I’m Looking for the Male Lead for the Ending - Chapter 64

Chapter 33.1

At his words, the atmosphere in the room suddenly shifted. Perideline mumbled in a dazed tone as if she didn’t understand what Estieren had just said.

“Brother, what in the world are you saying…”

Eventually, I parted my tightly closed lips as I met Estieren’s clear blue eyes, which were fixed intently on mine.

“Are you suggesting, Your Highness, that since people are misunderstanding us, we should actually become lovers to put an end to this injustice?”

Although I asked him the meaning of what he’d just said, I wasn’t really expecting an answer. I could tell from his gaze that he likely wouldn’t say anything.

As I smiled at him, who stayed silent just as I had anticipated, I parted my lips again.

“If that’s what you meant, I’ll have to decline. As I mentioned, this doesn’t bother me much.”

“Does it really not bother you to be misunderstood by others and put in awkward situations because of it?”

His response came with a strange tone, as though he found it strange that I thought nothing of it.

“Even if we’re not truly lovers, it’s true that I received the ornament from you. So I don’t think there’s any reason to feel wronged.”

“….”

“So, in a way, the current situation is something I brought upon myself.”

To be honest, when he first suggested the idea of actually dating, I was tempted. After all, if we became lovers as he suggested, it would probably be easier to raise his favorability toward me. But as I looked into his eyes, I realized it might not be the best idea.

His gaze was no different from those of other targets I had encountered before.

‘It’s probably just a mix of curiosity and interest.’

For a moment, silence settled between us.

It was Estieren who broke it first.

“I didn’t expect to be turned down.”

“But you’re not hurt by it, are you?”

My casual response softened the peculiar expression on his face, and he let out a pleasant smile.

“No, not yet.”

His eyes narrowed playfully as he replied with words that held a hint of ambiguity. Then, shedding his earlier playfulness, Estieren spoke in a lowered voice.

“I’m worried about you, my lady.”

“For… a number of reasons?”

Recalling a memory that had suddenly resurfaced, I asked him cautiously.

He responded with a relaxed smile.

“Yes, for a number of reasons.”

“….”

“And if the day ever comes when those reasons start to hold real meaning for me, when each word you say begins to carry significance, then I think that’s when your refusal would truly hurt me.”

His calm words left me momentarily breathless. His gaze held mine in silence, and a voice, deeper and more subdued than before, escaped him.

“…Perhaps it’s already happened.”

Just then, a system window appeared with a ringing sound.

̊ · : * ✧ * : · ̊

“My lady, wouldn’t it be best for you to rest today?”

“Yes, I will. I’ll just spend a little time writing in my journal.”

“Then please, only write in your journal and make sure to get some rest.”

“Don’t worry, I will. You should get some rest too, Marie. You’ve worked hard today.”

‘In truth, I’m not writing a journal but organizing information about the system.’

Swallowing the truth I couldn’t reveal, I waved her off with a smile.

Marie, who had hesitated in the doorway for a moment at that sight, pursed her lips and spoke.

“I-I heard something at the Grand Duke’s household today. They said I can get additional treatments without charge, all thanks to you.”

“Huh?”

“His Highness the Grand Duke said he felt he hadn’t been able to properly help the Young Lady today, so he’s making sure I get the assistance I need to fully recover!”

My eyes widened in surprise at Marie’s unexpected news. The promise of helping her until she was fully recovered was something I hadn’t even known about.

Not noticing my expression, Marie continued, her cheeks slightly flushed.

“So, I really wanted to thank you again. It’s because of you that I’m able to receive this treatment.”

Her words deepened my sense of guilt. Perhaps due to my involvement with Diel, she had ended up in this situation, yet there wasn’t the slightest hint of resentment from her.

“No, Marie. You were affected by the petrification spell because the Master of the Magic Tower came looking for me.”

At my apology, Marie looked briefly confused before quickly waving both hands.

“It’s not your fault at all, my lady! Absolutely not! So please, don’t ever think that way!”

“Marie…”