction fitting for the protagonist.

“This is so amazing! To see a mermaid here! I’ve been staying here for three days and had no idea at all. If I had known, I would have come more often!”

“You’ve been here often?”

Verona furrowed her eyebrows.

“Yes. Um, nobody lives here, you know. But despite that, it’s well-maintained. It was a bit desolate, though. I happened to discover this place while taking a stroll. Seeing you, I feel like this place brings me luck!”

How could she think so self-centeredly? Usually, when you encounter someone in a deserted place with a decent castle, wouldn’t you assume it’s their home?

‘Probably because she’s the protagonist.’

Verona clicked her tongue. But she couldn’t tell her that this was the castle she had built and nurtured.

If it were the present Olivia, she might already have a precarious and subtle relationship with the Grand Duke. Not enough to be lovers, but too much for just friends.

A relationship where she would die at a single word from the protagonist wasn’t there yet. Nevertheless, they were exceptionally close to the Grand Duke.

There was no need to tell her about her own story. If her identity were exposed, she might run to the Grand Duke and spill everything.

Before being possessed by the novel, she had friends like that too. Those who, even after dating for only a day, would spill all the secrets of their lifelong friends. They would then widen their eyes innocently and apologize, claiming it wasn’t intentional.

Considering Olivia’s self-centeredness, there was a high chance she would do the same. So, Verona decided to pretend to be a mermaid from mythology.

“That, that’s fortunate.”

“Isn’t it?”

Despite the awkward reaction, Olivia smiled broadly. Indeed, she was as kind-hearted as silk. Then, instead of taking a step closer to Verona, she frowned.

“Oh!”

Looking down, Verona noticed the shards of a broken teacup she had accidentally stepped on. It seemed like she had stepped on a sharp piece. Surprised that she hadn’t noticed it, Verona asked,

“Are you okay?”

“Oh, yes! Luckily, it only pricked my shoe.”

Olivia looked down at the broken teacup with a regretful expression.

“Um… but, Miss Mermaid, are you perhaps busy?”

“Yes?”

“The truth is, I baked some bread. I was planning to have some tea and eat it here. Since I was feeling a bit lonely eating alone, would you like to join me if you’re not busy?”

Olivia looked at Verona with a pleading gaze, silently urging her not to refuse.

‘Was baking bread Olivia’s hobby?’

Pretty and kind-hearted Olivia was good at baking pies and making cakes. Her skill in making scones seemed to be the best in the empire.

Suddenly, Verona began to hesitate.

‘My stomach is a bit empty, and although it’s a bit of a hassle, should I take a break?’

Anyway, Olivia was a pure and exceedingly kind woman. Although she could be a bit frustratingly good, she wasn’t a bad person. While reading the novel, she had thought she might go crazy from the frustration, but she could guarantee Olivia’s goodness nonetheless.

Initially, she shouldn’t have responded to her words. But in her confusion, she blurted out her reply. Yet, what trouble could come from getting some bread here?

Because of the Emperor, Verona’s nerves were on edge. So she succumbed to the temptation of the sweet and savory scent tickling her nose.

“Um, what kind of bread is it…?”

“It’s blueberry scones.”

“Sounds good!”

It happened to be her favorite bread. As Verona agreed readily, Olivia couldn’t contain her joy.

“Great! I’ll go get it quickly. It’s already baked and cooling down! I’ll also bring the tea again, so don’t go anywhere, Miss Mermaid!”

“Yes, understood.”

Olivia dashed towards the castle in excitement. Verona nibbled her lip before coiling her tail.

She had decided to act like a creature from a fantasy in front of her and had decided to indulge in the delicious food, so it was courteous to reciprocate with this level of effort.

‘I’ll just get some scones and go back. Meeting the protagonist is over now.’

If she got more involved, she might encounter the male lead again, not to mention that darn sub-male lead. The castle was painfully dear, but it had to be given up.

Verona firmly resolved.

“I’m here, Miss Mermaid!”

Shortly after, Olivia came running back with a round tray full of something. It was filled with two teacups and scones piled high with steam rising from them.

Verona picked up the broken pieces to make it easier for her to sit next to her. In the process, she pricked her finger.

“Ouch.”

“Are you hurt? Oh no. I should have cleaned up and put them away earlier if I knew.”

“It’s just a slight prick.”

Blood oozed slightly, but it would heal soon enough.

As Verona reached out to take Olivia’s tray, she muttered softly.

“But still… if it causes a wound…”

“Yes?”

“It’s nothing.”

Olivia sat down beside her with a bright smile. Then, she asked warmly, “Would you like some tea, Miss Mermaid?”

“Oh, thank you.”

Although it was irritating to have her castle taken away, Verona felt her heart ease as Olivia approached her prettily and kindly.

Verona readily accepted the teacup Olivia offered. The tea leaves, freshly brewed, floated gently in the cup. Verona wrapped her hands around the cup.

“It’s not as warm as I thought.”

On the other hand, when she glanced at Olivia’s, steam rose from her hot tea.

‘Well, Olivia probably thinks everything good belongs to her as the protagonist.’

Verona thought dismissively and drank the tea. Then she ate a few scones. As expected, Olivia’s praise was not false; they were incredibly delicious.

“They’re just the right amount of fluffy and soft. They’re the tastiest I’ve ever had.”

“Really? The blueberries here are very juicy, so they’ll be sweeter.”

It was difficult to get good fruit in Waterfall, making such treats hard to come by. Besides, the royal chef was an old man who didn’t like sweet things.

Verona sighed and brushed off the crumbs from her hands.

“Hmm, I wish I could eat more of Olivia’s scones. I really like scones.”

“Oh, really?”

Olivia was extremely pleased.

“Then I’ll make plenty for you. Since we’ll see each other often from now on, you can eat as much as you want.”

“What? We’ll see each other often?”

What was she talking about?

Verona swallowed her scone and took another sip of tea, her throat dry. Then, she spoke cautiously.

“I’m sorry, but I won’t come back here.”

Verona put down her teacup firmly. Olivia’s pretty eyes widened.

“You’re leaving? Right now?”

“It’s a shame, but I have to. Olivia, please keep my visit here a secret.”

“But you can’t, Miss Mermaid.”

“What?”

Olivia suddenly grabbed Verona’s hand.

“You know who I am, Miss Mermaid. I already told you my name earlier… Do you perhaps not remember?”

“You’re Young Lady of Count Olivia Merelton, right?”

“Yes. And I’m staying at the Porter Ducal House.”

You already knew I was the heroine. Why are you emphasizing it?

Verona looked puzzled, and Olivia added,

“Surely, His Grace will like you too, Miss Mermaid.”

“Why are you saying this since earlier… Ah…”

Suddenly, her head spun. Something was off.

Sensing danger instinctively, Verona tried to jump into the lake, but Olivia didn’t let go of her hand. As a result, Verona fell to the ground.

“I’m sorry, Miss Mermaid.”

Through her crumbling consciousness, Verona heard Olivia’s voice. She whispered as she supported Verona’s head to prevent her from getting hurt.

“But I assure you. If you go to the Ducal House, you will be treated very well. I’ll take good care of you.”

That darn heroine!

Muttering words that wouldn’t come out of her mouth, Verona blinked her eyes slower and slower as she looked at Olivia’s face, which showed a hint of guilt but also joy.

“Right. Olivia was attending the academy with the Grand Duke’s sponsorship.”

That was her major.

With that thought as her last, Verona’s consciousness faded away.