I Like Another Man, Not the Male Lead - Chapter 16

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 16

In the original story, it was Selena who conveyed that idea to the Empress. And Selena gave all the credit to Grace.

[“Grace seems too shy to speak up properly.”]

Readers thought Selena spoke up first to steal Grace’s credit. But it wasn’t that at all – Selena really was giving the credit to Grace. It was fascinating to realize this.

Could it really be this different from the original?

“That’s not what’s important, Grace. I can be recognized without doing anything. Because my mother is the legitimate mistress of the ducal house. But you’re not, are you?”

Selena persuaded Grace with a calm voice. She spoke without hesitation, as if she had practiced many times. Selena was gripping my hand tightly, seeming nervous. I could understand why she brought this up with me present. She probably wanted me to stop her if she seemed about to make a mistake.

But sincerity always gets through.

Grace’s eyes reddened.

“It’s not your fault. It’s all the adults’ fault. But if saying something like this could make your situation a little better, I want you to do it.”

“…Elder Sister…”

“No matter what anyone says, you’re my little sister.”

Selena’s voice trembled as she said those words. Selena seemed to choke up as she rubbed her nose. If I had known you two would handle this so well, I wouldn’t have worried.

Long live the coloring book.

“It makes me sad that others don’t seem to understand that.”

“…I’ll do as Elder Sister says.”

Grace finally accepted.

“Will that make Elder Sister feel a little less sad?”

“Of course.”

Selena and Grace looked at each other and smiled. Was this novel a coming-of-age story? Or a sisterhood story? A story about family bonds? Phew, I think I’m a bit moved right now.

＊ ＊ ＊

Caesar helped the three people get out of the carriage.

Thanks to the Empress’s errand, he had to delay going to work, but it was worth it. He could see that Reina was fine.

Fortunately, she didn’t seem hurt by the incidents with Tears or Dawson. Reina conversed and laughed with Selena and Grace as usual.

Throughout the carriage ride, he had listened carefully to the sounds coming from inside.

Even though he couldn’t make out what they were talking about, he could tell it was harmonious.

“Reina.”

Caesar called to Reina, who was the last to get out of the carriage. Reina looked at Caesar with a puzzled expression.

“Thank you for helping Mother this time.”

“…Don’t mention it. How could I disobey Her Majesty the Empress?”

“I’m saying this as a friend. Thank you.”

“Ah.”

Reina nodded with an enigmatic expression. Then she naturally moved away from Caesar. One step, two steps, three steps. And when she had moved sufficiently far from Caesar, she stopped. To Caesar, this felt really strange.

Until just recently, whenever Reina was with Caesar, she was desperate to be as close to him as possible.

Each time, Reina would smell of tears. When Caesar showed an uncomfortable expression, she would blink her tear-filled eyes. Caesar couldn’t help but feel guilty even though he had done nothing wrong.

But now Reina was desperate to distance herself from Caesar. That distance… was a bit irritating.

Caesar took a big step closer to Reina.

“Are you going on a date this weekend too?”

Caesar asked in a voice that grew louder with the shortened distance.

“This time too? …Did Brother tell you I went on a date?”

“No. I just happened to be there by chance.”

“Ah.”

Reina said with wide eyes.

“I didn’t know.”

At that moment, Caesar felt like he had been hit in the head. Among all those people, Caesar had found Reina.

But Reina hadn’t even noticed Caesar’s presence.

Caesar’s eyes wavered.

Caesar had been pushed out of Reina’s consideration. He realized this anew.

“I don’t have any plans this weekend yet. My parents will be returning from the territory soon. I think we’ll spend time together as a family. Oh, I should get going now.”

Reina spoke indifferently and bid Caesar farewell. Caesar stared at Reina’s retreating figure as she walked away. Caesar ran his hand through his hair.

Something was strange.

And Viviana Imperial Consort was watching all of this.

Caesar and Reina, Grace, Selena.

The Empress quietly asked her head maid.

“…Didn’t they say Lady Regfield and Caesar were definitely over?”

“That’s correct, Your Imperial Majesty.”

“Then why does it not seem that way to my eyes?”

The Empress narrowed her eyes. A dangerous light flashed in her pupils before subsiding. The Empress smiled brightly at the three Young Ladies approaching her.

“Oh my, how nice to see you. Lady Regfield came too. So you’re friends with Hailboard Princess.”

Reina’s unexpected presence was truly unwelcome to the Empress. If she had known that Selena would readily bring Reina along when told she could bring a friend, she wouldn’t have added such a useless clause.

‘Since when have they been acquainted?’

Viviana Imperial Consort narrowed her eyes. As far as Viviana Imperial Consort knew, Selena didn’t usually associate with Young Ladies her age. And she had heard that Selena didn’t get along well with her half-sister either. Yet here she appeared on good terms with Grace and Reina, contradicting those rumors.

Viviana Imperial Consort clicked her tongue.

All these things that deviated from her plan were displeasing. But it was fine. There was plenty of time, and usually heaven was on her side. Ever since Caesar was born.

＊ ＊ ＊

On the way out of the Empress Palace, a different knight escorted us. He introduced himself as the second son of Count Reliz Family.

“I’ve heard a lot about you from my aunt. She said all three of you are excellent Young Ladies. Now I see why my aunt said that.”

I thought his appearance looked familiar somehow.

Count Reliz Family was the Empress’s family of origin. It was introduced in the novel as a quiet military Noble House. There were hardly any appearances, so I never thought I’d meet them here.

“We can go back by ourselves though.”

Selena spoke haughtily. She’s endlessly warm to her people but draws clear lines with those who aren’t.

“Not at all.”

A man with features somewhat resembling Caesar Prince shook his head.

“Though I came because my aunt contacted me urgently, I don’t regret it. It’s an honor to escort three such beautiful young ladies.”

Selena no longer refused Reliz. It wouldn’t be proper to refuse the Empress’s kindness more than twice. Right now, Reliz was here representing Viviana Imperial Consort.

Reliz escorted us and helped us into the carriage. Maybe because he resembles Caesar Prince, he’s quite handsome.

Did he appear in the original work too? Actually, these minor characters are often passed over without even mentioning their names. It wouldn’t be strange that I don’t know him.

As soon as we got in the carriage, Selena slumped back completely.

“I must have been too tense. My neck is all sore.”

“…Selena gets nervous in situations like that too?”

“Of course. I’m always careful. When meeting the Imperial Family…”

Selena muttered with a sighing voice. Even while sprawled out like that, she didn’t forget to praise Grace.

“You really did well today, Grace. Her Imperial Majesty was listening intently to your voice too.”

“Really?”

“Of course! People will start seeing you differently from now on.”

Why does she say that with such a proud expression?

So cute.

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