I’m not seducing the female lead’s obsessive father!
[yandere!regis floyen x agent!reader headcanons]
PART FOUR: POINT OF NO RETURN
PART THREE
warning: spoilers from the manhwa, obsessive behavior, implied violence. Please take caution.
Hey guys, hope you’ve been doing well and ready to dive into this next chapter! Special thanks to @impeakcharacterdesign and @rouecentric, you guys are awesome! I seriously could not have finished this on time without your honest feedback and assistance with writing some of the more difficult parts.
So without further ado, let’s go ahead and get started~! :)
Interacting with the characters of the various worlds was an unavoidable part of your job. How were you supposed to complete your task without the necessary information? The simple answer was that you couldn’t and only a fool would attempt to go in blind.
The Chapter was willing to overlook a few instances of intimacy if it was for the sake of the mission. But only a few. An agent going beyond attaining information and forming an attachment to a denizen of that world violated the organization’s rules.
You had no intention of going back to being a high school girl who bullied the female lead out of jealousy due to an illogical, unrequited love for a scumbag male lead. You deserved more than being cannon fodder.
Were you greedy? Yes. Petty? Absolutely. Why exactly Jubelian Floyen sent an invitation for tea at her family estate in a week, to a ‘loyal’ member of the Empire? You were not certain, though you hoped you could find out swiftly before the organization noticed your movements in the forbidden world.
They always had a way of keeping an eye on their agents without any of them knowing, yourself included.
Fortunately, you were able to keep yourself busy until the day for the tea party had arrived. Not wanting to keep your esteemed host waiting too long as the Griddlebone estate was near the capital, you made the necessary arrangements to leave early enough but not too early so as to not surprise the female lead with arriving unexpectedly.
When the carriage stopped at the main gates, the driver spoke to the armored guards briefly before they granted passage inside towards the main palace. Stopping at the entrance, the footman quickly pulled down the iron steps and then opened the door. Upon stepping out, he graciously offered a gloved hand to help you climb down from the carriage.
A chorus of voices unanimously welcomed you and your escort when the two of you approached the bottom of a bone white staircase. On either side, servants were lined up. Duke Regis Floyen and his daughter Jubelian stood at the very top, wearing matching elegant outfits fitting for a tea party. You bowed your head towards them, curtseying alongside the footman.
Once pleasantries were exchanged, you were led inside the estate.
You had no idea what would happen today, but you prayed that this tea party would be the last time that you would have contact with either character in the novel world.
When you walked through the doors, a shiver crawled down your spine. There was something going on in the Floyen duchy….something very, very, wrong.
Regis was shocked and nervous all at once when his aide informed him that Marquess Griddlebone had accepted his daughter’s invitation for tea.
How in the world was Jubel able to accomplish such a feat when he himself could not persuade that woman to come to the duchy without hearing her rejection almost immediately?
Nonetheless, he is pleased at this unexpected turn of events. He was not too worried with the arrangements as Jubel had done an excellent job when she held a tea party for the very first time. He asked if he may attend as well, if not for a little while as it is customary for the hosts to greet their guests. He did not want to appear so rude as to be absent when someone is visiting his daughter. Jubel agreed.
When he saw Marquess Griddlebone walk up to them in a verdant gown with golden leaves, he felt his heart hammer against his chest at the sight of her beauty. He greeted the marquess with a bow and kissed her gloved hand. He wanted his lips to linger there further, but i t would be considered rude by the rules of nobility.
Nor did he want Marquess Griddlebone to be uncomfortable in his presence.
Pulling on the reins of his self control, Regis moved away from the young woman and allowed Jubel to lead their guest to the lobby. He followed close behind as a silent observer. Earlier he had explained to Jubelian that his schedule for the afternoon was cleared, as such he wanted to see what kind of woman that Griddlebone truly is.
His daughter agreed with him wholeheartedly, though she believed that their guest was marginally better than Lady LaRue’s company.
Jubel, bless her sweet soul, stumbled with her words in Griddlebone’s presence yet the latter did not say anything. Instead she flipped her fan open and asked his daughter about her interest in books, music, amongst other things.
The shift in conversation eased Jubel’s anxiety, allowing the younger aristocrat to lead a discussion about poetry and the latest opera performed in the capital.
Yet if Griddlebone was comfortable in their presence, why did the hand that held a teacup tremble? And her fist…she clenched it around the folded fan so tightly. Was her ladyship all right? Was she ill?
Regis wanted to say something…but what could he say without drawing too much attention to his daughter’s guest?
Just when he was about to speak up, however, a servant and Griddlebone’s footman interrupted their tea time. They apologized to him as well as his daughter for the intrusion, but there is an urgent message from their guest’s estate.
Marquis Griddlebone, a man in peak health, had suddenly collapsed in his office. Everyone in the family was required to come home immediately, including his only daughter. The news obviously caught the calm and collected woman off guard, as she stood up and bowed her head to them. She is terribly sorry that their time together has been cut short but she must return home post-haste.
Jubelian was sympathetic and offered to escort their guest to the main entrance as well as reschedule their little get-together. He was also in agreement, inclining his head and hoped that the marquis was all right.
Griddlebone nodded, turning to the footman and ordered him to bring the carriage around before Jubelian led her out of the drawing room.
Regis felt disheartened watching as Lady Griddlebone was escorted out by his daughter. Heavens knew He had many wants in his troubled life, yet perhaps his want for her to stay was amongst his most desperate.
His eyes roved over the place she sat, imagining that she was still in that chair, smiling at him lovingly. He was distracted from his daydream when something caught his eye.
“Ah — it seems Lady Griddlebone left behind her fan.” He said to no one in particular.
She must have left it in her haste, he realized. An unexpected glee rose in him at the thought of her leaving a piece of herself behind — even if unintentionally. It felt like a gift, just for him.
“I’ll have it sent to her estate at once.” His aide reached for it and before he could pick it up, Regis swiftly grabbed it. He didn’t know why, but the thought of someone else touching the only thing he had of her had him panicking. He felt as though they would erase any trace of her.
He felt slightly embarrassed by the confused look his aide shot at him and quickly tried to save face. “The lady is an important guest and even something as simple as returning a fan must be treated carefully. I’ll see that she gets it back myself.”
His aide jolted, surprised at the sudden declaration but quickly schooled his features to a mask of indifference before he nodded. “As you wish, Your Grace.” He bowed his head and left the room, closing the doors behind him.
Now alone in his office, he allowed himself to indulge in his fantasies. He caressed every fold of the fan, thinking about how she had held it in her hand so tightly, it would be wonderful if she held his own the same way. He would never let her hand slip from his grasp.
The craftsmanship was remarkable, truly fitting a woman as elegant and wonderful as her. If given the chance, he would shower her in riches just as, if not more so, luxurious as this fan.
He hesitantly pressed his lips along the fan’s edge, reminiscing on how her skin felt against his lips as he greeted her. If they were alone and if she were willing, he would have gladly gotten down on one knee and kissed each of her fingertips. He was sure that if he was allowed to indulge himself in her presence just a bit, he would be able to hold on just a bit longer with her.
Just then, a bright light illuminated the room. Alert, Regis grabbed the sword concealed under his desk and raised the blade over his head but halted when his eyes saw golden words floating in the air, a dark green tint highlighting a text that made his heart hammer against his chest.
I’m not seducing the female lead’s obsessive father!
[yandere!regis floyen x agent!reader headcanons]
PART ONE: A NEW DAY, A NEW LIFE
warning: spoilers from the manhwa, obsessive behavior, implied violence. Please take caution.
Note: this is a work of fiction with the intention of entertainment purposes only. The behavior exhibited here is inappropriate and unhealthy, hence it should not be encouraged. Special thanks to @soleilician, @d10nsaint, @lyomeii and @justleisha-deniyor for all of their help with creating this masterpiece!
Give these lovely authors a round of applause guys, I seriously wouldn’t have done without them.
As you can see, this will be a multi-chaptered series, shouldn’t be longer than three parts (hopefully). This will also be part of an entwining series called The Chapter Chronicles, where secrets agents travel to various worlds and tasked with protecting them from destruction.
So without that being said guys, sit back, relax, and let’s dive into a world of love and madness ~.
Gyeong-Ja could say that she is a normal person and led a daily normal life. Life was challenging, even messy, and sad. Nonetheless, despite these unfortunate events that have happened and being a stressed company worker, she found comfort in reading a manhwa or a similar novel that allowed her to escape reality for a few hours until she went to bed, and the day repeated itself. The concepts were unique, but she especially enjoyed the reincarnating-in-another-world troupe.
She never believed in such a thing happening in reality, but that did not stop her from imaging a luxurious and carefree life. At least, until that day happened when Gyeong-Ja’s life turned upside down. Within the blink of an eye, she found herself in a fancy European style bedroom, standing in front of a mirror with a face that wasn’t her own.
In all honesty, she was terrified. Fear had forced her to become a more intelligent individual once she was aware that the world she is in is none other than the setting of Father, I Don't Want To Get Married. If the fact that she was a marquis’ daughter did not startle her enough, it was that Gyeong-Ja’s new body bore a striking resemblance to Duke Regis’ late wife, Amelia. So, why not use it?
She was now a beautiful woman named Louise de LaRue, who must find a match and be married off soon to a good family. In her mind, no one would fit the role of a perfect husband than the Empire’s greatest swordsman. Of course, it was dangerous and risky to influence the course of the story, but it was for her own good.
Besides, shouldn’t she be rewarded for being a law-abiding citizen after working herself to the bone as she had done? What’s wrong with being selfish once in a while, hm?
Gyeong-Ja, now fully accepted her new identity as Louise, really tried to gain the duke’s attention. She had memorized Duke Regis' schedule, tried to calculate the balls he was going to, and searched everywhere she saw him for an excuse to go with him, but despite all her efforts, everything she did was fruitless.
Her new father supported her ambitions and promised to help his daughter anyway he could. After all, it would bring their family to the peak of high society if she took the vacant position of the Floyen duchy as its duchess. Duchess Louise Floyen. That had a nice ring to it, didn’t it?
But, back to the matter at hand. She still couldn’t get close to the Duke!
Ah, if she’d studied for her university exam with the effort you put into conquering that goddamn man, she’d be a professor now! She reprimanded herself before forcing her aggravated mind to calm down. It wasn’t the end of the world. She simply had to change her tactics. If she couldn’t approach the Duke, then the best person to ensure a romance with him was to get close to his daughter, Jubelian.
Once he realizes how kind, honest, and intelligent she is compared to the other high society rats, he’ll definitely fall in love with her. Yes, this was the way towards a happy life~!
A person’s own world could take on the shape of entertainment for other individuals.
These worlds are crafted from authors. When the world is in the incomplete drafting phase, they are in control of it. However, once the author writes the final sentence of their work, the world becomes independent from its creator. It cannot be touched by any outsiders, nor will it collapse unless something happens to the male protagonist, the female lead, or deuteragonist.
Every world has its own set of rules and genres. If an outsider intervenes with the novel’s plot on the pretense of conquering a character or to shape it into their own world, that’s where you come in.
Under the name “Sheila”, you worked as an agent for The Chapter, one of three organizations tasked with monitoring these worlds and fixing them before they are destroyed.
Although you were vacationing on an off-world designated for relaxation, your contract as an S-ranked agent did require you to be ready for an emergency mission. So, when you heard the shrill alarm emitting from your system, you automatically knew it was time to clock back in.
The system provided the intel via a web file: the world you were assigned to was based on a best-selling novel and manhwa adaptation; Father I Don’t Want to Get Married. Everything was running its course until an outsider showed up. A transmigrator who is reborn in this world as an extra side character and decides to find her own happy ending.
Basically, an idiot who wants to screw up the world’s order so she can get herself a hot (and preferably rich) man who just happened to be the female lead’s father.
Ugh, why can’t people enjoy a romance with deep feelings instead of sexual attraction? But that was just your logical opinion. Agents weren’t allowed to get attached to anyone. Shaking your head, you continued to read the file.
This world has a high ranking on novel websites, classifying it as forbidden. Once you were there, all connection to The Chapter’s main system would be cut off. You would be alone with limited access to tools and emerge in the world in your original physical body instead of the spiritual one that allows you to possess a person.
There were just as many pros as there were cons if you accepted this mission. However, you didn’t obtain a perfect streak of SS-scored missions within the last quarter by being meek. So what’s one more forbidden world to add to your mission record or another person who will hate you for messing up their ‘genius’ plans?
Seeing them crumble in despair or screaming your name in anger as karmic retribution kicked their ass made this job all the more fun, anyway~!
Grinning, you pressed the ACCEPT button on the screen, immediately teleporting to the novel world. Upon the completed migration process, you woke up in a lovely bedroom with cream-colored walls and another screen hovering in front of you.
Your new identity was Sheila Griddlebone, the only child of Marquis Griddlebone and trusted advisor on the Emperor’s council. Starting today, you would be shadowing your father in the imperial palace as you have recently been declared the heir to the household. Your older brother was too incompetent to run things.
Sadly, the intruder was part of the neutral political faction and not the loyalists, so you couldn’t see firsthand what this flea looked like. But you did get a name: Louise LaRue. Least that some form of identification to the outsider you were tasked with apprehending while not exposing yourself as an agent.
Rumors around high society gossiped about her relentless pursuit of the novel’s deuteragonist. In all honesty, you kinda expected the flea to possess a cheat system that allowed her to be in this world or to collect enough affection to conquer the aloof man. But you certainly did not think she would sink this low to not only possess a physical resemblance to his late wife, but also act like her. And she’s supposed to be a marquis’ daughter too? How shameless.
But that was all right, all good things would come to those who waited. And all the more anticipation to see her squirming before the emperor once she was exposed as a fraud.
I’m not seducing the female lead’s obsessive father!
[yandere!regis floyen x agent!reader headcanons]
PART THREE: MERCILESS
PART TWO
warning: spoilers from the manhwa, obsessive behavior, implied violence. Please take caution.
Hey guys, hope you’ve been doing well and ready to dive into this next chapter! Special thanks to @d10nsaint, @rouecentric and a few more friends for helping get out of some tough corners that came with writing the draft!
I do apologize for the delayed release, I had it on my laptop ready to post when Hurricane Ian came barreling through my area, knocking out the electricity. It just came back on after three days without that and running water. Thankfully, my family was safe while I had been stationed at my medical workplace and the damage to our home was minimal.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the families who are still lost in the dark.
So with that being said, sit back, relax and be prepared to see what happens next~.
It wasn’t too hard to approach Marquess Griddlebone after the Emperor had dismissed the council for the day. Regis was straightforward with his intention of getting acquainted with her as a fellow member. Especially since she will be replacing her father once he has stepped down from his position as the family head.
She was certainly surprised. Then again, he had been known for not approaching the other nobles, maintaining a ‘stiff’ persona unless someone had insulted his little Jubel. The rumors were not wrong. Look what happened to Marquis Hessen when he and his family insulted the Floyen duchy.
However, the shocked expression was replaced with a smile, replying that she is looking forward to being acquainted with a fellow countryman who wishes eternal prosperity for the Ashet Empire. A fellow countryman who was very good at honeying her words and falsifying a jovial mask when Darius had eyes and ears everywhere. Regis simply nodded and took his leave, not wanting to be here any longer. He wished to have dinner with Jubel for a change instead of by himself.
Due to his workload, Regis had to wait two days before he sent Selli to deliver a secret message to the Griddlebone estate. It was a simple greeting, nothing more. It was best to be cautious.
The following morning, the pigeon returned with a response. Inside was a greeting, inquiring about the health of his daughter and staff, and other mundane questions. But behind this letter were two more pieces, both were inscribed in a strange alphabet of the likes he had never seen before. Not even his intelligence network had used this code. A smaller parchment piece fell out of the envelope, written in elegant handwriting were the following words.
Want to play a game?
The rules are quite simple...
Marquess Griddlebone had sent him a cipher. By using the reference sheet, it should be easy for him to decode the message. Don’t ask anyone for help nor show it to anyone. Decode it, and send it back and he might get a response if he is correct. If, however, he was not interested in this game, she was more than welcome to use another means to communicate with him as he sees fit.
He paced around his room, eyeing the reference sheet and cipher carefully before deciding to decode on a blank parchment paper. When he saw the hidden message…well, it certainly made him raise his brow.
For all his talk on being a great leader of the country, one would wonder how the Emperor could allow to make so many enemies by attempting to conquer neighboring nations when he could have easily profited through an alliance via trade or a political marriage. By allowing the crown prince to be placed in charge of the royal army, he is allowing himself to create another contender for the people’s approval.
Shaking his head, he enclosed it with a note asking how she came about this cipher that he, the nation’s hero, had never seen before, and sent Selli on her way. His response was that it is a secret cipher passed through the Griddlebone family for generations. But who said it is the only cipher that she knows? Is he curious?
This pattern of correspondence continued for three weeks. Each cipher was more challenging than the last one, but to his surprise, it did not annoy him. It was an interesting puzzle, and with each one solved, he learned a little more about Lady Griddlebone.
If someone had told Regis that he’d be freely interacting with a member of the Emperor’s council, he would have ignored them and said they were delusional or drunk. And yet, here he is, interacting with Marquis Griddlebone’s only daughter as she secretly obtained any information he needed regarding the whereabouts of wizards.
At first, he regretted asking her. Wondering if he had made the right choice in trusting with such a task. But she did not question him, instead going to work immediately and promising to inform him of any news. In turn, if he heard anything about LaRue, please inform her. A working relationship with benefits, so to speak.
Within a week, she regretfully informed him that she was not able to find any such information except for a baseless rumor about the sighting of a wizard in the southern continent. However, there was something about a ring that can control a person, binding them to enslavement. It was forbidden magic, a contract between two people. If she wants to expand the investigation, she will.
But Regis immediately declined. It was enough for that person to know about Circe’s Ring. He did not want Lady Griddlebone to be in further danger than she is already guilty of: rebelling against the empire, and aiding the enemy. Him.
Instead, he stirred their conversation by sharing things about each other. In three weeks he learned more about Lady Griddlebone than he wanted to. Her schedule, the people she associated with at banquets, even her favorite colors and least favorite food. On the surface, she appeared as an unapproachable young woman with a silver tongue.
Regis was now aware that she is kind and protective towards others who are younger than her. It is a virtue he is most grateful for, as he did not have to worry about Jubelian being in Lady Griddlebone’s presence. She would not try to take advantage of his daughter, as others have tried. Like Lady LaRue.
On occasion, if his schedule would allow it, he’d extend an invitation to the Floyen duchy under the pretense of a meeting between colleagues, even going so far as to call it a tea party. Unfortunately, she would politely reject the offer every time it was brought up.
Too risky. She confessed. Too many eyes would be on us. It might put Her Grace in danger if the Emperor hears about it.
But…but he wanted to meet with her. He wanted to see the woman, more than he would have liked to admit. He needed to see her.
It was to the point that if his aide heard that the lady from the Griddlebone family would be attending a social event, he would go to it. He was being foolish, to allow his heart to waver for a woman such as her…yet he could not stop himself.
In retrospect, Amelia would have wanted him to move on and be happy at this point, would she not?
Louise did not understand what was happening. She had been putting a lot of effort into being a fine lady of a rich family. Learning about the newest trends, building a network of connections with other aristocrats, making sure not to bring shame to the LaRues, etc. And where has this effort rewarded her?
Nothing. Nothing but continuous anguish and aggravation. Why? Why is this happening?!
She gritted her teeth, trying very hard to tighten the grip on the champagne glass as she stared at the group of ladies surrounding the bashful female lead. She still hadn’t made any progress in a potential friendship with Jubelian.
Jubelian coldly continued to rebuff her invitations for tea and pointedly ignored her at social events such as this one, a birthday for a count’s daughter. The only reason she had even to be here is because of her father. Hell, the male lead had the gall to threaten her when she just wanted to say ‘hi’ to Jubelian!
Seriously, why are they acting like this?! She had even stopped approaching the Duke because she thought he’d actually take interest when she pulled away, damn it! But there he was, across the glass greenhouse, surrounded by screeching, vibrant birds who wanted only his title.
She just wanted a chance to show she was in love with him. Was that too much to ask?! She had to do something. She had to rethink her strategy or else she’ll lose her one chance at happiness!!
“Announcing the arrival of Marquis Griddlebone and his daughter, Marquess Griddlebone.” A servant called out, the guests silencing for a moment as the father-daughter pair entered the greenhouse silently. Louise’s blood turned icy, watching them intensely while the hosts greeted them before scattering across the greenhouse.
What? Why is she here?! It doesn’t make sense! They were part of the loyalists, and they were willingly to come to a house that is affiliated with the neutral faction?!
Outrage and anger boiled simultaneously in her veins as she watched the man who did not want a special woman like Louise LaRue, approached the damned loyalist with a foolish, lovestruck expression and a brief kiss on her gloved palm. Etiquette rules dictate that it is polite for a gentleman to kiss a lady’s hand, but such a romantic gesture is reserved for the female lead only!
And that woman isn’t even reacting like a blushing maiden in love! Just an expressionless face hiding behind a fan! What did a loyalist have that she, a lucky transmigrator, lacked?!
Louise needed Regis. He’s the female lead’s father, an exceedingly handsome man with a prestigious title and a duchy to boot! He was the only one worthy of her affection! There is no way she would settle for less, especially the men that her father wanted to introduce her as potential marriage candidates! There was even someone who is twenty years her senior, for God’s sake!
Is it so much to ask to live a luxurious life with a handsome and rich husband?!
Regis quickly approached Lady Griddlebone and her father, nodding his head respectfully to them. He did not care much for the marquis yet he had to be courteous, even though the sole reason he had come here was to talk to his daughter privately. Jubelian was with Lady Veronica and Lady Rose, so she would be fine until he came to fetch her.
They talked for a few moments before the marquis excused himself to speak to someone across the room. His daughter nodded, watching the portly man scamper away before she turned his attention to him, at last.
“Would you like to speak in private, my lady?” He asked. She blinked at him, tilting her head slightly before she spoke in a low, monotonous voice. “Of course. I shall follow your lead, Your Grace.”
Distant and polite with so many eyes surrounding them. Forcing all of his willpower to become as composed as the object of his adoration, he led them through the crowd and towards the outside of the greenhouse.
Quite frankly, you had prepared to talk about ciphers and the sort with the female lead’s father. However, a loving scolding is something you were not expecting to reach your ears. You watched in stunned disbelief as he fussed over the dark circles beginning to appear under your eyes, if you have been taking care of yourself and so forth with his arms crossed.
Clearing your voice, you snapped your fan closed and lightly tapped on it against your open palm.
“Your Grace, please remember that we are in the public eye at a birthday banquet.” She watched as the man’s face flushed ever so slightly before he coughed.
“My apologies.”
“ ‘Tis all right, Your Grace. Now, how may I assist you?” You asked, getting straight to the point. It would be prudent to not be away too long or else rumors would pop up. “Is everything all right with your daughter, the duchy? Or do you require me to do something else for you?”
He was about to speak when the door to the greenhouse slammed opened, revealing a flushed and angry Louise LaRue. You raised an eyebrow at her darkening expression. Oh? Was she jealous? How quaint. You watched with feigned disinterest as she approached the duke, curtseying before she asked to speak to him in private for a moment. A few minutes of his time is all she desired. Regis seemed infuriated, but you could not blame him. You had to give him kudos for his patience with idiots: in contrast to the female lead’s father, you would have snapped her neck a long time ago.
So why in the world was he looking at you for approval? He was a grown man for crying out loud!
You nonchalantly shrugged your shoulders. “Do not mind me, Your Grace. I am curious to see what other flowers are grown here on Count Orleans’ estate aside from their famous irises.” You said, turning on your heel in the direction where they were supposedly blooming when Duke Floyen said, “If Lady LaRue has something to say, then she is more than welcome to say it here.”
Huh? Why is he getting you involved in this matter? Ugh, HR had better prepare a nice compensation for all the trouble you are going through for the completion of this mission.
Looking over your shoulder, you blinked owlishly before giving the pair your undivided attention, waving your open fan in front of your face. “Then, by all means. I shall be a witness to this…conversation.”
Acting as if he had gotten permission from a university professor to continue a presentation, the female lead’s father glared at LaRue. She too was surprised at this turn of events, no doubt she could have anticipated it.
“Lady LaRue, do you even realize the gravity of the situation you have placed yourself in right now?” Regis asked coldly.
“With all due respect, Your Grace, it is within your best interest to discontinue your association with that woman.” Lady LaRue said, surprisingly calm and collected as the duke. “She is someone whose heart or loyalty cannot be wavered. She is dedicated to the empire and the Emperor. Nothing more.”
“And where is your proof of these allegations?”
“These ‘allegations’ are from reliable sources, rest assured, Your Grace. Please understand that I say this out of concern for you and your daughter -”
“That is not for you to decide.” He said tersely. “If I dare to say so, you have conducted yourself in a manner that is unbecoming of a young woman of high society. You continue to approach my daughter with false intentions, even when she has gently rebuked your company time and time again. If you do so again…I am sure you are aware of what became of Marquis Hessen and his family, do you not?”
“...I understand.” You smiled behind your fan as the sound of the outsider gritting her teeth in frustration reached your ears. Ah, what such sweet music~! “But please…allow me to ask. Why? What does Lady Griddlebone have that I do not? She and I are of the same social status, almost the same age! What is the difference between us that - that you wish to spend your time with her?!”
Wow. Talk about desperate. She is really trying to reel him in before you apprehend her for interfering with this world, huh? Well, too bad.
Even if she had married the Duke, you’d just erase his memories and drag her arse back to the Chapter’s headquarters. You were going to get back to your vacation, damn it.
And it was time to end this farce here.
Snapping your fan shut, you spoke. “Lady LaRue, do you recall the last time we spoke about etiquette? Not only had you been rude to myself, but to Her Grace as well. It is fine to approach another noble lady with the intention of establishing a fellowship amongst peers…but there is a limit to how much…enthusiasm one can place in such a pursuit. I believe they call it ‘stalking’ these days, do they not, Your Grace?” You asked, emphasizing on the word associated with unrelenting harassment with a smirk.
She sputtered over her words, leaving herself wide open for the vicious mockery that left your mouth as you recalled everything she had done to gain the Duke’s attention. The outsider stood there, red-faced and trembling with her delicate hands fisting into the skirts of her dress.
She did not deny or claim that these allegations were true. Just seeing her in such a wretched state and having it witnessed by a few spectators was more than enough for now. They would be sure to spread what happened here throughout the social circles by the end of the day.
Your job is done here now. And it is the last time you would be nice to LaRue. You had no intention of staying in this world any longer than necessary. Turning to the duke, you curtised and excused yourself.
But for all of the knowledge and experience you have gained as an agent, you did not see the look of longing on Duke Floyen’s face with your back turned towards him.
When she had been reborn for a second time, Jubelian swore that she would not seek out her father’s approval and affection. It was obvious that he did not care about her, just as Mikhail did not reciprocate her love for him.
All she wanted to do was live a quiet, luxurious life and not get married to the tyrannical crown prince. To do so, she had to repair her tarnished reputation as a wicked villainess and make connections. That was why she had accepted the invitation to this afternoon’s event. But when she saw the forlorn expression on her father’s face upon returning from the gardens, she became a little…concerned.
Later that evening, she asked Merilynn about what the other servants had been saying, as the brunette knew quite a few people beyond the duchy’s gates. According to her maid-in-waiting, Lady LaRue had approached her father yet again, only to be thoroughly humiliated by Marquess Griddlebone. There was a rumor that he is fond of the woman, but it disappeared as quickly as it had been whispered.
Jubelian knew that the Griddlebone family had been loyal to the imperial family since its founding…why would her father associate himself with a woman like that? She was concerned.
If he did become involved with Griddlebone, her father might force her to break up with Max and force her to marry the crown prince or worse, someone from the political faction that supported the emperor and fell short of the requirements she desired in a man: someone who is more powerful than her father, money, status, and looks! No, she wanted to have a peaceful life with a man she loved!
Determined to not let her plans go awry, she asked Merilynn to bring her some parchment and a quill.
She needed to determine if Marquess Griddlebone was a genuine threat to her happiness and to the Floyen duchy. It was already bad enough that Lady LaRue would not stop following her or her father. And there was no better way to ferret someone’s true intentions than an invitation for afternoon tea out of the blue.
I’m not seducting the female lead’s obsessive father!
[yandere!regis floyen x agent!reader headcanons]
PART TWO: FIRST IMPRESSIONS
PART ONE
warning: spoilers from the manhwa, obsessive behavior, implied violence. Please take caution.
Note: this is a work of fiction with the intention of entertainment purposes only. The behavior exhibited here is inappropriate and unhealthy, hence it should not be encouraged.
Special thanks to @soleilician and @d10nsaint for their help with this segment! :)
Hey guys, hope you’ve been doing well and ready to dive into this next chapter! As it turns out, this series will expand into more than three chapters and I will keep you all updated as just to how many parts there will be. At the moment, it looks like it is a total of four parts, but we will wait and see 😅 So with that being said, sit back, relax and be prepared to see what happens next~.
Regis Adri Floyen had a very low opinion of both Marquis LaRue and Marquis Griddlebone’s daughters.
While she exhibited an excellent temperament around other young ladies of high society accompanied by a striking physical appearance to his late wife, Lady LaRue’s actions were not genuine. They were tricks to lure in powerful connections while making her seem like an amiable woman who would make an excellent marriage candidate to any gentleman who approached her. But she only had eyes on him and his daughter. At every social event, she tried to get close to them with a syrupy smile and compliments on how lovely Jubel has grown.
It was obvious that his daughter is the loveliest woman in the Ashet Empire, but that did not mean he had to look forward to seeing this….annoyance at Jubel’s coming-of-age ceremony. Lady LaRue, in short, was just as bad as Max. Both were stubborn, and would pursue reckless means to obtain what they desired.
In regards to Lady Griddlebone, the fact that she was aiming to take her father’s position on the imperial council is bad enough. Anyone who aligned themselves with a spineless coward like Darius is an enemy to Regis. She did approach him a few times, but it was to relay a message that the emperor requested their immediate presence in his audience chamber.
Small conversation when they were heading in a similar direction was all she had tried to accomplish with him. He had no interest, but she was persistent in a way that did not make him take out his sword and threaten her…at least not yet.
He kept tabs on these women, instructing his soldiers that if either of them were to make contact with his daughter, he would personally destroy their houses. But as much as he desired to keep her away from the people who wanted to take advantage of Jubelian, they could not deny an invitation to a royal banquet.
And so with great reluctance, the two of them arrived at the palace garbed in matching ensemble, somewhat prepared for what might happen next in this lion den. Nothing is ever constant in the imperial palace.
Upon greeting the Emperor and Empress, they were excused. Jubelian’s friends, bless them, had arrived to see her. At least for a little while, Regis did not have to worry too much as he was forced to mingle with others.
Why? Why is it so hard to get close to Duke Floyen and his daughter?! Sure, they are the pinnacle of society but that did not mean they were perfect!
She would know that better than anyone else in this room, except for the Emperor. Yes, Louise was frustrated at this point. Very, very, frustrated.
Duke Floyen was the commander of the royal and central armies, plus his own duchy and child! Honestly, she hadn’t been surprised that his neglect of Jubelian led to her original villainous personality in the first timeline.
She knew Duke Floyen loved his daughter immensely and wanted only the best for her, but is it so hard to accept the fact that she wants to help Jubelian?! Why else would she take the time to anticipate what events the duke’s daughter attended, memorize her schedule and go so far as to act like Amelia? All of that hard work, the time she put into her efforts, all for what? To Jubelian looking down at her with a disgusted frown before excusing herself to mingle with other ladies?
Hell. No. This is not how things were supposed to go, damn it! Wasn’t it a common troupe in the reincarnation genre for the female lead to be drawn to a transmigrator like herself? Ugh, she should have finished University instead of dropping out and being a low-wage worker. Maybe then, she would have gotten a degree like her parents wanted and moved out of the house to find her own happy ending. But that was the life she could have had.
This is the life she is living now, and she will not give up on this golden opportunity!
Marquis LaRue was getting impatient with her failed attempts at roping in Duke Floyen. If she doesn't nab him soon, she’ll be married off to someone else! She didn’t wanna marry an ugly old dude and live another miserable life. That's not supposed to happen!
When the Duke and his daughter made their entrance at the imperial ball, Louise had to refrain herself from greeting them immediately. As much as she wanted to keep those other rats away, she had to be patient.
Being aggressive has far ended in failure. By withdrawing herself, she should surely catch Jubelian’s attention, if not her father! This was a perfect plan! :)
Oh? Where is Jubelian going? Louise watched from the corner of her eye as the silver-haired young lady looked around the room, a flushed expression on her face, before her periwinkle orbs glowed and started to walk away from her friends, promising that she will be right back. Louise followed Jubelian’s petite frame weaving through the crowds and towards….the loyalist group?
What in the world was she doing there? Aren’t they supposed to be Regis’ enemies since they work directly for Emperor Darius?
Louise’s heart stopped when a slightly flustered Jubelian stood in front of another woman - a woman Louise is certain that she has never seen before at previous functions - lounging in a chaise chair, half of her face concealed by an elaborate fan. What is going on here? This event never happened before in the manhwa! She strained her ears, but could barely hear anything over the raucous laughter, the orchestra, and clinking of champagne glasses. The woman on the chaise slowly stood up, curtsying before Jubelian, and followed the young woman around the back towards the balconies.
Louise gritted her teeth. Nu-uh. No way. No one stood in the way of her happiness with the Duke and his daughter. Not even a nameless background character!
So she followed them, not knowing that there was someone else in this ballroom concerned about the woman who walked away with the female lead.
Regis was currently reevaluating his opinion on Marquess Griddlebone as he watched her being led outside by his daughter. What was Jubelian thinking? She is unaware of Marquess Griddlebone’s role? No, that couldn’t be right. He had told her that she is someone to be careful around.
Darius had made the marquis’ daughter work tirelessly in the imperial palace after being introduced six months ago. Naturally, he had thought that a woman could not handle the administrative duties that her predecessor had - if she were the marquis’ younger son instead, that would have been a different story.
But Sheila Griddlebone proved her value to the emperor. She never complained about the workload or asked stupid questions, even occassionally staying in the palace late at night to make sure everything was in order for the next meeting. And Darius knew it. He is now assured that the Griddlebones were on his side and would not betray him.
More loyal dogs to be used at his disposal.
He took refuge behind an alabaster pillar near one of the opened windows, making it seem like he was observing the ball’s festivities when he was actually eavesdropping.
“Thank you for being…courteous towards my selfish request, Marquess Griddlebone.” Jubelian’s soft voice stuttered.
“I would rather see Your Grace be comfortable however you see fit to talk to me than be anxious in a crowded area. The heat this summer is quite atrocious. Please, I insist that you sit.”
“You will not sit beside me, Marquess?”
“Proper etiquette dictates that a young man or lady in possession of a higher ranking sits before anyone else in the room.” Griddlebone said. “I am in need to stretch my legs anyway, so standing is perfectly fine, unless Your Grace is uncomfortable-?”
“N-No, I am fine, thank you! I was…I was wondering wherever did you acquire your evening attire and accessories? It seems that you are always dressed at the height of fashion, yet the other ladies claim that you rarely shop in the capital as much as they do. That you never show your face in public.”
Regis half-expected Marquess Griddlebone to lash out at his daughter for being rude or at the gossip that is apparently being spread. Instead, he heard the woman reply warmly.
“I know the owner of a very good dress shop in the upper part of the capital’s streets. Although I have been going to them for many years, the owner is very peculiar about the customers she receives. Her visits are also by appointment only, so that might explain why I am rarely seen in the city. Including that I am busy working under my father to inherit his title.”
Regis blinked. He…was not expecting that response at all. And his wine glass was still full.
“I see. Is the work difficult?”
“Every job has its challenges, Your Grace, but if you enjoy doing it, then it really couldn’t be called a job, wouldn’t it?”
“I suppose. But if that is the case, then why are you rarely without your fan?”
“My fan?” Griddlebone repeated.
“Yes. “ Jubelian said. “Is it special to you?”
“To an extent. While other ladies see it as an accessory, this is a tool. I can conceal my face as I converse with people, watching them closely before I speak. High society is a battlefield, Your Grace. Instead of swords and shields, we use our mouths and body language to protect our beliefs or point a barb at a disagreeable opponent. We must never allow them to get under our skin and give them a weakness to be used as an advantage.”
“I’m not my father.” Jubel said immediately, her sweet voice suddenly tight.
“No, you are not.” Griddlebone agreed. “You are a young, bright woman with unlimited potential so long as you have the right guidance. Nonetheless, I look forward to your debut and seeing how you flourish in the Empire.”
Regis’ palpitating heart slowed in relief. Although he has had limited interactions with the marquis’ daughter, at least she is able to be civil enough towards his daughter without upsetting her.
Knowing Jubelian, she would not take Griddlebone’s advice too seriously. She is an enemy to the Floyen duchy, after all. Regardless of the pleasantries that they have exchanged thus far tonight. He was about to step away from his hiding spot and collect Jubelian when he heard another voice on the veranda.
“Your Grace? Are you out here?”
Regis’ nerves went on high alert at the familiar high-pitched and grating voice. Lady LaRue. Why is she here?
“Oh, here you are~! You look exquisite this evening, Your Grace~!”
“Ah. Thank you, Lady LaRue. However…do you not compliment in such a manner every time that you see me with my father?”
Regis bit the inside of his cheek to keep a smile from spreading across his face as he heard Lady LaRue stumble over her words, no doubt surprised at the reply. Yes, Jubel certainly inherited Amelia’s sharp tongue. His little girl was growing up so quickly before he even realized it.
“A-Ah, my apologies, Your Grace! Though…I must confess, I did not expect you to be in the company of a ferocious bear. Would it not be better to be acquainted with other like-minded individuals?” LaRue said. “Surely you are aware where her loyalties lie, Your Grace?” Regis could have sworn he heard that woman snickering. Grinding his teeth, he almost revealed himself to reprimand the marquess when Griddlebone spoke up cheerily.
“My, my! You are quite informed, Lady LaRue. The Griddlebone sigil is a towering black bear standing on a hill of his enemies' bones near an evergreen tree. But do you wish to be part of that hill, Lady LaRue?” He heard the sound of a fan being snapped shut, followed by the steady tapping of it against an open palm. “First, you do not introduce yourself, then you claim that you are a ‘like-minded’ individual when all of high society is aware of your…actions?”
“How dare you-”
“Lady LaRue, we are in the presence of Her Grace. Mind your words, if you please.”
Understandably uncomfortable with the situation, Jubelian excused herself from the veranda and promptly left. Regis frowned. He wanted to follow his daughter and take her home immediately, but they could not leave for at least another hour. Darius would be furious if his guard dog left the ball earlier than decorum allowed.
Perhaps…he should teach these women a lesson for upsetting his daughter? The thought almost became a reality when he heard them speaking again.
“What was that about?” LaRue said tersely. “You have humiliated me in front of Her Grace!”
“You were discourteous to Her Grace in both actions and words, Lady LaRue, nothing more. Your lack of etiquette makes me wonder what will become of the future of your house once you are married off.” Griddlebone replied neutrally. “Although I admire your…persistence, it is also becoming an embarrassment to watch.”
“Duke Floyen is the perfect gentleman and an ideal husband! How can you be so blind to not see it? Or are you too busy currying favor with the Emperor to even notice?”
“Careful, Lady LaRue. You don’t want me as an enemy.”
“Then stay away from him. You’re ruining everything!”
“His Grace is a grown man capable of making his own decisions. If it is his wish to not remarry and serve the Emperor as his sword, then so be it. Who are you, or I, to interfere? It might be best to begin reflecting on your actions before it mirrors your social life. In this world, a woman’s reputation is everything. You know this, do you not, Lady LaRue?”
“And how do I know that you are even a loyal servant to the Empire as you claim to be, Marquess Griddlebone?” LaRue spat. “Sure you might work diligently here in the palace alongside your father, but you have nothing to show for it! Nothing!” With that being said, the irate woman stormed off the veranda in the same direction as Jubelian took off to.
Regis heard Griddlebone groan irritably in an unladylike manner, followed by a fan being snapped open again. If it were not for his sharp hearing and other abilities he had gained after becoming a swordmaster, he would not have heard her soft murmuring amidst the wind.
“A show of loyalty?” Griddlebone said. “The fact that she is still alive is an act of kindness itself, even when I already possess evidence that she and her father are co-conspiring with the Trevor kingdom. The transactions of weapons and slave labor, correspondence, and even eyewitness reports on secret meetings between Marquis LaRue and a spy. If I were truly aligned with the Emperor, I would have presented everything two months ago but here she still is, oblivious that her fate is in my hands.”
Regis released a surprised gasp at this confession. By doing so, he heard Griddlebone calling out if someone was there. Cursing silently, he moved away from the pillar and mingled back into the sea of aristocracy. Although he appeared calm, he was quite rattled on the inside.
Sheila Griddlebone…she was not loyal to the imperial family? Then why did she work so hard every day under her father, if she had no intention to attain Darius’ favor and cement her position as the marquis’ heir? He needed to confirm it for himself.
As he recalled, there would be more work for him at the palace in the coming weeks. Even though it was an opportunity he could not pass, it would sacrifice his quality-time with Jubelian. He’ll have to make sure to make it up to her as soon as he comes back to the duchy.
Preferably, away from the capital and Lady Louise LaRue.
