Thought It Was ‘The End’, Only to Return to a Changed Genre - Chapter 50

Her quality of life had skyrocketed.

Even though Shane was sticking close to her and monitoring her, Adeline’s base needs were com-plete-ly satisfied because she was well-fed and well-rested.

She didn’t have to go to the dining hall—Shane brought her meals that suited her taste at the right times. Honestly, it was much more convenient. The dining table was always set with more food than she could eat, and she always ended up overly full.

Although she couldn’t go out, Adeline investigated whatever she wanted to.

She read books about sorcerers and meticulously reviewed the reports Lloyd brought her.

The attacks on the Saintess didn’t continue. The church’s security had become very tight, and her reduced activities had decreased the chances of exposure to danger.

However, knowing about the existence of a sorcerer meant she couldn’t afford to be optimistic.

There were fewer materials on sorcerers than she had expected, so she wanted to visit the Delmuz Grand Library at least once. At times like these, she missed the search engines from her previous life.

When she was holed up in the study, Shane quietly read a book beside her. He didn’t ask what she was doing.

But if she looked up because she needed something, Shane would move first and place exactly what she wanted right in front of her.

Adeline wondered if mind reading was a basic trait of male leads.

When she seriously asked if he could read minds, Shane replied in a somewhat weary voice.

“Just one look at you makes it obvious.”

“I don’t think anything on my face says what I need.”

“I’m not just looking at your face.”

Then what is he looking at?

Shane didn’t answer, but Adeline became more convinced that he had to be a mind reader.

Moreover, Shane did nothing else.

He had threatened to kill everyone around her if they didn’t get married, so Adeline had braced herself to some extent. She had resolved that even if she was forced, she wouldn’t cry, and she’d just consider it as being bitten by a dog. But Shane kept his word.

He really only slept next to her—in the most literal sense.

The Blanchard mansion had a separate bedroom, study, and dressing room for the Duchess.

However, as was often the case with marital bedrooms, her room was connected to his. Even if Adeline fell asleep alone in her bedroom, she would wake up in the morning to find Shane holding her. Her clothes were always perfectly neat and intact.

‘Is he a saint? Or does he have no libido whatsoever? If not…’

Does he really treat me like some kind of toy or possession?

Adeline thought this was quite likely. Childhood frustrations over not having something often manifest as obsession or fixation.

‘I’d rather it be that. Once his whims are satisfied, he’ll let me go.’

Their physical contact gradually increased.

It was minor, like an arm around her shoulder or a hand on her waist—just enough to be close but not inappropriate.

‘It’s too minor and brief to complain about or avoid….’

By the time she felt uncomfortable, Shane would already have distanced himself.

Even now, Adeline was looking at Shane’s arm wrapped around her waist. As soon as she did, he moved away slightly, and then after a moment, he held her hand.

“I won’t run away even if you don’t hold my hand.”

Adeline sneered coldly, and Shane responded with a short laugh instead of an answer.

“You know full well that I’d get caught quickly in this place anyway. I won’t run, so let go already.”

“Do you even know where you’re going?”

“…”

“I’m guiding you. Think of this as an act of kindness.”

Then he interlocked his fingers with hers. Adeline’s gaze turned colder. What sticky kindness….

“Do you usually offer your kindness so flirtatiously?”

“My kindness tends to be that way.”

“And you’ve never been accused of this by anyone…?”

“Never.”

If an ordinary person did this, they’d have been arrested long ago. If it weren’t for his handsome face, he would have been reported for harassment or assault dozens of times.

Adeline fumed. This is why looks-based discrimination is dangerous. Alongside alcoholism and safety negligence, looks-based discrimination was another social issue in this world.

Shane lifted their intertwined hands and kissed the back of hers.

“I only do this to you.”

“…”

What a crazy male lead.

Without another word, Adeline walked silently. Shane chuckled.