Instead of the Heroine, I Married the Male Lead

 

Philome realized at the age of 15 that she had been reincarnated.

In fact, she didn’t even know whether it was transmigration or reincarnation. As the memories of her past life became clearer, the previous memories of “Philome” faded, making it closer to transmigration.

She was confused after that realization.

She hadn’t been hit by a truck; she simply discovered that she had possessed Philome’s life at some point.

This realization frightened her even more.

At that time, Philome couldn’t fully accept that she had possessed a character from a novel. She was just overwhelmed by the entire situation.

Thus, at the age of fifteen, Philome ran away from home.

Having lived a harmonious and peaceful life in her previous life, she couldn’t endure the contempt and disregard from her new family.

Philome chose to go to the neighboring country of Vernium.

After stealing Countess Bonita’s jewelry to raise some money, she boarded a ship and arrived at the port of the neighboring country.

However, at just fifteen, there was little she could do there. Philome soon ran out of money and was on the brink of starving to death.

‘Hi.’

It was then that Winston appeared.

A prince with radiant blonde hair and golden eyes.

Winston was imprisoned in the neighboring country as punishment for the Imperial Consort who had killed the Duke of Wintbell.

It was natural for Philome, who was from the same country, to become close to Winston quickly. They spent a lot of time together as lovers, even though it was a short period.

But their happiness didn’t last long.

Just a month after Winston had taken Philome into his home, the Imperial Consort sent a furious letter demanding that he kill her.

“It was a letter demanding my death.”

No one would have expected that Philome would see that letter.

Even if the prince’s room was wide open, no servant would have had the audacity to enter. However, Philome, who had lived in a place without a class system, entered Winston’s room and read the letter.

She also read Winston’s reply, stating he would comply with the Imperial Consort’s demands.

That night, Philome fled from Winston’s mansion and returned to Vernium. She thought that no matter how much her family despised her, she believed she would be safer within the confines of her family. She stayed hidden in the mansion for a while, fearing that the Imperial Consort might be searching for her.

“It’s understandable that Winston wouldn’t recognize me. I used the name ‘Mel’ and had darker brown hair when I was younger. I also changed my eye color with magic.”

Looking back now, she had hidden herself quite thoroughly.

The quick depletion of her funds was due to having to buy magical substances to change her eye color at a much higher price than usual.

“I’m sorry for not mentioning it sooner.”

“……”

Kaien remained silent, simply staring at Philome.

“You had no choice but to act as you did. I showed strong hostility toward Winston.”

Philome couldn’t possibly admit to having briefly been involved with the third prince ten years ago in front of someone like Kaien.

“Is that all?”

Philome nodded.

“Yes. That’s the end of it. There’s nothing more.”

Kaien raised his hands and let out a long sigh, then washed his face.

“Are you alright, Duke?”

“Of course I’m alright. Do you know what I was thinking? I wondered if you might actually be a spy sent by the third prince. But seeing you tell me everything, I’m relieved that you’ve turned your heart toward me.”

Kaien smiled as he spoke.

“I’m really relieved.”

Kaien genuinely considered the possibility that Winston might have orchestrated Nadia and Emon’s escape. Philome could not have guessed how many thoughts raced through Kaien’s mind in such a short time.

‘Ex-lover.’

It was an unexpected revelation, but it didn’t change anything.

“It wasn’t that long, was it? A little over a month? I spent more time with you.”

“….Right?”

She had been with Winston for about a month, but she had been with Kaien for over two months.

“Besides, it was ten years ago, so you probably don’t remember much.”

“Hmm, almost.”

Kaien was right, but Philome did have a few clear memories, like the bread he gave her when she was about to faint from hunger or the letters she happened to see.

“You don’t have to feel too sorry for me. I haven’t told you all my secrets either. Everyone has their own secrets.”

Philome immediately guessed that the secret was related to the heir.

‘I’m curious.’

It was a plot point that wasn’t fully addressed in the original story.

However, instead of asking, Philome felt relieved.

‘I’m really glad. I thought you’d doubt me.’

She had expected that revealing the truth might lead Kaien to suspect her as a spy sent by Winston. Kaien’s reaction was unexpected. He was relieved that she wasn’t a spy.

With the heavy weight that had always been in her heart lifted, she felt lighter.

‘But… was Kaien always this trusting?’

In the original story, Kaien was depicted as sensitive and distrustful of people.

Yet here he was, trusting her words without doubt.

‘Why?’

Philome was puzzled but soon thought, “What does it matter?” and smiled lightly.

☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓 ☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓

The magnificent Imperial Consort’s Palace.

Normally bustling with arriving and departing guests, the Imperial Consort’s Palace was eerily quiet. Until ten years ago, the palace enjoyed substantial luxury, matching its grandeur.

Despite the age difference with the Crown Prince, the Imperial Consort had given the Emperor a healthy son. Since the Empress had passed away early, the Imperial Consort was effectively the most noble woman in the palace.

After the birth of the Third Prince, the Imperial Consort’s Palace was constantly busy with visitors.

But that glory had long since faded.

The doors of the imperial consort’s palace had been closed for ten years.

Recently, however, the palace, which had been deathly silent, had begun to stir with activity. This was because Winston had returned after a lengthy ten-year stay abroad.

Although visitors were strictly limited, the Third Prince, as the Imperial Consort’s child, had free access.

“Mother.”

Winston, having walked through the long corridor, entered the room with a smile.

The glamorous beauty lounging on the sofa turned to glance at Winston indifferently.

Winston forced his lips into a submissive smile, bending one knee before the Imperial Consort.

“I have returned safely from my visit to Countess Pesain, as you instructed.”

“Oh, is that so?”

For a moment, a look of interest appeared in the Imperial Consort’s eyes.

She immediately straightened her posture.

“What did she say?”

The Imperial Consort had recently made a small request to the Countess of Pesain.

Although she had made various comments, the main point was to isolate the Duke of Wintbell’s fiancée from high society.

The Imperial Consort thought of Philome.

‘The Duke really brought a woman like me.’

Her expression, her bold personality, and even her tone of voice all reminded her of Kaien.

“She didn’t respond to the invitation, right?”

“No, she did attend.”

The Imperial Consort’s brows furrowed at this unexpected news.

“I saw Kaien too. He seemed to have come along because he was worried about his fiancée.”

Winston, smiling like a good boy, took out the letter from the Countess of Pesain and showed it to the Imperial Consort.

The Imperial Consort snatched the letter and read it quickly.

As she read, her face alternated between white and red.

“Mother…?”

Winston looked at his mother with a puzzled expression.

He had been in a good mood these past few days.

The Imperial Consort, who usually ignored him as if he were invisible, asked him for a favor. He was happy to finally be able to help his mother after hearing that she really needed help.

But the Imperial Consort’s expression while reading the letter was anything but pleased.

“Mother, are you alright…?”

“You mentioned seeing Duke Wintbell; did you not, Prince?”

“…Yes.”

Knowing how sensitive the Imperial Consort was about Kaien, Winston usually avoided mentioning him in her presence. However, his joy at being able to help his mother made him momentarily forget to be cautious.

“Tell me everything you talked about, without missing a single detail.”

It was a familiar request, yet one he hadn’t heard in a long time.

Since Winston had become friends with Kaien, the Imperial Consort had asked him every night what they had talked about.

Since failing to remember the details meant having to skip several meals, Winston had developed the habit of remembering every conversation he had with Kaien.

“Mother, it’s alright now. You don’t need to worry about Kaien anymore.”

“What…?”

“You’ve done enough. Kaien has even shown a desire for revenge against you…”

Clang-!

Something flew past Winston’s cheek and shattered into pieces.

It was a teacup.

“How dare you!”

“Your Majesty!”

The head maid, who had rushed in upon hearing the commotion, stood in front of the Imperial Consort, who was raging with her nails bared, towards Winston.

“Third Prince, you must leave quickly! Go now!”

The head maid swiftly took out a pill from her pocket and placed it into the Imperial Consort’s mouth.

“How dare you…”

As the effects of the medication began to take hold, the Imperial Consort slumped onto the sofa.

Winston, who had been watching quietly, took the Imperial Consort’s hand and kissed the back of it.

“I will take my leave now, Mother.”

The Imperial Consort did not look at him, but Winston continued to smile.

Winston and the head maid walked down the corridor together.

“Is the Imperial Consort’s condition still serious?”

“…Her condition hasn’t improved.”

Since the Imperial Consort’s palace had been closed ten years ago, she had suffered from seizures whenever her emotions became too intense. There was no exact diagnosis, only a general assessment of a psychological issue.

“I’ll have to be more careful.”

“The Imperial Consort will also understand the Prince’s feelings.”

Winston responded to the head maid’s words with a smile.

Upon returning to his own palace, Winston found his anxious steward.

“Third Prince, you’ve finally returned.”

“What happened?”

“What happened? You brought the young lady here without any explanation.”

“Oh.”

Winston then remembered that he had brought someone from the Countess of Pesain’s household.