I Like Another Man, Not the Male Lead - Chapter 32

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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 32

When I returned to the banquet hall, Selena and Grace had already arrived. Selena and Grace, who spotted me, approached. Seeing them seemed to ease my somewhat troubled mind.

Selena spoke to me with a flushed face.

“You arrived first!”

“It just happened that way. Selena, Grace. Did you come together with Young Duke Hailboard?”

I asked about Young Duke Hailboard out of courtesy. This was because Selena had told me beforehand that the sword-obsessed ghost would also be coming today. Selena nodded.

“Mother pushed him to come even though he didn’t want to. Over there.”

Selena gestured toward Young Duke Hailboard. I could indeed see a man with an indifferent expression sipping tea. The delicate tea cup looked unbalanced yet somehow suited his muscular arms.

“…You know he doesn’t even drink alcohol because he’s obsessed with swords? He says drinking interferes with reaching enlightenment. I don’t know what fun he finds in life. Sigh, that bastard will have to get married someday too.”

Selena muttered.

Hearing that made me laugh. Selena’s worry was really pointless. Young Duke Hailboard would meet a good woman here, fall in love, and get married. That woman would later become Grace’s ally. Only then would Young Duke Hailboard realize his own indifference and try to take care of Grace. You could call it the cliché of a villain turning into an ally.

Not drinking alcohol and such things were probably fine. Rochester also doesn’t drink because a drunk Sword Master could potentially go berserk. In the original story, he only started drinking after Reina died. After that, House Regfield began its downward spiral, and within it was a mad Sword Master. I guess our Rochester is the one I should really worry about?

But I would never talk about Rochester in front of Selena.

Since this banquet was a charity event, various events were prepared. A bazaar was in full swing in the outdoor garden, and an auction was scheduled to be held indoors. This was the part Viviana Imperial Consort had put the most effort into.

“Reina, did you hear that a pink diamond will appear here today?”

“Yes, I did hear about it.”

“I heard there are many people targeting it. That’s also why so many people gathered here. I wonder who will become its owner?”

Even Grace, who usually doesn’t talk much, spoke with sparkling eyes, seemingly curious.

Actually, I knew the answer. Today, the pink diamond wouldn’t make it to auction. Because intruders would appear. Moreover, these intruders would boldly choose hostage-taking as their escape method. They would capture a noble lady who couldn’t resist easily. It was an episode where romance deepened as Caesar rescued Grace who had been captured like that. And on the way back from here, I would die in a carriage accident while chasing after Caesar.

This charity banquet was one of the turning points in the original story. I turned my head to glance at Rochester. I had brought Rochester, who originally shouldn’t have been here, and I wouldn’t be following Caesar either. Though I was a bit nervous, nothing should happen.

If Grace seemed to be in danger, I was thinking of pushing Rochester forward, but that probably wouldn’t be necessary.

“Well, I don’t know who it will be, but I am curious about the diamond.”

A pink diamond, huh. I had never seen such a thing in person even in that other world.

The auction began.

Expensive treasured items were sold off and Selena won several bids.

I also won several bids in the name of our house. This was meaningful as a donation, so I couldn’t not participate. Still, I chose relatively practical items. Things like swords, pocket watches, and brooches. Rochester would probably like the sword, the pocket watch was for Father, and the brooch was for Mother.

As I was enjoying the auction in this modest way, it was finally time for the pink diamond.

Hmm, since I might get caught up in it, it would be good to stand close to the wall, right?

I grabbed Selena’s wrist and quietly moved to a corner. Though Selena looked puzzled, she followed my steps. It was about five steps away from Grace. At this distance, if an incident occurred, I could pull Selena and escape inward.

“Now, finally the last item. You’ve all been waiting, haven’t you? It’s said to have been barely salvaged from the deep sea. This is the very pink diamond necklace that Princess Rosenta of the ancient kingdom possessed!”

The auctioneer’s voice was also excited. The murmuring of people grew louder.

It was when a servant was about to go up on stage with the diamond necklace at the auctioneer’s gesture.

“Kyaaaah!”

Those who had been hiding in the darkness revealed themselves.

So it’s finally starting. This episode.

I confirmed Grace’s position with my eyes. Selena looked for Grace in panic. For Selena’s safety, I gripped her hand tightly. Selena gestured toward Grace with a shrill voice.

“Grace! Grace, come here, quickly!”

I could see Rochester approaching me.

In the banquet hall that had instantly become chaos, people were tangled together. I could hear Rochester calling my name loudly. I’m fine, so stop calling my name, Rochester.

Eventually, Rochester pushed through the people and approached me, extending his hand.

“Reina.”

Just as I was about to take Rochester’s hand, someone strongly pulled me into their arms. I was dragged into rough embrace, and the metallic smell of blood hit me sharply. Something sharp touched my neck.

“…Huh?”

I made a strange sound without realizing it. I opened my eyes wide and stared ahead.

I could see Rochester’s face turning pale in real time. And Grace, who was safely in Selena’s arms too. The surrounding environment began to slowly come into view. Grace and Selena were looking at me with horrified eyes.

“Everyone don’t move! Unless you want to see this bitch die!”

Something sharp pressed against my neck.

No, wait a minute.

“I said don’t move!”

No, really wait a minute.

Me? Really… is it really me?

It should be Grace, not me. So Caesar should coolly rescue Grace and safely escort her home – that kind of suspense and romance should be unfolding!

“Excuse me, I think you’ve got the wrong person…”

“Shut up. You could really die.”

I quickly shut my mouth at the fierce voice I felt in my ear. I swallowed my saliva. I could feel blood flowing from my neck. Rochester let out a silent scream. Only then did I realize that I had become a hostage. It felt like my heart was shrinking.

The Guy stepped backward while holding me.

“You’d better listen if you don’t want to die. I have nothing to lose right now.”

I held my breath.

While The Guy was holding me, I could see his accomplices escaping from the banquet hall. People were frozen, only looking at me. Even Rochester.

The blood that flowed from my neck stained my dress.

I knew what came next. I just didn’t know I would be the protagonist.

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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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