The Male Leads Are Trapped in My House

Nox’s words felt a little off, and I frowned sharply.

‘Wait a second… is this guy a pervert?’

I immediately took two steps back. Nox burst out laughing.

“I was joking. Just a joke.”

“Really? Was that supposed to be funny? You’re seriously weird.”

I backed away even more, keeping my guard up. Dangerous. Not because of the joke—but because Nox radiated a genuinely dangerous aura.

“So, what’s the real reason? Care to answer now?”

He pressed me relentlessly.

“It’s a hobby.”

“What?”

“I have nothing but money, so I wanted something different to keep me entertained.”

Wow. Even I was impressed with my own answer. It sounded reasonable enough to convince anyone.

Nox blinked at me, wide-eyed, before clapping his hands.

“That was impressive.”

“I thought nobles didn’t like flaunting their wealth.”

“I’m different. I value individuality over decorum. I can’t stand boring people.”

“Oh. Good for you.”

“…”

“…”

“…That’s it?”

Just then, Ethan emerged from the left hallway.

“What are you two talking about?”

It looked like he’d taken the chance to inspect the surroundings while I was distracted talking to Nox.

“I was introducing the mansion. Why don’t we move over there?”

I led both of them to the banquet hall, where I sat them at the table and served tea. They seemed oddly fascinated that I’d brewed it myself, but I ignored their stares.

I turned to Nox.

“So? What is it you wanted to say to me?”

“I’d prefer we talk alone.”

Ethan scowled instantly and shot a glare at Nox.

“What? Alone? That’s suspicious. Are you two even close? Why would you need to be alone with her? It’s weird.”

Before Ethan could spiral further, I cut in.

“I’m not close to you either, Ethan. By that logic, it’s even weirder that I let two strange men into my house.”

“I’m a police officer!”

Ethan retorted, but he looked embarrassed, as if even he knew how flimsy his argument was.

Nox, meanwhile, leaned back, crossed his legs, and smirked.

“I personally dislike Lancaster. So I’d appreciate it if you left.”

“I hate you too, you bastard. So I’m not leaving.”

The two glared daggers at each other.

‘Why did I bring these two together?’

I regretted my decision deeply.

Even in the original novel, Ethan and Nox didn’t get along. Their feud started back when they both attended Rubridge Benton College.

Surprisingly, it was always Nox who picked fights with Ethan. And Ethan—kindhearted to a fault—always took the bait.

Nox, the youngest son of the Ludfisher Marquisate, and Ethan, the sole heir of the Lancaster Dukedom, were nobles who grew up in the spotlight.

But Ethan never cared about his status and was rough around the edges, which probably rubbed Nox the wrong way.

While I was busy mulling over their history, their argument dragged on.

Finally, I decided to intervene.

“Enough. This is getting nowhere. I’ll speak with Mr. Ludfisher alone. Ethan, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Cherry—”

“Sorry, Mr. Worker. Thanks for coming, but time to go. Bye.”

Ethan looked thoroughly dissatisfied, narrowing his eyes as he glanced between me and Nox.

But he didn’t have any legitimate excuse to stay. Sighing heavily, he adjusted his police cap and stood up.

Nox waved at him cheerfully.

“Bye.”

“See you tomorrow, Miss Cherry. Be careful.”

Ethan ignored Nox and directed his farewell at me instead, clearly sulking as he left the room.

I watched him cross the garden and exit through the gate before turning back to Nox.

“Satisfied now?”

“Much appreciated, Lady.”

Nox smiled smoothly as he spoke. I leaned back in my chair and let out a sigh. Today had felt endlessly long.

By the time I lit the oil lamps in the hall, the sun had already set, blanketing the outside in darkness.

I returned to my seat, facing Nox again, who had been silently watching me the whole time.

Finally, he broke the silence.

“How much do you know about Elphinus Herbs?”

“What?”

Nox’s unexpected question left me momentarily speechless.

But it wasn’t entirely surprising, considering Elphinus Herbs were the reason we’d met today in the first place.

I still couldn’t figure out what Nox’s angle was, though. Did he already know about the herb’s vaccine-like properties?

“…Honestly, I don’t know much. I just picked them up off the street.”

My vague response came from not knowing where this conversation was headed.

Nox rested his chin on his interlocked fingers and stared at me.

There was something lazy yet predatory about his gaze—like a snake calmly watching a mouse in a cage.

But when our eyes met, his expression immediately softened into a puppy-like smile, as if the previous intensity had never existed.

An awkward silence settled in the banquet hall.

‘Did I make a mistake sending Ethan away?’

Regret began creeping in.

Suspicious as Ethan was, I couldn’t deny that his presence felt reassuring.

Still, I was stronger than Nox. If worst came to worst, I could punch him and send him flying.

‘Ethan’s a cop, so hitting him might cause trouble, but Nox isn’t. He’s fair game.’

While I was busy thinking this, Nox spoke again.

“There’s no need to be so tense. Lancaster may be hostile toward you, but I’m quite fond of you.”

“That’s what’s weird. Why do you like me? You have no reason to.”

“I want to help you. I don’t know what you’re planning, but watching you seems like it’ll be entertaining.”

Nox sounded sincere, but I quickly shut him down.

“I don’t need your help.”

“Oh, but you will. You’re planning to grow Elphinus Herbs here, aren’t you?”

Reluctantly, I nodded.

“…Yes.”

“Elphinus Herbs are difficult to cultivate. They’re rare, and information about growing them is hard to find.”

I couldn’t deny that. It was still strange that such rare herbs had appeared in bulk at 61 Notium Street.

“Hmm… Wait here for a second.”

After some thought, I decided to hear him out. I did need help, after all.

Leaving Nox in the banquet hall, I ran to fetch the box of Elphinus Herbs.

When I returned, I showed him the contents.

I had no choice—I absolutely had to grow these herbs. If there was a natural habitat for them somewhere, I was even willing to venture out and harvest more.

“I plan to grow them in the garden.”

“Where exactly?”

I pointed to the garden outside the window, though it was too dark to see anything clearly.

“I cleared out the weeds today. Tomorrow, I’m going to till the soil and spread fertilizer. I figured I’d plant the herbs along with the other crops in two weeks.”

“Cherry, these aren’t crops.”

“Aren’t they medicinal crops?”

“You can’t treat Elphinus Herbs like ordinary plants. Their cultivation process is… unique.”

“How unique are we talking?”

“They feed on insects.”

“…What?”

I stared at him, stunned. No wonder they looked like centipedes. And I was supposed to eat something that grew by devouring bugs? Suddenly, I felt nauseous.

“What kind of insects? And how do the herbs eat them?”

“The roots absorb nutrients from the bugs. They seem to prefer centipedes and spiders.”

‘Damn it. Of all things, it had to be creepy crawlers with too many legs.’@@novelbin@@

So the roots ate bugs, and then I was supposed to eat the herbs?

“Ugh! I just imagined it!”

I clutched my head in despair, prompting Nox to burst out laughing.

‘Forget gentlemanly—he’s a smug snake.’

According to Nox, fertilizer wasn’t necessary.

The herbs simply needed freshly dead bugs buried alongside their seeds, followed by regular watering and occasional “feedings” of dead insects.

‘What kind of freakish plant is this?’

Since I didn’t have any bugs ready, planting the herbs would have to wait.

‘Great. Now I’ll have to go bug hunting tomorrow.’

Feeling increasingly disgusted, I glanced at Nox again—this time with an idea.

“You said you’d help with the herbs. You must know a lot about Elphinus.”

“If you want, I’ll assist with cultivation. I’m quite knowledgeable about them. Not all doctors handle herbs, but I’m exceptionally skilled.”

Nox smiled, looking perfectly willing to help.

“Excellent.”

I didn’t care about anything else. As long as he knew how to handle the herbs, that was good enough for me.

“All right, Mr. Ludfisher. Help me grow these herbs. I’m counting on you.”

Honestly, I just didn’t want to deal with bugs myself.

But it was also true that Nox’s expertise could be useful.

“This is going to be fun.”

When I added that, Nox’s eyes widened slightly, as if I’d caught him off guard.

Then he laughed—loudly enough to fill the entire banquet hall.

His carefree laughter echoed around us, and for some reason, I felt a chill run down my spine.