The Male Lead Is Obsessed With Proposing to Me - Chapter 62

56. 56. 56. 56. But I still love you

“There is a golden insignia around my neck that Your Majesty had the imperial wizard cast with magic.” 

[T/N: A engraving most likely on a piece of jewelry or collar.]

Senelia hesitantly stated. 

She revealed the existence of a magical item that the emperor had his imperial wizard create for her after deciding to become Cliff’s ally.

…Well, pawn.

Given Cliff’s inability to trust anyone, such an act was entirely in character for him.

That way, he was able to have full control, or as close to it as he could, over the situation as Senelia walked beside his enemy. 

“I can’t disclose that I’m a threat as a Thorn to Chloracean or betray His Majesty due to the insignia because His Highness the Grand Duke is unaware of the limitations imposed on me.”

Even if Cliff were to fabricate a story for Benelucia, implying that the magical item placed around Senelia’s neck threatened her life, Senelia couldn’t reveal the truth. 

She was bound by her commitment and enslavement to Cliff and couldn’t betray him.

Cliff responded by narrowing his eyes. 

“So, you want to use my brother as leverage, huh?”

A laugh erupted from Cliff’s lips, Senelia felt a moment’s relief flow through her veins, Cliff not outright rejecting her suggestion proved that he was at least intrigued. 

“Fine, it’s a bit of a gamble, but I’ll entertain the idea. It’s rather amusing.”

Just like that? You agreed?

The emperor never did something that didn’t work out to his benefit. 

His approval made her feel off balance. 

His agreement came with a price, and Senelia knew it would come all too soon.

Cliff bent at his knees, aligned his height to match Senelia’s, and locked eyes with the trembling woman.  

“Then I guess that there is just one problem left, what if Benelucia refuses to comply with your demands?” 

Senelia knew the question was approaching. If she could see the holes in her plan, then it was obvious to a mind as devious as the tyrant emperor. 

He was referring to the possibility of Benelucia rejecting Senelia when he found out of her betrayal.

It was a dreadful outcome to consider. 

She couldn’t bear to think of such an outcome. 

“If I provide you with an opportunity and you fail, you’ll have to face the consequences, yes?” 

Cliff sought to establish that Senelia would bear the responsibility, whether her plan succeeded or not.

His stance was clear, she would still be under his control.

Should she fail, it effectively meant that she would become the Empress. 

In other words, she was willingly accepting an eternal bond of loyalty to Cliff.

Cliff’s smile widened. 

The reason he wanted to make Senelia his empress was that among the women from a prestigious but powerless family, Senelia, as a sorcerer, was the most valuable.

Senelia was well aware of this. 

“As expected, you’re quite clever, Sally.” 

[T/N: The use of her nickname is to mock her. Benelucia’s adoration of Senelia is being mocked as Cliff knows that it was a tactical set up created by Senelia so that she, and her family, could live.]

Cliff remarked with a satisfied expression. 

“Very well. Then where does that leave us? Hmm… Senelia, do as you please.”

Cliff reached out and deactivated the magic tool used for privacy. 

As expected, the moment the magic tool went down, Benelucia burst into the room, defeating the emperor’s knights guarding the door.

The emperor reached for Senelia, effortlessly lifting her into his arms. 

She couldn’t resist his outburst in time and found herself in Cliff’s embrace.

However, upon turning her gaze back toward Benelucia, Senelia sensed that something was amiss. 

Cliff de Helios then commented, fully aware that Benelucia would hear his every word. 

“Of course, I don’t know if my brother would tolerate you if he knew you’ve been mine from the moment you first met Benelucia.”

Benelucia’s expression hardened as he heard Cliff’s words. 

Simultaneously, Senelia’s complexion paled. 

The emperor did not permit Senelia’s plan to unfold as she had intended, he showcased his intentions of asserting his control until the end.

All too late, Senelia realized something she had overlooked.

Cliff’s desire for her exceeded even Senelia’s expectations. 

With Cliff’s words and the fact that he was holding Senelia, there was no room for any misunderstandings, no matter how wrong Benelucia might be.

Bang!

Yet, contrary to her expectations, Benelucia’s subsequent actions were unexpected. 

He shut the door to the drawing room?

He shut out the guards who’d accompanied Cliff, the very same guards he’d beaten up upon his entry. 

In other words, they effectively prevented anyone from the Grand Duchy from being aware of the current situation.

In this state, Benelucia approached Senelia and firmly gripped Cliff’s arm in an iron fist. 

“No matter how high and mighty you may be, isn’t it customary to keep a respectful distance from the person who’s soon to be your brother’s wife?” 

Benelucia glared viciously at his superior.

Cliff’s eyebrows shot up, taken aback by Benelucia’s entirely unexpected action. 

He laughed as though he was astonished and released his arm, which had been holding Senelia. 

“It appears my dear brother didn’t catch what I just mentioned.”

“This is my betrothed, brother.” 

Benelucia declared, leading Senelia behind her to shield her from Cliff.

Cliff’s expression hardened. 

“Are you defying me after what I just said?”

“Brother, I told you she’s mine.” 

Benelucia asserted firmly, showing no sign of yielding an inch.

“…Fine.” 

The emperor chuckled once more, seemingly bewildered, and ran a hand through his hair. 

Senelia had indeed been correct. 

Benelucia’s leash had gradually shifted into Senelia’s hand, and now, Benelucia had willingly wound that leash tighter around his own neck. 

Even Cliff was aware of how headstrong his younger brother could be. 

Despite Benelucia’s pride and the fact that he had been deceived, he was determined to keep Senelia as his wife.

“I had you placed there to be my brother’s leash, and you’ve done so quite effectively, Senelia.” 

Cliff added, deliberately provoking Benelucia. 

However, Benelucia merely raised an eyebrow and refused to step aside and expose Senelia.

“You won today, Sally.” 

Benelucia’s eyes lit up with vengeful flames of fury as his older brother addressed Senelia by the nickname he designed without permission. 

“Don’t call her Sally. She’s my betrothed!” 

Benelucia retorted with a growl, his stance was unyielding.

Cliff clicked his tongue and chastised Benelucia. 

“You’re so easily swayed by women that you’d defy me. Didn’t I lose the bet because of you? I wagered whether you would abandon Senelia if it was revealed she was mine.”

Cliff continued to test Benelucia, almost as if he was asking whether he could endure this. 

But Benelucia did not waver; his harsh gaze remained fixed on the mischievous emperor. 

He was like a loyal hunting dog protecting its master, resolutely guarding Senelia.

“Then I bid you a good night.”

Cliff huffed, raising his hands and chuckling as he observed the tense standoff. 

“I’ll give you Senelia Daphnen, brother.” 

He declared, as if he was bestowing a gift. 

Those words were deeply insulting to Senelia, who had never desired to be the Emperor’s property, but she knew she couldn’t protest at this moment. 

However, there was one thing that occupied Senelia’s mind.

It was the fact that Benelucia had not abandoned her. 

That alone was enough to give her strength to endure her precarious situation.

“Please, Your Majesty, return now.”
Benelucia finally uttered to Cliff, unable to tolerate the situation any longer, but contrary to leaving, Cliff suddenly wore a stern expression. 

“Benelucia Afron, there’s no need to be insolent.” 

Cliff warningly pointed behind Benelucia. 

“Do I have to remind you that her life belongs to me, my dear brother?”

Benelucia gritted his teeth upon listening to his brother’s words. 

If Senelia was indeed the property of Cliff, there was no reason to doubt that he could impose restrictions on her and endanger her life. 

As a swordmaster, if Benelucia was faced with those restrictions, he could potentially resist or break such restrictions, though he would be helpless if they were imposed by a more potent wizard. 

However, Senelia was different. 

If restrictions had already been placed upon her, it would be exceedingly challenging for her to remove them without the person who imposed them granting her freedom. 

In other words, if Cliff’s statement was true, Senelia’s life would be in his hands indefinitely.

“…I’ll see you off, Your Majesty.” 

Benelucia conceded, bowing respectfully to Cliff as he realized the gravity of the situation. 

Senelia couldn’t help but widen her eyes, she was in disbelief. 

She had taken a tremendous risk by telling Cliff that Benelucia wouldn’t abandon her. 

She didn’t even consider that Benelucia would do something like this for her, given her current predicament. 

Despite facing a situation that would naturally infuriate him, Benelucia willingly sacrificed his pride for Senelia’s sake.

“Alright, as my brother has spoken so much, I’ll grant him this favor today.” 

Cliff remarked with satisfaction, taking delight in Senelia’s portrayal as Benelucia’s obedient “leash” proved truthful.

“No need to see us off, the two of you must have things to discuss.” 

Feeling merciful, he graced them with those parting words, then without hesitation, he turned away and opened the door. 

The Imperial knights who had collapsed in front of the drawing room door had already regained their composure. 

Cliff exited the residence of Grand Duke Afron with his knights, his exit as uncaring and arrogant as his entry. 

Yet, out of the three people involved, the only one who felt a sense of relief was Cliff.

The moment he disappeared, Senelia’s legs grew weak, and she crumpled to the floor, her knees giving way. 

Benelucia rushed to catch her before she fell.

“Sally…!” 

Benelucia gently picked up the almost-collapsed Senelia into his arms.

Cold sweat dripped from her forehead. 

She genuinely believed she might never escape from Cliff’s grasp this time. 

After finally being relieved of that immense pressure, Senelia felt utterly drained, unable to find the strength even to move her legs.

“Your Highness, I…” 

Senelia began, trying to find her voice, but Benelucia cut her off gently.

“Don’t say anything from now on, Sally.”