I Like Another Man, Not the Male Lead - Chapter 43

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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 43

So Caesar wouldn’t receive anything at this hunting competition? I couldn’t help but feel concerned about it.

“Rochester… probably doesn’t have any promises with any Young Lady.”

“Then I could, ahem. I could give him a Five-Colored Ribbon.”

Selena’s fingertips were red and swollen as she said this. Selena hid her hands as if embarrassed.

“I don’t have this kind of handicraft skill. I worked really hard on it, but it took a long time. I had to undo it many times too. So my fingers…”

“It’s so beautiful, Selena.”

Selena’s eyes widened.

That heart itself was so beautiful. And on one hand, I was envious too. Having someone to pour your heart into like that. Thinking of my own failed love life made me feel it even more. The most recent one was Heyson. A perfectly ruined romance.

“Do you think Rochester Regfield will accept it happily?”

Rochester had never once received such a thing before. Rochester had excellent conditions on the surface. Because of that, there were quite a few women who coveted Rochester. There were always many Young Ladies who wanted to give Rochester a Five-Colored Ribbon at hunting competitions.

According to Reina’s memories, that is. But Rochester had never once accepted them.

I recalled Rochester’s recent reactions toward Selena.

‘You met Selena today, I heard.’

‘She came to the Knight Order. Said she was bringing Matthias some clothes.’

‘What kind of conversation did you have with Selena?’

‘She said she didn’t want to go alone, so I escorted her home.’

‘…Really? Why?’

‘She seemed to want me to escort her.’

Still, he seemed somewhat kind. Subtly probing Rochester because of Selena had become routine.

There was another memory too.

‘Selena really seems like a good friend, Brother. She takes really good care of me. And she takes good care of her own sister too.’

‘That chaotic household staying together might be thanks to the Hailboard Princess, Reina.’

His evaluation was quite generous too. Hmm…, as expected…

“…I think he’ll accept it. I believe he will.”

“Even if he doesn’t accept it, I’ll be fine, Reina. We’re not close enough for that yet anyway.”

Selena said cheerfully. Then Selena, who had been hiding her hands behind her back, held out another Five-Colored Ribbon to me. It was a ribbon made in softer colors than the one she had made earlier.

“This one is for you, Reina.”

“For me?”

My eyes widened.

But I’m not even going hunting? There was no need for me to have such a thing.

“I can’t hunt, Selena. So I’ll be staying at the pavilion.”

“I know that. But still, I’d like you to carry it with you. They say the Five-Colored Ribbon given at hunting competitions protects the person who receives it. That’s why it has to be made by hand. With full sincerity. It’s nothing much, but I hope this will protect you, Reina. Oh, Grace. I have one for you too.”

Selena distributed the decorative ribbons to Grace and me, one each. Though the workmanship was bumpy and clumsy, it was filled with Selena’s sincere heart.

“…Thank you.”

What kind of friend gives a gift like this? I’m truly touched.

I hugged Selena tightly. Selena personally wrapped the decorative ribbon around my wrist.

My heart sparkled at that. I held my breath for a moment at Selena’s touch as she tied the five-colored ribbon around my wrist. Even after Selena pulled her hands away, that sensation lingered for a long time. Enough to make my fingertips tingle. It was as if a small heart was beating on my wrist. So this is what it feels like. It was a sweet, aching feeling that made me understand why people in this world are so obsessed with this ribbon.

＊ ＊ ＊

After sunset, a welcome banquet was held in the main tent. It was an event to officially announce the start of the hunting competition. People’s faces sparkled with faint anticipation.

An attendant blew a horn. His cheeks, puffed up from blowing the horn with all his might, gleamed in the bonfire light. It’s like having a campfire.

“His Majesty enters!”

The Emperor and Crown Prince entered in succession.

It had been a long time since the Crown Prince participated in an imperial event. He had successfully completed strengthening national defense while touring the borders. Thanks to that, Father had been busy working until recently too. I heard he’s been resting a bit in the Imperial Palace since then.

Since I was far away and could glance at the Imperial Family from the corner of my eye, I examined the Crown Prince’s appearance. There was nothing different from the impression Reina had given me. He still looked quite different from Caesar Prince. His hair was darker than Caesar Prince’s, and he looked more ruthless.

His name was Kedrak. Crown Prince Kedrak was a figure with quite solid standing. As the Empress’s son who had great influence on state affairs, he was making the foundation the Empress provided even more solid with his own abilities. He was the Empress’s pride.

And in the original work, his relationship with Caesar Prince was relatively smooth. Caesar Prince devoted himself to the Knight Order, and Kedrak was originally said to be very interested in military power. It was a notable setting since it’s rare to see Imperial Family brothers who get along well in romance fantasy novels.

Since the Crown Princess hadn’t budged from the Imperial Palace for safety reasons after becoming pregnant, the Crown Prince entered alone.

Next, Caesar Prince and Viviana Imperial Consort entered. Viviana Imperial Consort was wearing a red dress that looked like blood, making it feel somehow ominous. She had a lovely smile on her face. She really is a beauty.

I used to be completely taken in by that face and firmly believed she was a kind person, but now I felt wary. She used Heyson to separate me from Caesar Prince, right? Appearances can indeed be deceiving.

The Emperor raised his glass. People simultaneously raised their glasses.

“I hope this year will also be a bountiful harvest festival. May glory be with those of you who attended this gathering.”

The Emperor’s toast followed.

I stood next to Rochester and quietly sipped champagne. Oh, this tastes pretty good?

But that peace didn’t last long. The surroundings became quiet, and then someone approached.

“Reina.”

Viviana Imperial Consort’s voice sent chills down my spine.

“Imperial Consort.”

I bowed my head deeply in greeting. She was the Emperor’s favored consort. No matter what resentment I harbored, I couldn’t show it. This is a class-based society. I had to keep that in mind.

“It’s been a long time, Imperial Consort. Have you been well?”

“Thanks to you. Reina seems to have become even more beautiful.”

I had the illusion of red roses blooming profusely. It was such a beautiful smile. The Imperial Consort’s gaze swept over my neck. It was where I had been cut by the knife before. It felt like that spot was being cut again, so I gently brushed my neck with my hand. It was perfectly fine, so why did I feel that way?

“Tomorrow afternoon, I’m planning to invite the noble Young Ladies for tea. It gets too boring with just those who remain.”

Viviana Imperial Consort winked lovingly. Everything about her seemed natural. Someone who smiles like that thinks different thoughts inside? That’s truly remarkable. It’s a different kind of surprising charm from Selena. I really don’t need this kind of surprise.

“I hope Reina will come to that gathering too.”

This was an order. One that couldn’t be refused. Viviana was urging my answer with a smile. How could I refuse an invitation from the Emperor’s favored Imperial Consort? Everyone here is watching only me.

No wait, since Viviana Imperial Consort is pretending to be benevolent, couldn’t I refuse by saying I’m sick?

“Cough. I have cold symptoms…”

“Oh my. Are you alright, Reina? As it happens, I have effective cold medicine in my pavilion. I’ll send some over, so why don’t you try taking it…”

“I had it but I’m better now, Your Majesty. I’ll definitely attend tomorrow.”

Tsk, it didn’t work.

The Empress smiled with satisfaction as she passed by. A rich lingering fragrance tickled my nose.

The people’s gazes that had been focused on me scattered once again. It was thanks to Empress Viviana extending invitations to several other noble young ladies besides me.

Did she invite me without any particular meaning? That must be it, right?

I let out a soft sigh from my needless anxiety. Still, since Grace and Selena were also invited together, it should be safe if I go with those girls.

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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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