Instead of the Heroine, I Married the Male Lead

 

Ethan was in a good mood.

As he adjusted his clothes while looking in the mirror, he hummed a tune and turned around. There, Ken was slowly swirling his glass while sitting on the sofa.

“Aren’t you getting ready?”

Ken, wearing his robe pulled down low, glanced at Ethan.

“I’m fine. This outfit is comfortable anyway.”

Ethan clicked his tongue at the dreary robe.

“I’m offering to help, and you’re acting like this. I’m not such a stingy person. I can do at least that much, if not more, for you.”

The reason this plan could come to fruition was entirely because of Ken. Ethan certainly couldn’t have come up with such an idea on his own, nor did he have the guts to do so.

In fact, Ethan had no confidence until he started moving to execute the initial plan. However, seeing Ken remain unflappable no matter what happened, Ethan gradually became bolder.

“If I reveal myself, it won’t be pleasant for you.”

“What do you mean by that? Everyone in that banquet hall will soon be groveling at our feet like dogs in just a few days.”

“Is the budget okay? You’re not overextending yourself, are you?”

“Overextending? Not at all.”

That was indeed a stretch.

It had been a long time since any money had come in from sources other than the mine. However, everyone at the Marquis of Kevan’s residence was too high on drugs to realize it properly.

‘After all, we have the mine.’

Although the ownership of the mine had now changed to “Beanstalk” due to the distribution of large quantities of drugs, Ethan still thought of it as theirs.

Soon, the nobles addicted to drugs would offer him money, and he would easily reclaim the mine.

So, they gathered all the money they had, borrowed more, and held a lavish party. Although the Marquis of Kevan’s family was gradually declining, the title of marquis still held significant weight, so many high-ranking nobles attended.

As Ethan was making the final preparations, the head butler rushed in, flustered.

“What’s going on?”

“Sir, it’s a big problem.”

“What is it?”

“They say the Third Prince has attended the banquet today.”

“What?”

Ethan was taken aback and turned to the butler.

“What do you mean?”

“It seems that the Third Prince has mixed in with the other nobles and is attending the party incognito.”

Since having more nobles was beneficial, unlike other banquets, they hadn’t been thorough with the invitation checks this time.

And that’s how this unfortunate incident occurred.

“Has the Third Prince been drinking?!”

“That’s the thing… he’s wearing a mask, so it’s hard to find him. We’re still looking, but we don’t know if he’s had any of the drugged wine…”

“Damn it! You should have told me about this earlier!”

Nobles and royalty were different.

If the Third Prince had consumed drugged wine…

It was a horrific thought just to imagine. Seeing Ethan’s pale face, the butler added,

“Sir, it’s not too late. It would be best to end the banquet now…”

“On the contrary, this is a good thing.”

“What?”

At Ken’s words, Ethan’s eyes widened.

“Don’t you understand? He’s royalty! Not just any noble. Our family could disappear overnight!”

“Think of it the other way around, Young Master.”

“The other way?”

“It’s an opportunity to have someone with such great power in your grasp.”

It was an enticing prospect.

The butler realized that Ethan was wavering and gasped. He didn’t think Ethan’s thinking was so shallow.

Touching royalty was akin to a death wish.

“But… I don’t have the confidence to control royalty…”

“Don’t you?”

Ken asked in a calm voice.

It was a voice that seemed to see straight into the depths of Ethan’s heart. Ethan flinched.

“Then let’s stop here. Tell the butler to end the banquet immediately. It looks like we’ll lose the mine to Beanstalk as it is.”

The butler’s expression brightened as Ken persuaded Ethan.

“No.”

But Ethan shook his head firmly.

“That’s not possible. How much have I invested…? It can’t end like this.”

He felt desperate, knowing he wouldn’t have another chance to host such a large banquet again.

“Sir, money can be repaid through other means. But touching the Third Prince is…!”

“Shut up! How dare a mere servant tell the master what to do?!”

Ethan, on edge from anxiety, reacted excessively and kicked the butler.

The butler fell to the floor.

“You.”

Ethan pointed at the butler’s assistant.

The assistant, who had been holding his breath, jumped in surprise.

“Yes, yes!”

“From now on, you’re the butler. You’re fired.”

The butler, who had dedicated more than half his life to this place, couldn’t hide his disbelief at being fired in just a few seconds.

Ethan turned to the newly appointed assistant butler.

“First, we need to know the Third Prince’s condition, so don’t stop searching. What about Emon?”

“The Young Master is…”

“Ugh. Where has that Emon gone while I’m working my fingers to the bone for the family? Find Emon too.”

“Yes, yes. Understood!”

“Ken, let’s go.”

As they left, the butler ground his teeth in frustration. Then, he made a decision and headed somewhere.

The busy servants at the banquet didn’t notice the butler sneaking into Ethan’s office.

 

☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓 ☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓

Kaien was right. The banquet was a complete mess.

As soon as Kaien entered, he took Philome by the arm and led her to a corner, ensuring no one could approach them. The atmosphere was already lively, and people were too busy chatting among themselves.

“Surprised?”

“Oh, I’m fine. I guess it’s just been a while since I’ve seen something like this.”

“Have you ever been to a masquerade ball?”

“Yes.”

Masquerade balls are usually held discreetly, with invitations extended to those in close circles or from somewhat powerful families.

Kaien realized late that Philome was quite stunning as he watched her scan the surroundings with a disinterested expression.

Even if she didn’t have a powerful family background, Philome’s beauty would have caused a stir in the social scene. She seemed indifferent to her looks, but objectively, she was exceptionally attractive.

“But I haven’t been to many masquerade balls. They’re too noisy. It’s always fascinating to see people express their hidden desires just because they’re wearing a mask that’s only as thick as a finger…”

At those words, Kaien burst into laughter.

“Then shall we express our hidden desires?”

“Don’t you think there’s no need for you to hide any desires, Duke?”

Philome tilted her head in curiosity.

“Of course I do.”

Noticing her interest, Kaien took her hand and led her to the central hall.

“For instance, the desire to dance with you?”

“That’s quite a remarkable desire.”

“Indeed. It’s a desire I’ve never expressed before.”

Now that he mentioned it, Philome realized they had never danced together. They had attended banquets, but never had the chance to dance.

Philome willingly followed Kaien’s lead toward the central hall, just as new music was about to start.

“Please take care of me, sir.”

“Just leave it to me, milady.”

After greeting each other, Kaien and Philome took their positions. Kaien’s hand firmly wrapped around Philome’s waist.

Kaien was skilled at leading, and Philome wasn’t a bad dancer either. Even though it was their first time dancing together, their synergy was good, and they moved smoothly without tripping over their steps.

“Let’s slip away before the partners change in the middle.”

“Sounds good.”

As their bodies drew closer, Kaien whispered quickly, and Philome nodded in agreement.

“By the way, you dance quite well, Your Grace.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“You’re famous for not dancing, after all.”

“Ah.”

Kaien recalled one of his rumors and chuckled softly.

“It must have been tough being a young duke in high society.”

“A young and handsome duke does have his challenges.”

Kaien immediately shot back at Philome’s remark.

There was no denying it.

Excluding royalty, Kaien was the most sought-after bachelor. With his looks, status, and power, he had it all, yet he hadn’t danced with any woman fairly.

Philome had heard the famous story that he absolutely never danced.

“It’s an honor to be dancing with such a duke.”

“Right. You’re my first lady.”

“But how do you lead so well?”

It was impressive how he didn’t treat her like a puppet but still led her smoothly in time with the music.

“Well, I guess it’s a kind of natural talent?”