How the Villainous Consort Avoids His Death Ending - Chapter 5.2
The Grand Duke was left speechless.
Anyone listening might think he was a husband who got beaten by his spouse. Well, technically, he was hit, but still…
“The Grand Consort’s punch didn’t even hurt.”
He protested, to which Ruellin gave him a doubtful look.
“You’ll be bruised by tomorrow.”
It had been nothing more than a light tap with a cotton-soft fist. A bruise? That was absurd. If anything, it was Ruellin’s hand that would hurt more. The Grand Duke firmly denied it.
“That’s impossible.”
“It’ll turn blue. Striking the Grand Duke isn’t exactly a light offense…”
Ruellin was stubborn in his own quiet way. When the Grand Duke dismissed the idea, Ruellin muttered under his breath, sneaking glances at him, before finally adding,
“So that’s why Your Grace locked me in the dungeon, isn’t it?”
The Grand Duke cleared his throat lightly.
His consort did seem to hold grudges. Still, it was awkward to explain that it hadn’t been his idea. The retainers had merely acted according to the laws of the Grand Duke, and technically speaking, he was still responsible as their lord.
Instead, he changed the subject.
“…I said too much earlier. I apologize.”
“Excuse me? What did Your Grace just say? That can’t be right.”
“…”
Even his apology was rejected. It seemed his consort didn’t just hold a small grudge, but a considerable one.
Still, he had said what he needed to say. It was time to leave. The Grand Duke gestured to the guards to release Ruellin.
However, even after the cell door opened, Ruellin made no move to stand. Instead, he furrowed his fine brow and grumbled.
“My leg’s cramped. I can’t get up. I’ve been sitting too long on this cold floor.”
“It hasn’t even been a full hour.”
“I’m frail, unlike Your Grace.”
Was that supposed to be a boast? The Grand Duke, for a moment, almost thought so, given how confident he sounded.
Still, Ruellin truly did look weak. But so what?
Almost unconsciously, the Grand Duke mirrored his expression, his brows narrowing. A silent standoff began.
“…”
“…”
Only after a long pause did Ruellin finally speak first. The Grand Duke, feeling equally awkward about standing there in silence, felt a small sense of relief.
“Then, please carry me out.”
That relief vanished instantly.
Ruellin raised both arms toward him with a perfectly straight face.
“…What did you just say?”
The Grand Duke thought he had misheard. He had to have.
Ruellin, as if offering him a favor, added,
“If I’m too heavy, then at least help me walk.”
What nonsense was that? The Grand Duke’s temper flared.
“Even if the Grand Consort were twice his size, he wouldn’t be heavy.”
He had no idea why his consort kept managing to get under his skin today. Not that he didn’t usually irritate him, but this was something else entirely.
Ruellin blinked and asked plainly,
“Then why won’t you carry me?”
“I’m not refusing to carry you, I just…”
“If you don’t, I’m not leaving. I’ll freeze to death right here.”
What a strange threat. Did he not hear how ridiculous he sounded? The Grand Duke found himself rubbing at his reddening ear without realizing it.
“It’s not that cold.”
His answer came out weak. Ruellin frowned, clearly dissatisfied. With no other choice, the Grand Duke stepped into the cell.
When he slipped his arms beneath Ruellin’s back and knees and lifted him, Ruellin’s eyes widened in shock.
“W-what are you doing?”
“…”
What did he expect? The Grand Duke was the one bewildered now, thrown off by his consort’s sudden change in attitude.
But Ruellin quickly protested as if a terrible injustice had been done.
“No, who told you to carry me like a princess? I meant lift me up properly—throw me over your shoulder or something.”
Ruellin’s voice, though soft and melodious, was far too loud. The Grand Duke lowered his tone.
“Will you stay here, then?”
“You’re heavy, but I’ll count on you.”
Ruellin immediately shut his mouth and changed his tone. He wrapped his arms around the Grand Duke’s neck and held on tightly.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
