TLWFL 13

Chapter 13

“There are various things. He really dislikes children. He absolutely abhors them. And he doesn’t speak kindly to them either. Since ancient times, they say you should never associate with someone who is mean to children… but then his actions contradict that. I heard he went straight into that chaos himself to keep a promise he made to a child. Ah, it was a dangerous situation.”

The sight of Reston digging through the collapsed rubble to find and pull out the missing person was impressive. Even though he was stained with dirt and grime, should I say he still shined? It was a face that made you understand why he was the male lead. When Reston finally helped the missing person onto a medical cot, it seemed like the male lead buff was glowing like a halo.

Most of the people there must have been captivated.

Except for me.

“…Could there be a reason he dislikes children?”

“A reason…?”

Nothing about that was mentioned in the original. Ugh, this is why you shouldn’t possess a novel that isn’t finished…

I clicked my tongue lightly.

“What kind of reason could there be?”

“Like not being confident he can be a good parent.”

I looked up at the suddenly lowered voice of Lindberg. I could see all kinds of emotions churning behind Lindberg’s languidly opened eyes.

Tsk.

So Lindberg’s life hadn’t been smooth either. Well, there’s always a reason for doing such unusual work in the first place.

“Or not being confident he can protect a child.”

Lindberg paused for a moment, then finally uttered the last words in a low voice.

“Or being afraid of forming attachments.”

I compared Lindberg’s examples with Reston. Could that really be the case?

Well, he did change completely after losing his grandmother and going through such hardship… but he never lost a child.

I really wish I could just step outside, read the ending, and come back. For real.

“…Then what do you think someone like that should do for him, Lindberg?”

I honestly don’t know. I wonder if reforming the male lead is really this hard. For someone like me who’s never even dated once, this is too hardcore.

“Stay by his side, comfort him. And if there’s someone who can show him they won’t leave, wouldn’t that be enough?”

“That friend’s friend, you mean?”

“Yes.”

Well, they do say having just one good friend can keep you from being lonely for life. It wouldn’t be bad for me to become that kind of friend.

“Thank you again today, Lindberg. I’ll come back soon.”

“Yes, go safely, my lady.”

As I opened the door to leave, Lindberg added,

“I’ll support you in whatever you do.”

He seems like such a nice person. Come to think of it, Lindberg is starting to look more and more handsome too. In this world, even the underground information broker is ridiculously good-looking.

—

The Count of Loterua slammed his desk with a displeased face. There was never a time when he felt so stifled. The Count glared sharply at the Viscount of Muteso before him.

“So you’re telling me you couldn’t secure anything and got chased out of there?”

“What can I do when the young lady is so firm?”

“Aish, tsk!”

The Count slammed the desk once more.

“…You know how important the ruby vein discovered in Muteso this time is. We need to dig it out again before it completely collapses and the entrance becomes unrecoverable. You know what I mean, don’t you?”

“Then what do we do? The young lady is holding her ground with the Grand Duchess Cheskant by her side.”

The Count of Loterua pressed his temples firmly. He was a man well aware of the importance of secrets. There were many things he hadn’t told even his only daughter.

This ruby mine would play a crucial role in filling the Count’s back pocket.

The Count of Loterua had many things he needed to do secretly to protect his title. Especially in times like this, when he had so many political enemies.

All the noble families were pointing swords at each other over the matter of choosing the Crown Prince.

“It’s a good thing that the Grand Duchess Cheskant is getting along with Rozelle. The imperial consort produced by the Cheskant family has the most astute prince. The problem is…”

The Count frowned.

“That old raccoon is pretending to be kind and backing out now. Tsk. Even though she knows that we need to eliminate the other princes to complete our faction, she’s pretending not to…”

“Then why not support a different prince? With Loterua’s power behind him, anyone could become the Crown Prince.”

The Count of Loterua fell into thought. Countless variables were planted like landmines everywhere. The Count spoke in a low voice.

“If we’re going to let go of Cheskant, we need to let go completely. We need to shake them up so they absolutely can’t interfere while I’m maneuvering. Just like before.”

The eyes of the Count of Loterua and the Viscount of Muteso met.

“I’ll give the signal. Not yet. We need to give Cheskant a chance too, don’t you think?”

“…Then the ruby vein…”

“Just send people secretly at night to dig. There’s no way there will be guards at night.”

“I’ll do that. My Count.”

The Viscount of Muteso smiled faintly.

—

Reston curled up the corners of his lips.

These days, Rozelle felt truly more transparent than water. As soon as she got into the carriage, she smiled awkwardly and was trying to follow the advice ‘Lindberg’ had given her.

“Reston. Actually, I can’t tell you how happy I am to be by your side as your friend. I will never leave your side.”

“Really? Even if a knife is at your throat?”

“Huh?”

Rozelle’s eyes sparkled.

*’Why does he have to be so extreme?’*

Rozelle let out a small, awkward cough.

“Of course!”

Reston slowly rubbed his lips with his fingertips. Today, Rozelle had asked for an investigation into the Loterua.

*’Did she not know about the things the Loterua has done?’*

He recalled the Count of Loterua’s sly face. The Count always pursued his own gain and never hesitated to use any means to achieve his goals.

There was a reason the Viscount of Muteso was the right-hand man of the Viscount Loterua.

The Count of Loterua would try to start construction as quickly as possible by any means necessary. He had already planted a man on the Viscount of Muteso. That bastard was just as unpredictable in where and what he might do.

If Rozelle’s ignorance was genuine, Reston’s plans would need to be revised.

Besides, Lady Yurasel was also keeping an eye on Rozelle now.

Reston tossed out a question.

“Could I take priority over your family?”

Rozelle bit her lip lightly. It felt like she was being tested somehow. Does he know something about the Loterua?

Rozelle glanced at Reston’s expression.

Actually, there was no reason to hesitate in answering here. To Rozelle, the Count and Countess were strangers. Besides, if they were unjust and Reston was righteous.

Rozelle gazed at Reston.

In a soft yet firm tone, Rozelle said,

“If Reston is a good person, then yes. I’ll take your side over my family’s, Reston.”

This was truly from the heart.

The corners of Reston’s lips trembled faintly.

He never imagined he would hear such words. That steadfast gaze and firm lips showed that at this moment, Rozelle was sincere.

“…If I’m a good person.”

Rozelle nodded. A small smile played on her pale face. Rozelle gently patted Reston’s forearm. Rozelle said as kindly as she could,

“Yes, if you’re a good person. I believe you can become that kind of person.”

It was hard to imagine this was the same person who had unhesitatingly called Reston trash earlier. But Reston couldn’t believe that his heart had wavered for a moment.

“I’ll always be by your side, Reston. Hmm, I promise with everything I hold most dear.”

Reston let out a wry laugh.

His casually tossed words had returned with sincerity.

Even though he’s not a child, at mere words like that.

He felt the desire to become a good person.

As if he had been bewitched by Rozelle’s smile.

He wanted to become someone whose dream was to be kind to children, to be a good father, a good husband, or a good lover.

Just like Rozelle’s ideal type.

Along with the air in the carriage, everything about Reston was shaking.