Male Lead, Don’t Follow Me! - Chapter 25

His personality is nasty… But they say even when you’re angry, seeing a handsome face can calm you down. Well, that seems to be true.

‘Get a grip! If you fall for that face, your life will be ruined.’

I slapped both my cheeks and took a deep breath. Bishwaltz, who had been watching my one-man show, spoke in a low voice.

“I’m sorry, but that won’t do.”

“What?”

“I’m saying you don’t have a choice.”

“No, usually in a relationship, both parties like each other and discuss…”

“Discussion? Do you think it’s appropriate for you to mention that word to me?”

“…Isn’t it?”

I silently lowered my head. With my eyes tightly shut, alarm bells were ringing in my head.

Bishwaltz gathered the documents, arranged them, and sealed them with his stamp without changing his expression.

“I’ll send it as is, so you can prepare and leave with Lady Kirin tomorrow.”

“…Why Ephelia?”

My head lifted at the sudden mention of her name.

No way. Ephelia shouldn’t be with you. Why did I go through all this trouble?

Seeing my flashing eyes, Bishwaltz wore a puzzled expression.

“Didn’t you say you wanted to go together before? I proceeded with it because you two seemed particularly close, so your expression is unexpected. I thought the Kaibern region was also expecting her to come along.”

That was when you weren’t coming along. Now that you’re going, there’s no reason for Ephelia to come too.

“I think I can go alone.”

“That’s not possible.”

“Why not!”

Eek! Everything is a no. I shouted in an exasperated voice. Everything is just as he wants. Then why ask for consent? Just drag me along.

I glared at Bishwaltz.

“I think you know the reason better than anyone.”

He pointed to the tree outside the window and sneered at me. It was clearly mockery.

‘Damn it.’

I couldn’t argue back as I remembered the flower tree that had surprised everyone at the banquet. Right, they wouldn’t want a useless spirit mage to come along.

My mouth felt bitter as I suddenly realized my insignificance.

“Is there a problem?”

“How could there be? Yes, yes, you can ignore what I said.”

I stared at the document without another word. Well, it’s not like I absolutely have to go, right? I should think about agreeing for now and then running away.

“You seem to be scheming something right now.”

“Oh my, it must be your imagination.”

I hurriedly erased the cunning look in my eyes and smiled brightly.

“What could I possibly do? I’ve even signed the contract so obediently.”

“That’s what makes it more suspicious.”

He stared at me with a thoroughly doubtful expression. As he watched my hand taking the document, he pulled at the edge of the paper.

“If you try any funny business, even the slightest, know that it won’t be amusing.”

He’s quick to catch on. I felt guilty for no reason and avoided his gaze.

“…Yes.”

I felt goosebumps at the hint of killing intent in his subdued voice.

“But why do you want to go somewhere else instead of staying in the capital?”

He seemed suddenly curious. It must have looked quite suspicious that I alone wanted to go down to the provinces when everyone else wanted to stay in the capital.

‘Well, I can’t tell you that I was trying to get away from you.’

I quickly came up with a plausible excuse.

“As you know, I’m a spirit mage but I can’t use my power properly, right?”

“True, even if you said you weren’t a spirit mage, I’d believe it.”

“…You don’t have to put it so bluntly.”

“Am I wrong?”

“No, you’re right. This useless me is going with the thought of training? I thought going to another region might be more helpful than staying in the capital.”

“That makes sense.”

Bishwaltz strongly agreed with my words. Somehow, it hurt my pride. It was true that I could spend more relaxed time in the provinces than in the capital. Thanks to following Ephelia around, I didn’t have enough time to train.

Of course, there were good points too. She helped me diligently to draw out my power. Thanks to that, I learned to use a little power, even if it turned out like this.

“Still, it was quite impressive.”

“Pardon?”

He remained silent at my question. Seeing his tightly closed lips, I shook my head slightly.

‘I must have misheard.’

A compliment from that rude mouth? Impossible. If it were true, I’d be dancing here, shaking my hips.

“But why did you become a spirit mage?”

I couldn’t answer Bishwaltz’s question. If I said it was to protect Ephelia, what expression would he make?

“Because there’s someone I need to protect.”

At my vague words, the corner of his mouth twitched.

Yeah, laugh all you want. But surprisingly, I’m protecting Ephelia from you.

Although I’ve become the sacrifice, hasn’t her life been extended a bit because of this?

If she can live a happy life, maybe I’ll become a little happier too. After all, I’m the female protagonist’s friend.

“It’s surprising that someone like you, with such weak spirit power, has someone to protect.”

“Doesn’t everyone have at least one such person? Ah, I guess Duke Bishwaltz doesn’t.”

How could a person without any empathy understand such emotions?

I raised the corner of my mouth, mimicking his expression. His expression subtly changed as he lightly brushed his chin.

The air suddenly became tense. I didn’t like Bishwaltz’s attitude.

As expected, he tilted his head to the side as he sat with his legs crossed.

After carefully examining me, he said nonchalantly.

“Why wouldn’t I? I have a hidden woman right here.”

“……”

His voice felt like a cold wind to me. Like a wind that finds its way through even when firmly blocked.

I had underestimated what kind of person he was.

The fact that he was crazier than I thought…

***

Back home, I paced around the room anxiously.

“What should I do? Do I really have to go with him? I think my eyes might have rolled back for a moment.”

In fact, Bishwaltz was no different than usual. That was what made it more unsettling.

This is why they say people with guilty consciences can’t sleep at night.

I buried my face in the bed and screamed.

“It’s ruined! Absolutely ruined!”

What on earth did I do so wrong for things to get this tangled?

Not only did he catch me, but I couldn’t control my anger for a moment and walked right into the lion’s den.

I must have been momentarily insane. I had given him decisive evidence, so there was no way to back out now.

I remembered the few magic scrolls left in the drawer.

“Well, he’s not going to kill me, right?”

I hurriedly packed the necessary things and left a note on the table. I was worried about Ena, who might be surprised to find me gone in the morning.

‘Mother, Father. I’m sorry. Your unworthy daughter has caused trouble again.’

I hope you won’t be too shocked.

I tore one scroll and headed straight for Ephelia’s mansion.

The darkness settling in the night sky and the bright moonlight made it a perfect night for a midnight escape.