I Like Another Man, Not the Male Lead - Chapter 39

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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 39

Finally, all that boring and warm time had passed. Father had lifted my house arrest.

Though I had followed the wishes of my two upset parents, it was also true that I had felt a bit stifled. So I had made plans for the very day I could go out.

Where the bandage had been removed, only a faint scar remained. Thanks to the ointment the doctor had prescribed, even that seemed like it would disappear soon.

Today was the day I was supposed to go see an opera with Selena and Grace. Even after seeing that my neck had fully recovered, Mother couldn’t shake her worry.

“I’m really fine, Mother. I’m completely healed now.”

“Still, you need to be careful. Don’t overdo it.”

Mother couldn’t hide the worried look in her eyes.

“Rochester will take you to the Opera House.”

Why on earth. He doesn’t need to do that.

But if I refused that, Mother would probably be even more upset, so I nodded.

“Brother will? Then is Brother going to watch the opera too?”

“No, he’ll drop you off and come back. Then go pick you up when it’s over.”

That seems like a hassle. But since everyone said it was fine, I decided to enjoy this affection. What could I do when they liked me this much.

＊ ＊ ＊

On the second visit, Selena had come alone. Selena, who seemed to be hoping for something, was dropped off once more by Rochester before he returned.

The relationship between the two was surprisingly harmonious, but their common topic was always me.

While listening to Rochester’s annoying interference, the Imperial Opera House began to come into view. The ivory-colored marble building was shining golden in the sunset light. Through the window, I could see numerous carriages stopped in front of the Opera House and nobles dressed in splendid attire entering the building. Today was the opening night of an opera, so there were many spectators.

Wow. The day has come when I’m going to see an opera.

“Reina.”

When the carriage stopped, Rochester called me seriously. I turned to look at Rochester.

“…You need to be careful. If anything happens, come back right away. Hmm, should I wait here?”

“Don’t do that, just go home. You can come when it’s time for it to end. Are you going to make me uncomfortable?”

“That’s not it. Still.”

I calmed down his restlessness. Really, how long is he planning to act like this?

“Absolutely don’t do anything that could hurt you, be careful, don’t follow strange people. Don’t even look at weird guys.”

The nagging continued endlessly. He’s really treating me like I’m 5 years old.

“Okay, I’ll be careful.”

When I got out of the carriage, I could see Selena and Grace. The two had already arrived and were waiting.

“Reina!”

Selena waved her hand cheerfully. Wearing a deep wine-colored dress, she looked even more glamorous today. Grace was showing off her pure charm in a sky blue dress.

“Brother, I’ll see you later then.”

“Alright.”

Rochester, who had been showing his sister complex the whole time, became stern again. Selena’s eyes sparkled as she looked at Rochester. I saw Rochester off as he turned the carriage around and left. I pretended not to notice Selena waving enthusiastically. After that, we entered the Opera House.

“Today’s performance is called 【Romeo and Julius】, and it’s supposed to be a tragedy. They put effort into the aria, so they’re asking us to look forward to it.”

Grace spoke with an excited expression. Grace was clutching a promotional booklet tightly in her hands. It seemed she had been reading it the entire way here. It was the brochure they had distributed when inviting nobles to today’s premiere.

“The balcony scene duet seems to have turned out quite well too. I can tell from how they even drew illustrations in the brochure.”

The three of us were chatting as we passed through the lobby with Selena.

Under the golden chandelier, he stood wearing black formal wear. It seemed as if he was absorbing all the brilliant lights of the Opera House by himself. Even though he was clearly wearing black formal wear, he was radiating dazzling light.

It was Caesar.

As expected, the Male Lead is the Male Lead. His silver hair was softly gleaming under the lighting.

His eyes turned precisely toward me. Our gazes met.

1 second, 2 seconds…

I naturally turned my gaze away. As if I hadn’t seen him at all.

We were supposed to just be passing acquaintances like this. Only after Grace and he got together later would a new relationship begin. As my friend’s boyfriend.

“Reina?”

Selena grabbed my arm and I passed by Caesar just like that.

“Yeah, let’s go.”

The scent of perfume faintly brushed past my nose. It was an elegant and luxurious fragrance I had smelled before.

I didn’t look back, but I could tell. That he was watching me from behind. The weight of that gaze seemed to press down on my shoulders.

I walked looking only ahead.

“Our box seat is on the 3rd floor, right? Let’s hurry. It looks like it’s about to start.”

I even urged my friends along. I wanted to pretend not to know everything. Even myself for being conscious of him in the end.

＊ ＊ ＊

Caesar stared at Reina’s retreating figure.

Ever since their eyes met, he couldn’t move his body. It felt as if all the bones in his body had stiffened. Even though Reina had passed by him as if nothing had happened.

Caesar ran his trembling hand through his hair.

From the moment he saw Reina entering through the entrance, he couldn’t take his eyes off her. The hem of Reina’s dress rustled like angel wings as she walked gracefully, and she sparkled as if she had absorbed all the light in this hall. Reina’s lips curved in a smile made her stand out even more.

‘What? So you’ve been monopolizing Reina Regfield’s love all this time? Then who exactly is pretty? Do you think Rochester Regfield would throw himself into his sister’s affairs with such passion for no reason? If my sister were that pretty, I’d do the same.’

‘If I were you, I would have already held a wedding ceremony with Reina Regfield. I’m telling you now, but you have no idea how many of our colleagues envied you.’

He couldn’t understand those words before.

But now he understood. The words that Reina was pretty. And that she drew people’s attention. Now he understood why there was always a stir whenever Reina came to the Knight Order.

Caesar squeezed his eyes shut and opened them.

As if something that had been blocking his vision had been lifted, now everything was clearly visible.

‘Please talk with me just once, Caesar. Please listen to my story just once. I’m begging you.’

He could also clearly see himself coldly turning away from that desperation.

Caesar rubbed his face.

‘This is really something.’

Reina was right. He was shameless. After squandering all the countless opportunities he’d been given, he was now clinging to Reina with pathetic lingering attachment. It was understandable that Reina disliked him.

His current situation of desperately begging to at least be friends was quite laughable and pitiful to behold. Until recently, he never would have imagined things would turn out this way. He had been foolish, unable to see even one step ahead.

If he could go back to the past, he wouldn’t have acted that way. Deep regret stabbed at his heart.

But going back to the past was an impossible thing. Time could no longer be turned back. Caesar’s heart ached.

Like time, the connection between Caesar and Reina had also flowed away.

No matter what he did, Reina would not look back at him. She would continue to turn away from him and pass by just like now. As complete strangers.

Caesar let out a hollow laugh. This was the price he had to pay.

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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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