The Obsessive Male Lead Is Actually Scary

"Ah, you’ve already received your new identity parchment, I see?" Caleb said with a delighted look, his brows lifting slightly in satisfaction as his eyes flicked to the document in my hands.

"Yes. I heard you were the one who arranged it. Thank you," I replied, offering a small but sincere smile.

"Ahh, I was just following His Highness’s orders," he said modestly, rubbing his cheek with one finger. Even so, a flicker of pride glinted in his eyes—as if, deep down, he was pleased that his work had been recognized.

"Even so, good work."

I gave him a smile that lingered, warm and appreciative, which made his expression brighten just a little more. It was a rare kind of reaction—someone genuinely happy to be useful, not for gain, but because they believed in what they were doing.

Then Mateo stepped in, voice a little quieter, like someone trying not to ruin the moment. "To be honest... I still can’t believe I’m talking to you like this. Back then, I only ever watched you from a distance."

I blinked, caught off guard by the sudden confession. ’Watched me...?’

Now that I thought about it, Alessio had once told me that Marius’s residence had been under quiet surveillance the entire time—discreetly monitored by members of the Imperial Spy Division.

"Oh, haha. I didn’t even realize you all had been there the whole time. If I had... maybe I would’ve felt a little safer?" I said, my voice light but genuine.

"I’m sorry, my lady," Mateo said quickly, his expression growing a little more regretful. "Since it was a covert investigation, we weren’t allowed to intervene or reveal ourselves carelessly. There were strict boundaries."

He looked almost guilty, like he was personally responsible for everything I’d gone through while he remained hidden in the shadows.