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00:00was born with huge boobs. My lady feared her husband would touch me, so she sent me off to
00:03General Bennett, who came back from the war half-dead. As she walked me out, she kept guiltily
00:07talking me into it. Sure, Leon Bennett can't get it up. At least you'll dodge the agony of childbirth,
00:11so relax. If a guy's useless in bed, maybe he shines elsewhere. But I ended up begging for
00:16mercy every night. I really wanted to ask her, why is General Bennett so good at everything?
00:20Leon Bennett, the young war hero, was dragged back, drenched in blood, barely alive. He was
00:26the Bennett's only son. Madam Bennett was widowed young and was about to bury her only child.
00:31Someone suggested she arrange a ghost marriage for him. My lady, Fiona Clark, loved playing matchmaker,
00:36so she offered me to Madam Bennett. She held my contract, so I couldn't say no. She warned that
00:41if I refused the match, she'd hand me to some retired eunuch. She still resented my past
00:46involvement with her husband, so I knelt and swore to the heavens I'd never lust after him again.
00:50She jabbed my forehead in fury. An oath means shit. Look at those boobs. Know how much trouble
00:54they cause? Hunched my chest. Silent tears sliding down. Dragging these two giant boobs
00:59around right in front of men. Who wouldn't be tempted? It's not that I don't trust you,
01:04I just don't trust men. Her face finally softened. She bent and wiped my tears. The Bennett family's
01:09top tier. If my mom weren't friends with Madam Bennett, someone else would have snapped up
01:14this match ages ago. Choking back tears, I rasped. Miss, I don't want a ghost marriage.
01:20Worst case, I'll hide in the kitchen. I'll never. Before I could finish, two loud slaps smashed
01:25across my cheeks. My face burned like fire. Elaine, don't you know what's good for you?
01:29If I hadn't vouched for you with that slutty look of yours, Madam Bennett wouldn't even spare
01:32you a glance. You wouldn't even qualify to be his ghost bride. I was about to tell her that
01:36I'd already bound my chest flat, kept myself tightly covered, and even suffered heat rashes
01:41in midsummer. I begged her for mercy. At that moment, the house matron came rushing in,
01:45panting. Miss, the General's Manor just sent word. General Bennett's awake. At that moment,
01:50the house matron burst in, panting. Miss, the General's Manor just sent word. General Bennett's
01:55awake. My lady dragged me to the General's Manor. Only a screen separated us, and the
01:58frail silhouette flickered behind it, and sometimes a soft cough drifted over. Madam Bennett wept
02:02uncontrollably, gripping my lady's hand. Fiona, thank you for everything you've done for Leon.
02:07He's out of danger now. The ghost marriage is no longer needed. You've worked so hard these
02:10days. My lady's dark eyes shifted craftily. Mrs. Bennett, the wedding still has to happen.
02:14Maybe Elaine's horoscope is just that strong. The moment the engagement was set, General
02:18Bennett woke up. If they actually marry, General Bennett will bounce right back and win more
02:23military glory. Madam Bennett wavered, glancing over at me. She was about to speak when a physician
02:28stepped out from behind the screen. He looked torn. Madam, General Bennett is... No outsiders
02:32here. Whatever it is, speak freely, sir. General Bennett may be conscious, but an arrow struck deep
02:37in his inner thigh. I fear from now on he won't be able to. Won't be able to what? My
02:40lady was even
02:40more anxious than Madam Bennett. He can't perform sexually. The words hit like a bolt of lightning.
02:44Madam Bennett's knees buckled. I lunged to steady her, keeping her from collapsing.
02:48Her bloodshot eyes were fixed on me, full of despair. Girl, are you... are you willing
02:52to marry a man like that? Don't worry, I'll never let you suffer. Just think of it as becoming
02:56my daughter. My lady blurted out. She's willing, totally willing. With her slave status wiped
03:00clean, why wouldn't she be? For a moment, I was speechless. I was born free, actually. My dad
03:05was an imperial physician. I was his concubine's daughter and lost my mother young. Luckily,
03:08dad was always gentle and kind. After he died, his principal wife, eyeing the estate, decided
03:12to sell the concubine's daughters to traffickers for cash. The night before they came, I begged
03:17for help from a poor scholar I'd fed every day. I'd heard he'd just become an imperial
03:20scholar, yet he refused me outside the door. He stood inside the door, not even bothering
03:23to open it a crack. Miss Hart, I'm engaged to the grand tutor's daughter. We should keep
03:27our distance. It's improper to open the door. Here's a bag of silver. Consider it repayment
03:30for the meals you gave me. Please leave.
03:32A money bag was tossed out from over the wall. My heart felt like it was pricked by a needle,
03:36aching dully. Later, on the street, I struggled with my stepmother. She threatened me.
03:40If you resist again, I'll sell you to a brothel. Fortunately, the grand tutor's wife passed by.
03:43She bought my freedom and kept me as a maid in her household. Soon, that scholar became
03:47my young lady's husband. I acted as if I'd never known him, serving my young lady diligently.
03:51But unexpectedly, she found out. Resisting further was pointless. I lifted my skirt and knelt
03:56respectfully before Madam Bennett. Madam, I'm willing to marry General Bennett to bring him
04:00luck and serve you until old age. Adam Bennett kept her word. She prepared a decent dowry for me.
04:05My young lady specifically chose a day when her husband was away on business to marry me off.
04:08She stuffed my contract into my hand and said guiltily. Although Leon Bennett can't perform
04:12as a man, at least spared the pain of childbirth. Don't worry. A man who's lacking in that area
04:17might excel in other ways. Don't worry. A man who's lacking in that area might excel in other
04:22ways. Honestly, that never even crossed my mind. I thought I'd serve a new household. The bridal
04:26sedan stopped. The matchmaker carried me into the general's manor. General Bennett looked half
04:30dead. I exchanged vows with his sword. On our wedding night, other brides would have sat on the
04:34wedding bed waiting for their grooms to lift the red veil. I pushed the door open and saw my husband
04:37in a crimson robe, already half reclining on the bed. General, I whispered, barely audibly,
04:41afraid a louder voice might break him. He turned toward me, his face breathtakingly handsome,
04:46yet drained of all color. Never meant to take a wife. If you don't mind, we can just be like
04:50siblings. He gestured to the bed nearby. It's our wedding night, but to keep mom from worrying,
04:54could you crash there for tonight? You can sleep in the guest room tomorrow. Okay. He'd thought of
04:58everything. Nothing like I'd imagined. Before I left home, the matron whispered to me. Between husband and
05:03wife, you don't always have to use that spot. There are other ways. Learn a few tricks. It's
05:08just that you can't get pregnant. Might come in handy someday. What? She'd slipped a little booklet
05:12into my hand. I opened it, blushing as my heart pounded. Are you feeling warm? Leon's clear eyes
05:17were locked on me. Flustered, I muttered. The wedding robe was too heavy, so I felt warm. Then wash up
05:23and
05:23get some rest early. I'll turn in first. He yanked the quilt closer and lay down to sleep. He must
05:27have
05:27been beat, because soon I heard his soft, steady breathing. I walked to the vanity, took off the
05:32phoenix crown, and shed the wedding robe layer by layer, until only a sheer slip was left. Staring
05:37at myself in the mirror, full breasts, a tiny waist, red lips, slender arms, eyes shimmering
05:41with tears. My lady always said, a woman like this is shamelessly wanton and should stay wrapped up
05:45tight. Suddenly, I spun around, about to duck behind the screen, and met a pair of eyes. Leon's face was
05:51even redder, his chest heaving, Adam's apple bobbing. I snatched the robe from the floor and shielded
05:57my chest, murmuring nervously. General, weren't you asleep? After a pause, his voice came low and
06:03strained. Can sleep later. My heart lurched, and I froze as he rose, his tall lean frame looming over
06:09me. After a pause, his voice came low and strained. Can sleep later. My heart lurched, and I froze as
06:14he rose. His tall lean frame looming over me. My heart pounded like crazy. My head was full of those
06:19images from the little booklet. We were even breathing in sync. After a moment, Leon turned toward the door.
06:23The night breeze rushed in, snapping me back to reality. He'd already vanished into the dark. I
06:28wondered why his eyes were full of shock. When he was looking at me just now, did I scare him?
06:34Before bed, I decided to bind my chest even tighter tomorrow. Half asleep, I sensed Leon come
06:39back. Water still dripped from his hair, so he'd just taken a bath. Next morning, when I woke,
06:43he was already gone. The maid, Nina, came in to do my hair. Outside, a man kept sneezing again and
06:48again. The nanny asked, concerned. General, you wanted to bathe last night. Why didn't you have me heat the
06:52water? It may be summer, but the nights are still chilly. Look at you, frozen from that cold bath.
06:57You've probably caught a chill. I'll make you some ginger tea right away. Look at you, frozen from
07:02that cold bath. You've probably caught a chill. I'll make you some ginger tea right away.
07:06Looked up, and asked Nina, does the general really like taking cold baths? I don't know,
07:10my lady. I told her to leave. Then I locked the door. I bound my chest, layer after layer. These
07:14days,
07:15frailty was the fashion for women, but I was all curves. No wonder the general hadn't been interested in me.
07:19I went to pay my respects to Madam Bennett. Leon was already sitting beside her. She greeted me
07:23with a warm smile, but the moment Leon coughed, her face fell. Leon, I need a few private words
07:29with Elaine. Go rest for now. Leon nodded and left. Madam Bennett waved me over and had me sit
07:34close to her. She took my hand, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. Sweet girl,
07:39Leon's lucky to have you. Given his condition now, it must feel terribly unfair to you. Her smile faded
07:45and her words grew wistful. The physician said his vitality is gone. No one knows how long he has
07:50left. Some in the clan have urged me to have him adopt a child just for an heir. But wouldn't
07:54that
07:54ruin your whole life? But wouldn't that ruin your whole life? I'm so thankful you'd marry him to help
08:00him get better. I can't hold you back for the rest of your life. I've thought it all through for
08:04you.
08:04If that day really comes for Leon, I'll have him write you a release letter. So the rest of your
08:09life
08:09in peace. I'll also add some land and a house in your name. I wiped the tears from her eyes,
08:14my heart aching. Mother-in-law, thank you for thinking of me. I only thought I was here to
08:17serve as a maid. Never dreamed she'd plan so far ahead for me. And then I thought of the mother
08:22I'd
08:22never met. If she were alive, if I'd grown up under her care, I wouldn't have ended up like this.
08:27Madam Bennett broke into a tearful smile. Look at me. How did I even make you cry? Elaine,
08:32don't be so formal with me. Just call me mom like Leon does. Sweet girl, I have one more favor
08:36to ask.
08:37Fiona said you can cook medicinal meals. From now on, for Leon's daily food and care,
08:41I'll have to trouble you. I just want him to live a bit longer. That's my little selfish wish.
08:45As she went on, her voice started to crack again. I nodded. Her voice started to crack again. I
08:50nodded. I'll head to the kitchen to prep the ingredients. The last time I made medicinal
08:53meals was years ago. Back then, Gregory wasn't yet Fiona's husband. His parents were both gone.
08:58He lived alone in a rundown courtyard behind my house. To save money for his studies,
09:01he often lived on just one meal a day. One day, he collapsed at my back door. I was the
09:04one who revived him.
09:05I felt sorry seeing him study so hard. I dug through my dad's medical books,
09:08made him medicinal meals daily to soothe his stomach. Only he and I knew about this.
09:12It must have been him who told Fiona. Just so he could drive me away, he really went to a
09:15lot of
09:15trouble. I carried the steaming food to the bedroom. Leon was telling the help to pack his clothes.
09:20General, what are you doing? Didn't we agree I'd move to the guest room? His handsome face
09:24didn't show the slightest change. In a low voice, he said, I don't own much. I should be the one
09:28moving.
09:28General, eat first, then pack. I set the dishes on the table. He gave them a cursory glance,
09:32then sat down by the table. From now on, let the servants handle this. Can do it. No, you can't.
09:37His voice was still cold. From now on, let Nina do it. His voice was still cold. From now on,
09:41let Nina do it. He downed the soup in a few gulps, then instructed the servants. He brushed
09:44past me like the wind. At that moment, I was sure of one thing. He probably didn't want to see
09:48me.
09:49I did exactly as he said, having Nina take the medicinal meals to his study every day. Each
09:52morning when I went to greet Madam Bennett, she kept praising me. During his daily visit,
09:56Imperial Physician Scott said Leon's pulse was far steadier. He looked much healthier to me.
10:00It was all thanks to you, Elaine. She was so pleased that she gave me a gold bangle. Back in
10:05my room,
10:05I put it into my jewelry box. Inside were all sorts of ornaments Madam Bennett had given me.
10:10Nina said, Mrs. Bennett, you don't usually wear these. Isn't it a waste to keep them stored?
10:13How is that a waste? One day, I'll trade them for cash. That's my rainy day fun.
10:17These were all gifts from Madam Bennett. Really selling them all? Not now. But if we ever part ways,
10:22I'll definitely sell them and keep cash for myself. Nina looked baffled. As she turned to leave,
10:26she whispered, General. Turned and met Leon's eyes, dark as ink. Madam Bennett's eyesight must
10:31really be failing. I turned and met Leon's eyes, dark as ink. Madam Bennett's eyesight must really
10:35be failing. Leon looked even paler than before. His eyes were razor sharp. He'd fixed an icy stare
10:39on me. It had freaked me out a little, but I hadn't let it show. General, what brings you here?
10:44Left some old things in this room. Came to pick them up. Let me help you, General. Somehow,
10:48Nina was gone, Leon said. It's a notebook. General, do you remember where you put it? No idea.
10:54Dug through boxes and drawers, making random small talk as I went. After a bit,
10:58spotted a notebook shoved at the back of the top shelf. The moment I stretched up on tiptoe to grab
11:03it, another hand landed on it too. The skin he brushed instantly burned hot. For the first time,
11:07I gazed at his face up close. He was gorgeous. Skin like porcelain, strong brows, starry eyes,
11:12deep as a mountain pool with no bottom in sight. I swallowed hard and turned to take the notebook,
11:16but lost my balance on tiptoe and tumbled right into his arms. In that split second,
11:20my chest crashed into his. I scrambled up, flustered. Leon's chest heaved violently.
11:25His face was on fire. Leon's chest heaved violently. His face was on fire.
11:30General, here's your notebook. I won't see you out. He took it and walked off without a word. Now he
11:35probably thinks even less of me. After that day, I did everything to avoid running into Leon,
11:40so I wouldn't upset him. He was a patient. He needed to stay cheerful, but I got a new headache.
11:45Gregory kept sending people with notes. He wanted to see me. I never even read them,
11:49just stuffed them into a box. Today, Nina slipped a note into my hand and whispered,
11:53Mrs. Bennett, this time it's more than a note. He's waiting at the side door. He says if you
11:57won't see him, he won't leave. I clenched my fists and stormed out, fuming. I glimpsed a
12:01figure in the yard trailing me, but I ignored it. I opened the door. Gregory was standing there.
12:06Elaine, you finally agreed to see me. Neighbor's son-in-law, you should be calling me
12:10Mrs. Bennett. He paused, then lowered his voice. Mrs. Bennett, do you realize asking to meet
12:14me like this over and over could ruin my name? I know. I just wanted to tell you I'm about
12:18to get
12:18promoted. I know. I just wanted to tell you I'm about to get promoted. By then, I won't have to
12:23rely on my father-in-law anymore. Elaine, I'll buy us a mansion. Stick with me. It's better than
12:26sticking with that sick man. As he got more worked up, he even reached out trying to hug me. I
12:30stepped
12:30back and sneered. So you want me to be your mistress? Gregory nodded in all seriousness. I burst out
12:35laughing. Why would I give up being the general's wife just to be your mistress? Everyone in the
12:40Capitol knows Leon Bennett's got one foot in the grave already. He won't last much longer. Besides,
12:44he's not even a real man. His eyes drifted to my chest. Wouldn't that be a waste on you? Felt
12:49a surge of disgust. Gregory, I know exactly what you're after. I once saved you, but when I needed
12:54you most, you shut the door on me. Now, to ease that tiny bit of guilt, you want to screw
12:58up the
12:59rest of my life? He grew even more anxious. Give me some time. I'll convince Fiona to let you in
13:03as a
13:03concubine. I'm not going to be anyone's concubine, and I'll never be your mistress. So stop pestering
13:07me. My husband's a war hero, a celebrated general. If he finds out, what future will you have
13:12left? My husband's a war hero, a celebrated general. If he finds out, what future will
13:16you have left? I'd hit where it hurt. What he cared about most was his own prospects. The
13:19second I finished, his face went pale. You'd rather marry a cripple than pick me? Glared at
13:24him. My husband fights to defend this land. Those scars are his medals. You benefit from
13:28his sacrifice, so you've got no right to badmouth him. In my eyes, he's a real man. Unlike you,
13:33sound body, filthy heart. At that, I slammed the door. I turned and saw Leon draped in a teal
13:38robe. He stood tall less than half a foot from me. General, I stammered. Guilty. A faint
13:44razor edge flickered in his gaze. Weren't you just calling me your husband? Why so distant
13:48now? Don't get me wrong, General. As long as I live in your manor, I'll keep to a wife's
13:53duty and never stray. It's getting late. I need to prepare your medicinal meal. Head lowered.
13:57I spoke while walking off, just wanting to bolt. As I passed him, his big hand clamped around
14:02my arm, and before I steadied myself, I fell into his arms. His big hand clamped around
14:06my arm, and before I steadied myself, I fell into his arms. My eyes met Leon's dark, unfathomable
14:10gaze. He only had to lean in a little, and our lips would touch. His warm breath brushed
14:14my face. My heart went wild. Heat rushed to my cheeks. Leon swallowed hard. Word by word,
14:19he asked. What's with as long as I live in your manor? So you'll leave one day? Couldn't
14:23very well tell him that I'd leave when he was dead, so I denied it flat out. No, that's not
14:28what I meant. General, it hurts. Was everything you just said for real? Blinked. Which part?
14:34He sighed softly and let go. I felt like a kid caught red-handed and bolted. For the
14:40first time, his face held some color. His cheeks were burning. That night, I had a strange
14:44dream. In it, Leon's lips brushed against my cheek, his hand tugging at my underrobe,
14:48his voice low and tempting. Want it, m'lady? Spellbound, I nodded. His kiss crashed into
14:53mine, fierce and hungry. A soft silken drizzle wrapped around us. I jolted awake, flustered.
14:57My heart hammered in my chest. A soft silken drizzle wrapped around us. I jolted awake,
15:01flustered. My heart hammered in my chest. Nina knocked and stepped in. I told her to fetch
15:04a basin of cold water. She stared at my sweat-damp hair, muttering to herself,
15:08It really is getting hotter and hotter. Scooped up cold water and slapped my face.
15:11Suddenly, I remembered how Leon took a cold bath on our wedding night. Could he also?
15:15No way. He's injured. He should be keeping his desires in check. At noon,
15:19Madam Bennett's maid brought me a message.
15:21Madam Bennett wants dinner in the garden tonight, and she insists you be there.
15:24Lately, to dodge Leon, I'd been skipping meals in the main hall. Now that Madam Bennett
15:28had sent word, I couldn't refuse. I stepped into the garden, where a pomegranate tree blazed
15:32in full bloom. A breeze swept through, making the fiery blossoms flare like flames. A few
15:36blood-red petals drifted onto the stone table in the pavilion. It was piled high with all
15:40my favorite dishes. Madam Bennett motioned for me to sit.
15:42Leon said, today's your birthday, and he had the kitchen make all this for you.
15:46Leon said, today's your birthday, and he had the kitchen make all this for you.
15:50Looked up and met those smoldering eyes. My cheeks went hot. Leon calmly slid the chestnut
15:55cake right in front of me. I asked him, General, how did you know it's my birthday?
15:59Even I forgot. My birth mother had died in labor, so no one had ever marked the day for me.
16:03He
16:03dropped his gaze, avoiding my eyes, and murmured, It's on our marriage contract. Your birth details.
16:08My heart fluttered for no reason. Elaine, this jar of peach wine is my prized stash. I'm opening
16:12it just for you. You two don't drink yourself silly. With that, she stood and added,
16:16Summer nights are breezy. Then she left us to drink alone. The moment Madam Bennett walked
16:19away, the air seemed to freeze. To break the awkward silence, I started knocking back cup
16:24after cup. The peach wine was sweet but strong. Before I knew it, my head was spinning. I groped
16:29for the empty plate, and looked up and asked Leon, Where's the last piece of chestnut cake?
16:33His lips twitched as he whispered, I ate it. God knows where I got the nerve, but I leaned
16:37in close to his face. His lips twitched as he whispered, I ate it. God knows where I got
16:41the nerve, but I leaned in close to his face. I said crossly, Who allowed you? Spit it
16:45out. Leon instantly opened his mouth. Come get it yourself. I bent down, peering into
16:49his mouth. Leon chuckled. You're not going to find it. Tipped my head back, staring at
16:53him, and asked, Then how do I find it? Faint blush rose on his cheeks, keeping a straight
16:57face, he said. Try using your mouth. My gaze slid to his slightly reddened lips. I swallowed
17:01hard. Without thinking, I kissed him. Leon froze. His breathing quickened. He soon took
17:06control, clasped the back of my head, pulling me in and deepening the kiss. We didn't break
17:09apart until footsteps sounded behind the flowers. General, the night's getting chilly. Madam sent me
17:14to bring you two cloaks. No idea how much she saw. I shot to my feet, but the next second,
17:18the world spun, and I collapsed. When I woke with my head splitting, it was already morning.
17:22Shot to my feet, but the next second, the world spun, and I collapsed. When I woke with
17:26my head splitting, it was already morning. I remembered I'd promised Madam Bennett to go
17:30with her to Grace Abbey and offer incense. I scrambled to get ready. Mrs. Bennett, take
17:33it easy. Just now I saw the coachman still hitching up the horses. Tina, you helped me back
17:37last night, right? No, Mrs. Bennett. The general carried you in. I turned and stared at her
17:41to make sure. She nodded seriously. I didn't babble anything crazy, did I? Oh, you did.
17:46After General laid you on the bed, you grabbed his sleeve and wouldn't let him go. Calling
17:49him your husband, the general's face went bright red. Tina, stop talking nonsense. She covered
17:53her mouth, laughing as she ran out. I headed to the front gate to meet Madam Bennett. Grace
17:57Abbey was on Lion's Hill outside the Capitol. I sat in the carriage, spaced out, replaying the
18:00kiss I forced on Leon. Madam Bennett might have read too much into it, she said. Elaine, do you
18:05have someone you like? These days I've seen you dodging Leon. Please don't blame me for arranging
18:09that dinner for you two yesterday. These days I've seen you avoiding Leon. Please don't
18:12blame me for setting you two up for dinner yesterday. Figured if you can't be husband
18:15and wife, you can still be friends. If you feel uncomfortable or want out, just say so.
18:19I'll make him divorce you. I won't hold you back. Mom, no. I was thinking about something
18:24else. What is it? I was trying to figure out how to say it. Suddenly the carriage lurched
18:27violently. A shrill whinny pierced the air. The horses bolted, racing toward the woods.
18:31I stuck my head out the window. The coachman was already gone. The horses tore through the
18:35mountains like crazy. We were tossed around inside, flung up, down, side to side. It
18:39hurt like hell. Mom screamed and burst into tears. Elaine, Elaine, what do we do? Braced
18:44myself, leaned farther out the window. Shit, there was a cliff ahead. Mom, don't panic.
18:49Hold on to me tight. I'll protect you. Let's jump. We can't. We'll get hurt. Mom, the cliff's
18:55right in front of us. If we don't jump, we're dead, shielded her. And the moment the horses
18:58stumbled, we leaped off and tumbled down the cliff. Luckily, I grabbed a branch jutting from
19:02the cliff with one hand and clung to Madam Bennett with the other. I grabbed a branch jutting
19:06from the cliff with one hand and clung to Madam Bennett with the other. Below her yawned
19:09a bottomless abyss. Mom, don't look down. Hold on to me. Nina and the others are right
19:14behind us. They'll be here to help us any second. The branch creaked. Through her sobs,
19:19Madam Bennett said, Elaine, let go. You can't hold us both. That branch is going to snap.
19:23I'm already old. Not much time left. You have to keep living. Rush of grief flooded my chest.
19:27How could I just let go? In my heart, she'd long been my real mom. Mom, I'd rather die with
19:32you than stand by and watch you fall. Hang on, please. They'll be here any second to
19:36pull us up. Truth was, I wasn't sure we'd make it. It felt like my body was about to
19:39tear in two. The pain so bad, it had gone numb, hopeless. I started hearing things.
19:43It was Leon. Elaine, don't move. I'm coming down to get you.
19:47He'd never called my name before. Suddenly, a strong arm caught me. He tied the rope around
19:51my waist, then climbed down and secured Madam Bennett. Everyone up top hauled together.
19:55We were saved. It wasn't just my imagination. Everyone up top hauled together. We were saved.
20:00It wasn't just my imagination. Leon really saved me. He held me in his arms and said,
20:04frowning, why is there so much blood? Adam Bennett said, Elaine shielded me. When we
20:07leaped, she shielded me. I'm completely unscathed. She's the one hurt. She covered
20:11her face and sobbed. My eyelids were as heavy as lead. Elaine, don't fall asleep. I'll get
20:15you to a doctor. He lifted me into the carriage. I curled up against his chest. Tiny beads of sweat
20:20dotted Leon's forehead. He cracked the whip with one hand while he kept talking to me. Elaine,
20:24stay awake. I'll buy you chestnut cakes. I'll load you up with gold and jewels. Okay? You
20:29needn't wait till I die. I'll write the divorce letter right now so you can leave anytime. My
20:33heart clenched again and again. Something wet, a drop landed on my face. I forced my eyes open
20:37and caught a flash of the blue sky, but it wasn't raining. The next moment, everything went black.
20:42I opened my eyes. My whole body felt like it had fallen apart. Mrs. Bennett, the imperial
20:45physician said you mustn't move. The pain in my body told me I was still alive. Nina brought over a
20:49bowl of medicine and fed me slowly. Mrs. Bennett, thank goodness you didn't break any bones. Nina
20:53brought over a bowl of medicine and fed me slowly. Mrs. Bennett, thank goodness you didn't break any
20:57bones, but you're covered in scrapes and bruises. If you don't want scars, you'd better stay in bed.
21:01Your wrist dislocated too. She kept rambling on, but my eyes and thoughts were already been at the
21:06door. When I finished the medicine, I asked her, where's the general? He went to look into the
21:09runaway horse. Was it intentional? Yes. They found cold food powder in the feet, a drug that hypes the
21:14horses up. Who would have been gutsy enough for that? Dared mess with General Bennett? Delayed in bed for
21:17a whole month. I hadn't seen Leon once. Madam Bennett had been so shaken. She kept her door shut day
21:22and
21:22night. Everyone in the house was tense and cold, like something awful had happened. I asked Nina,
21:26but she said nothing. Today, I finally was able to get up. I opened the door and ran right into
21:30a
21:30cool, aloof figure. Leon stood there in a dark blue robe, making his features look even sharper than
21:33before. He handed me a wooden box. Puzzled, I opened it. Inside was a land deed, a house deed,
21:38and a divorce letter. My whole body went rigid, like some invisible force was holding me. I wasn't able
21:42to move. General, are you kicking me out? My whole body went rigid, like some invisible force was
21:47holding me. I wasn't able to move. General, are you kicking me out? When Leon looked at me,
21:51his eyes were cold. No, you've waited for this a long time. You avoid me whenever you can,
21:55because you don't want any ties to me. When I die, will you be able to leave freely?
22:00I'm just setting you free a bit early. Elaine, just go. From now on, you've got nothing to do
22:04with me. A sour ache flooded my chest. My mouth opened and closed, and only after a while did
22:09any words come out. So in your eyes, that's what I am. He turned his back to me, never once
22:13looking
22:13back. Get out, now. I don't want to see you again. Leon's figure vanished from the courtyard in a flash.
22:18The servants practically shoved me out of the gate. Just as I was leaving,
22:21Nina climbed into the carriage with me. Mrs. Bennett? No, miss. General said you're used
22:25to me here, so he wants me with you. I was speechless. We moved into a small courtyard.
22:29The next day, the authorities posted a notice. Leon Bennett had lost the battle a year ago.
22:32We moved into a small courtyard. The next day, the authorities posted a notice. Leon Bennett
22:36had lost the battle a year ago. They said he'd betrayed the nation and sold the defense map to
22:39foreign forces. His majesty had sentenced him to death and threw him in prison. The general's
22:43manner had been sealed off. Everyone was awaiting judgment, but Leon was a man of real integrity.
22:47How could he possibly be a traitor? He'd been so desperate to send me away. Was that why?
22:51Nina was pacing in circles, frantic. She'd grown up in the general's manner,
22:54so she wanted the f***ing safe. Miss, is there anything we can do?
22:57I forced myself to calm down and tried to remember. When dad had still been alive,
23:00he'd once saved a man dying of tuberculosis. He was with the Ministry of Justice. He'd even come
23:04to our home to thank dad. I ran into him that day. He'd even praised me a bit. I remembered
23:07his
23:08surname was Grant. After asking around, I stopped Mr. Grant's sedan on his way back from court.
23:11Mr. Grant, do you still remember me? I'm Elaine Hart. He stroked his beard and chuckled.
23:15You're all grown up now. Sir, to be straight with you, I'm here to beg a favor today. That's
23:19why I had to stop you. My husband's locked up in the Imperial prison now. Please, let me see him
23:23just once. Mr. Grant frowned. Who's your husband? Leon Bennett. His face tightened. I kept begging
23:28him. Mr. Grant frowned. Who's your husband? Leon Bennett. His face tightened. I kept begging him.
23:33He finally agreed. The guard who led me in kept warning me. General Bennett is a serious felon.
23:37You can stay no more than an hour. The lock clanked open. Leon rose to his feet. Surprise flickered
23:42across his face. What are you doing here? My chest tightened with grief. I peered at him through
23:45the misty air. General, is this why you kicked me out? You were framed, right? Think about it.
23:51Do you have any proof of your innocence? I'll dig around. I'll find it. I swear I'll get you out.
23:55Leon's gaze grew deeper. Suddenly, his arms shot out, pulling me into his arms.
23:59Elaine. My heart pounded wildly, but time was ticking. This was no moment for romance.
24:04I braced my hands against him, but couldn't push him away. He only tightened his hold.
24:07His voice was barely a murmur, like a feather brushing my ear.
24:10Elaine, once you're out, do nothing. Walls have ears. I can't say more. I promise.
24:14In seven days, we'll watch the sunrise together, okay?
24:17His eyes were unwavering. Not like he was lying to me. I nodded. As I walked out of the prison,
24:21I ran into Gregory on official business. I nodded. As I walked out of the prison,
24:25I ran into Gregory on official business. He blocked my way and curled his lips in a sly grin.
24:30Elaine, it's not too late to back out. Being my mistress beats being alone and trashed by
24:34everyone.
24:34Slapped him hard.
24:36Yet lost. He lunged to grab me, but I slipped past him in a flash.
24:39If you keep pestering me, I swear I'll take those notes you've been sneaking me lately and dump
24:43them at the Grand Tudor's estate. See if the Grand Tudor and his wife let you off.
24:45You used to poison Miss Clark against me, didn't you? You wanted her to kick me out,
24:49figuring I'd be cornered and crawl back to you. Too bad you never thought she'd marry me to General
24:54Bennett, a guy you can't afford to cross. His face flushed and then paled. While he was stunned,
24:58I bolted. Scum like him, the farther away, the better. Even though Leon kept swearing he wouldn't
25:03break his word, I still tossed and turned for five nights. By the sixth afternoon, Nina and I
25:07spotted an imperial notice at the court gate. Turned out the traitors were the second prince and the
25:10chancellor. The second prince coveted the crown prince's throne, and Leon was the crown prince's
25:13right-hand man. The second prince coveted the crown prince's throne, and Leon was the crown prince's
25:17right-hand man. So he planted a mole into Leon's ranks to steal the defense map. He even meant to
25:21get Leon killed. So Leon had been faking sickness the whole time. Why fake being sick and claim you
25:25can't get it up? I kept thinking about all this. Didn't sleep a wink all night. By dawn, the sky
25:29was
25:29turning bright. A knock came from the door. I dashed over and flung it open and dove straight into
25:33Leon's arms. He froze like he'd been struck by lightning. Standing stiff as the board, not hugging me back,
25:37I followed his gaze down. Oh, fuck. I'd run out so fast, I'd forgotten to bind my chest. I spun
25:42to
25:42leave, but he yanked me back. Running off? You don't want me? Face burning, I dropped my head and
25:47pointed at my full chest. Who said that? He chuckled. I looked up at him. Leon leaned down, his face
25:54inches
25:54from mine, our lips almost touching. Elaine, I like every inch of you. Our eyes locked. The heat between us
25:59could melt steel. Suddenly, he swept me up and headed for the bedroom. I thumped his chest. Didn't you say
26:05we'd watch the sunrise? I want to see you first. We crashed onto the bed together. I want to see
26:08you
26:08first. We crashed onto the bed together. Leon slipped the tie at my chest loose. I covered his
26:12eyes with my hand. Don't look. I'm a mess. He moved my hand away. His breathing turned quick. His voice
26:16was gentle and soft. Oh, you're gorgeous. Leon's eyes was sparkling. My heart was pounding like crazy.
26:22I pressed my hand to his rock-hard chest. Didn't the physician say, you can't perform? He leaned over me
26:25and kissed my ear. You'll see it for yourself. In that instant, everything in my vision started to spin.
26:31Through the drowsy haze, I tried to focus on them. Only for Leon's gorgeous face to block my view,
26:35he murmured in my ear. Elaine, I once had a dream. What dream? He recounted it in a low, husky
26:41voice.
26:42And it was exactly the same as mine. I was speechless. My thoughts were a tangled mess,
26:46boiling over like a pot on the stove. Right before I drifted off, I cursed that physician silently,
26:49who'd taken Leon's pulse, calling him a quack. He'd really dared to lie through his teeth.
26:52Leon was definitely more than good. Once the General's Manor had been unseen. Leon had taken me into the
26:56palace to meet the Crown Prince. Once the General's Manor had been unseen. Leon had taken me into the
26:59palace to meet the Crown Prince. The Prince gave me a long, appraising look. He teased.
27:03So I finally get to see you. Elaine, your charm is something else. You even melted this block of
27:06ice. Your Highness, I'm flattered. Your husband helped wipe out traitors. You deserve credit,
27:10too. I'll ask His Majesty to grant you a noble title. Thank you, Your Highness.
27:14Mrs. Bennett, don't blame your man. Pretending to be sick was just part of our plan.
27:18Too many people want Leon dead, so we had to make them think he was already on his last legs.
27:22As for the rumor he's impotent, I told the Imperial physician to spread it. We grew up together.
27:25He's never had a woman by his side. Always so ascetic and aloof, so I figured I'd mess with
27:29him a bit. Cynical smile flickered across the Crown Prince's face. Then it all clicked.
27:33It was just friends messing around, so when we fell off the cliff, that was Your Highness.
27:36Yeah. He nodded lazily. They tried to make it an accident,
27:39but never thought they'd hurt you. Don't be scared, Mrs. Bennett.
27:42They tried to make it an accident, but never thought they'd hurt you. Don't be scared,
27:46Mrs. Bennett. This time, we rooted it out, wiping out those damn traitors for good.
27:49Your husband's safe. Took a deep breath. Thinking of it still scared me. Court politics
27:53were downright treacherous. Back from the palace, we'd barely stepped inside when we heard a woman
27:57sobbing. Nina said, Mrs. Bennett, please go take a look. Ms. Clark burst into tears on entering.
28:02Madam Bennett can't bear it anymore, said to Leon. Go to the study. I'll deal with her. He nodded.
28:07Days ago, I heard Gregory was in the Second Prince's crew. Since the Grand Tudor knew nothing,
28:11His Majesty had let him off the hook. Fiona and Gregory were already divorced,
28:14so why was she bawling in my place? I sat down beside her. She still couldn't stop sobbing.
28:19Her haggard face streaked with tears, eyes swollen and red, with none of her usual fire left.
28:23If you keep crying, I'll have someone carry you out. Fiona shut up at once,
28:26though her shoulders kept shaking. I misjudged him. I thought marrying a man from a humble family
28:30meant he'd bend to my every whim. Never thought he'd turn out to be such a traitor. I warned you
28:33ages ago, he is bad news. I rolled my eyes. Now that I was no longer her maid, I didn't
28:38need to
28:38hold back. Now that I was no longer her maid, I didn't have to be so restrained when I spoke.
28:42Your warning was too subtle. She just turned and looked at me tearfully. Back then,
28:46I treated you like crap. Did you hate me for it? No, miss. You just say what you think.
28:49You're not a bad person. I did curse you in my head, but I don't hold grudges. What? You cussed
28:54me out in your head? I shrugged. Yeah, you gonna punish me? Fiona shot me a glare, then gave a
28:59tearful smile. Sorry. To force you to marry, I even slapped you. Did it hurt? I forgot ages ago.
29:03Then slap me back, so we're even. She closed her eyes and bit her lower lip. I lifted my hand
29:08and gently brushed her cheek. Her eyes flew wide and stared at me in shock. I already got Gregory back
29:12for
29:13that slap. Then stop calling me miss. Call me Fiona. Can we be friends from now on? Forget it.
29:18I don't like crybaby friends. Fiona bugged me for ages, and I only escaped once it was dark.
29:22Heading back to my room, the candles were still burning in Leon's study. I pushed the door open
29:26and walked in. Someone suddenly jumped out behind me and put an arm around my waist. Bastard!
29:30I'm the general's wife. And you still dare. Someone suddenly jumped out behind me and wrapped an arm
29:34around my waist. Bastard! I'm the general's wife. Still dare act up? I've been drooling over you for
29:38ages, ma'am. Tonight, I'm finally tasting those lips. Leon is really into this. His lips crashed onto mine.
29:42Ink, brushes, and paper clattered off the desk. I started to panic. I braced both hands against his chest.
29:47Really doing this here? Mm, right here. My mouth kept saying no, but my body was all in.
29:51Before I knew it, my hand was tracing his abs. He murmured in my ear. Elaine, you don't even know.
29:56In this study, I've dreamed of you over and over. Wanted to curse him out, but with all the rocking,
30:01I couldn't get a single word out. When I came to again, dawn was already breaking. Leon was already
30:05awake. He was sitting up in bed, his eyes on me. His gentle gaze was almost too much. Wake? He
30:09asked
30:10softly. He brushed the stray hair off my forehead. I nodded and rubbed the sleep from my eyes.
30:14Suddenly, I remembered he'd said we'd watch the sunrise. The sunrise! Shot upright.
30:18A bit anxious, I blurted out. Leon chuckled. He reached out and pressed me back down. Don't rush.
30:22There's still time. Leon Bennett had chuckled. He reached out and pressed me back down. Don't rush.
30:26There's still time. He sat up, swung out of bed, and grabbed some clothes for me. Carefully,
30:29he helped me dress. His hands were gentle and smooth, like he'd done it a thousand times before.
30:33We left the room side by side. The dawn air was crisp and fresh. A faint scent of grass drifted
30:38around us.
30:38The sky was already been pale gray. Distant peaks faded in and out of the morning mist. It looked like
30:43an
30:43ink wash painting. We stopped beneath the pomegranate tree. Leon slipped his arms around
30:46me from behind. His chin rested lightly on my head. Together, we gazed at the lightning sky.
30:50Slowly, the sun lifted over the horizon. Gold light sliced through the fog and spilled across
30:54the land. The sky flared a brilliant orange-red. Clouds gleamed with golden edges. It was
30:59breathtaking. Sunlight bathed us, wrapping us in gentle warmth. As if every shadow and worry had
31:04melted away. You like it? Leon whispered in my ear. As if every shadow and worry had melted away.
31:10You like it? Leon whispered in my ear. Like it? I nodded, overwhelmed with emotion. A view like
31:16this. A moment like this. And the one I love right next to me. Maybe this is what real happiness
31:20felt
31:20like. He tightened his arms, holding me even closer. From now on, I'll watch every sunrise and
31:24sunset with you, and be here with you forever. I turned around, rose on tiptoe, and kissed his lips.
31:29Deal! Sunlight sifted through the pomegranate leaves, dappled the ground with light and shadow.
31:33Our figures froze in that lovely morning glow, like an eternal picture. In the days after,
31:38the general's manor regained its old bustle. Madam Bennett was also on the mend, pulling me aside
31:42to chat every day. A kind smile never left her face. The servants finally breathed easy,
31:47their smiles returning too. One afternoon, I was in the yard trimming the plants when Nina came racing
31:52over. Madam. I was in the yard trimming the plants when Nina came racing over. Madam, Miss Clark's here
31:58again. She brought a bunch of stuff this time. Hearing that, I paused, then gave a helpless smile.
32:03Ever since Fiona had showed up crying last time, she'd been popping into the general's manor. She said
32:07she was making up for what she owed me, but honestly, she was just bored and wanted someone
32:10to chat with. Let her in. I set the scissors down and brushed the dirt off my hands. Soon enough,
32:15Fiona followed Nina in. She was in a plain, elegant dress. Less edge than before. A bit more gentle.
32:21Her maid had lugged several food boxes behind her, packed with all kinds of pastries and fruit.
32:25Elaine, I made your favorite chestnut cake today. Brought it over for you to try.
32:29She stopped in front of me, smiling like she wanted my approval. After divorce,
32:33she'd calmed down a lot. She'd finally realized how ridiculous she used to be. I nodded,
32:38motioning for Nina to take the boxes. Thanks for the trouble. Come on, no need to be formal.
32:42Fiona waved at all, glancing around the yard. Where's General Bennett? He's not home?
32:47Fiona waved at all, glancing around the yard. Where's General Bennett? He's not home?
32:52He went back to the barracks. There's urgent business today, I said, then turned and sat at the stone
32:56table. Fiona sat down with me. She passed a piece of chestnut to me. Try it. I asked the Imperial
33:01Kitchen Chef just for this. It's gotta taste better than what the General's Kitchen made. I took the
33:05cake from her and took a small bite. Soft, sweet, and chewy. It was better than the General's Kitchen.
33:10It's amazing. Thanks. If you like it, have some more. Fiona's eyes curved in a smile. She grabbed
33:14another piece for herself. Honestly, being stuck at home lately is boring as hell. My dad keeps pushing
33:18me to pick another fiancé, but I'm just not interested. Hearing that, I looked up at her. Marriage is a
33:23big
33:23deal. You should think it through. I know. Fiona sighed. A hint of loneliness crossed her face. But
33:29after what happened with Gregory, I'm afraid to trust people so readily now. She paused and looked
33:33at me, eyes tinged with envy. She paused and looked at me, eyes tinged with envy. You're the lucky one.
33:39You snagged a great guy like General Bennett. He dotes on you and has your back. And he's a war
33:42hero.
33:43It was just a stroke of luck, I said softly. When it comes to love, it's all about destiny. You
33:48can't
33:49force it. Fiona nodded and said no more. She just quietly nibbled on her chestnut cake. The courtyard
33:53went still, only the wind rustling the leaves. After a long while, she suddenly called my name.
33:58Elaine, about that slap I gave you before. Do you really forgive me? I set down the chestnut cake,
34:03met her earnest gaze, and gently shook my head. Really don't. The past is past. No need to dig
34:09it up. Honestly, I'd forgiven her ages ago. She was not bad at heart. She was just spoiled and a
34:14bit
34:14willful. When Fiona heard that, her eyes reddened. Thank you, Elaine. Back then, I married you off to
34:20General Bennett. Partly I feared you'd rekindle things with Gregory, and partly I truly believed
34:25General Bennett was a good, he'd treat you right, and partly I truly believed General Bennett was
34:29good, he'd treat you right. I just never thought he was only faking sick. Speaking of that, she looked
34:34a little embarrassed. I cracked a smile. It's all in the past. Things are pretty good now, right?
34:39Yeah, everything's great. Fiona nodded. Relief spread across her face. From now on, let's be
34:44friends. Is that okay? I won't treat you like before. Sure. I nodded. Warmth loomed in my chest.
34:50Letting go of old grudges and becoming friends might be the perfect ending. So we just sat in
34:55the courtyard, snacking and chatting. From daily trivia to gossip from the Capitol. Nothing off
35:00limits. Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the leaves. Warm and comfortable. Moments like this
35:04are quiet and beautiful. Toward evening, Leon came back from the barracks. He spotted us in the yard,
35:09surprise flashing across his face. Then he smiled gently. What are you two talking about? You look so happy.
35:13We're talking about you. Fiona laughed. Saying you are a big liar. That you fooled everyone by faking
35:18ill. Leon sat down beside me. That you fooled all by faking ill. Leon sat down beside me. He reached
35:23out and took my hand. His eyes sparkled with joy. Fooling my wife into marrying me was my greatest
35:26stroke of luck. My cheeks flushed. I shot him a light glare. Seeing that, Fiona couldn't help but laugh.
35:31All right, all right. I'll stop crashing your couple time. I should head back. She stood up and said
35:35goodbye. Elaine, I'll swing by again tomorrow. Okay, take care. Nodded and watched Fiona walk away.
35:41Leon turned to me. Too made up, huh? Nodded. What's past is past. No need to cling to it.
35:48Leon smiled, squeezing my hand, and he said, that's great. He knew I'd suffered a lot before.
35:53Now that I could finally let go and live happily, he was genuinely happy for me. The sun began to
35:57set.
35:58Golden light spilled across the courtyard, washing everything in warmth. We sat together by the stone
36:02table, gazing at the distant horizon. Our hearts brimmed with peace and joy. The days drifted by just like
36:08that quiet and beautiful. Leon stayed busy with the army and court affairs. Leon stayed busy with
36:12the army and court affairs, but he always made time for me. He'd watch every sunrise and sunset with
36:17me. He'd wander mountains and rivers by my side. He made me the happiest woman alive.
36:20Madam Bennett was healthy as ever. She wore a smile every single day. The whole general's
36:23manner was full of harmony. Not long after, the crown prince did seek the emperor's edict,
36:26and I was titled Madam by imperial decree. On the day the decree arrived, the general's
36:30manner was decked in red, overflowing with joy. Leon personally helped me into my new court robes.
36:33His eyes brimmed with pride and adoration. My wife is truly the most beautiful. I gazed at my
36:38reflection in the mirror, draped in splendid robes, my hair glittering with jewels. My heart
36:42overflowed with emotion. From a helpless concubine's daughter to the madam by imperial decree, only I
36:46know how hard that journey was. All this happiness came from the devoted man beside me. After the
36:52celebration, Leon whisked me away to Southmere. Its clear rivers and green mountains were breathtaking,
36:56far from the capital's din and strife. For the rest of our lives, year after year, we would stay side
37:00by
37:01taste, taste life's purest beauty, and grow old together.
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