I Was a Supporting Character

After meeting the ‘author’ for the second time, I decided to take the initiative and complete the things I needed to do before I die.

Since the ‘author’ seems to be thoroughly enjoying watching how the novel unfolds from the perspective of a bystander, clinging to it further wouldn’t be of any use.

I sat in front of the desk and opened the empty notebook I had prepared for writing. Then, I meticulously listed the things I should do before I die.

Ultimately, I decided to title it “Loving People While Living” because I had resolved to live while loving people.

And the people I should love…

The first that came to mind was, of course, my parents. And immediately, my heart felt heavy.

My beloved parents will soon see me leave this world before them. The greatest filial impiety is said to be dying before one’s parents, and it seems I am about to commit that filial impiety.

No matter what words are used to console them, I can’t ease their sadness. But at least, what I consider fortunate is that I can prepare things in advance for them.

…But what should I prepare?

Should I write a letter? Or perhaps draw a picture?

Since material things wouldn’t help comfort my parents, it seemed better to prepare things filled with my emotions. Both a letter and a drawing, let’s do both!.

I decided to write the letter later and started with drawing first. I wanted to depict the harmonious appearance of our family, but since I couldn’t have both of them as models, I had to rely on my imagination as much as possible.

Now, where should I go to draw? The weather is nice, so outdoors is perfect! Once the decision was made, I soon found myself on a horse heading towards a shallow valley with the pleasant sound of clear water.

I silently congratulated myself for choosing to draw outside. Drawing charcoal inside the Marquis’s mansion might have risked being discovered by the servants.

As expected of a socialite, my drawing skills were among the best. Let me emphasize again: I didn’t become a socialite flower through idle sitting and relying on my looks. It was a rightful reward earned through more than a decade of hard work and effort, surpassing anyone else.

The valley I reached on horseback hadn’t attracted anyone yet, perhaps because it was still spring. Getting off the horse, I dipped my hand in the water, and it was still quite cold.

A little farther from the valley, there was a small grassy field, mostly covered with clover. I spread the handkerchief I brought to sit on, ensuring the wet grass wouldn’t touch my clothes.

I remembered playing in this valley when I was young. Then, an idea for the painting popped into my mind.

Holding the charcoal in my hand, I carefully sketched the scenery of the valley. Since I brought enough bread slices, I could make corrections without any issues.

I wanted to capture the most peaceful and joyful moments of my past. It was a time when I could laugh comfortably under the shade of my parents, without any worries or concerns.

Come to think of it, this valley was where I learned to swim. With the help of my parents and various maids and servants, I mastered various survival swimming techniques from a young age. Thanks to that, although I may not be swift in the water, I can confidently say I have the stamina to endure for a long time. Even if I were to die, drowning is probably not on the table.

However, that doesn’t mean I should underestimate the water. The most perilous individuals in the water are often those who boast about being good swimmers in their own way. Especially in such cold water, extra caution is needed.

A mountain breeze blew down the valley from the upper reaches of the gorge. While I was sketching, a sudden gust of wind caused my hat, which I had temporarily taken off, to fly and land in the creek.

“Phew… I should retrieve it.”

Fortunately, it hadn’t fallen into a deep area, so I could probably retrieve it without swimming.

I picked up some rocks nearby and pressed down on the sketch paper to prevent it from being carried away by the wind. Then, I approached the creek. I tried reaching it with a long tree branch, but it was just out of reach.

Hmm… It seems like I might have to walk into the water.

I took off my high-heeled shoes that I had worn and placed them a bit away to keep them from getting wet. Stepping on the pebbles with bare feet felt like intense pressure, causing pain.

“Ouch!”

With each step, a healthy feeling of pain, almost like a massage, transmitted through the soles of my feet.

Worried that the hem of my skirt might touch the water, I boldly rolled it up to my thighs and gripped it tightly with one hand. It was only possible because no one was around; otherwise, I might have given up on the hat.

Translators: Stardust. Read on moonlight novels only

As the skirt hem, which was dragging on the ground, disappeared, my movements became much more comfortable. I cautiously moved step by step into the icy cold creek.

“Brr, it’s cold!”

An involuntary sound of distress escaped from my mouth. Fortunately, after only a few steps, I managed to grab the hat.

“Phew, let’s get out…”

Even though my hair was already soaked and I wouldn’t be able to go back without wearing it, washing and drying it would allow me to use it again next time.

I gripped the hat and straightened my hunched back. And in that moment, my heart skipped a beat, startled to the point of pounding.

“Bianca?”

Ahh! Who could be here in this gorge?

Without even turning around to confirm the owner of the calling voice, I was already in a state of panic. The renowned beauty of high society, showing off her thighs in the water like this!

I turned my head so stiffly that it might make a creaking sound if I moved. Before confirming the person calling me, I was already in a state of panic. Oh no! It was really Ares Stanley!

“Oh, hello… Um… hi.”

I stood there awkwardly, not even thinking about releasing the grip on the hem of my skirt. It was the first time in my life that I felt this embarrassed without even needing to look in a mirror!

Even with my knees numb from being submerged in the cold creek water, I couldn’t seem to move a step.

No, how could I walk with him staring at me with a flushed face like that!?

“Uh, the water is still cold. Maybe you should start coming out…”

Oh, he’s still relatively composed. It seems like he can regain his senses and speak so quickly!

However, in front of him, who was staring at me with a red face, how could I possibly walk smoothly!