Episode 2
In the original novel, when the Duke grabbed Lady Aileen’s chin, she angrily said something like, “You shameless man…!” He leaned in to kiss her, but right before their lips touched, he stopped and left the room.
He was a good man at heart, so acting like a bad guy didn’t suit him—it was like wearing a suit that didn’t fit.
Actually, many readers had secretly wanted him to go through with the kiss, but at the same time, they were relieved he kept his lips “pure.” Back then, I also agreed with the second group.
But not anymore.
Now, I want that forced kiss to happen! Why? Because I want to kiss my favorite character, Raymond! I’ve imagined those lips thousands of times—in my dreams, in my fantasies—and now I want to feel them for real.
Please, let it happen!
I shouted this in my heart while waiting for his face to come closer.
I wondered for a moment if I should pretend to resist, but that idea quickly disappeared. My feelings for him were too strong. My lips began to lean forward on their own, trying to reach him just a little.
But wait… he was supposed to lean in close, just like in the novel. Why was he hesitating?
Was my puckered-up expression too much for him?
No matter how long I waited, he didn’t move.
I carefully opened one eye.
Just as I thought—there was Raymond, looking awkward and unsure, staring at my lips like he was thinking hard about what to do.
Oh no. I ruined it. I should’ve held back a little!
Still, I didn’t want to give up this golden chance. If I missed it, I knew I’d regret it forever.
So I wiggled my upper body toward him. He lost his balance and leaned forward—
—and his lips brushed against my cheek instead of my lips.
Smack!
Ah… so close. He just missed!
Still, this wasn’t a soft, stable bed—so at least I got something, right?
Raymond didn’t see the half-satisfied look on my face. He quickly pulled back in surprise.
“T-this…”
He awkwardly fixed his posture.
His voice sounded a little shaky, and I noticed his cheeks were pink.
Is he… embarrassed?
Right. Come to think of it, Aileen Cowett was very beautiful in the story.
There were no official illustrations, but the author described her in detail. With pink hair like falling cherry blossoms and green eyes like a forest, she was compared to a graceful cherry tree. The noble Lady Cowett had high pride, rarely spoke, and always looked calm—like a swan.
No wonder Raymond’s heart fluttered when he touched such a refined lady.
Aww, my Raymond… you’re such a guy. So cute!
I smiled like a proud mom.
I wanted to rub his nose playfully, but my hands were still tied, so I gave up on that idea.
“I’ll go now,” he said. “I’ll send in the maids to help you wash up. You should try to eat something.”
I guess he didn’t expect my reaction to be like this. He seemed flustered and got up from the bed quickly, as if he wanted to escape the awkwardness.
“N-no! Wait!”
I shouted without thinking.
He was about to leave… but I couldn’t let him go!
I just met him—finally met him—and now he was leaving again?
I wanted to keep seeing him! Over and over again!
The fangirl in me was going wild.
“Why not?” he asked, turning back.
“Duke… excuse me,” I said politely. He stood still, waiting for my reply.
“Where will I eat?”
“I’ll have food brought to your room. You’ll probably be more comfortable eating alone.”
“No! I want to eat with you!”
“….”
I said it with all my heart. My eyes were filled to the brim with longing.
I want to eat with you. I want to sit beside you.
His blue eyes wavered under my gaze, then calmed down again.
“…All right. I’ll tell the maids. Get ready and come out when you’re done.”
I nodded silently. He hesitated a moment more, then left the room.
Yes! Yes!! Woohoo!
Oh my gosh—dinner with my favorite character?! A meal date with Raymond?!
Guys… I’ve made it. I’m a successful fangirl now!
I wanted to shout my joy to the world, but I held it in. Instead, I rolled around the soft bed like a happy child.
Raymond Ruslo had brought me to a small mansion in the countryside.
Earlier, I was too focused on him to notice, but now that he’d left the room, I began to observe my surroundings. The room, the hallway, even the dining area weren’t fancy, but they were clean and old-fashioned in a charming way.
Clink, clink.
The gentle sound of a fork tapping a plate echoed.
We were now in a small room with a table set for two.
The Duke had arranged this just for us, so we could eat together privately. My wrists had been untied, too.
He’s so thoughtful.
My favorite character had no flaws—he was perfect in every way.
I was full of admiration, and it must’ve shown on my face, because he never once looked up. He focused entirely on eating, maybe trying not to notice me.
I couldn’t see the ocean in his eyes, but that was okay. I got to stare at his handsome face to my heart’s content. Just look at those long, curtain-like eyelashes…
Sitting across from him, I felt full even without eating.
“Lady Aileen.”
“Yes?”
He suddenly looked up and called my name.
But now he used a polite tone—and even added honorifics. Was he done trying to act threatening?
“Are you not eating?”
I guess he noticed I was just staring at him and not touching my food. My burning gaze must’ve made him wonder.
“I—I’m eating. This mushroom dish is really tasty.”
I stabbed a small, chubby mushroom with my fork and put it in my mouth. I felt guilty for staring, so I started chewing.
Then he started staring at me.
“You like mushrooms?” he asked.
“Yes, I do. What’s this one called?”
“It’s called a Malkan mushroom.”
“Ohh. It’s soft and bouncy, just like the name. Very delicious.”
I happily ate a few more. Seeing this, the Duke told a maid, “Bring another plate of mushrooms.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
Soon, a whole plate filled with mushrooms was brought in.
Fried until crispy in oil and topped with a savory sauce—no way this could taste bad.
As I enjoyed the meal, I could feel the Duke’s gaze on me. I looked up and asked:
“Do you like Malkan mushrooms too, Duke?”
“I enjoy them.”
“Then have one more.”
I noticed his plate was empty, so I used my fork to pick up a mushroom and offered it to him. Yes—it was the same fork I’d just been using.
“….”
He stared at the mushroom for a moment, then shook his head.
“It’s fine. I’ll eat it myself.”
Aw, too bad. He didn’t fall for it.
My little trick to get a shared indirect kiss failed. Disappointed, my eyebrows drooped.
Right. Maybe that was too much, especially since we just met. Even the almost-kiss earlier was already pushing it.
Still, just seeing him like this was more than enough.
I rested my chin on my hand and openly stared at his face.
His fork seemed to move faster now, but maybe I was imagining things.
After the meal, we moved to the terrace for dessert.
Raymond was about to leave with a quick “Thank you for the meal,” but I desperately grabbed his sleeve and asked, “What about dessert?”
He hesitated, then nodded.
Yes! Extra time with him!
We sat across from each other at a small table on the terrace. The weather was warm and breezy, like a perfect spring day. Normally, this would be the time you’d start feeling sleepy after lunch—but I was completely alert.
It wasn’t because of the sweet chocolate cake or the fragrant tea—it was because of the person in front of me. Raymond Ruslo was the one making everything around me feel beautiful.
He took a sip of tea and looked out at the distant view. His deep gaze made me wish I could swim in those blue eyes just once.
Then he set down his teacup and turned to me.
I’d been staring at him, so our eyes met right away. I didn’t look away, but he must’ve been embarrassed because the tips of his ears turned slightly red.
“You were kidnapped, yet you seem calm.”
“That’s because you’ve taken good care of me, Duke.”
“….”
I only spoke the truth, but his expression became hard to read.
He didn’t bring me here to treat me kindly—but he didn’t want to hurt me either…
Since I’d read the original novel Taming the Mad Emperor, I knew exactly what he was thinking.
In the story, the Duke had already given up halfway. He was never truly evil, and he didn’t dare hurt the proud and noble Aileen.
In fact, he only kidnapped her to make the Emperor suffer—he never meant to do anything terrible to her.
He was just going to keep her for a while, then let her go. That was how the story originally went.
Suddenly, the wind grew stronger, and the sun disappeared behind the clouds. The air turned chilly, as if it might rain soon.
“The wind is cold,” he murmured.
Then he stood up, went inside briefly, and came back with a shawl. He gently offered it to me.
