I Was a Supporting Character

And finally, the day of the cherry blossom festival arrived.

It wasn’t just an ordinary festival. It was the day to confirm whether the novel’s ‘pillar’ would appear, and also the day for my first date with Ares. In short, in my twenty years of life, there has never been a day as important as today!

With more tension than my debut day in high society, I had to take deep breaths and calm my pounding heart. Today was not just a festival, but also a day to confirm the existence of the novel’s ‘pillar.’ It was also the day for my first date with Ares. It was safe to say that this day was the most important day in my twenty years of life!

I was so nervous that I even skipped breakfast, causing my parents to worry, thinking I might be feeling unwell.

According to the novel’s ‘pillar,’ Lea realizes her feelings while enjoying the cherry blossom festival with Ares.

Ares has already promised to go to the festival with me. So, if the ‘pillar’ doesn’t appear, it’s practically the same, then why am I so nervous?

It’s probably because of Ares. Even if I am a resilient woman, it’s only natural to be nervous when going on a date for the first time with someone I’ve secretly liked alone, without anyone knowing!

The mansion’s servants were also lively today. In fact, it’s too cold to enjoy the winter ice festival at the lake properly. A warm spring like today makes it perfect for an outing. I noticed servants here and there trying to figure out how they could enjoy the festival, possibly pairing up unknowingly.

Chuckle, I should cut them some slack today.

The day before, according to the letter from Ares delivered by the postal worker, he said he would come to pick me up in the morning. If all goes well, he would become the Earl today.

Please, let nothing go wrong. Since I don’t want this world and Ares to be entangled, I wouldn’t feel at ease until I see his face directly.

I sat quietly at the desk, adorned in a light dress and subtle makeup, with an anxious heart thumping.

On the desk, there was a diary that I always lock, recording the facts that have unfolded since the day I met the ‘writer’ until now, the contents of the original novel, and predictions for the future. I opened the diary and added one more sentence.

[On the day of the cherry blossom festival, will the novel’s ‘pillar’ – the main couple’s date and the self-awareness of the female protagonist Lea – appear?]

I underlined that sentence nervously. Then, I drew an arrow and added a note.

[I went on a date with Ares.]

After writing it and reading it with my eyes, I felt a bit relieved. Today, the ‘pillar’ would not appear.

Just watch, dear ‘writer.’

Burning with excitement, I heard a knock accompanied by the butler’s voice from outside.

“Miss Bianca. Lord Ares has arrived.”

Ah! He’s here! He successfully arrived as the Earl!

Only then did my heart truly relax, and the tension released. At the same time, I found it challenging to suppress a smile that kept wanting to break out.

Swiftly locking the diary again, I grabbed a small handbag and a hat and left the room.

Ares was waiting for me in the drawing-room, dressed in a white shirt with a light jacket. Fortunately, it matched well with the white dress I was wearing. It was a relief. Even if we went out together, we wouldn’t look awkward due to our attire.

He was, as always, dazzling.

“Ares.”

I looked at him brightly, smiling. Ares, too, greeted me with a bright smile.

“Bianca. It was tough waiting until today. Really tough.”

At least until he falls for Lea, Ares didn’t hide his emotions from me. Perhaps because his feelings were already exposed, he seemed to have given up hiding them altogether.

He extended his hand for escorting. After briefly looking at that hand, I lightly placed my hand on top of his.

“Shall we go now?”

In response to Ares’ question, I smiled and nodded. Ares helped me into the carriage, and as we set off, he took the reins.

The carriage rattled and began moving. Enjoying the pleasant spring breeze mixed with the scent of flowers, we headed to the bustling square where the festival was taking place.

During the carriage ride, I felt a light tension in my body.

The novel’s ‘pillar’ is still the ‘pillar,’ but right now, that’s not the issue. The problem is that Ares is sitting right beside me, holding the reins! Wow, my heart is trembling!