I Like Another Man, Not the Male Lead - Chapter 15

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

Chapter 15

Selena tilted her head.

“The Knight Order has been a bit busy lately. With about two months left until the Foundation Festival, it seems they’ve strengthened security. They patrol frequently and seem very busy. Plus, the duty schedule for the Foundation Festival day has apparently been released. The Knight Order has events during the Foundation Festival too. They have to practice for those as well. Thanks to that, training intensity has increased, so he hasn’t been home for quite a while.”

Foundation Festival?

If it’s the Foundation Festival, then there should be a charity banquet or something like that coming up soon. That’s where Grace and Caesar Prince got involved together, I think. And in the original story, that’s when Selena, jealous of Grace, started bullying her.

Is the original story finally starting?

After briefly recalling what I had read, I decided to focus on the obstacle that had appeared before me again.

Other people’s romance matters less than what’s in front of me right now. That situation will work out fine on its own as long as I don’t interfere, but I have to deal with our family stalker myself. Why is Rochester at home every single day? His peers are supposedly so busy. Doesn’t he go on patrol? Doesn’t he prepare for events?

“If they’re that busy, why does our brother seem to be home every day?”

“…I wonder. I’d like to ask brother, but it’s been a while since I’ve seen his face.”

“…I’d like to see that too. Sigh, anyway, if there’s a decent woman around…”

“Yes. I’ll let you know if I think of anyone, Reina.”

Even with Selena’s words, I couldn’t feel at ease. I’ll have to look for someone myself. This wasn’t the time to be choosing only my own man. Sigh, wouldn’t things get a bit better if Rochester fell in love, got married, and had children? His attention toward me would be diverted. It’s not like he has multiple bodies – how can he keep following only me around?

No, why don’t our parents even think about arranging brother’s marriage? This is driving me crazy.

A sigh escaped me naturally.

＊ ＊ ＊

We were chatting and painting like that when it happened.

“Caesar Prince has sent a letter, Miss.”

“Me?”

Selena tilted her head.

At that moment, I realized. What was meant to come had really arrived. It was definitely an invitation from the Imperial Palace. I had thought it would start soon after hearing about the Foundation Festival, and that day was today.

“Yes, Miss.”

Selena unfolded the letter the maid handed her.

“What does it say?”

Grace asked with a somewhat more comfortable expression now. Selena raised her eyebrows.

“Hmm. Viviana Imperial Consort is calling for me and you, Grace. She’s hosting a charity banquet this time and needs our help.”

In fact, Viviana Imperial Consort didn’t have any noble ladies she was close with. She was just someone who liked to spend time alone. In the original story too, that’s why she requested help from Selena and Grace.

This time, the two of them need to get along well without fighting. In the original story, they fought terribly while preparing for the charity banquet. Their relationship completely fell apart there, and it was Caesar Prince who comforted Grace when she was having a hard time.

Moreover, that charity banquet was very important for me too. Reina dies in an accident after that banquet. I absolutely must not go anywhere near it.

Ugh, my heart started pounding as soon as I heard about the charity banquet.

I spoke casually.

“Oh my, you’ll be busy from now on. When does she want you to come?”

“…She says to come tomorrow right away. The charity banquet is next week. This charity banquet seems to be somewhat important.”

I knew that.

It was a charity fundraising event to establish a new orphanage and a free Imperial Medical Center. That’s why Viviana Imperial Consort put so much effort into it.

Grace came up with a good idea and left a good impression on Imperial Consort Viviana, so I wonder if it’ll be the same this time.

“Congratulations on being part of such a good cause, you two.”

“…But.”

“Yes?”

“She says she’d like Reina to come along too?”

“Huh?”

I was so surprised that my tongue got twisted. Me? Why me? No, really, why would I go there? I was planning not to dip even a toe into that charity banquet? In the original story, Reina was never involved? I was bewildered and stammered.

“I, I…”

The words that it would be difficult for me to participate didn’t come out. How could I say that when these two princesses who don’t have a single friend in high society are looking at me with expectant eyes? Moreover, these two princesses are my friends, and they’re even pretty.

Right. Let’s go. I just need to not chase after Caesar when he leaves the charity banquet. I won’t follow him.

And it’s a request from Imperial Consort Viviana.

No matter how much of a ducal young lady I am, I can’t refuse a request from the imperial family without any reason.

Thinking about it, it seemed better to be with these girls. There’s something called the Female Lead buff. I thought that if I stayed close to Grace, that dangerous incident would be resolved well too. To do that, it seemed good to help with the Imperial Consort’s charity banquet preparations. So I quietly brought it up.

“…Starting tomorrow?”

“Yes. It’ll be really fun. Right?”

Selena smiled happily.

Don’t smile, you. I’m feeling a bit troubled.

＊ ＊ ＊

On the day of our appointment with Imperial Consort Viviana, Caesar came to pick me up. If it were the real Reina, she might have fainted from happiness. But the current me felt uncomfortable since this was someone who had never shown such kindness to Reina before. He really didn’t need to do this.

“Thank you for coming to pick me up, Caesar. You really didn’t need to.”

“…No. Mother specifically told me to come pick you up personally. She said we should treat people who will help Mother with proper respect.”

Just then, Grace and Selena waved at me from inside the carriage. Right, Grace is here too, so whatever.

Let’s think positively.

Actually, I was worried about Selena too. This might be better for keeping an eye on both of them.

Besides, Caesar didn’t get in the carriage. Well, he wasn’t the type of man lacking in chivalry enough to squeeze into a carriage with three ladies. He always had basic manners. Except with Reina. The only person that man treated coldly was Reina alone. Caesar departed with the group while riding his horse.

Selena let out a deep sigh. She seemed to want to continue the conversation they were having before I got in. I perked up my ears and listened to their conversation. What were they talking about?

“Phew, Grace. This is really an important opportunity.”

Selena spoke in a socialized tone. This meant she had become much kinder than before. In the past, she would have said, ‘Only parasites would fail to seize such an opportunity, Grace. Do as I tell you.’ Grace, who had adapted to Selena’s socialized way of speaking, tilted her head. Looking at that innocent face, I could understand Selena’s feelings. She looks like someone you’d want to protect.

“As you know, you’re from the countryside…”

“Selena?”

I grabbed Selena’s arm firmly. I was praising her for doing well, doing well, but that’s not it!

“Ahem. Cancel what I just said. Anyway. It’s not that you’re the problem, the problem is this high society. Actually, you’re of ducal bloodline, but these insolent people.”

Selena shut her mouth tight again. It seemed like she automatically put on the brakes whenever harsh words were about to come out. It was really fortunate.

Grace smiled slightly.

Her reaction wasn’t as dramatic as before. She seemed to be able to understand Selena’s true feelings hidden behind the harsh words now. It was the result of several days of hard work. I really worked hard. The coloring book was really a good idea. As they say, dishes that are meant to break will break when you try to stick them together, and dishes that are meant to stick will stick.

Grace, who had come to know Selena’s kindness through spending time together, smiled and answered.

“Yes. I understand what you mean, Elder Sister.”

“Once Her Imperial Consort Viviana acknowledges you, those people won’t be able to look down on you anymore, Grace.”

Grace listened attentively to Selena’s words. Selena continued speaking calmly.

“She’ll definitely ask for our opinions. When that happens, Grace, you should speak up. Suggest that we prepare a bazaar for this charity fundraising event. The Imperial Palace and high-ranking nobles tend to have a hobby of collecting antiques. Our treasury is full of them too. But sometimes they’re not quite valuable enough to put up for auction. We could target that angle.”

“…But that’s your idea, Elder Sister.”

At this moment, the original story intersected.

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————