I Became The Childhood Friend of the Obsessive Second Male Lead

First of all, as he once pointed out, it was most heartbreaking to treat Hugh McLean only as a character in a novel.

She could have had plenty of time to get a better look at him.

After a while, the wind stopped.

And surprisingly, the surroundings became quiet.

Rieta sensed that now Hugh McLean would confess his long-standing heart.

Finally, his lips moved.

“….I remembered what I should ask for compensation.”

“Yes?”

“Princess Rieta decided to compensate me for holding onto my arm too hard.”

Yes, she did. But why is this suddenly popping up now?

Since Rieta was contemplating some words of rejection, she couldn’t even properly respond to his words.

“It’s okay even just once. Please let me be Princess Rieta’s partner at an official event.”

“Partner?”

“Princess Gabriella’s welcome banquet or another day is fine.”

“That’s….”

Rieta hesitated for a moment. She had rarely been to a banquet until now.

Even if there was, she was with Elisha or the men of the Mayer family. More than anything, she didn’t know if she could decide this on her own.

She might become a nuisance to the Duchy…..

“In any case, are you uncomfortable?”

“No, because I said I would listen to anything. But.”

Rieta frankly said what she was worried about. Of course, he was willing to understand Rieta’s concerns.

“In that case, I guess I can ask the Duke for permission.”

“What?!”

“Because Princess Rieta’s guardian is the duke. If there are any other problems, please let me know now.”

“Well, as you can see, I’ve injured my arm, so I don’t know if I can be a proper partner.”

“That’s something I need to work on. If you allow me to be your partner, I’ll do my best to assist you so that you don’t feel uncomfortable. Are there any other problems?”

Rieta tried to think of anything she could think of, but there were no more excuses.

Besides, considering Noel, this offer wasn’t bad. If she was with Hugh McLean, Noel would be able to get Victorina’s side relatively easily.

“… I don’t have any problem.”

“That’s good.”

By the time he was smiling brightly, Elisha had returned with a parasol.

Hugh McLean said, “Princess Rieta’s arms need a rest.” He took the parasol and unfolded it. And throughout the walk, he held it carefully so that the sun wouldn’t hit her.

That thoughtful look reminded Rieta of Noel for some reason.

As Rieta once taught him, “When a fine lady like me goes for a walk, Noel should hold the parasol.’

Naughty Noel used to run away with the lace parasol, swinging it around. Rieta would run through the garden screaming at Noel.

Thanks to that, Rieta’s face under the stinging sunlight, was reddened.

How old was she? Maybe it was when she was very young.

It was the time when she would come back to the mansion drenched in sweat and receive compliments saying, “You’ve been playing well.”

Suddenly, Rieta was smiling happily.

And Hugh McLean muttered quietly as he gazed at Rieta standing under his parasol.

“… ..It seems that Princess Rieta is still under another parasol.”

She turned around to ask, “Yes?” at his casual muttering, but he shook his head.

It’s nothing.

When he said that and laughed, his heart ached somewhere.

Maybe more today than yesterday.

“Then, let’s go back now.”

Concerned that time had passed, he turned toward the tent.

Elisha quietly followed them this time.

“Come to think of it. McLean.”

“Yes?”

“I reluctantly asked you to come out, but you don’t ask why.”

“Oh, come to think of it, it is.”

“No way, did you forget?!”

He laughed out loud and replied coolly.

“I’m so happy that I forgot about it.”

“If McLean is happy then…that’s a relief.”

Rieta paused.

For some reason it didn’t seem right for her to put those words in her mouth.

Thankfully, McLean moderately ignored her surprise.

“Please call me again. I’ll be waiting for you.”

By the time he bowed his head, imitating the butler, they had just arrived in front of the tent.

Come to think of it, she forgot because of Hugh McLean, but is Noel doing well?

As RIeta draws closer, holding her worried heart.

From the other side of the tent, there was a constant sound of pleasant talk.

Rieta thought Noel must be having a great time with Victorina.