Starting a new love affair with so few days left might seem foolish to some. I admit that my decision was somewhat selfish, driven by the desire to spend the remaining time without regrets.
Am I sorry for Leia, the heroine?
Honestly, no. Eventually, she will claim Ares after I depart, and compared to her, I’m merely enjoying Ares’s love for a brief moment.
Heh. This must be the mindset of a desirable villainess supporting character, don’t you think?
Regardless, the “pillar” will continue to appear, and I’ve become a villainess who Leah can’t ignore.
However, I’m not concerned about it now. Time is short for me, and I simply want to enjoy what I desire before I go.
I didn’t want to gossip like a child throughout the neighborhood about my relationship with Ares. Nevertheless, I felt I should talk to Metis, so the next morning, I went to her salon.
When I opened the salon door and entered, Metis, who seemed to have just arrived, was instructing the servants who were cleaning the salon. She looked surprised when she saw my face.
“Oh my, Bianca! Coming so early, what’s going on?”
“Hehe. I’ve been a bit diligent for once, haven’t I?”
She narrowed her eyes, then took my hand and led me into a room within the salon.
“You must have a lot you want to ask me, don’t you?” she said.
Judging by her expression, she seemed to already know what she wanted to ask. I sighed softly and replied,
“Is it about the cherry blossom festival?”
“Yes! You said it! What happened? I heard you were walking around holding hands with Ares Stanley!”
The news spread fast indeed. Metis’s network of information was truly impressive.
As I chuckled, she continued to press me.
“After all the places he’s been, did you really think no one would notice?”
“Well, it’s not like that…”
Metis crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow, staring at me. Feeling pressured to explain quickly, I glanced around nervously.
“Um… I’ve decided to start dating Ares since yesterday. This is the first time I’m telling you. I haven’t even told my parents yet…”
s I was speaking, Metis exclaimed, “Wow!” and covered her face with both hands.
“Oh my, oh my! You really became lovers with Ares Stanley? That’s amazing, Bianca! You’re truly something!”
I frowned slightly. “What’s so amazing about that?”
“You managed to break through that ironclad Ares Stanley! As far as I know, you might be the first. His official lover!”
“He might see it that way too. ‘Wow, impressive, Bianca Uranos brought down that high-nosed Ares!'”
“Well… I can’t deny that.”
“Just look at that.”
I chuckled softly. Having confessed the truth to Metis, it felt like I had completed what I needed to do.
“But it’s quite unexpected. Honestly, I thought Ares Stanley was closer to lady Saturnos.”
Her surprise wasn’t unreasonable. Ares claimed to keep his distance from Leia in his own way, but that understanding required knowing the details. To an outsider, Ares and Leia had engaged in actions open to misinterpretation.
“I thought so too at first, but listening closely, it turned out to be a misunderstanding. And the truth is…”
I decided it would be wise to confide in Metis about Leia. With the uncertainties ahead regarding how often I might clash with Leia and play the role of the villainess, I wanted Metis on my side as much as possible.
“It turns out Lady Saturnos saw Ares and me dating at the festival. Honestly, I think she has feelings for him.”
“…I agree with you.”
Leia should have followed Ares more closely. Perhaps a few observant people like Metis have already noticed Leia’s feelings. It was only me who realized at that time.
Metis said to me with a serious face.
“Huh. Then it would be good for you to know.”
“What?”
“Do you know who Lady Saturnos has been getting close to lately?”
I shook my head.
“Princess Ariel herself, they say. She ventured out to the market, and Leia apparently helped her out of a predicament.”
Ah, what a typical novel cliché! The princess who usually stays within the palace walls, curious about the outside world, ventures out and finds herself in trouble, only to be rescued by the heroine at the right moment.
Princess Ariel is one of the heirs to the throne, a year younger than me at 19 this year. Her personality is as lively and energetic as Leia’s, but she carries a remarkable pride as a member of the royal family.
However, she wasn’t just carefree or reckless. Rumors hinted at a subtle rivalry with me, given her popularity in social circles.
Perhaps that’s why Metis might have warned me in advance.
Well, since we didn’t often cross paths, I didn’t see a need to be overly cautious. However, if Leia were to perceive me as an enemy and team up with Princess Ariel against me, it could pose a problem.
But honestly, have I really done anything significant to wrong Leia?
I’ve pointed out her lack of etiquette a few times, pretended to be friendly without reciprocation, and dated Ares without knowing she had feelings for him.
Yet, in first-person novels, whether I’m cast as a villainess depends entirely on how Leia, the narrator, sees me. What can I do about that? I can’t exactly tell her not to harbor ill feelings towards me silently.
As I slightly sulked over my unjustified feelings, Metis’s sharp voice snapped me back to attention.
“Oh, by the way, Bianca! Just a warning, romantic escapades are strictly prohibited in my salon!”
“W-what are you talking about?”
Metis’s sudden punch made my face flush. However, she narrowed her eyes and began listing specific examples with her fingers.
“Even if you’re talking with Ares Stanley, refrain from embracing each other in the salon.”
“Oh, Metis…”
“And absolutely no kissing.”
“…”
“No sitting too closely either.”
“Do you think I lack that much common sense?”
“I’d prefer if you kept hand-holding to a minimum here. Got it?”
“I do know public etiquette, you know!”
Metis, treating me like a criminal before I’ve even done anything!
I protested with a flushed face, and Metis chuckled calmly.
“If you really want to embrace, just let me know. I’ll provide a room.”
“Metis!”
No, what would I do in a room! How does she think I am! Ugh, that fox-like Metis!
At that moment, a knock at the door interrupted us, and one of the salon’s servants called out to Metis.
“Lady Nereid, guests are arriving.”
“Oh, has it come to that time already? Alright, thank you.”
Metis graciously expressed her thanks and gave me a subtle smile before turning away.
“You should let your blush fade a bit before coming out, Bianca. Hehehe.”
After she chuckled and left, I could do nothing but seethe silently, my anger bubbling up inside…
After determining from the mirror that my complexion had returned to normal, I finally managed to step out of the room. I plopped down on any couch I could find, tapping my cheeks lightly with the back of my hand.
As the salon door opened and someone entered, I paid little attention, focused instead on pouring myself a cup of tea and opening a book to read.
“Bianca, there you are.”
I looked up, and unlike usual, I gazed at Leia who was addressing me with a cautious tone.
For some reason, she had come all the way to my seat, pretending to know me. It seemed like I was finally welcoming the etiquette teacher.
“I came out a bit early today. Please, have a seat.”
I straightened my slightly slouched posture and poured a cup of tea for her from the freshly brewed pot.
The smile Leia directed towards me somehow looked lonely. I could understand her feelings; it wouldn’t be unreasonable. Realizing emotions belatedly after not knowing that you were in love and it being too late already must be so disheartening.
“You seemed quite surprised because of me yesterday. I was also quite flustered, so I decided to… stop.”
Leia calmly speaking like that wasn’t typical of her. Is she trying to transform into a more sensible character?
“It’s okay now. It’s nothing.”
“There’s something I’d like to ask.”
“Sure.”
I gave her permission to ask her a question.
After a bit of hesitation, Leia opened her mouth with a heavy tone.
“When did you become so close with Ares?”
Although our feelings for each other had been around for a long time, Ares and I officially started dating just yesterday, so I should respond accordingly.
“We officially started dating yesterday.”
“Oh, I see…”
Her head drooped. It was evident that she felt utterly defeated, and I couldn’t help but feel sorry for her.
However, I deliberately pretended not to notice. It wasn’t my place to console her, and there was no need for that. I patiently waited for Lea to gather her emotions.
Finally, with a weak smile, Lea spoke to me.
“Congratulations… You two really suit each other.”
“Thank you, Lea.”
I responded with a formal smile.
Lea seemed to feel as if she had just opened up and allowed Ares and me to sit together after knowing each other’s names for a while. The fact that I had started loving him long before she became an adult and met Ares might be apparent to her.
“It always feels like all my shortcomings are exposed in front of Bianca. Does that mean you’re truly remarkable?”
” Young lady Lea has many good qualities too. So, there’s no need for words like me being remarkable.”
I tried to keep it emotionally restrained and wanted to boost her dignity. I wasn’t sure how she would take it.
Leia smiled gently and said, “I’ve learned a lot from Ares telling me to learn proper etiquette. Nobody else points out my flaws so sharply. Only Bianca does. I didn’t realize how grateful I should be for such advice, and I took it too lightly. I wanted to express my gratitude properly.”
So, she heard my words, and Ares’ words left a lasting impact on her.
Even if she says thank you, I shouldn’t let her words entangle my inner feelings further. I shouldn’t let only my insides get hurt.
“Thank you for understanding now, even if it’s a bit late.”
I made an effort to maintain an elegant tone.
After taking a sip of the tea I provided, Lea hesitated for a moment, then softly spoke.
“For someone like Ares, an elegant lady like Bianca would suit him well, wouldn’t she…?”
I let out a sigh without realizing it.
Even if I don’t swallow the regret of someone who has already left, the time will come when, according to fate, Ares will be embraced by her.
“Lea, everything will be as fate decides.”
I said to her with a slightly choked-up feeling.
While the whole world moves for Leia, I, with this small body, have to face this world head-on. Yet, here I am, complaining! Despite not realizing how many blessings she received as the protagonist!
Leia seemed to have no idea what my words meant. The ‘author’ seems to be faithfully keeping their promise. It seems they won’t visit Lea.
I don’t plan to tell anyone about the ‘author’. Knowing the truth of this world is enough for me alone. I wished for others to live peacefully without doubting their free will.
However, I had a slightly different intention for Lea. I didn’t want her to know that she is the center of the world. I didn’t want to see her happy knowing she could take everything without any effort. Just as in the original work, where she is called ‘trash,’ I hoped to see her struggle.
Why? Because, in any case, she will have a happy ending!.
Leia struggled for a while to understand my intentions, and soon someone approached and greeted us. Leia apologized with a small voice and excused herself, saying she would come back after a brief conversation with the other person.
“It’s okay if you chat for a long time. I plan to get up soon.”
“Well then…”
Phew, I didn’t know who it was, but I was really, really grateful that they took Lea away. If they had stayed a little longer, I might have exploded first.
I informed Metis that I would take a stroll around the streets and headed out of the salon. Since I arrived at the salon quite early, even though I stayed there for a while, it was still before noon.
Oh, come to think of it, I was curious if the jewelry I had ordered for Ares was completed. I headed straight to the jewelry store without delay.
“Wow, Uranos Young Lady!”
The stout image of the shop owner welcomed me warmly.
“I was curious if the item I ordered before was ready.”
“It was completed this morning and is currently in storage. Would you like to see it?”
“Oh, really?”
Another clerk brought a small box wrapped in black velvet under the owner’s instructions. Carefully opening it, I found cufflinks and a tie pin embedded with imperial topaz set in black onyx, just as I had ordered.
“It looks great. I like it.”
I expressed my gratitude to the owner with genuine words. To settle the remaining payment, I took out a checkbook from my handbag, wrote the amount along with my signature, and handed it to the owner.
“You can cash it at the central bank.”
“Haha, as expected of Lady Uranos. Not many people guarantee payment so confidently.”
“Transactions should be clear.”
I replied with a leisurely smile.
Indeed, seeing something beautiful can lift one’s spirits. My mood, which had been soured by Lea, improved quite a bit after enjoying the splendid display of gems in the jewelry store.
Since I was already out, I decided to quickly grab lunch and return to the salon. The tearoom Aphrodite not only served tea but also offered snacks like sandwiches.
As I was walking down the street, a luxurious carriage with a roof pulled up and stopped next to me.
“Bianca!”
Huh? I turned my head at the sound of my name, and unexpectedly, there was Ares sticking his face out of the carriage window.
Ares soon opened the carriage door and stepped out. The carriage quickly sped away somewhere.
Ares approached me with a bright smile. Although we had parted yesterday and met again unexpectedly, the joy of the unexpected reunion made me smile as well.
“Ares? It looks like you were on some business related to the family. Where were you headed?”
“Ah, I had some family business to attend to at the guild. It was on the way back after finishing up.”
I quickly understood. The Stanley family is well known for engaging in extensive trade with other countries. As the heir to that family, Ares would undoubtedly have various tasks to handle.
“How about you?”
Ares casually asked as he slipped a ring onto my finger. Wow, he’s making progress with physical contact quite quickly!
“I was just about to have lunch.”
“Then, let’s go together.”
Hmm, if we’re going to have a meal together, a tearoom might not be the most fitting choice. I spoke to Ares.
“I was actually on my way to a tearoom, but since you’re here, we might need to change our destination. What do you like?”
The moment I asked Ares what he liked, I recalled the words Leia had spoken about him just a while ago. My mood sank a bit. The woman who knew Ares the best wasn’t me, his lover, but his friend, Leia.
“I have no preferences. If you’re okay with it, can we go to the restaurant I often visit?”
“Oh, sure. Let’s do that.”
I quickly responded to Ares’s suggestion. Then, with a teasing smile, I added,
“I thought you didn’t like cheese with wine?”
Ares looked at me with a slightly amused expression. I glanced at him and then turned my gaze forward.
“A while ago, Leia mentioned that in the salon. She said you enjoy history books and like playing the violin when you’re in a bad mood…”
“…”
If Ares, who is quick-witted, caught the hint of hurt in my voice, he didn’t show it. I continued without looking at him.
“I’ve liked you for a long time, but I don’t really know much about you. Just as I’m starting to learn more about you, my closest friend feels the need to point that out. And, on top of that, it’s a woman who loves you.”
However, blaming a friend could be perceived as blaming Ares. I smiled gently and said,
“Perhaps she thought she knew you better than I do. Leia had no ill intentions.”
Ares looked at me quietly before speaking.
“Be careful with Leia.”
“No, it’s okay. I’ve already talked to her, so there’s no need for you to do the same. If we both warn her, she might feel even more hurt.”
I deliberately spoke calmly. It felt as if getting upset about such things made me seem incredibly narrow-minded.
To ease the awkward atmosphere, I changed the subject with a cheerful tone.
“Haha, Metis told me earlier. She said no intimate actions are allowed in the salon, and she insisted that I make sure to tell you too.”
“Intimate actions? What does that…”
Chuckling, Ares seemed as puzzled as I was. Thankfully, the tension in our conversation started to loosen. With a somewhat serious expression, he added,
“Then I should ask Nereid about the limits.”
“I already did that, one by one. No holding hands, no getting too close, and definitely no hugging. And kissing is, of course, strictly forbidden.”
“…No holding hands either?”
Ares grumbled in apparent dissatisfaction.
I chuckled and nodded.
“If you can’t stand it, I heard they offer rooms for that.”
“…Really?”
He returned to a serious expression.
Hey, come on! Don’t take it so seriously with that!
