Male Lead, Don’t Follow Me! - Chapter 30

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“As far as we know, nothing as sensitive as this has happened in the capital yet.”

“However, just because it hasn’t happened doesn’t guarantee continued safety.”

Bishwaltz’s words had a point.

Even as I listened to their conversation, I couldn’t take my eyes off Helia.

“Um, what exactly is this purification power?”

I abruptly interjected a question between the two.

I could tell it was more valuable than the spirit power Ephelia possessed.

She could contract with various spirits and use them as if they were her own power.

But the purification power was different. Doesn’t it feel almost like a saint?

That was supposed to be Ephelia’s role. Here, she was the female protagonist who was meant to save everyone and receive attention.

Helia blushed shyly at my words and extended her hand.

“Give me your hand.”

“Pardon?”

“Come on, quickly.”

At her words, I reluctantly placed my hand in hers.

Suddenly, a bright energy flowed through my body. Along with the sensation of blocked energy pathways opening, my entire body felt refreshed.

“…Wow!”

Startled, I looked at Helia. She casually laughed and shook my hand vigorously.

“I’m not sure myself, but it seems my late-manifested power is a purification ability.”

“Then, like before, can you freely create those beautiful flowers imbued with power…?”

“Hmm, perhaps?”

I bit my lip at her words.

In contrast to my reaction, Ephelia focused on the conversation with a calm expression.

Kelpi and Kelpita, who were by her side, were seriously discussing something while looking around the greenhouse.

“You’re truly amazing, Lady Helia!”

“I’m embarrassed by your praise. I’ve simply been training diligently under Spirit User Serna.”

She did seem shy, lowering her head and fidgeting.

If I were Ephelia, I would have been quite flustered in this situation.

Another protagonist threatening my position? Had I missed something? There were no other rivals for her.

But looking at their positions, aren’t these two perfect characters to compete for the female lead role?

I swallowed hard, my heart racing at her appearance.

‘If Helia becomes the female lead, then Bishwaltz… being the male lead.’

Oh? That’s not bad.

As I pondered, turning thoughts over in my head, I lowered the corners of my mouth in a slight grin.

Serhin, who had been staring at me from across the room, glanced between me and Helia, then made a strange expression.

‘Why? What’s with that look?’

I silently questioned Serhin’s odd expression with my eyes.

He just shrugged his shoulders without a word. Knowing he wouldn’t answer even if I asked later, I quickly gave up.

‘Whatever happens, it’s not going badly.’

As long as Ephelia’s and my well-being were guaranteed, Helia’s appearance didn’t matter.

In fact, if attention were to shift to her, we might become freer.

Once her power is revealed, everyone will shift their focus from Ephelia to her.

“Ephelia, remember that plan we discussed? We might actually be able to make it happen now.”

“Oh? Which plan are you referring to?”

“The one about living out our days in peace and quiet.”

“I take it something favorable has occurred?”

Ephelia’s face lit up with a warm smile as she gently tucked a strand of my long hair behind my ear.

Yes, as long as Ephelia can safely live a happy life, what does it matter who else appears?

I suddenly wiped away the shadow that had fallen over my face and grinned.

“…Why have you been smiling all this time?”

“Is smiling not to your liking now?”

At Bishwaltz’s words, I hardened my expression and narrowed my eyes. It’s my face, can’t I even smile? Why, why!

Only then did I notice the attention focused on me as I looked around.

“If you’re dreaming of a happy life, shouldn’t I be included?”

Bishwaltz spoke to me in a tone devoid of emotion, as if he had heard my entire conversation with Ephelia.

No, usually such lines sound romantic, so why do I feel chills?

Unable to respond to his words, I quietly averted my gaze.

‘At least, I won’t be dreaming of spending my life with you, you bastard.’

That must never happen.

Good heavens. As if all the strange events weren’t enough, what on earth is this situation now?

I wanted to tear my hair out as I watched myself strolling in the garden.

I had slipped out alone to clear my head a bit, but suddenly Bishwaltz followed me out.

“No, why are you…”

“Isn’t it my choice to walk in the garden?”

“That’s true. Shall we walk separately then?”

Get lost. That’s what I’m saying.

I couldn’t say it outright, so I spoke indirectly. However, he didn’t even pretend to listen to my words.

He simply walked silently, matching his steps with mine.

“You’re not thinking of killing me when no one’s around, are you?”

“I see you have some conscience left. You’re talking so much because you feel guilty.”

“…Well, when you put it that bluntly, I have nothing to say.”

I didn’t even have the strength to argue. There was no point in lying further; he would just respond as if he knew everything anyway.

“Did you know where I was and come straight after me?”

“Do I look like I have that much free time? Enough to play hide and seek?”

“No.”

I answered immediately. Come to think of it, he only appeared after some time had passed, so he must have been doing something in the Kaibern region. Seeing the strange events happening one after another, the atmosphere here doesn’t seem normal.

“What do you think, Your Grace?”

“About what? The weeds you’ve sprouted?”

“…No. Could you please forget about that?”

“I’ll try.”

Yeah, do as you please. I quickly gave up and walked with my head tilted back, looking at the sky. I’d rather risk a neck disc than walk while looking at him.

My neck was already getting stiff, but I refused to give in easily. I could feel Bishwaltz’s gaze on me.

‘He’s going to bore holes through me with that stare.’

I finally turned my head and met his gaze.

“What! What are you going to say now!”

A surge of indignation welled up inside me. Why won’t he leave me alone? Why, why!

I just wanted to live quietly, but even that wasn’t easy.

They say living an ordinary life is the hardest thing to do, and it’s true.

“Are you really not going to tell me?”

“What? About why my power is so pathetic?”

“No, about how you know so much about me.”

Bishwaltz seemed to have been curious about this all along.

Well, I would be too if I were him. But there was no way I could explain it.

How could I when the words wouldn’t come out of my mouth? No matter how much I shouted, nothing would be heard.

I didn’t want to risk any more vocal nodules on my end.

“Just assume I got to know everything because I like you so much.”

“Your eyes don’t look like those of someone who likes me, though.”

Well, how could I put on a romantic gaze for someone who might kill me?

It was impossible. I really have no talent for acting.

“Can’t you just think of it that way? Do you really need to know?”

“There’s no better way to get closer than learning about each other.”

“…We don’t necessarily need to get closer.”

Bishwaltz’s eyes glinted in the darkness.

I felt intimidated by his gaze, which was like a predator eyeing its prey.

Damn it, I’m someone with a strong attachment to life, so I can’t help but be weak in situations like this. I don’t want to die!

“Let’s get closer then. Haha. Taking a walk together like this, the night seems particularly long today.”

“A dark night is also good for focusing on others.”

“…I don’t think that focus is necessary.”

He laughed softly. His sweet voice crept into my ears, but I widened my eyes, trying not to fall for it.

This is the devil’s whisper. I mustn’t be enchanted. He might bewitch me with his handsome face and then tear me limb from limb.

“Are you opening your eyes wide to see me better?”

I don’t understand how you came to that conclusion.

If I argue here, he’ll probably growl again. He’s not even a dog, for goodness’ sake. Why do male protagonists always make that throat-scratching sound?

‘Ah, Bishwaltz was originally a dog bastard, wasn’t he!’

T/n: Since it wouldn’t make sense if I translate this sentence to “son of a b*tch” here is an explanation to understand Fl’s train of thought. The word 개새끼 = son of a b*tch (is literally “a dog’s offspring”).

I hastily recalled his character and nodded. He’s truly consistent, this one. We continued to stroll through the garden despite the uncomfortable atmosphere.

“What do you think about that Helia person?”

“Me? Are you asking me? I just met her today too.”

I was the one curious about her.

“Ah! You’ve become interested in Helia! Should I try to find out more? Despite appearances, I’m quite the informant—”

“You seem to be delighted every time I show interest in someone else.”

Busted.

This was my problem. My emotions show so plainly that others can easily see through me.

I can’t change my personality, so it’s quite troublesome. But what can I do? I was born this way, and this is who I am.