I Like Another Man, Not the Male Lead - Chapter 41

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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 41

Though I was rejected once again, it had still been a worthwhile outing.

Caesar found himself pathetic for living by clinging to such small moments. Caesar covered his mouth with his hand as he stared outside.

People were all moving about busily. The street lamp light illuminated them. Caesar was the only one stagnating in one place, rotting away.

His heart felt like it was being torn apart. Reina’s rejection was so painfully sharp.

This was what Reina had experienced for eight whole years. Those years felt so distant and painful that… Caesar squeezed his eyes shut.

＊ ＊ ＊

The play was racing toward its end. The Male Lead drank poison and died, and the Female Lead who awakened discovered his death. Along with a mournful song, people’s sobs echoed throughout. The Female Lead stabbed herself with a dagger and collapsed over the Male Lead.

The theater fell solemn at the tragic love’s conclusion. Everyone was crying, and though it was clearly well-made and entertaining, I was foolishly only concerned about the empty seat.

The curtain fell and thunderous applause poured out. The actors came onto the stage to bow.

“It was truly moving!”

Selena said excitedly.

“Indeed. Though it was a tragedy, it was truly beautiful.”

Grace also replied, moved to tears.

I smiled and nodded. But my mind was completely filled with other thoughts.

I was concerned about Caesar who hadn’t returned, but I comforted myself that this was better. It was better not to encounter each other. I hadn’t thought about Caesar even once during the past week. I let out a soft sigh and stood up from my seat.

After the opera ended and we came out to the lobby, Rochester was waiting. I knew he’d be here early. He’s really quick to act in situations like this. Still, perhaps because we were outside, he didn’t make a scene while welcoming me. Rochester greeted me like a normal person.

“Did you enjoy it?”

“Yes, it was good.”

“Did you two enjoy it as well?”

“Yes. Very much so.”

I heard Selena answer with a trembling voice.

“Please ride together in the carriage. I’ll escort you.”

Rochester suggested like a normal person. While watching Selena nod, I glanced around the area.

Caesar seemed to have already left. I couldn’t see his distinctive silver hair anywhere.

‘I don’t particularly like opera.’

Then what had he come to see? I felt like I knew the answer, but I wanted to turn away from it.

I held back a sigh. No useless thoughts. I was going to leave all thoughts about Caesar here.

We boarded the carriage one by one. Selena kept talking to Rochester without pause. Fortunately, Rochester responded well so Selena wouldn’t feel embarrassed, and he seemed quite pleased.

Are they a good match…?

As their conversation was winding down, we arrived at Hailboard Estate. While Rochester naturally helped the two of them down, I remained in the carriage and waited. As the carriage departed amid enthusiastic farewells, Rochester spoke up.

“I heard Caesar came too.”

“…It seems like you know everything, not just heard about it?”

That’s exactly the expression he had. Rochester had the look of someone who’d been caught red-handed. He was so startled that even his shoulders flinched.

“You didn’t go home, did you?”

“I was worried about you, so I stayed near the theater.”

That was so typical of Rochester. Well, he could have at least watched the opera. Then again, Rochester really hated this kind of thing. Maybe it’s because he’s someone who prefers physical activity.

“What did Caesar say to you? It looked like you two were having a conversation.”

This is why they say mice hear words spoken at night and birds hear words spoken during the day. Just where was he watching from? I shrugged my shoulders.

“He didn’t say much. Just asking how I was doing? Caesar Prince was the one who saved me. I was just expressing my gratitude for that.”

“Really?”

“I’m telling you it’s true. Are you interrogating me right now?”

“No, that’s not what I’m doing.”

Rochester shrank back again. Then he mumbled with his lips.

“All men are… wolves, didn’t Brother say that?”

“I got it. I’ll be careful.”

After going through that experience with Heyson, my will for romance had completely crumbled. It seemed like it would be good to stay single like this for a while. Spending time with family and friends.

As I thought of my friends’ faces, I suddenly became concerned about the flow of the original story. Too many things had already changed from the original. Some were things I had directly intervened in, and some were parts where I had unintentionally taken Grace’s place.

…Even with all this, would it still flow according to the original development?

Where is the ending of this story heading now? I don’t know if I’m doing well right now.

Moonlight faintly entered through the window. That light reminded me of someone.

The way he looked at me, I can’t forget it.

Why does he look at me with those eyes now? And why am I being swayed by it?

My head was too complicated. I wanted to irresponsibly think that it would be fine as long as it didn’t end in tragedy like the opera I saw today. But still… I swallowed a sigh.

I really don’t know.

＊ ＊ ＊

The Empire at the end of autumn was bustling with the harvest.

The carriage rattled as it traveled through the dense forest path. Outside the window, red and yellow autumn leaves were scattering in the wind. This was the road leading to the Imperial Hunting Grounds where the Harvest Festival hunting competition was being held.

The past three weeks had been peaceful. There were no occasions to encounter Caesar, and no special incidents occurred. I spent more time with Grace and Selena. Rochester wanted to cling to me more, but he couldn’t because of the Knight Order training schedule. He was so disappointed. I was worried he might quit his job and just stay home. Anyway, it was peaceful.

“We have arrived.”

At the coachman’s voice, I looked outside to see enormous pavilions spread out before us.

The Imperial Hunting Grounds were normally off-limits, but during the Harvest Festival period, they were opened to the nobles. Here, they would hunt sacrificial offerings to present to the gods in gratitude, and at the end, they would prepare the game into food to distribute on the streets. They would also hold ceremonies to honor the spirits of the animals sacrificed in the hunt.

It was an event conducted with good intentions. That’s why it had continued for so long, and I heard that among those who went hungry, there were some who waited only for the Harvest Festival hunting season to taste meat.

Mother, Father, and even Rochester. They all attended this event together today. An Imperial Attendant came out to greet us.

“House Regfield is this way.”

The Imperial Attendant guided us.

The location of the pavilions varied according to status. Our family’s pavilion, being a ducal house, was located in the central area. And…

“That’s the Imperial Pavilion over there.”

Looking where Rochester pointed with his chin, I saw the largest and most splendid pavilion erected just a few steps away from our pavilion. There were three pavilions in total, each for the Imperial Couple, the Crown Prince, and Caesar respectively. For this event, the Empress was attending in place of the Empress.

This was also an episode I had read. There would be progress between Caesar and Grace at this event. In the original, this was also where they had their first kiss. But now… everything had gotten so twisted for some reason that it probably wouldn’t go that far.

As we approached our pavilion, it felt more real.

“It’s close.”

It was too close to the Imperial Pavilion. During this 4-day hunting competition, Caesar and I had become next-door neighbors. This meant we couldn’t help but run into each other.

“It’s intentional. So we can easily protect the Imperial Family.”

Rochester explained.

That’s right, House Regfield had held military power for a long time. And Rochester was a Sword Master too. I guess they weren’t confident with just Caesar alone.

When we entered the pavilion, it was more spacious and comfortable than expected. It was too luxurious to call a tent. There was carpet laid out, and proper beds and furniture were arranged. Wow, I’d only seen things like this in movies.

“Reina, get some rest. There will be a banquet in the evening. You can mingle with your friends. However.”

“I’ll be careful and careful again.”

Mother smiled proudly and nodded her head. Without realizing it, I smiled along with Mother.

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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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