I Became The Childhood Friend of the Obsessive Second Male Lead

unedited

[“All the memories that were built up between us point to that relationship. Actions don’t lie.”]

[“I was relieved that the princess knew a good answer.”]

Two people giving the same advice to her already means that the answer is already so obvious in Rieta’s actions.

Rieta’s actions in the Empire were usually only two.

Thinking of the day she will return, devoting herself to her studies.

To repay the favor to the duchy, and to make Noel a wonderful gentleman.

Her mind towards learning has not changed until now.

Whenever she read any book, she thought she had to work hard for the kingdom.

But things about Noel were getting a little strange.

After watching him become close with the female lead, she sometimes get grumpy.

‘…… But something like this.’

She couldn’t tell Noel, and she shouldn’t be caught.

She couldn’t imagine what would happen after that. Rieta was even afraid of ruining her long-standing goal.

So she wanted to close her eyes and take her gaze away from this heart of hers.

As if it never existed in the first place.

“My feelings… I wish they would disappear.”

Rieta said that with insistence, but she soon regretted it and bit her lip.

“I’m sorry. It must be…a lie. Probably.”

“I know. It’s a lie.”

Answering his firm reply, Rieta looked at him with respect.

Even if he understands his feelings, it must be very difficult to admit them.

“Mclean is a man of courage.”

“…I’m glad you said that.”

He grinned and added some hopeful words.

“I had my own story before I could reveal it honestly like this.”

At that moment, Rieta wanted to ask how he was able to face his feelings straight.

But it was so disrespectful to ask, so she didn’t.

“And don’t worry.”

He held out his hand.

Rieta put her hand on top of it, and he lowered his head for a moment to the back of her hand.

“Because the princess that I fell for is also a very brave person.”

After a breath and a light kiss, he lifted his head.

“Then shall we go back? Sooner or later we may have to listen to Everett’s boasts.”

“Let’s go.”

Mclean’s prediction wasn’t wrong, and as soon as they returned to the banquet hall, Everett ran in front of the two and started bragging.

How cute the princess’ clumsy lead was, and how beautiful it was when she stubbornly bit her lips.

And how happy he was.

“That’s great, Everett.”

Rieta patted him on the arm and smiled brightly.

“Oh, right, Everett.”

Then, perhaps something had come to mind, Hugh Mclean asked Everett a question.

“Have you seen Lord Noel? I have to go back first, so I guess I’ll have to ask him to take care of Princess Rieta.”

Rieta was taken aback and turned to him.

“You’re going back?!”

“Yes, I’m very sorry, Princess. Will you forgive me?”

“Oh no, that’s not something that requires an apology. And above all, it’s okay if you don’t entrust me to Noel. This is my home after all, and…”

Rieta felt uncomfortable about seeing Noel right now, so she eagerly made up her excuses.

But Hugh Mclean just shook his head with a surprisingly stubborn expression.

“If the Duke hears that I abandoned Princess Rieta midway, he won’t leave me alone.”

“The Duke is not like that. Besides, it’s not like you’re abandoning me.”

“Still, I’m afraid of the Duke. Princess, are you going to disturb my sleep again tonight?”

“Uh.”

When he talked so much even Rieta had no choice but to nod her head.

“All right.”

“Thank you for listening to my stubbornness. Brave princess.”

Brave princess.

If he called her that, he probably meant that he wanted her to realize her true feelings when she met Noel.

A friendly person.

It somehow made her sad…

Rieta turned her head towards Everett.

She wants him to guide them both to where Noel is.

Since he was with Princess Gabriella a little while ago, he must have known Noel’s whereabouts as well.

“Oh.”

But he seemed somehow troubled.

“What’s the matter?”

“What’s wrong?”

Mclean and Rieta asked at the same time.

But Everett still rolled his big eyes this way and that, and didn’t know what to do.

“No, well. Uh, can I take care of Princess Rieta instead?”

Listening carefully to his words, Rieta thought that Everett was hiding something.

Something that Rieta wouldn’t like too much…..

At that time, nobles passing nearby were whispering to each other.

‘Young Lord Noel’ was mentioned in their story.

Perhaps because of this, Rieta naturally listened in that direction.

Unfortunately, the words spilling over the fan didn’t get this far.

She just turned her gaze to where they were looking.

Even without listening, she could know what they were talking about.

In the middle of the banquet hall, Victorina was in Noel’s arms.