I Abandoned the Male Lead Who Cheated with the Villainess - Chapter 228

In the Republic of Ortensia, traces of the aristocracy still remained, and as a result, most of the council members were either from noble families or individuals who had amassed wealth by selling their titles early on.

However, the Eisenwoods were different. They came from a commoner’s family, and Clive, in particular, was said to have been poor and studied on a scholarship. He truly was a dragon that rose from the mud.

Considering that Herix, despite being of royal blood, was brought up in the shadows, Clive could be seen as standing in complete opposition to him. In this world, only Herix and Ivonne knew Herix’s ‘true past’.

‘Comparing it to Clive, the Foreign Minister, it’s clear how different they are. Herix, though the Emperor’s son, grew up struggling in the shadows, while Clive, though a commoner, was respected by all as he grew.’

The most significant difference was perhaps the love—or lack thereof—he received from his parents.

For this reason, Ivonne had developed some fondness for Clive but never allowed herself to focus on it. Whenever she looked at him, she automatically thought of Herix. And comparisons were inevitable.

‘Herix seems bigger, in a way…’

His chest.

Clearing her throat, Ivonne reluctantly let go of Clive’s hand, her lips curling slightly upward as she expressed her regret at the end of the dance with a lingering sigh.

“It was a pleasant conversation.”

“I also enjoyed the dance.”

“Oh, right. We danced. The conversation was so delightful…”

Clive was truly a smooth man. Even though they were dancing, it didn’t feel like they were dancing at all. He led her so effortlessly that Ivonne felt like they were just having a pleasant conversation instead.

Smiling awkwardly, Clive gave her a sweet smile.

“The conversation was very enjoyable as well. It was an honor that will shine forever. I am very happy.”

He was echoing the words he had said when he had asked her to dance, and he really knew how to charm a woman’s heart. It was truly unfortunate. If Ivonne had had a sister or even a daughter of the same age, she would have connected them.

‘I would never have missed the chance.’

Clive would have made an excellent brother-in-law or son-in-law, bringing warmth and comfort to the family. That’s why Ivonne felt regret as she tasted the bittersweetness of it all.

“It seems the conversation is still going strong.”

The voice that emerged from behind was that of Herix, and it sank low, like something from the deepest part of a hellish cave.

His hand, which was wrapped around Ivonne’s waist, had already had its nails broken. Though Ivonne didn’t notice, Clive did.

As he watched Herix, standing silently from a higher position, he felt like a mere insignificant creature standing before a dragon he’d never seen before.

‘What is this pressure…’

Part of him was worried. He was concerned for his subordinate, Rize, who had danced with the man radiating this immense energy. Luckily, Rize, with a slightly flushed face, was talking to some of the young ladies of the Sortenic Empire in another corner.

“To dance with His Majesty the Emperor! Oh, I envy you so much!”

“That’s right. His Majesty only ever dances with the Empress.”

“I’m really lucky when it comes to fate. I think my luck has followed me today.”

Rize, receiving all the envy and jealousy in the room, had a proud smile, but it wasn’t overly boastful. Dancing with the Sortenic Emperor was, indeed, something to be proud of.

After confirming Rize’s safety, Clive looked back at Ivonne. She was now whispering to Herix. Her expression, which had been calm just moments ago, now seemed oddly serious.

It even seemed as though she was a little flustered, her face slightly flushed. The cold sweat gathering near her temples suggested that this wasn’t a positive reaction.

“It was enjoyable. I’d like to talk more next time, if the opportunity arises.”

As Ivonne tried to wrap up the situation, seemingly in a hurry, Herix interjected.

“Why not join us for dinner today? Since the Empress enjoyed herself so much, we should keep the joy going.”

Herix paused and turned his head to gaze down at Ivonne with intense eyes.

“I should let it continue.”

At that moment, Clive saw the strange gleam in Herix’s eyes and thought to himself:

‘Ah… I was being foolish.’

Those were the eyes of a beast. No, even calling them beastly felt too mild—those were the eyes of a monstrous, luxurious predator, completely deranged.

Deep in his mind, the phrase he’d been doubting flickered: ‘The Emperor of the Sortenic Empire is the ultimate possessive husband.’