I’m Looking for the Male Lead for the Ending - Chapter 7

Chapter 4.2

Vien di Elberg.

What I learned while pursuing the Crown Prince’s route was that he was a proud, arrogant, and self-righteous man. Nevertheless, I always accepted his route regardless of pursuing him and consistently spoke only flattering words to increase his favorability.

But this time was different.

For the first time, I spoke without considering his feelings as I was trying to figure out the right route from what that unknown child mentioned… and as a result, all I got was a 7% health penalty.

D*mn it.

I rolled my eyes at what was, in retrospect, a ridiculous situation.

‘No, it’s okay. Let’s think positively. Stay positive, Ardi Aidelis.’

In a way, my health was still at 93%, right? However, if the penalty for not accepting the route was permanent…

…Yes, let’s avoid it! I just need to dodge and evade until I reach the ending!

The unexpected crisis left me so flustered that I failed to realize the inadequacy of my response as my befuddled mind could only muster thoughts of evading the situation without providing any coherent answers. Stealing a quick glance at Vien, I hastily opened my mouth to speak.

“I apologize, Your Highness. However, I don’t mean…”

“It’s not proper for a gentleman to invite an unmarried lady to a sudden dining occasion.”

I had intended to apologize to Vien and leave, but my eyes widened as Heron blocked my path and spoke in a low, scolding voice.

‘…What’s going on again?’

In front of me, Heron, who had no idea that I was blinking in bewilderment, calmly continued.

“If you extend a formal invitation to a meal in the future, my sister will gladly attend.”

‘A formal invitation to dinner? Did he really eat something wrong?’

I looked up, flustered by the unexpected remark. As Vien’s discontent became evident through his expression, my gaze reflexively shifted to the corner of the system window where my health was displayed. Fortunately, the number still read 93%.

A wave of relief washed over me at the sight.

Judging by his expression as he silently met Heron’s gaze, it seemed he had discerned the underlying message in his words about extending a formal invitation to a dining occasion. Vien’s countenance, who was silent for a moment, shifted and he responded with a gracious smile.

“I let my enthusiasm get ahead of my gentlemanly manners.”

“…”

“Alright, I’ll make a formal arrangement later.”

After exchanging brief greetings with Heron, Vien took the first step. Even if he said that, it was unlikely that he would formally invite me.

‘Because he hates Aidelis.’

A sigh escaped my lips as the situation somehow came to a close.

Haa.

As I let out a sigh, my gaze met Heron’s, and I reflexively turned my head, feeling uncomfortable in the space with just him and me.

At that moment, Heron’s low voice was heard above my head.

“I didn’t think you’d turn down a meal with His Highness the Crown Prince.”

“…Yes?”

“What’s the reason?”

I was silent for a moment at his unexpected question.

What was the reason for declining the meal? Unintentionally, I glanced at the part where my health was displayed. Heron wasn’t a target character, so I didn’t need to worry about his opinion, but my mouth still wouldn’t open readily.

As he waited for my response, he spoke in a voice that sounded somewhat gentle.

“You can be honest.”

“…I can be honest?”

I twitched my lips as I saw Heron nodding his head. If I were to be truly honest, the most straightforward answer would be, ‘Wouldn’t it be funny that he’s inviting me to eat together when I’ve already rejected his route?’

Of course, even if that was true, it wasn’t something I could say so straightforwardly.

While I was contemplating what would be a polite and persuasive response, Heron opened his mouth again as if he was frustrated.

“You came all the way here knowing the reason Father asked you to deliver a letter, Ardi Aidelis.”

“….”

“Is that so?”

His gravelly voice sounded like he was demanding an answer. His demeanor, as if he knew everything about the situation, made my heart drop with a thump.

‘He’s able to figure all of this out just because I delivered a letter with nothing written on it? How…?’

A lump formed in my throat as my confused mind began to spin belatedly. After hesitating for a while, I cautiously posed a question instead of answering his question.

Please consider sending some love either through the translator’s Ko-fi or by leaving a rating/review for this series on novel updates~!