CHAPTER 904. RULE #1. Wedding Proofs"What did you just say?" Leon repeated, incredulous, realizing that if by some miracle he had actually fallen in love with a woman, his mother would have hurt her without a second thought, simply because she couldn't control her tongue."Conquests!" Countess Freda replied coldly before turning to Mariel, scanning her from head to toe. "It's obvious you're a very naïve young girl to believe any of my son's lies," she spat with disdain. "But let me make one thing clear—you will not be staying in this house. The Count and I do not allow mistresses under our roof."Mariel's eyes widened in a very well-feigned gesture of surprise, but before she could react, Leon stepped in, determined to put an end to his mother’s venom."Enough, Mother!" he said firmly, raising Mariel’s left hand for her to see the ring. "Mariel is not a conquest. She is my wife. We got married this morning, and since I knew you’d probably lose your mind and doubt it… here’s the proof
CHAPTER 905. RULE #1. A Bad JokeMariel looked at herself in the mirror and spun around one last time, making sure her dress was in perfect condition. She had chosen something simple yet elegant, with lace details that added a touch of sophistication without losing the sweetness that always seemed to accompany her. She took a deep breath, gave her reflection one last smile, and stepped out of the dressing room, ready to meet her father-in-law.Leon was waiting outside, his expression a mix of pride and nervousness."You look perfect. Very modest, just the way my parents like it. Ready?" he asked, offering his arm."Of course not, and neither are you," she replied, taking his arm firmly. "Any advice?""Just… take a deep breath," he joked, "and don’t pay attention to anything they say. They have no filter, no tact, nothing.""Got it."With a knowing smile, Mariel nodded, and together they walked toward the main dining room, where the double doors were already open. As they entered, her
CHAPTER 906. RULE #1. Of Princes and DragonsMariel finished arranging her little corner in Leon’s closet before putting on her favorite pajamas: a set of loose pants and a t-shirt covered in animal prints.By the time she came out of the bathroom, Leon was pouring two glasses of brandy, but when he looked up and saw her in her animal pajamas, he let out a laugh that echoed through the entire room.“What?” Mariel asked, pretending to be offended but failing to hide her smile.“Nothing, nothing,” he replied, trying to hold back his laughter as he handed her one of the glasses. “It’s just… do you have any idea how adorable you look?”She took the glass, glancing at her pajamas, then looked back at him mischievously.“Of course I do,” she said, raising her glass in a small toast. “Men can’t resist throwing themselves at me when they see me in something this sexy.”“Hey! Just how many men see you in pajamas?!” he demanded, pretending to be genuinely concerned… or maybe not…“Don’t worry,
CHAPTER 907. RULE #1. CHAPTER 8. An Inadequate WomanLeon burst out laughing when the bedroom door closed behind his mother’s haughty figure as she left, looking as if she had been chased away by a pack of wild dogs. It was evident that she wouldn’t be repeating her "morning visit" anytime soon, lest her dear daughter-in-law turn her into a voyeur.Mariel placed a hand on her forehead, composing herself, and let out a resigned sigh—though there was a hint of humor in it.Still laughing, Leon stepped closer and, in a completely spontaneous gesture, ruffled her hair with one hand."Sorry about the scare. My mother is unbearable." He hesitated for a moment, then glanced down at the rather obvious tent in his pants. "And, well… also sorry for the ‘other’ inconvenience. Morning things, you know."Mariel raised an eyebrow, assessing the situation with feigned seriousness, then flashed a mischievous smile."Oh, don’t worry!" she replied, flipping her hair out of her face with a playful flick
CHAPTER 908. RULE #1. Pretty Woman"What…?! I never said such a thing!" Freda exclaimed, clearly scandalized by her daughter-in-law’s words."Oh, don’t worry, mother-in-law! The truth is the truth, and Leon can handle it!" Mariel replied in that almost childlike voice that sent Freda over the edge. "You said, and I quote: ‘You don’t even dress as a future countess should. You have no elegant clothing, and you dress inappropriately…’"The countess’s eyes widened in horror, especially as her son turned to her with a reproachful look."Mother, did you really say that?" Leon growled in disappointment—though, to be honest, he wasn’t surprised."No, of course not…! I mean, I just meant to say…""Don’t worry, mother-in-law, don’t worry," Mariel said with a sweet smile. "Tomorrow, Leon will go buy me the proper clothes so you won’t have to scold me again! And the fancy kind, darling! With brand tags and all that!" she declared, making Leon pout as his mother fanned herself with a napkin, on t
CHAPTER 909. RULE #1 The Brotherhood of the Tight-FistedLeon had to turn around, take a deep breath, and run out of there, because even with Mariel’s sweetness, he believed she was perfectly capable of throwing some bills at him to make him dance. So, he went to pay an obscene amount of money, then took her out to eat, and by nighttime, their return to the castle was triumphant.Mariel was loaded with bags—it was her personal parade, after all—one that crossed the main hall just so the countess could see it properly.Lady Freda shot her a look that could have frozen hell itself, and Mariel stopped right in front of the door, displaying her purchases."Good evening, dear mother-in-law," she said with an angelic smile, and Freda’s teacup trembled slightly on its saucer."What is the meaning of this?" the countess demanded, rising from her chair with exasperating dignity. "How dare you make my son waste his money on such… frivolities?!"Mariel blinked, feigning surprise."Frivolities?"
CHAPTER 910. RULE #1. A Country Girl.Mariel was finishing getting ready in front of the mirror when Leon entered the room. He stopped dead in his tracks at the sight of her in that light silk dress that hugged her curves in a... breathtaking way. Her hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders, and her makeup was subtle enough to highlight her natural beauty."Shit, you’re gorgeous," Leon murmured, his smile a mix of admiration and surprise.Mariel turned around, raising an eyebrow with mock modesty."You think so? I barely even tried."Leon cleared his throat and stepped closer, holding a small black velvet box in his hand. He had never really paid attention to her in that way because he knew he shouldn’t, but sometimes Mariel seemed to bloom out of nowhere, unexpectedly, like in that moment."Well, this should do you justice, but I hope you like it."Mariel opened the box, and her eyes lit up at the sight of the delicate necklace: a fine white gold chain with a tiny fairy pendant, a
CHAPTER 911. RULE #1. TrainingIt almost goes without saying that dinner was a complete success. The guests wouldn’t stop praising Mariel, congratulating her on being such a remarkable hostess and assuring her that she would make an excellent countess. Even the earl, always reserved, regarded her with a bit more trust.The only one who kept her expression impassive was Freda, though she couldn’t completely hide her frustration."Mariel, dear," said the Duchess of Briand as she bid her farewell, "I can’t wait to see what you’ll do with your new position. This house clearly needs a fresh touch.""Oh, don’t worry, Your Grace!" Mariel replied with a charming smile. "I have plenty of ideas in mind."When the last couple walked out of the castle doors, Mariel collapsed onto a chair in the main hall, exhausted but satisfied. Leon sat beside her, crossing his arms with a mix of pride and slight exasperation."Can I ask you something?" he said, leaning toward her."Of course, always," Mariel a