I Was a Supporting Character

It seems like my expression has become a bit melancholic. Miranda, who usually finds talking bothersome, kept engaging with me, seemingly concerned.

“Young lady, don’t be too upset; I was just a bit concerned. Everyone knows you’re a kind-hearted person.”

She added a comment, typical of Miranda, that didn’t necessarily need to be said, “If you make a mistake, you get really angry, but just be careful, and it’s fine.”

Yes, I have a bit of a temper! Even the ‘author’ said something similar. But I’m not the type to get angry so easily!

As I mumbled to myself, Miranda spoke again: “Don’t get angry.”

“…I got it!”

With such banter, we arrived at the salon.

The salon I frequently visit is usually a gathering place for me and other friendly, noble ladies. One of my closest friends, Countess Metis Nereid, is the host.

Today, the salon didn’t seem to have many people. Metis, fanning herself, greeted me as I arrived a bit later than usual.

“Bianca. You’re later than your usual time.”

I greeted her with a light hug and explained that I had visited the dress shop before coming.

“Because I stopped by Mrs. Nix’s shop. By the way, I saw Leah Saturanos there.”

Metis made a strange expression as soon as she heard that name.

“Ah, that young lady. The one who debuted from the countryside last week.”

Hehe, her expression is quite biting.

Without knowing what I was thinking, Metis continued with a sly smile.

“And on top of that, that young lady caused quite a stir. Just yesterday!”

Huh? This was news to me. We were at the shop just a little while ago, and there was no indication of such a thing.

“What happened?”

“Oh my, yesterday, she kissed Ares Stanley right in the bustling street!”

What, what did you say?

I felt my mind go blank. That innocent, puppy-like Leah Saturanos did what?

For a moment, my vision darkened, and the world seemed to spin, but I managed to touch my forehead and regain balance, preventing the embarrassing sight of me staggering from being seen by Metis and the others.

My secret feelings must not be revealed to anyone, including Metis!

I forced a calm tone and asked her, trying not to show any agitation.

“How on earth did she end up having such an incident with the famous Ares Stanley Gonza?”

Metis answered with a disgruntled expression, as if it were irritating.

“According to eyewitnesses, Leah Saturanos was wandering around the lively street when she accidentally collided with Ares Gonza coming out of a wine bar. And, of all things, she fell down and ended up kissing him right on his lips.”

It was rather surprising to find out about such a significant event only today.

So, after I met the ‘author’ at the Aphrodite Tea House yesterday and went home, Jupiter Gonza also left the wine bar, and coincidentally, Saturanos collided with him while wandering around the bustling street, leading to a ‘kiss.’

Certainly, the meeting of the male and female protagonists is quite intense.

Suddenly, I became curious about the age of this ‘author.’ To think of such an absurd coincidence, how old is this person?

I should create a more realistic romance. I mean, a kiss right after meeting? What kind of nonsense is this, Mr. Author?

Translators: Stardust. Read on moonlight novels only

Come to think of it, since the day the ‘author’ entered the world of his novel, the story has begun to progress in earnest. The ‘author’ arrived yesterday, so the starting point of the novel, the meeting of the male and female protagonists, also took place yesterday.

I vigorously shook my head and started calculating when I would die. Typically, when do supporting villainesses exit a novel?

“Metis, do you read a lot of romance novels?”

Perhaps finding it odd that I abruptly shifted the conversation from Ares Gonza to novels, Metis responded with a slight delay.

“Huh? No? I’m not really into that kind of thing.”

Well, me neither. It seems you’re the same.

I bid a brief farewell to Metis and left the salon just as it was. Where should I go now?

Straight to the bookstore!

Miranda, seeing me emerge from the salon without even taking the time to have a cup of tea, murmured, “The lady is indeed strange.”

However, at the moment, I had no room in my mind to entertain such comments.

I found a way to estimate when I would die!

With a determined stride, I opened the door to the bookstore and walked in. And then, to the surprise of the bookstore owner, I selected an astonishing number of romance novels, one by one.

The bookstore owner asked with a surprised tone, “Are you buying all of these?”

“Yes.”

While there were standalone romance novels, there were also many series. By choosing them all, even the bookstore owner was astounded at the enormous quantity. Having purchased them all, the problem now was when on earth I would have time to read them.

In any case, I returned home with the carriage filled with books, and everyone was taken aback, pondering suddenly why I had hoarded romance novels.

From that night on, I diligently read romance novels, noting down when the villainous supporting characters typically meet their demise. Analyzing a single book didn’t take as long as I thought, given that I only needed to focus on crucial parts. However, reading through all the volumes I had purchased would undoubtedly consume a considerable amount of time.

I was genuinely curious.

How wicked does a villain have to be to meet her end in the middle of a novel? What level of malice did the ‘author’ think I needed to reach for them to decide I must die?

The idea that my death would make the novel more interesting suggests that this ‘death’ is a satisfying consequence for the misdeeds I commit. Do I really want to become such a wicked woman?

I took a break from reading and closed my eyes for a moment.

Transforming into a jealousy-fueled antagonist, tormenting the protagonist couple… Let’s try to feel such sentiments for once.

The male protagonist, Ares Gonza, and the female protagonist, Lea Saturanos, coincidentally shared a kiss after a chance encounter on the street. Thus, their fateful connection began.

Even with just that thought, intense emotions surged through me.

Some were frustrated that the female protagonist easily caught the attention of Ares Gonza, while others secretly suffered, harboring unrequited love for three years, knowing they were destined to die soon! This was truly unfair.

I was never meant to be anything but a misfortune. It wasn’t a fate that would persist forever. If someone had informed me of this fact in advance, perhaps I wouldn’t have suffered so much.

A sense of injustice overwhelmed me, and my nose tingled with an impending bout of tears.

Saturanos was born as the center of this world, and a happy future was guaranteed for her from birth. Without any effort on her part, the story in the novel naturally revolved around her and returned to ensure her happiness.

A surge of resentment swept over me. Once again, a sense of melancholy enveloped me regarding my existence.

I envied Lea Saturanos, the young lady who effortlessly gained the attention and love of Ares Gonza. It felt as if tears were about to well up.

Finally, I could vaguely grasp how I would become the villainess.

In the midst of feeling unjust and envious, a pang of sorrow washed over me again.

Lea Saturanos, the young lady, was enviable. She would obtain the interest and love of Ares Gonza without exerting any effort. It made me so jealous that tears seemed imminent.

Only then could I somewhat sense how I would transform into the villainess.

By lamenting unjustly, pouring out my envy, blaming Leah Saturanos for everything, and becoming jealous of her possession of something I could never attain, I would fulfill the role of the villainess. Eventually, consumed by jealousy and unable to possess what she had, I would lead to my own destruction.

To avoid becoming the villainess, I needed to sever this cycle.

I shouldn’t feel unjust. I shouldn’t be envious. And I should abandon the idea that everything is Lea Saturanos’s fault.

If I continued to blame her for everything, it would undermine my role as the villainess. Jealous of her possessions, I would self-destruct. The solution to avoiding becoming a villainess was to break this cycle.

The happy ending between Araon Stanley Gonza and Saturanos was neither her fault nor his, but rather the result of fate. More accurately, it was the ‘author’s’ doing. The object of my resentment and grudge should be directed at the ‘author,’ not those two.

No matter how much I pleaded for a chance from the ‘author,’ to them, I was just a disposable existence that could be killed or revived at will in their novel. Pleading to them would be in vain.

The only way to alleviate these negative emotions was to accept this fate quietly.

No matter how much I struggled, I would only experience frustration. And from there, more negative emotions would emerge, consuming me further.

I didn’t want to deteriorate like that.

Until the end, I will remain the shining version of myself. I will quietly accept the destiny and future bestowed upon me and, in return, live the remaining time for myself.

Moreover, I should wish for the happiness of the people I love.

Oh, unknowingly, tears streamed down my face again.

It’s a mix of joy and sorrow. Why am I crying? After all, my love is just a pre-programmed emotion. What a waste to shed tears over such things.

I need to focus on what is more authentic.

＊ ＊ ＊

Some days, delving into romance novels, I eventually got a sense of when I might die.

In such novels, the torment by the antagonist typically reaches its climax, posing the greatest threat to the protagonists, and then it leads to the antagonist’s demise, usually occurring towards the end of the story. So, when the antagonist is about to die, it’s near the end of the novel, indicating that my death is scheduled for around the same time as the protagonist’s happy ending.

Well, then, to gauge the timing of my death, I need to periodically check how far the romantic relationship between Ares and Lea has progressed.

But how do I check?

The best way is to ask directly. Fortunately, my first impression on Leah Saturanos doesn’t seem too bad. So, approaching her and asking if things are going well with Ares should work.

…It feels a bit bitter to confirm whether the one I love is happily in love with another woman.

If it’s a happy ending for the two, it must be marriage, right? A happy ending for a woman would undoubtedly be a blissful marriage with the one she loves!

Sigh. My fate. To witness the two getting close to marriage and then die. Next time I meet that damn ‘author,’ I’m going to give them a piece of my mind.

After spending some time just reading books without going out, my head felt dizzy and disoriented.

To lift my increasingly melancholic emotions, I decided to take a stroll outside, and without notifying anyone, I left the mansion alone.

Having decided to clear my head, I ventured out for a solitary walk, my favorite place was the lush grove that warmly embraced the viscount’s mansion. At the top of this grove stood a tall ancient tree, and beneath it, reading a book, the breeze that blew was exceptionally refreshing.

From this grove’s height, you could also see a lake where boats sailed in the distance. When the sunlight reflected off it, the water surface shimmered like scattered particles of jewels. I loved gazing at that scenery.

I brought out my horse from the stable and slowly ascended to the top of the grove, the horse’s hooves making a rhythmic sound. Riding against the cool breeze and ascending through the grove filled with spring flowers, my somewhat melancholic mood seemed to be alleviated.

Would I be able to smell this flower fragrance again next year?

The ancient tree at the top of the grove stood unchanged, as always. Was this also designed by the ‘author’? If so, I should be thankful for this at least.

Dismounting from the horse, I sat down beneath the tree. Could I savor this small peace in the remaining days of my life?

As I gazed at the scenery until my eyes stung, lost in the desire to remember it for a long time, that’s when it happened.

“Huh? Bancia Uranos?”

Today’s break is finally over. How can I forget this voice?

It was Lea Saturanos.

Even though a bitter taste lingered in my mouth, I turned my head toward her with a forced smile. In that moment, I saw another person with her.

It was Ares Stanley. He stood next to Lea Saturanos, looking at me with a picturesque image.

With golden hair shining brightly in the sunlight and eyes of a richer shade of gold, he was beautiful, as if surrounded by light.

My chest tightened with frustration. I hadn’t come here to witness the affectionate moments of the main characters! How did these two even find out about this place?

I tried to smile and greet Saturanos.

“…Nice to see you again, Miss Saturanos.”

I slowly stood up from my seat. Since these two appeared, I no longer wanted to be here.

Saturanos cheerfully spoke to Prince Stanley.

“Ares! Uranos Young lady, who helped me a few days ago.”

Now she’s even using names. Maybe because they’re the main couple, the story is progressing quite rapidly.

Oh, this is nauseating. My stomach hurts. I want to go home.

Prince Stanley nodded with gentle eyes.

What is that look? My heart fluttered again. I don’t need these fake emotions.

“I also know Young lady. She is one of the most beautiful lady in the social circle.”

His deep and wonderful voice tickled my ears. Stop it, fake emotions. I just let out a bitter smile.

I guess that’s how I’m known to him. Anyway, I should express gratitude for the compliment, right?

For a long time, the techniques ingrained in my body fortunately worked well at this moment.

“Your words are too kind, Prince Stanley. I also know the prince. It’s our first time having a conversation like this.”

A gentle smile appeared on his face. It might be the first time he’s showing it to me, but young lady Saturanos will probably see it every day now.

Ah, I just want to die quickly.

Suddenly having such thoughts indicates that I must be mentally exhausted right now. In that case, leaving this place quickly is the right answer.

“It seems that you two came here to spend some private time. I’ve already spent a lot of time here, so I’ll leave first. If there’s another opportunity…”

As I was in the middle of my farewell, the oblivious, innocent Lady Saturanos interrupted and chimed in.

“Why not chat since we’ve met like this? We were just talking about young lady’s story!”

Talking about my story? Well, helping Lady Saturanos in the dress shop seems to have left an impression on her.

But that doesn’t mean I have to stay in this uncomfortable situation. I politely declined with a cool tone.

“No, thank you. I really should be going. It’s not as if I’m clueless enough to stay on purpose when you two are here.”

Throwing a pointed remark, I pulled the reins tied to the tree.

Translators: Stardust. Read on moonlight novels only

Ignoring Lady Saturanos, who was staring at me blankly, and Prince Stanley, who was staring at me with his mouth shut, I descended the hill.

Ah, the arrival of the villainess. I could have said it more nicely, but I inadvertently blurted out a prickly remark. What if they find it strange?

No, what’s wrong with thinking strangely? I’m already the villainess in the novel, so doing this much should be fine.

Anyway, I had no intention of sitting like a broomstick left in the midst of a lively conversation between the two lovers. Whether it sounded a bit cold or not, I did well to firmly refuse and briskly leave that place.

Returning to the marquise’s mansion, I picked up any random romance novel from the pile. The heroines in these novels, without exception, were all so pure and cheerful that it irritated me to no end.

As expected, the novel I currently held was no different. Well, shall I recite a bit?

The heroine’s name isn’t important, so let’s skip that part. From a poor family, she has a strong will that doesn’t yield to adversity, a caring nature, and a positive and optimistic attitude that never loses its cheerfulness, even in the face of challenges.

A woman with an invincible buff gains the favor of everyone around her, receiving praise for whatever she does.

After reading this far, I slammed the book shut with a loud noise.

This was just too much. Is there anywhere else in the world where all the good things are attributed solely to the heroine?

I also don’t want to lose my cheerfulness when facing difficulties. I hope to be appreciated for whatever actions I take, without misunderstandings, and that everyone understands my intentions positively.

But where in the world does that exist? I always had to be careful with my words and attitude to avoid being misunderstood by others, and despite my efforts to rise to this position, I still had to endure envious glances.

You can’t win everyone’s favor. There are undoubtedly people who dislike me. That was the world I had lived in.

However, the world I am currently living in is a novel, so it’s not’real.’ Therefore, having a character like young lady Lea Saturanos, who receives unrealistic buffs in this unrealistic world, meant something.

And then there’s another person receiving unrealistic buffs—Ares Stanley.

If you think about it, he also effortlessly captured my heart, truly deserving to be called the protagonist buff. At least to captivate a flower of the social circle like me, one should have done something, right?

Sigh. Let’s stop feeling unjust.

Since I’ve realized that the current land of moon and Sun is not fair, I’d rather die quickly and leave this world to meet another.

If I die, will I go to another world? Is this also following the settings the ‘author’ established? I should ask when I meet her later.

As I lay on the bed, tossing the read romance novel aside, I suddenly thought about how the ‘author’ might have abandoned her own dimension to come into this novel.

Why did she leave the world she lived in? Did she enter this ‘perfect’ place she created because her previous world was unfair and unjust? Did she ruthlessly abandon her world because it was filled with unfairness?

Perhaps, she and I could have a conversation where we understand each other.