BVDL 04

Chapter 04

Evan Linear Icard.
The only heir of Duke Icard, the hidden mastermind.
Raised like a mere chess piece under his father’s indifference, he grew up into a strange person seemingly devoid of any emotions.
Of course, he inherited his father’s exceptional looks, but while his exterior was flawless, his interior was just empty—a doll-like existence.
He was utterly indifferent to all human relationships, showing no concern for anyone around him. He didn’t even shed a single tear when his terminally ill wife died!

Afterwards, he didn’t maintain a proper marriage with the princess his father arranged, to the point that she openly had affairs.
“Now that I’m possessed by him, I realize the original story wasn’t all that great…”

In the original, the main plot centered on Princess Ellani, the female lead, who, while in a cold marriage with Evan, ends up with the male lead, her true love. During that time, Evan…
He knew everything yet remained indifferent. It was as if he had never expected anything from his wife to begin with.

The problem was that the Empire forbade divorce. That became a huge obstacle for the male and female leads.
So, proactive Ellani created laws for divorce herself. In the end, she got rid of the partner forcibly arranged by the hidden mastermind and ended up with the male lead.
“So, the grand dream of Duke Icard never comes true in the end.”

Because Evan and Ellani didn’t continue their married life and separated quickly, the Icard family could never fully seize control of the royal court.
“What was that dream anyway? Why was he so obsessed with power that he wanted to dominate the royal court? I wonder what happened to the Icard family afterward.”

If I had known I’d be possessed by a member of the Icard family, I should’ve read the side stories carefully.

In front of the academy’s main gate, families were handing bouquets to congratulate the graduates.
Among them, Evan stood silently with a blank expression, and of course, Duke Icard hadn’t brought any flowers.
He simply presented me to Evan and said briefly,
“This is your wife.”

Wait… who would accept a random girl being shoved at them as “your wife,” right after graduating from the elementary academy?
“I see.”
Ah… there was one who did.
“Understood.”
Without even changing his expression.

Evan was a boy who looked extremely similar to Duke Icard. His black hair, tall frame for a thirteen-year-old, and indifferent red eyes made an impression despite his age.
Even though he was a year younger than me, his appearance made him seem older, like an older brother.
“Really handsome, but doesn’t exactly look kind…”

In the original story, his appearance was described as handsome and seductive. Unlike the male lead with his refreshing, playful charm, Evan had a sinister and decadent look.
“He looks old for his age… but there’s a saying that kids who look old grow into youthfully handsome adults.”

I comforted myself internally with the thought that a day of triumph would come and smiled slightly.

“I’m Laria Rose Lostri… no, Laria Rose Icard.”
I spoke first, kindly.
“Congratulations on your graduation.”

Since Duke Icard didn’t even say congratulations, it was up to me. It wasn’t like it cost anything to give a bit of lip service.

“Nice to meet you.”
“Yeah.”

His reply was brief. Truly a boy devoid of emotions. It was clear he hadn’t expected even a word of congratulations from his father.
“Right… you don’t care if your wife dies or has affairs…”

No matter what I did, he wouldn’t care, so it was hard to consider him a variable in my life. But then…

“I received the letter your teacher sent two months ago. Why did you hit Viscount Jerdi?”

“He hit…?”
I perked up. Evan was a year younger than me but tall and well-built.
“Getting hit by him must hurt a lot…”

“And so badly that he couldn’t get up from his seat for three weeks.”

Oh my… three weeks?

I quietly listened as Duke Icard’s blunt question hung in the air.

“He deceived me.”
“What?”
“He pretended to be a friend but spoke ill of me behind my back.”

Oh… that’s upsetting. I thought he wouldn’t care whether someone disliked him, but apparently, he still had some childish feelings.

Evan continued calmly,
“I just hit him in front because I didn’t want to become the same kind of person.”
“Hmm.”
“I cannot tolerate lies.”
“I see.”
“Those who pretend friendship while being different behind your back are the ones I cannot ignore.”
“I understand.”

I looked up at Duke Icard in disbelief.
Um… isn’t he going to punish him?
Anyway, that guy hit someone! Three weeks in bed isn’t a kid’s prank!

“A child who casually talks about friendship needs discipline.”

But Duke Icard answered nonchalantly. True to his merciless mastermind nature, three weeks in bed seemed like nothing.
“Then my insignificant life must be nothing to him too.”

It was better to grow up fast and escape.

Once the topic seemed to end, Duke Icard pointed at me and said,
“Get along with each other.”

What? Why would he say that now?

“He wants to get along with you.”
Uh… that…

“He said he wants to care for each other.”

Sweat dripped down my back. If I didn’t make an effort to get along, would I get hit for pretending friendship? Pretending friendship while being different behind…

“Why is he introducing me like this?”

Judging by that expression, it didn’t look like he’d go easy just because I’m a girl. My body felt like a sheet of paper—being hit would definitely hurt.
“If Viscount Jerdi couldn’t get up for three weeks, I’d probably be bedridden for three months.”

I had no choice now.

“Okay, let’s get along.”

I smiled and spoke kindly.
“Evan, you have no idea how much I wanted to meet you.”

He would gradually become indifferent anyway, so I just had to get through this moment.

“Let’s grow up and become a cute, happy couple.”

Evan’s pupils trembled for a moment as he looked at me.
“…Well, whatever.”

Hmm… the back of his neck looks a little red… is it just me?