Chapter 39
“Fall for me already, Odette.”
By now, with the amount of dark magic he had released, even a monster or an elephant would have already confessed their undying love to him.
Yet, she remained resistant. Instead of succumbing to his influence, she still saw him as someone to fear.
“It almost feels like I’m the one being attacked by my own magic.”
Of course, that was nonsense, so Caesar Maes shook his head and brushed the thought away.
“I sent the knights to the princess’s territory. Just as you suggested. So? Was it the right move?”
Saying it aloud gave him a strange, ticklish feeling.
As if he had become one of those fools who blindly obey their wives.
“You did well.”
At Odette’s praise, Caesar felt as if the morning sunlight pouring down on him was unusually brilliant.
“I’m confident I can do other things well too. If you want something, just tell me.”
“Something I want?”
“I’ll do it right now.”
The way her eyes widened in surprise was incredibly adorable.
But the words that left her lips were not the answer he had hoped for.
“Hmm… something I want? How about dancing?”
“Dancing?”
“Yes, I mean, everyone finds you intimidating and unapproachable. But if you attended social gatherings, danced at banquets, and even chatted with the noblewomen, it could really change your image.”
“Are you telling me….”
Caesar gritted his teeth as he continued.
“To flirt with other women?”
“Exactly. If you make it seem like you’re indulging in excessive pleasures, your enemies will let their guard down. That’s when you strike.”
“So you’re saying… I should ruin myself just to get revenge faster?”
“Yep!”
I need to become Caesar’s most trusted strategist and ensure he’s fully on my side.
Caesar wanted her to be on his side.
But Odette wanted the opposite.
Caesar needs to be on my side.
That was the only way to protect Maxcallion and Leorahill.
If I make it so that revenge is impossible without me…
Then he wouldn’t be able to do anything she hated.
A true confidant. A strategist.
Or better yet—someone who could control Caesar himself.
She needed to make sure he trusted and obeyed her completely.
“I can do this!”
It didn’t matter if it was through dreams, manipulation, or deception—she would read his mind, anticipate his thoughts, and eventually, take full control of them.
He already listened when I told him to move his knights outside Hohan District.
It might not seem like a big deal, but it had actually prevented a major disaster.
If Caesar’s knights had clashed with the earl’s mercenaries,
The Emperor would have used it as an excuse to order the disbandment of Caesar’s forces.
That would have been equivalent to cutting off his limbs.
And it wouldn’t have stopped there.
The Emperor would have cited Caesar’s violent nature as an excuse to revoke the northern duchy and title that he had promised to grant him.
All to ensure Caesar remained powerless and the Emperor’s throne remained secure.
But in the end, that only provoked Caesar into rebellion.
That’s how the original story ended—Caesar defying fate and destroying everything in his path.
Odette was determined to prevent that outcome.
She would help Caesar amass power instead of losing it.
And then…
She would approach Princess Trisha.
In the original story, Amelia (the original heroine) and Trisha were enemies.
But I want to get along with Princess Trisha.
Trisha truly loved Caesar—so much so that she would die for him.
If she could push them together, she could quietly step out of the story, leaving them to live happily ever after.
Just the thought of it made her heart race with anticipation.
Wait… this is too much. My heart is pounding too hard.
A sharp pain suddenly struck her chest, making her gasp for air.
Then, from her fingertips, a bright light flickered—
And something round and smooth rolled out of her hand.
What is this?
A pearl?
One after another, small, pearl-sized orbs formed at her fingertips.
They were light itself—yet also tangible objects that constantly shifted their shape.
Two orbs merged into one, while another split apart— Their form ever-changing.
“Aren’t you going to answer me?”
Odette flinched at Caesar Maes’ voice behind her and hastily grabbed a napkin to cover the glowing pearls.
“J-Just a moment. I’ll bring some tea.”
She poured the cool tea that Emma had left for her earlier into a cup.
Stealing a quick glance at the napkin-covered pearls, she saw that they were still radiating light.
Could this be another way to release divine energy?
What would happen if she fused them together?
Would they form a sword? A shield? Or even armor?
In the original story, the “Goddess of War” who saved the Dekan Kingdom wielded a divine sword and shield to drive away the monsters.
For some reason, she couldn’t quite recall the saint’s name—
But she felt like it was similar to hers.
“What was it again…?”
“Odette?”
“I-I’m coming.”
Balancing the teacup, Odette stepped onto the terrace.
Caesar was leaning against the railing, watching her approach with an almost obsessive intensity.
A faint smirk curved his lips.
“It’s a beautiful morning.”
“Y-Yes, the weather is nice.”
As she handed him the tea, Caesar’s sharp gaze suddenly darkened with suspicion.
“You’re sweating. What are you hiding this time?”
His uncanny perception sent a chill down Odette’s spine.
“W-Well, anyone would get nervous under your gaze. You’re too handsome.”
“That’s the most practiced flattery I’ve ever heard. You’re definitely hiding something.”
“I-I’m not.”
“Fine. If it’s something I shouldn’t know, then do your best not to get caught.”
He brushed his fingers through a few strands of her hair, his touch gentle yet deliberate.
Why is my heart trembling over something so small?
Odette shivered involuntarily.
Meeting her eyes, Caesar lowered his voice.
“Or, you could just tell me now. Who knows? I might forgive you.”
At that moment, for some reason, her mind flashed back to the time she had met Maxcallion in Hohan District.
“There’s nothing to tell.”
“Nothing?”
Caesar took a sip of his tea, his narrowed eyes studying her intently.
His gaze was slow and relentless, like an invisible web wrapping around her.
“Maxcallion Saxen.”
Thud.
Odette’s heart plummeted—as if she had just been shoved off a cliff.
She nearly dropped the teacup, barely managing to set it down on the table with trembling fingers.
“Have you met him recently?”
“…No.”
Even if Caesar already knew the truth, she had to deny it.
Like a woman caught at an amusement park with her ex-boyfriend—who had no choice but to lie to her jealous current lover.
“You’re the bad guy for even asking that!”
Caesar’s eyes curved into a dangerous smile.
“Are you sure?”
“It wasn’t important enough to remember.”
“Don’t say he was so insignificant that you forgot. You watched the fireworks together on the hotel rooftop during the festival, didn’t you?”
“…B-But then I met you.”
Even she had to admit—it was the perfect response.
Without missing a beat, she threw her arms around his neck and pulled him in close.
A full-body distraction attack.
I’ll just scream into my pillow about the embarrassment later.
This was life or death—there was no room for hesitation.
“I love you.”
She fired the words like a direct hit, not caring if it was a complete lie.
“Why would I even remember someone when I have a man as beautiful and magnificent as you, Caesar Maes? Max… What was it again? I don’t even recall his name.”
“Oh? Is that so?”
Caesar seemed pleased by her efforts, his stiff expression softening.
“Keep going.”
Keep going… what?
Oh no.
She was in trouble.
