I Lied to the Male Lead with My Pinky Finger on the Line

 

 

For several days after that day, my mind was in turmoil.

 

I had a vague idea that I would have to get married someday.

 

At the moment, I’m keeping my distance from any formal courtship activities, but it is almost unimaginable in the conventions of this world to remain single until death.

 

Duke Rojasis is a high-ranking noble who boasts the highest status in the Palma Empire.

 

I thought I might meet someone worthy of the family name, but I never dreamed it could be a crown prince.

 

‘No matter what, he’s a crown prince. It’s unbelievable.’

 

Raphir said that if I wanted, he would allow me to continue my magical research, but realistically speaking, it was almost impossible.

 

Being a crown princess or an Empress also comes with significant responsibilities and roles.

 

Even if I wanted to continue my magical research, realistically it would be limited to hobbies like horseback riding or playing musical instruments.

 

‘In the end, it’s like being trapped. No, it could be even worse than now.’

 

The life I dreamt of was far from reality. In my past life and now.

 

At first, Raphir’s proposal seemed sudden and surprising, but after calmly thinking about it, I felt like I somewhat understood why he chose me.

 

A crown prince has far greater restrictions than I do when it comes to choosing a spouse.

 

The imminent selection of a crown princess would undoubtedly consist of high-ranking noble maidens, all claiming to be the best fit for the role.

 

‘Well, if I had to choose among them anyway, it would have been better if I knew someone among them.’ 

 

It’s true that I’ve grown fond of him over the past five years.

 

…Although it’s mostly an unpleasant affection.

 

Raphir told me to take my time and think it over, but in reality, the answer was almost predetermined.

 

Apart from whether my father would allow it or not, it was a burdensome position.

 

‘I’ll wait for an opportunity and politely decline….’

 

    *****

 

That evening.

 

We sat down to dinner as a family for the first time in a long time.

 

Except, of course, for my oldest brother, Heufeln.

 

He was still on the battlefield, as he had been for seven years.

 

Now he has followed our father Julion’s footsteps and held the position of commander of the Magic Corps.

 

He hadn’t married yet. Considering that many of his comrades and subordinates who had lived on the frontlines for over ten years were married and had children, it was an uncommon choice.

 

As the eldest son of the Duke’s family, Heufeln also had the responsibility to carry on the family name.

 

But his intention regarding marriage was clear.

 

「I have a body that could die at any time. If I marry under these circumstances, all I’m going to do is leave a woman alone and a widow. I don’t want to do such a thing to my future spouse.」

 

Father respected Heufeln and never forced him to marry against his will.

 

The two younger brothers below Heufeln were also unmarried.

 

Nita, with a hint of resignation, said, “Our eldest brother is still single, so how can I…,” while Aslan simply shook his head, saying, “I don’t have any thoughts about it for the time being.”

 

Considering the three brothers of Rojasis, who were the hottest prospective grooms in the kingdom, it was certain that there would be no shortage of young ladies secretly sighing.

 

“We received an invitation from the palace. There’s a ball this weekend,” Nita said.

 

Father glanced at him briefly but then returned his gaze to his plate.

 

“What shall we do?”

 

“We should have at least one of us attend. Either one of you can go. It doesn’t matter.”

 

It was clear that I was being excluded from the beginning.

 

I had anticipated it enough, so it didn’t surprise me at all.

 

What surprised me was Nita’s reaction.

 

“Shouldn’t Eila come with us this time?”

 

Father’s straight brow slightly furrowed at the suggestion.

 

“Brother Nita, it’s okay…”

 

Nita held up a hand to stop me from speaking.

 

“I understand Father’s concerns very well. However, if the two of us go together, there won’t be any unfortunate incidents.”

 

“It might be relatively better since it’s hosted by the palace, but I don’t feel like sending Eila to a masquerade ball or similar event is a wise decision.”

 

“Actually, I think it’s okay precisely because it’s a masked ball. Our identities won’t be revealed, so there won’t be any attention or misunderstandings that Eila has re-entered society. As I mentioned earlier, Aslan and I will take good care of her.”

 

“…….”

 

“…Come to think of it, it’s been a long time since we’ve been to a banquet together.”

 

Aslan, who had been quietly observing the situation, interjected.

 

This year, at the age of twenty-four, Aslan had become the youngest-ever appointed professor after graduating from the Academy and working as a researcher.

 

“It will be a good memory for Eila as well. Please, Father.”

 

“…….”

 

Father remained silent for a while in response to Nita’s repeated words.

 

“Fine, I understand.”

 

Finally getting his permission, Nita’s expression, which had been so serious that he seemed like a different person, brightened up.

 

“Thank you, Father.”

 

“But I have one condition. Don’t stay past midnight. Nita and Aslan, make sure to bring her home.”

 

“That goes without saying. Don’t worry.”

 

Nita turned to me and winked.

 

‘…Sigh. I never even said I wanted to go.’

 

The truth is, I wasn’t particularly fond of social events.

 

The concept of playing hard to get and mingling with a crowd of unmarried men in an ambiguous space didn’t suit my temperament at all.

 

I didn’t particularly enjoy dancing either.

 

Standing for too long made my feet ache.

 

Still, I was grateful and touched to see Nita showing such enthusiasm for me.

 

At first, my brothers, who cherished me so much that they were not much different from my father, seemed to have complicated feelings as I grew older each year.

 

Raphir mentioned hearing rumors directly, so my brothers must have heard various things from outside.

 

“Thank you, both of you.”

 

After leaving the dining hall, I expressed my gratitude to my brothers.

 

“Is it just words?”

 

Nita asked with a mischievous expression.

 

“…Well?”

 

“In the old days, you used to cuddle up and even give a peck on my cheek at times like this.”

 

“That was when we were younger. Wouldn’t it be creepy to do that now that I’m all grown up?”

 

“Creep…what?”

 

Both of my brothers simultaneously frowned. It was as if they had heard a severe insult.

 

“Then you’re really not going to do it?”

 

“Ugh.”

 

I hesitantly approached Nita, took a step forward, and kissed his cheek.

 

“How about a hug?”

 

“…….”

 

I sighed and lightly embraced Nita before letting go.

 

“Technically, it should be a hug and a kiss….”

 

“Oh, come on. Just go away.”

 

I pushed Nita away, and he stumbled back, kicking his legs.

 

Without thinking, I approached Aslan next, but Nita intervened.

 

“Wait. What did he do to you, are you going to do it to him?”

 

“What are you talking about? I just returned the favor.”

 

“He just said a few meaningless words. It’s unfair if he gets the same reward as me.”

 

Perhaps realizing that it wasn’t an entirely incorrect statement, Aslan unusually didn’t argue.

 

He clicked his tongue in frustration.

 

“If you’re going to be petty…”

 

“If you have a problem, you should have made an effort too.”

 

I looked back and forth at my brothers, with a furrowed forehead.

 

“…So, am I going to do it or not?”

 

“Do it.”

 

“Don’t.”

 

“…….”

 

A spark ignited between my two brothers as they glared at each other.

 

I shook my head in frustration and retreated to my room.

 

*****

 

On that Saturday night, I emerged from my room dressed in the outfit I had prepared.

 

My brothers, who were waiting in the hallway on the first floor, turned their expectant faces towards the sound of my footsteps, but simultaneously furrowed their brows.

 

“…What is that supposed to be?”

 

“What? You don’t like it?”

 

I spun in place, examining myself.

 

As per the idea provided by Silvia, I had disguised myself as the male protagonist from the novel she liked.

 

I had my hair neatly tied in a single strand behind my back, and I was wearing a white suit similar to Nita’s royal guard uniform.

 

The tightly fitted fabric on my chest felt a bit constricting, but visually, I appeared flat-chested like a man.

 

“It’s not bad, but I don’t know… It’s a bit different from what I imagined…”

 

Nita said with a complicated expression.