The Marriage Life in the Grand Duke Family Is Too Easy, Though [Novel] Chapter 52 is available as a full text chapter. Published December 22, 2025 and updated March 13, 2026.

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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 52
Chapter Title: Life as a Grand Duchess is Too Easy
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#52.
Archid's voice was as cold as a blast of frost. Edward, who had been beaming from ear to ear, promptly darkened his face as well.
"Can't even ask for a friend's little sister's name?"
"Not something I'd discuss with the man who twisted my wife's wrist."
"I wasn't twisting it, I was just trying to grab..."
"So why, exactly, did Viscount Esel grab my wife?"
"Th-that was..."
"I hear it's proper etiquette to ask for a lady's name through her spouse when one's own spouse is present. It seems Viscount Esel wasn't taught manners properly."
Every word dripped with killing intent.
As Archid pressed him relentlessly, even bringing up etiquette, Edward scratched the back of his head and muttered a quiet curse.
Still, it was true that he'd shown excessive interest in me with Archid right there.
I had shrunk back myself, sensing Archid's anger. The more he vented at Edward, the more it felt like those arrows might turn toward me.
If this kept up, a fight might break out, so I quickly introduced myself.
"My name is Loena Hadellus."
"Ah."
Edward's lips moved upon hearing the Hadellus name.
His slightly shocked expression made it seem like the reality of my marriage had only just sunk in. Eager to shift the topic before they clashed over names again, I changed the subject.
"So, what brings Viscount Esel here?"
Edward twisted his body about happily at my question to him.
"Ah, there's an academic group here on a field trip."
"An academic group?"
"Yes. It's a scholarly circle that goes on regular expeditions. This time, we came north."
"I see."
That made sense. I'd heard the capital had well-developed social clubs—not just for socializing and sharing information, but also for shared hobbies.
Among the famous ones, you couldn't join without a recommendation, and the 'Magenta' club that the novel's male lead, Zeronis, belonged to was one of them.
'That group focused mainly on academic expeditions too. What a studious male lead.'
Mabel, coming from the countryside, had made her name in high society overnight because she'd joined Magenta.
It was thanks to Zeronis, an executive in Magenta, recommending her.
The fact that he'd accepted her as a member for her holy power was a secret between just the two of them.
Though an orphan, Mabel had such immense holy power that she was revered as a saint, making her a talent Zeronis coveted.
Archid and I lived in the north, somewhat removed from central politics, so we had no involvement with clubs.
Since I hadn't made my debut yet, Grand Duke Hadellus hadn't urged me to join one either.
Barring any special circumstances, I'd probably join 'Bleed,' the club the Grand Duke had been active in during his time in the capital. After all, in the original story, Archid was its leader.
Then Edward spoke up hesitantly.
"When you come to the capital later, please stop by the Magenta clubhouse. Kyle's in our club too."
"Pardon? Magenta?"
"Ah, since Kyle's a member, you must know of it."
"Then is Brother here too?"
"No. That guy's off on some sudden trip, so it's just me and Zero... ahem, the other executives."
Edward trailed off awkwardly with an embarrassed laugh. But I'd caught it—Zero...
'Oh my god, Zeronis is here?'
No wonder they'd warned us about restricted areas when assigning our lodgings.
It seemed Zeronis had come to Pradium to receive a blessing.
What rotten timing—running into him here of all places?
The thought of the novel's male lead being here made my heart pound. If Archid was my ultimate favorite, Zeronis was my second.
As I lingered, unable to tear myself away easily...
"My lady, shall we go?"
"Ah, yes, yes."
"Where are you headed?"
Edward asked in a tone full of regret.
I felt a twinge of disappointment at not seeing Zeronis's face, but my evening stroll with Archid was far more important.
"For a night walk. There's a large artificial lake here that's perfect for strolling."
"Oh! I was just heading to the lake myself."
As Edward brightened and moved to follow, Archid extended his hand to block him.
"Best not to."
It was more polite than his earlier snarling half-informal speech, but still drew a firm line.
Edward bid me farewell with no choice but to relent.
"When you're in the capital next, you must visit the Magenta clubhouse."
"Got it."
"My lady."
Archid offered me his hand for escort. As I placed mine atop it, he suddenly pressed his lips to the back of my hand.
Unlike the lingering touch of his lips before they parted, his gaze remained fixed on me.
"If you go, come with me."
"I never invited you."
Edward grumbled peevishly, but Archid ignored him completely. He tilted his head slightly to look up at me and asked,
"Right? You'll do that, won't you?"
I nodded as if under a spell. There was no room for hesitation. How could anyone resist that face pleading like that?
Seeing me nod without a second thought, Edward pouted miserably.
Thus ended our brief encounter with Edward, and we soon reached the lakeside.
Archid, who had been silent the whole way, halted and gently gripped my wrist.
"It's red."
"Ah."
Only then did I recall how much it had hurt when Edward grabbed it.
True to his novel portrayal as a brute strongman, he clearly lacked control over his strength.
'But surprisingly sweet-natured.'
Considering how he'd blindly defended his sister from Catherine despite her complaints, it wasn't hard to understand.
He was the type who wouldn't hesitate at illegal acts for Catherine's sake.
Honestly, knowing he was Edward made me relieved Archid had arrived early.
The novel version of him was a bit brutal and scary.
"Yeah. Still red."
Perhaps because my skin was delicate, the angry mark lingered even after some time.
As Archid gently stroked my wrist, he brought it to his mouth and blew on it softly.
"Ah, Archid."
"Stay still."
As I tried to pull away, he murmured lowly.
His ticklish breath traveled along my wrist, making my fine hairs stand on end.
I endured it for a while, and at the end, his lips brushed lightly against it before parting. Despite the cool touch, it burned like fire.
"Ah, Archid."
"Next time someone tries to manhandle you, don't hold back."
"..."
"Just because you smile doesn't make it okay."
As he stroked down my wrist, he muttered softly, sounding hurt.
"I'm angry. I've never even gripped you roughly for fear of hurting you."
Archid continued fiddling with the still-red wrist for a long while, gazing down at it. He knew blowing on it or getting mad wouldn't fade it.
"So next time that guy tries it, kick him in the shin."
"Even if it's Viscount Esel?"
"What's Viscount Esel to your husband the Grand Duke heir?"
Archid chuckled and intertwined his fingers with mine.
"And if you act like you did back when you terrorized me, no one will dare touch you."
"..."
"You scared even me back then."
"Please forget that if you can? I've reflected a lot."
Dragging up the past like that was unfair. As I shot him a glare, Archid burst out laughing.
A moment later, he pulled my hand close to him and said,
"Now, I'm more scared of not having you in my sight. And when you're with some random guy like earlier... it feels off."
I gaped at Archid's mutter. Curiosity exploded about what emotion he was feeling.
"How off...?"
As I asked cautiously, his pale blue-gray eyes gleamed with turbulent light.
For a moment, emotions seemed to whirl within them, then Archid spoke.
"Who knows."
The short reply felt laden with meaning.
His gaze was already murderous enough to pummel Viscount Esel and then some.
But it was so fleeting that maybe I'd imagined it. Perhaps a delusion from my omniscient fangirl perspective.
"Just remember this, Loena. If you run into anyone suspicious next time..."
"I'll kick 'em in the shin and bolt. Because I'm Archid's wife."
I repeated his earlier words emphatically.
It was a rather violent response, but Archid smiled with deep satisfaction.
"Yes. I'll handle the aftermath, so don't worry about what comes after."
I suddenly felt like I'd been handed a free pass for mischief. Archid promising to cover for whatever I did felt reliable, even dependable.
Though whether I'd ever kick Viscount Esel's shin was another matter.
Either way, it was clear I'd married into an enormously powerful family. As Archid started walking again, he said,
"Shall we walk now?"
"Yes!"
The atmosphere, once so tense, now flowed peacefully as we strolled.
