I Like Another Man, Not the Male Lead - Chapter 23

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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 23

I wished Brother would be a bit busier. I hoped he’d be busy tomorrow and the day after too. I wished he’d be so busy he couldn’t come home for a while. Anything that could draw Rochester’s attention away from me, even a little, would be good.

No wait. Getting out without being caught by Rochester was already something. I really worked hard. If I had been caught…, ugh.

After completely escaping the Knight Order building, I was humming as I headed to where the carriage was when I saw a familiar profile. Isn’t that Caesar? Why is he here? He must have been at the Knight Order today. I approached and called out carefully.

“Caesar Prince?”

He turned his head and stared at me. It really is Caesar. Why is he standing there again? I swallowed a sigh. Today had been tiring enough with just Rochester.

But I couldn’t pretend not to know someone standing in front of the carriage I needed to take. Besides, I couldn’t ignore someone who had been singing about being friends. Actually, Reina had a history of being bothersome to him. I think I should at least accommodate him this much.

It would be strange since the violently pouring emotions suddenly disappeared in an instant. I think Caesar will accept reality soon and return to his daily life. Just like in the original story. Love will come to Caesar soon too.

Until then.

“…Reina.”

Caesar called my name in a heavy voice. I greeted him with an awkward smile. It’s ridiculous how we greet each other as if it’s the last time every time, yet keep running into each other like this.

“It’s been a while. I was just about to head back…”

But Caesar suddenly said.

“What’s different about Heyson?”

“Pardon?”

Why suddenly bring up Heyson’s name? Rochester isn’t around, is he? I was being cautious of my surroundings when Caesar continued. He didn’t seem to care about the surroundings at all.

“What’s different about Heyson that you’ve already met him three times? What makes him different from other men?”

Why is he suddenly asking something like that? Hmm, what’s different about Heyson? Well. First of all, he was someone I could properly see without Rochester’s interference, and during our three dates, I didn’t see any rough edges in him.

Our conversation flowed well, and our hobbies were similar. And other external conditions seemed fine too. I’d have to check many other things, but for now.

“Well… it’s because I thought it would be okay to marry this man.”

That thought had been real. But Caesar said as if flustered.

“…You’re going to marry another man, leaving me behind?”

“Yes.”

Isn’t that obvious?

That’s the happy ending we both wanted.

I tilted my head. I don’t know what answer he’s expecting from such a question. Caesar’s face gradually turned pale.

I bid farewell to Caesar, who looked sick somewhere.

“I’ll be going now. I feel like Rochester might catch me at this rate. You don’t look well, Your Highness. You should go inside quickly.”

I got into the carriage, leaving behind Caesar who didn’t even answer.

But, is he okay?

He really looked sick.

＊ ＊ ＊

A few days later.

Selena, Grace, and I, having completed the invitations as the Empress requested, were to enter the palace again. This time too, since it was an invitation from the Imperial Palace, a knight was scheduled to come and escort us.

I had hoped Heyson would come, but this time it was neither Caesar nor Heyson.

It was none other than my brother. I hadn’t expected Rochester to come at all.

“Why is that guy here….”

Rochester, who had been waving at me with a bright smile, came running over like a puppy. Rochester grabbed my hand.

“Reina. You have to go to the Imperial Palace today, right? Her Majesty the Empress gave orders to bring you and the princesses.”

“…Wasn’t that kind of menial work supposed to be done by the lower knights?”

For example, Heyson. Or Heyson.

No, even if not Heyson, shouldn’t it be some other knight besides Brother? Why would a Sword Master do this kind of menial work?

“That’s right. But when I heard I was going to pick you up, Reina, how could I leave it to other guys? It would have been different if I didn’t know. I did well, right? The other knights would have been uncomfortable.”

Just which bastard ratted me out?

Rochester smiled brightly. But I couldn’t keep frowning at someone who was so happy to see me. I couldn’t help but chuckle. He had come home a few times since being kicked out to the dormitory, but Rochester had been smacked by Mother and chased away. Moreover, Mother had even ordered Rochester to stay at the Knight Order a little longer, saying the construction was delayed.

‘Come on, come on! If you’re old enough, at least act mature, Rochester! If you keep acting like this, I might send Reina somewhere else.’

By then, Rochester must have realized that the construction was just an excuse and he was simply being kicked out. Even so, at those words about sending me away, he made a face like the sky was falling and walked into the dormitory on his own. Saying he couldn’t let me be sent away. And Rochester left words that he would definitely return once the construction was finished.

“Since you’re here, let’s at least see Mother and Father before we go.”

“What are you talking about, Reina? I’m currently on official duty.”

“Huh?”

“I can’t satisfy personal desires while on official duty. Let’s hurry and go.”

What are you saying, you fire-attribute filial son?

You intercepted my escort role out of personal interest, and now you’re talking about official duty? I was so flabbergasted I just stood there, so Brother urged me on.

“Hurry up and get in the carriage. Before Mother and Father interfere again.”

Looking at this guy makes me a little anxious. Sometimes children resemble their parents’ siblings rather than their parents. Surely my child won’t resemble this guy? Wow, imagining that made me want to pray to God. I don’t know when I’ll have children, but please don’t let that child resemble this guy. Please, I beg you.

Feeling fed up, I was led by Rochester into the carriage. Rochester crouched down and sat next to me with his large frame.

Rochester grinned widely.

“Have you been well?”

“…We saw each other yesterday, Brother.”

How long has it been since you entered the dormitory for you to act like this? Rochester said with a dejected face.

“Am I the only one who thinks that time is too long?”

“Shh. If you keep this up, I’m taking a different carriage.”

Only then did Rochester shut his mouth tight. He doesn’t act like this with other family members. Why only with me? I let out a deep sigh.

I wish Grace and Selena would get in the carriage quickly.

Then this definitely wouldn’t happen.

After keeping quiet for a moment, Rochester couldn’t even last 30 seconds before opening his mouth again. Suffering from Rochester who couldn’t rest his mouth for even a moment, we arrived at Hailboard Estate. Ha, I’m already drained. I want to go back home.

At least after Selena and Grace got in the carriage, Rochester kept his mouth shut.

What a relief.

I introduced Rochester to Selena and Grace. Of course, since they had been active in social circles, they would know each other, but this was the first time I was introducing him as my family. It couldn’t help but be a slightly tense moment. Surely he wouldn’t run his mouth here too, right? I glanced at Rochester.

“Selena, Grace. This is my brother.”

“I know. Nice to meet you, Rochester Regfield.”

Selena was the first to confidently offer a greeting.

“Nice to meet you, Hailboard Princesses.”

Huh? No, who is that stern man?

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lord Regfield.”

Light greetings were exchanged. Watching my brother speak so solemnly made me let out a hollow laugh. Even his expression had changed. He was giving off a somewhat cold handsome guy image. Wait, does he go around acting like this outside? Then why is he like that with me?

The mouth that wouldn’t close no matter how much I begged him to shut it was now tightly sealed.

If he becomes this quiet in front of others, I should invite Selena and Grace over more often. Really.

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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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