I Was a Supporting Character

Could it be that people misunderstand like this, insisting that the two are working hard and saying, “No, no,” and end up becoming a couple… Is that the plot?

Come to think of it, there seems to be a romance novel with such a development!

My whole body shivered at the thought!

Wow, if that’s really the case, then the things written by that ‘author’ are being realized exactly as they are, without a single deviation!

Even my boiling emotions!

Well, that makes sense. Even if I were the author, making them fall in love instantly just because of a random kiss would be cheesy and predictable.

So, the original novel depicts people saying, ‘Wow, they’re dating!’ because of that incident, and before they know it, they’ve actually become a couple. It seemed like that kind of story.

I chuckled with disappointment.

Deep down, there seemed to be a lingering doubt as to whether the novel might actually come true. And maybe I expected some parts of the story to change, considering I decided not to become a villainess.

But looking at it now, there seemed to be no chance of that happening. A supporting character like me, no matter how much I struggle, doesn’t have the power to change or move this world.

My strength had completely drained away.

As the ‘author’ said, anyway, this world won’t change. The only thing I can do is leave some traces of my life here.

I watched Leia Saturanos, surrounded by people, from a distance. She was naturally cheerful and had the ability to attract people, unconsciously disarming them—clearly, she was the real heroine.

Ah, I wanted to go home.

I approached Leia Saturanos, walking with a firm stride.

“Leia Saturanos.”

“Oh, Uranos Young lady! Thanks to Young lady’s advice, I’ve come to my senses. Really, thank you in many ways!”

I gave her a gentle smile. The invincible protagonist had the ability to grasp the situation when given a single piece of advice.

“Leia Saturanos, even though it’s during the party, I think it’s time for me to go.”

“Oh, are you leaving already? The party hasn’t even started yet…”

Even if the party starts, I’ll probably end up watching the protagonist couple dance. I feel like I’m about to collapse from the intense emotional exhaustion!

I politely declined, not violating etiquette.

“I’m really tired. Let’s meet again next time, young lady.”

Leia Saturanos seemed genuinely disappointed. Probably sincere. She’s a kind heroine.

My heart felt bitter. No matter what I do, it seems like my feelings are inevitably heading down the path of jealousy. The ‘author’s’ settings were exerting a terrifying effect, crushing even my will with ruthless efficiency.

I carefully stepped outside, not wanting to disturb the fully bloomed party. Someone followed me.

“Young lady Uranus.”

Sigh, just leave me alone. It’s Ares Ulpterus Gonza.

“Yes, what business do you have with me?”

I didn’t hide my exhausted face. That way, he might not detain me for long. As expected, Ares Ulpterus Gonza spoke with a perplexed expression.

“You look very tired. I followed you, wondering if it was because of me. Are you heading back to the Duke’s residence?”

“Yes. Please enjoy the remaining time. Well then…”

I turned away from him without hesitation.

Don’t keep talking to a villainess side character. Don’t unintentionally make me jealous like this. Go and pay attention to the protagonist!

In the end, I couldn’t overcome the emotions set by the ‘author.’

I also loved him.

***

After attending the Viscount’s party, I struggled with emotional fluctuations for a while. Among them, a sense of powerlessness clung to me and refused to let go.

Normally, to avoid prolonged exposure to a single emotion, I would meet various people and find ways to distract myself. But this sense of powerlessness was truly beyond my control. I really didn’t want to do anything.

However, as time passed, it naturally faded. Finally feeling the willingness to move, I sought Miranda’s assistance for a makeover.

Miranda, still using her sharp tone, asked me, “Miss, what happened at the Viscount’s? You seem utterly drained. It’s not like you’re physically unwell.”

There was indeed something going on. No matter how much I struggled, I discovered I couldn’t shake off this fake affection. Just as I had accepted my fate to die, it seemed I had to accept this fake affection as well.

Living in this world is truly challenging. I realized that at the ripe age of twenty, huh?

Anyway, after freshening up a bit, I headed to the salon run by my friend Metis Nereid. With my vibrant friend Metis, my spirits were sure to be lifted.

Riding in a carriage adorned with the Viscount’s crest, I confidently entered the salon.

Actually, when I felt a bit down, I tended to dress more extravagantly to flaunt myself. Today was one of those days. And Metis understood my mood astonishingly well.

“Welcome, Bianca. You’re feeling down again, huh?”

“Haha, you can’t fool me. Is it not as bustling here today?”

“Oh, people probably went out for a spring outing or something. Now that the weather is warmer, everyone’s likely enjoying the outdoors.”

Well, spring is a season with many beautiful flowers in bloom, so it makes sense that more people would prefer going outside to see the gorgeous blossoms rather than staying indoors.

I occupied a small table, brewed a cup of tea using the tea set in front of me, and took a random romance novel from the pile that had accumulated at home. For the time being, I didn’t need to worry about finding a book to read.

As I leaned back on the sofa, comfortably engrossed in my reading, Metis’s voice echoed above my head.

“Bianca, some remarkable faces have come to see you.”

Huh? I raised only my eyes from the book I was reading and checked on the guests. Then, surprised, I quickly adjusted my posture.

Ah, isn’t it the main character couple who has plagued me with lethargy for the past few days?

“…Prince Stanley, Lady Saturonos.”

My voice automatically lost its strength.

Metis, after seating the two at my table, briskly disappeared, leaving to attend to other patrons.

I felt annoyed because my heart was pounding involuntarily.

Stay still, fake emotions.

As always, Lady Leia Saturanos greeted me with a cheerful face.

“Lady Uranos, I didn’t know how much I missed you since you left so early that day. I heard you often visit this salon, so I came looking for you. It seems you’re here today!”

I discovered a curious fact and asked.

“Did you come here on other days too, looking for me?”

“Yes, of course! Thanks to you, Lady Uranos, I was able to build friendly relationships with many ladies and gentlemen here. It would have been impossible without Lady Uranos.”

Translators: Stardust. Read on moonlight novels only

Ha, if anyone muttered a few words about being friends with me, they would have stuck to her easily. It would have been simple.

As I nodded with an expressionless face, Prince Stanley asked in a tone as if he was concerned about me.

“I heard you visited almost every day, and I was worried when you didn’t show up for a few days. You didn’t seem to be in good health.”

It seems this person thinks my body is unwell, not my heart.

I responded vaguely while skirting around the topic.

“There was a sudden accumulation of fatigue over the past few days. I’m fine now. Have you two been coming here together every day?”

Then, Saturanos nodded.

“Ares came with me for the first time today. In fact, I refrained from coming together since the day of the party because I thought I should pay attention to the rumors circulating about the two of us.”

I chuckled involuntarily.

She refrained from that too. Anyway, you two are already falling in love, right?

When Prince Stanley saw my face smiling, he spoke with a serious expression.

“Lady Uranos mentioned something quite serious that day. So, I warned Leia as well. This social circle is full of watchful eyes.”

“It seems you’ve been handling it well all this time.”

I sneaked a sarcastic remark at Prince Stanley. I had to untangle the twisted examination in this way, or else I felt like I would die of frustration.

Ah, am I supposed to die of frustration? Haha.

I thought I would provoke a reaction, but surprisingly, the prince accepted my words without much resistance.

“I have no words. I admit that I was negligent. Honestly, since Leia entered the realm of female friends for the first time, I didn’t have a proper sense of how to handle it.”

Oh, this way, it makes me look like the bad person again.

Nevertheless, Prince Stanley’s manners are indeed top-notch; that saying was true.

Saturanos also interjected from the side.

“I was clumsy. I learned this time that I shouldn’t just act however I want, be happy if things are good, and be close if it feels close. So, even when I came to this salon for the past few days, I sweated a lot explaining and dispelling misunderstandings to various people.”

There is no need for explanations. You two will have a happy ending, won’t you?

I prepared tea for both of them while listening to her words.

“You’ve had a valuable experience, both of you.”

Prince Stanley smiled gently and said to me

“If it weren’t for Lady Uranos’s sharp advice, we would have been in big trouble. Thank you.”

I extended the teacup towards them.

Leia tasted the tea, her eyes widening with amazement.

“Oh my! Lady Uranos, your tea-making skills are truly exceptional! It’s just ordinary rosemary, but it smells so fragrant…!”

Her honest admiration brought an unintentional smile to my face.

“Being confident in making tea is something I take pride in. I enjoy it.”

Prince Stanley was silently sipping his tea without any response. I couldn’t read what he was thinking.

Suddenly, Saturanos spoke cheerfully.

“I’ve been thinking about saying this when I meet Lady Uranos. Please, just call me Leia! I want to be friends with you!”

Did I just see such an innocent girl? She wants to be friends with me, thinking I’m someone else? I’m the villain! I’m the supporting character meant to disrupt your couple!

Despite my inner outcry, I outwardly responded with a beautiful smile.

“I don’t know much about Leia, but can you call someone a friend so easily?”

“Oh…”

Saturanos closed her mouth with a realization. I wasn’t as open about my feelings as she was.

But unexpectedly, a vulnerability was exposed.

“I’m fine with just Ares. I would appreciate it if you could call me that.”

I failed to maintain my composure. I froze, defenseless against his unexpected move.

Why did he allow me to call him by his name? Especially in front of the woman who would become his lover!

Did I appear so insignificant? Did I seem like no threat to Saturanos? Did I look like someone who couldn’t touch anything related to him?

As I remained stiff, Prince Stanley sighed and spoke.

“If you felt uncomfortable, I apologize. Spending time with Leia made me unconsciously think of calling each other by our names. I didn’t consider Leia’s perspective.”

The prince’s words were sincere, and there was a hint of regret in his eyes. Saturanos, on the other hand, seemed to feel a mix of emotions, perhaps surprised by his openness.

I maintained my composed expression, hiding my inner turmoil. Deep down, the fact that he apologized and explained himself irritated me even more. It felt like I was being treated as if my feelings were something to be delicately handled.

But I couldn’t let my frustration show. I had to keep up the act.

“It’s fine. I understand that emotions can be complex. Let’s just enjoy our time together,” I replied with a forced smile.

Saturanos, always sensitive to the atmosphere, tried to lighten the mood.

“That’s right! Let’s enjoy this delicious tea and have a good time!”

They continued to chat, seemingly oblivious to the turmoil within me. I played along, sipping my tea and engaging in the conversation, all the while concealing the storm of emotions swirling beneath the surface.