He had never expected to be transmigrated into a novel he had read last night before bed, but reality hit him hard when he woke up in a new environment within a new body no less. Seeing his appearance in the mirror, he realizes he had become Nero Lepidus, the cold villain of the story…which was a very trashy romance novel. He threw his mirror to the ground in realization, scaring the servants around him as it shattered. It took him a while to process this, becoming the villain who would soon meet the protagonists of the story and get destroyed by them in due time. Sure his original life wasn’t the best but to be in this world is even worse.

He had no intention to die or get ruined, thus Nero had to collect his thoughts and plan out accordingly. He was the Duke, meaning he had power and wealth. Perhaps if he just lay low then he won’t be in the way of the stupid couple and live peacefully with no death flags.

However there was the thought of you in the midst of his brainstorming. You were a supporting character, in fact you were honestly the only character he likes in the novel as you had some merit in character. However you would unfortunately die later in the plot thanks to the female lead’s idiocy, despite all you had done for her. He remembers how much people hated your death, him included. This place was already hellish, he was not losing his favorite character by two idiots who caused it.

Nero decided the best option was to gain your hand in marriage and make you his spouse, by any means possible. This can provide you protection and stay away from those trashes. Admittedly he knew you would be terrified of him, but he can work on that. Not until you’re his. So he began his plan, writing down what needed to be done.

You, of course, are confused why the nefarious cold-hearted Duke is trying to court you. You have heard by the townspeople he’s been acting strange but brushed it off as rumors. However once Duke Lepidus begins to start sending you gifts and letters of proclaimed love, then your concern arises. You tried to believe this must be some sick joke, despite knowing the emblem seal wax on the letters you received and the gifts were of things that were your interest which he somehow knew.

That was when Nero appeared at your doorsteps on a rainy day. You were baffled to say the least when you answered the door.

Holding a beautiful bouquet of flowers, Nero had appeared to you drenched by the weather. His coat was soaked immensely as it hung on his arm but he didn’t seem to care one bit.

“For you.” Nero gracefully presented his gift to you, his appearance was unkempt but his action shows his character of his sincerity and persistence for your hand.

That or he really was losing his mind.