My Lover Isn't Interested With The Female lead!

 

 

 

 

Without realizing that Alexander was intensely watching her from behind, or that Ezkhiel was keeping an eye on Alexander, Letticia was caught up in extreme tension.

 

This was because a truly crucial moment, which could very well shape the rest of her life, had arrived without any warning.

 

“Congratulations on becoming a Diamond! I even saw in the Lucinella news that you danced a minuet with His Highness, the Crown Prince.”

 

“…Yes. It was quite an honor.”

 

At this pivotal moment, where Ariette could be discussing Matthias, the male lead, it’s a critical turning point that could decide the future paths of the original female and male leads.

 

‘So, should I compliment Matthias to Ariette? Or should I criticize him?’

 

Normally, common sense would say to speak kindly about him. A noble wouldn’t dare badmouth the Crown Prince.

 

But Letticia, who was contemplating whether it might be better to keep Ariette and Matthias from falling in love, was constantly conflicted over whether she should portray Matthias unfavorably.

 

‘If Ariette starts thinking highly of Matthias and falls in love with him, I’ll be off the hook. But if things go sideways and it turns into one of those tropes where the original female and male leads don’t end up together, and instead, Matthias ends up fixating on the character I’ve taken over, I’m in trouble.’

 

If Ariette has a good impression of Matthias, things will proceed according to the original storyline, which means Letticia will lose her chance with Matthias. However, in exchange, Ezkhiel will end up suffering.

 

Conversely, if Ariette dislikes Matthias, the chances increase that Letticia, who is currently regarded as the strongest candidate for Crown Princess, will be forcibly paired with Matthias.

 

‘Either way, it’s a nightmare.’

 

She regretted not having thought through a plan or strategy even briefly in the past few days.

 

“So, how was it to dance with His Highness? I’ve heard he’s quite impressive. Do you, Lady Sharon, also wish to become the Crown Princess?”

 

Ariette’s eyes sparkled as she asked, a question Letticia had heard several times before, but this time, she felt more nervous than when she’d answered similar questions in front of the royals.

 

“Well… I, um, must marry for love.”

 

Letticia had only seconds to respond, with three men in the background ready to go to extreme lengths for Ariette, even summoning demons if necessary.

 

In a situation where every single word needed careful consideration, Letticia decided to follow a maxim she had just come up with.

 

‘If you’re unsure, avoid giving a clear answer and just dodge the question.’

 

She made up her mind to divert the conversation or respond vaguely, without reaching any conclusions.

 

With that resolve, Letticia tried her best to prevent Ariette from forming any specific impression of Matthias.

 

“Besides, His Highness the Crown Prince… well, you’d probably have more chances to see him than I would. He’s so busy that he rarely attends social gatherings.”

 

“Oh, no! I’m just a lowly official, so I don’t even get to see His Highness.”

 

“Is that so?”

 

“Yes. The reports to His Highness are presented by our chief minister, and occasionally, the head official accompanies him, but clerks like us rarely have any chance to meet him. Even today was my first time even seeing Sir Bright up close.”

 

It was unexpected but made practical sense.

 

To reach a level where one could report directly to the Crown Prince, a position of at least chief minister is required, so unless Ariette, a junior clerk, were assigned special duties, she wouldn’t meet the Crown Prince face-to-face.

 

‘So Matthias and Ariette haven’t met yet.’

 

There might be chances to cross paths, but at least for now, it seemed unlikely that Matthias would fall into a workplace romance with Ariette.

 

At least Ezkhiel wouldn’t have to endure early hardships like in the original story, which was a relief.

 

Letticia, feeling reassured, moved on to a different topic rather than delving further into this matter.

 

“So, have you heard anything about Sir Bright? He’s a friend of my older brother’s, so I only know him personally, not professionally.”

 

“If you’re asking about Sir Bright, he’s very highly regarded!”

 

Ariette began to speak with a broad smile, as if she enjoyed talking about him.

 

“According to our head official, His Highness the Crown Prince is extremely meticulous in reviewing reports. Even the slightest mistake causes everyone to freeze. He’ll catch if something is missing or if a section isn’t properly checked, almost like he has supernatural senses, and after reporting to him, it looks as though everyone’s lifespan has been cut by a decade.”

 

“He does sound extremely strict… I would feel the same.”

 

When Letticia agreed, Ariette nodded and continued.

 

“But Sir Bright always steps in to mediate. He explains that certain sections might have been delayed due to unavoidable circumstances, or that a part was postponed to ensure a more accurate report.”

 

“Ah, having someone like that around must make work more manageable for everyone.”

 

“Yes, that’s why everyone is always grateful to Sir Bright. To the extent that people say they’re actually afraid to go in for reports when he’s not around.”

 

“He really sounds indispensable.”

 

“Indeed. Some people used to look down on him for being from a baron’s family, but it’s just nonsense. Since His Highness graduated from the academy and started working in earnest, many aides have been dismissed, yet Sir Bright has never even received a single reprimand.”

 

Ariette, who was speaking enthusiastically, seemed bright and cheerful, quite different from her slightly timid self back at the academy, appearing exactly as she was portrayed in the original work.

 

Letticia, who appreciated this valuable information, smiled sincerely for the first time and thanked Ariette.

 

“Thank you for telling me. Now I feel like I understand a little more about who Sir Bright really is.”

 

“Um, if it’s not too much trouble, may I ask you something?”

 

Ariette glanced behind her.

 

Between Lenard, who was in the middle of a conversation about jewelry, and the Duke, Ezkhiel was briefly visible before he disappeared.

 

“Are you perhaps close with Sir Bright? Or, maybe you’re trying to get closer?”

 

“Well… he’s my brother’s friend, so naturally, we’re quite closer when it’s compared to my closeness with other gentlemen. Of course, I’d love to get closer if possible.”

 

Letticia smiled as she said this, and Ariette looked between the two of them before smiling brightly.

 

“Oh, I see. I hope you two become even closer.”

 

“That makes me really happy to hear. There are many others who hope for me to become the Crown Princess, you see.”

 

“But in the end, it’s Lady Sharon who decides who she marries, right? Surely, the lady herself knows best whom she truly loves.”

 

“…Yes, I suppose so.”

 

Letticia hesitated for a moment at Ariette’s casual statement that it was only natural to marry the one you love, then nodded in agreement.

 

In the original story, Ariette married Matthias in the end, so it could be assumed that she did indeed love him.

 

‘Looks like I’m not leaving her to some stalker. Thank goodness.’

 

Relieved of one concern, Letticia continued to enjoy the scenery, engaging in light conversation with Ariette.

 

Although the boat ride didn’t go exactly according to her initial plan, it was still somewhat fruitful.

 

***

 

After the boat ride, there was only a carriage ride around the lake left.

 

She was nervous, wondering if she would end up sharing the carriage ride with the other party, but fortunately, thanks to what she had said earlier, Ariette did not express a desire to ride with Letticia.

 

“It was a pleasure, Duke. I look forward to your visit to Sharon Jewelry should the opportunity arise.”

 

“The pleasure was ours. We’ll send a message another time.”

 

After both family representatives exchanged their farewells, the carriage prepared for a tour around the lake arrived.

 

Fortunately, since the Duke’s family expressed a wish to go on another boat ride, the carriage was allocated to Letticia’s party.

 

When the carriage door opened, Lenard, who had been quietly observing Ezkhiel, casually struck up a conversation.

 

“Ezkhiel, where would you like to sit?”

 

“Me? Anywhere’s fine with me.”

 

“In that case, I’ll take the back seat. Kenneth, where do you want to sit?”

 

“I prefer the back seat too. I get a bit carsick up front.”

 

At their scripted-sounding conversation, Ezkhiel instinctively looked at Letticia. By those two taking the back seats, it meant that Letticia would sit up front.

 

With a satisfied smile at her brothers for keeping their promise, Letticia extended her hand to Ezkhiel.

 

“Looks like it’s settled. Shall we take the front seats and enjoy the view, Sir Bright?”

 

“…Are you sure it’s okay? Shouldn’t you sit with a chaperone…?”

 

“Where’s the fun in sitting with a chaperone or my brothers on an outing like this?”

 

When Letticia pouted, Ezkhiel blushed and took her hand, escorting her up.

 

Letticia took her seat in the front row of the open, double-row carriage, followed closely by Ezkhiel, with Lenard and Kenneth getting in afterward.

 

“Finally, I get to sit next to you, Sir Bright. I’ve been looking forward to it.”

 

When Letticia whispered this, Ezkhiel blushed even more, fidgeting with his hands.

 

“You’re really good at saying things that make people feel happy, Lady.”

 

“I’m not saying it just to make you feel happy. I mean it.”

 

“W-what?”

 

Ezkhiel looked up at Letticia in surprise.

 

Letticia, deliberately fiddling with her beautifully braided hair to catch Ezkhiel’s attention, flashed him a charming smile.

 

“I told you at the ball that I was looking forward to talking with you, Sir Bright. I meant every word I said.”