Instead of the Heroine, I Married the Male Lead

 

“Countess Pesain…”

Philome trailed off, glancing back at Countess Pesain.

‘Is Kaien really that scary?’

Philome found it rather fascinating. Just a moment ago, Countess Pesain had been arrogantly insulting Nadia, and now she was standing there with a pale face. The sudden shift in her demeanor was quite surprising.

Philome gave her a warm smile.

“She was so kind. I’ve enjoyed myself. We even agreed to have tea together next time.”

Caught off guard by the unexpected words, Countess Pesain blinked momentarily before quickly regaining her composure.

“I’m so glad to hear that you had a good time.”

True to her past as a socialite, she quickly changed her demeanor. Philome and Countess Pesain exchanged smiles filled with mutual admiration, both sensing the formidable presence in the other.

In the midst of it all.

‘What’s going on?’

Nadia was the only one who still couldn’t grasp the situation.

Today, Nadia resolved to regain her standing in society by winning Countess Pesain’s favor before Philome. She had arrived in a carriage with Philome, determined to make a spectacular return to social circles.

After it became known that she had fled with Emon, Nadia had been shunned by all her previous acquaintances.

So this opportunity was crucial for her.

Yet Countess Pesain had only been kind to Philome. She had insulted Nadia, whom she had never met before, and openly compared her to Philome.

At first, Nadia thought Countess Pesain’s behavior was due to rumors she had heard about her.

But seeing the guests and Countess Pesain herself dressed in reserved attire, Nadia soon realized the truth.

That Philome had been trying to make her look bad.

When Kaien appeared, it felt like a savior had arrived. Although it was unfortunate that Kaien didn’t even glance in her direction due to the crowd, just his presence alone was a significant boost for Nadia.

So, Nadia tried to muster her strength and approach Countess Pesain again.

‘Are you here to see Lady Philome? You’re fiancée?’

But after hearing that, Nadia realized that Countess Pesain had mistaken her for Philome.

So that’s why she treated me this way? She insulted me for that reason?

She couldn’t understand, but she thought that since Countess Pesain had mistaken her for Philome, she would now be kind to her.

However, Countess Pesain showed no interest in Nadia at all, as if she had completely forgotten about her.

Nadia could only watch in stunned silence as they chatted and laughed together.

As she was lost in this daze, the tea party eventually ended. Nadia watched as Countess Pesain bid farewell to Kaien and Philome, then hurriedly got up from her seat.

“Philome!”

Philome, about to get into the carriage, turned around to face Nadia.

She tilted her head slightly.

“Why?”

“….Why?”

Nadia could not contain her frustration.

“Did you do this on purpose?”

Philome furrowed her brows.

She sighed, as if she didn’t want to continue the argument.

“What exactly, Nadia? I’m tired.”

“It’s about the dress you lent me! You knew Countess Pesain’s preferences and intentionally dressed me up like this!”

Philome crossed her arms.

Kaien looked at Nadia’s blue dress.

“Nadia.”

Philome spoke in a gentle voice.

She then softly stroked Nadia’s lavishly curled hair and patted her head.

“Think carefully with this head of yours. Hmm? Who was it that told you to wear such a flashy dress?”

“……”

Nadia had nothing to say since it was indeed her own choice.

Nadia’s lips quivered as she turned her head towards Kaien.

“Please, Your Grace, say something.”

“……Me?”

Kaien realized for the first time that people become speechless when they are utterly dumbfounded.

Nadia looked at Kaien as if seeking help from an ally, though he had been glaring at her with displeasure, feeling that his private time with Philome had been interrupted.

“Nadia Alice.”

Kaien could no longer tolerate Nadia.

“If you’re going to go crazy, go crazy gracefully on your own. Don’t drag us down with you.”

“……What?”

Nadia felt as if someone had delivered a sharp blow to the back of her head.

“And now, I’d like you to leave my house. I don’t want any other woman here except for my wife. Your belongings are in front of the main gate, so take them yourself.”

Kaien wrapped his arms firmly and protectively around Philome’s waist.

“I think I’ve shown enough consideration for a freeloader.”

After escorting Philome into the carriage, Kaien glanced back at the stunned Nadia.

In a whisper soft enough that Philome could not hear, he added:

“If you appear in front of Philome again, you won’t be left with all your limbs intact. Remember that.”

The carriage departed, leaving Nadia behind.

☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓 ☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓

“Duke.”

Philome spoke as soon as the carriage started moving.

“You planned this, didn’t you?”

It wasn’t a question.

Philome spoke with certainty to Kaien.

Kaien nodded in response.

“Yeah.”

In fact, Philome wasn’t very surprised by Kaien’s confirmation, as she had already had a vague feeling about it.

The evening before, a sudden delivery of clothes arrived from the Beauté Salon. While it was normal for new clothes to come in periodically, such an unannounced delivery was unprecedented.

When she asked the Madame about it, she received this answer:

‘The Duke ordered them. It seems it was a surprise gift for you, Milady.’

Philome had never thought of Kaien as the type to give such surprises. If he was going to give a gift, he would have shown it personally rather than sending someone with it.

The next day, when Nadia’s maid came to request a lavish dress, Philome immediately recalled the gift Kaien had sent the night before.

A blue dress, which Philome would never normally wear, but suited Nadia perfectly.

The dress was accompanied by matching jewelry.

Wearing a dark green dress, which matched Countess Pesain’s preference for a modest attire, Philome and Nadia were inevitably compared. It was perhaps only natural for misunderstandings to arise.

Philome was certain that when Kaien appeared at the tea party, he had realized her plan and had set things up accordingly.

Philome’s plan was similar to his.

Originally, she had intended to take Nadia along. She had anticipated that by mentioning attending Countess Pesain’s tea party and dressing flamboyantly, Nadia would surely show up.

Later, Philome planned to show Nadia the most extravagant dress she had, letting Nadia choose it. Philome would wear a modest green dress in line with Countess Pesain’s taste to ensure a more striking comparison.

Kaien subtly assisted Philome’s plan.

“Why did you do that?”

“Milady.”

Kaien relaxed his crossed legs and leaned closer to Philome.

“The reason I dislike Nadia Alice is because she treats you disrespectfully.”

The sound of gloves being removed came from right beside her. As the pristine white gloves came off, Kaien’s hand, with its prominent bones, was revealed.

“Apart from helping you with your revenge, I want to deal with Nadia Alice. She disrespected someone I cherish and hold dear.”

Kaien’s long fingers touched Philome’s ear.

The tips of his warm fingers gently brushed over her rounded earlobe.

The touch was so delicate it felt almost like feathers landing. A light shiver ran through Philome’s body, though it was not an unpleasant sensation.

She felt her breath catch in her throat as she met his violet eyes, shimmering with a subtle desire.

Philome lowered her eyes, her eyelashes fluttering as she sensed the unsettling sensuality in his touch.

“I’ll make sure you become someone precious to everyone.”

The tips of his fingers, having moved down to her earlobe, slowly brushed against the small earring with his smooth nails.

Another light shiver ran through her.

“That earring suits you very well.”

The earrings were adorned with violet gems, the same color as Kaien’s eyes.