I Like Another Man, Not the Male Lead - Chapter 20
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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 20
“Her Majesty the Empress… Caesar Prince, Caesar Prince!”
Only after his aide called him repeatedly did he come to his senses. Until then, Caesar had been watching only Reina. She hadn’t looked back at him even once.
Caesar gritted his teeth. Caesar roughly ran his hand through his hair.
“Speak.”
“Are you even listening?”
“I’m listening.”
“It doesn’t seem like it… Should we move to another location if it’s bothering you?”
“No.”
Caesar cut him off coldly. He would never leave this place because of Reina. Caesar let out a sigh.
Why did she keep catching his eye and bothering him like this?
It was incomprehensible.
“…What did you say Mother intends to do at the charity banquet?”
“She plans to prepare a bazaar with the Three Young Ladies. She has assigned the task of writing invitations to the Three Young Ladies.”
“…It doesn’t seem like she’s plotting anything else?”
Though Heyson and Reina were on his mind, Caesar had urgent matters to attend to.
This secret meeting wasn’t something that could be held just anytime. It was a gathering barely arranged while avoiding the Empress’s eyes and the eyes of others.
Caesar knew better than anyone about the true nature of the Empress, who had been crouching quietly and pretending to be docile. Caesar had been watching her while pretending to know nothing, pretending to be fooled by her mask.
Caesar remembered every detail of past events.
Caesar had a close friend. He was a man who worked at the Imperial Stables.
He was also the one who directly taught Caesar how to ride horses. Young Caesar became so absorbed in playing with the Stable Keeper that he skipped lessons.
At first, it was fine.
But twice, three times, four times.
When it became repetitive, it was no longer fine. One day, the Stable Keeper suddenly disappeared. According to rumors, he had been attacked by bandits and lost both his eyes.
And then there was a Young Maid who had liked Caesar. Since a maid of his age was following him around saying she liked him, he treated her kindly a few times.
When that rumor spread, the Young Maid disappeared.
When Caesar found that maid again, she was already dead.
Caesar clearly remembers what the Empress said at that time.
‘Caesar, you are someone who must accomplish great things. You must know how to distinguish between people you should associate with and people you shouldn’t.’
The Empress had the most benevolent face of anyone, but within it, she harbored a blade more terrifying than anyone’s.
‘Caesar, don’t show mercy to those who don’t know their place. That’s not what a prince should do.’
After that, Caesar never let anyone close to him. The same was true for Reina. Caesar’s eyes darkened ominously.
Reina kept appearing at the end of his gaze. Caesar deliberately turned away from Reina.
“Should we continue surveillance?”
“…It’s strange that Mother directly mentioned the Two Princesses of Hailboard. Assign people to protect both of them.”
Caesar’s gaze then fell on Heyson. Heyson had never acted strangely before. However, it was suspicious that a connection had formed between Heyson and Reina at this point. What if Viviana Imperial Consort had deliberately placed Heyson by Reina’s side? Perhaps Heyson was also being used by the Empress.
He couldn’t miss any possibility. Caesar added quietly.
“Assign people to watch Regfield Family and Heyson as well.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
However, whatever Heyson and the Empress’s intentions were… Reina had been smiling.
With an expression even Caesar had never seen before.
That bothered him.
* * *
I went on two dates with Heyson during the week.
Without anyone’s interference.
Selena, who had learned about my situation, became my accomplice. She provided alibis for me. She even sent letters as a cover, so what more is there to say? I’ll cherish you as my true friend for life.
Thanks to that, Rochester was completely fooled. Fortunately, it seemed rumors about Heyson and me hadn’t spread yet. I hope it stays this way. Though there are no eternal secrets.
Since the dates were satisfying, every day was enjoyable.
“Reina, you seem to be in a good mood lately.”
“Parents are coming back soon. Of course I should be happy. Aren’t you happy, Brother?”
“Brother feels a bit sad. Do you like Parents more than Brother?”
I could even let all this nonsense slide. Yes, whatever you say, I’m fine with everything.
I planned to have dinner with Heyson on Monday.
Without Rochester knowing.
No, how long do I have to keep dating in secret like this? Am I a child?
Even if I said this, I’d only get the answer ‘You’ll always be a child in Brother’s eyes.’ It would be better to win Mother over to my side before Rochester finds out. Maybe I should use this weekend. It might be better to go out to have a chance to talk with Mother alone, away from Rochester.
“…Should we go out to eat something delicious with Parents this weekend? The Opera House was nice before too.”
“Great, Reina. This brother will make all the reservations. I was sad that you left me alone for dinner for several days, but just hearing that makes me feel better.”
This persistent guy.
No, how exactly does the youngest daughter in a family with three brothers date? I can’t handle even one of them.
I secretly let out a sigh.
I’m tired, so tired. And I asked Rochester with genuine sincerity.
“…Don’t you date, Brother?”
“Date?”
Yes, date!
“Yeah. You should get married too. Don’t you think Brother should start a family? I’m really confident I’d be great to my nephew when he’s born.”
This was sincere.
How grateful would he be if his sister voluntarily offered to be a nanny? Right? Hurry up and get married and have some kids. That way this suffocating affection will be directed elsewhere.
I just hoped that nephew wouldn’t be a daughter. I have an 8 PM curfew, but Brother’s daughter might have a 5 PM one. For the sake of a nephew who doesn’t exist yet and probably never will, it absolutely had to be a son.
Rochester smiled brightly and said.
“Are you worrying about me? Reina, I really appreciate those words, but Brother isn’t ready yet. After our Reina finds a good man and gets married first… though that’s still a long way off.”
This siscon has no cure.
Rochester should know that me finding a good man and getting married might not be such a distant prospect.
I smiled awkwardly and gave Rochester sincere advice.
“I think you should hurry up and start dating too, Brother. Otherwise, all the good people will be taken?”
Still, we’re blood relatives. I didn’t want Rochester to meet a bad spouse. I thought I wanted Rochester to be even happier than I am.
“Then there’s nothing I can do. I’ll have to live next to Reina for the rest of my life. You won’t ignore this brother just because you got married, right? You should be able to take care of at least one person like me.”
Crazy… Is he insane?
I had thought about living near Rochester. If Rochester showed signs of becoming a villain, I’d need to take action. But I had never once thought about living in the same mansion as Rochester for the rest of my life.
My blood ran cold. Without realizing it, I imagined living with Rochester for the rest of my life.
‘Honey, let’s have a good time tonight. Some good wine came in.’
‘A good time? What good time! This wolf-like bastard is seducing my sister!’
I guarantee Rochester would do exactly that and more. I might end up living my whole life without even seeing my husband’s shadow, let alone having a honeymoon period. I made a resolution.
When our parents come, I should immediately probe strongly about Brother’s love life. From now on, I need to devote all my passion and energy to getting Rochester married.
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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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