The Obsessive Male Lead Is Actually Scary Chapter 7: Secrets Woven into Bloodlines

Back inside, I busied myself helping Grandmama clear away the remnants of breakfast. Alessio lingered for a mont, then muttered sothing about checking the periter and slipped out again—leaving to fend for myself against Grandmama’s judgntal stare.

"Do you know how to chop wood, girl?" she asked abruptly, handing a knife to peel potatoes.

"I know how to watch people chop wood," I replied, earning a snort.

"Useless city folk," she muttered, but it almost sounded fond.

As I worked, my thoughts kept circling back to a gnawing worry I hadn’t dared to voice before. Both Alessio and Grandmama were clearly capable, and they seed confident that we were safe here—for now. But the knot in my stomach wouldn’t let feel at ease.

When Alessio finally returned, I couldn’t hold it in any longer. "Can I ask you sothing?"

He raised his eyebrows slightly and leaned against the doorfra. "Of course."

I hesitated, glancing at Grandmama, who seed preoccupied but was undoubtedly listening. "Are you sure Marius doesn’t know about Clara and her family? About... this place?"

Alessio’s expression remained calm. "It’s unlikely. Clara’s background was carefully forged before she ever entered the Wittelsbach estate. She was registered as a commoner from a small village far from here, and Marius never had reason to doubt it. Her placent as a maid wasn’t by chance—it was part of my investigation."

My hands froze mid-peel. "You sent Clara?"

He nodded. "I needed soone trustworthy to observe the manor from the inside. Clara was perfect—discreet, resourceful, and capable of blending in."

Grandmama grunted in agreent. "She’s good at keeping her head down. Didn’t inherit her father’s mouth, thank the gods."

I absorbed that, a thousand new questions swirling. "Why risk sending her to work for soone as dangerous as Marius?"

Alessio’s jaw tightened. "We needed to know what was really happening inside Marius’ manor. At first, it was nobles—mostly those loyal to the crown—who started vanishing. Then ca the signs of embezzlent and suspicious activity. Clara was only supposed to stay long enough to observe and report. But then Marius took an interest in you."

"You’re a key witness, yes. But aside from that, Clara had grown fond of you and decided to stay longer to keep watch over you—once it beca clear he wasn’t going to let you leave."

Grandmama’s gaze remained sharp as ever, but she didn’t interrupt. I could tell by her silence that she didn’t entirely approve of Clara’s involvent either, but it was too late for second-guessing.

"So... Clara’s family history is hidden?" I ventured.

Alessio nodded. "Grandmama cos from a noble line—her family holds the rank of baron, and they’ve served my mother’s house loyally since before the war. Her son, Clara’s father, still holds the title and now lives quietly on his own estate, keeping a low profile. Grandmama chose to remain here in this cottage because she prefers the quiet and wants nothing to do with politics—she’s effectively retired."

"In any case, only a few trusted people know about the family’s connection to the crown, and even fewer know Clara is related. As far as the world’s concerned, she’s just another maid from a small town," he added.

Grandmama clucked her tongue. "You think that duke’s so cunning he can sniff out every secret? Nobles like him get drunk on power. They don’t notice the little folk underfoot."

"Unless they’re in his way," I whispered.

Silence settled between us, and Alessio’s eyes softened, giving a reassuring nod. "We’ll be safe here. Grandmama’s cottage is tucked away off the main trails. Even if patrols co through the area, they’d see it as just another old cottage in the woods. No one would suspect it to be linked to anything important."

I couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt. "Then... I’m putting you all in danger just by being here."

Grandmama shot a glare. "None of that pitying nonsense. You’re here because my stubborn grandson insists on keeping you alive. Might as well make yourself useful while you’re at it."

I managed a small smile. "I’ll try not to get in the way."

Grandmama huffed. "Too late for that. Now, go make sure the prince hasn’t gotten himself killed by a squirrel while poking around the woods."

I glanced at Alessio, whose ears turned a faint shade of red. "I’m not that careless," he muttered.

I bit back a laugh and followed him outside.

We took a narrow path behind the cottage, where sunlight trickled through the dense canopy. Alessio moved in easy strides, but I could sense his alertness.

"So I guess we’re really safe here?" I asked quietly, once we were far enough from the cottage.

He glanced at , thoughtful. "As safe as it gets. Grandmama’s cottage looks unassuming—just an old widow’s house in the woods. Even if Marius’ n ca by like before, they’d assu it belongs to a harmless old woman and wouldn’t think twice about it. The locals all know it as her place, so they wouldn’t link it to us."

"That’s... oddly comforting."

Alessio smiled. "She might be rough around the edges, but Grandmama knows how to protect her own."

I took a breath, trying to shake the lingering unease. "I just can’t help feeling like we’re waiting for sothing to go wrong."

He stopped, turning to face fully. "It’s natural to feel that way. After what you’ve been through, it would be strange if you didn’t."

His understanding made feel both comforted and a little embarrassed. I forced a smile. "You’re surprisingly good at pep talks for soone who looks like they’d rather face a battle than an awkward conversation."

That earned a low, genuine laugh—one that did funny things to my heartbeat.

"I’ll take that as a complint," he replied, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "And I promise, I’m not nearly as intimidating as I look."

I raised an eyebrow. "Says the guy who stares down ard guards without blinking."

His smile grew. "Alright, fair point. But I’ll keep the intimidating looks pointed elsewhere. Deal?"

I let out a laugh.

A breeze stirred the leaves around us, and I couldn’t help but notice how the sunlight caught in his hair, turning it gold. It was almost unfair—how soone so used to hiding could look so effortlessly radiant.

I cleared my throat, shaking off the thought. "We should head back before Grandmama sends the crossbow after us."

Alessio nodded, though his smile lingered. "Agreed. Wouldn’t want to test her aim."

* * *

As we returned, I saw Grandmama setting out bundles of dried herbs on the table. She glanced up, eyes narrowing. "You two look too chipper. What were you plotting out there?"

I couldn’t help the laugh that slipped out. "Nothing sinister. I promise."

Alessio looked only mildly offended. "Since when does my presence imply plotting?"

Grandmama raised an eyebrow. "Since you could walk."

I bit my lip to hide a smile, grateful for the unexpected levity. It was a brief reprieve from the constant tension, but I would take what I could get.

Then, as if sensing the mood was too light, Grandmama fixed her sharp gaze on Alessio. "You’ll have to decide soon. You can’t stay here indefinitely."

Alessio’s expression remained steady. "We’ll move on to llerfen when the roads are clearer. It’s our best chance."

Grandmama grunted, stirring the stew on the hearth. "Just make sure your contacts there are still reliable. Marius’ influence has a nasty way of creeping where you least expect."

Alessio gave a slight nod. "I trust them. We don’t have many options."

I wanted to ask more—about llerfen, about Alessio’s plan for once we got there—but the weight of the mont kept silent.

Instead, I just sat back down at the table, listening to Grandmama hum under her breath as she worked. Despite the tension, there was sothing almost normal about it—like we were just a mismatched family getting through the morning.

If only the world outside would stay away just a little longer.