For Sale: Male Lead, Obsession Included - Chapter 39
Due to Declan’s poor health, the Duke frantically opened portals, drastically reducing the time it took to reach the capital.
Thanks to this, I painfully realized that my body is very susceptible to motion sickness.
After a brief rest, the carriage set off again, and the last person I wanted to see hopped on.
“Ah. My back is killing me~. All because I couldn’t lie down comfortably. Ah, it’s so cramped.”
It was Clovin.
As a commoner, I was originally supposed to walk or ride a horse, but thanks to the Duke’s consideration, I could ride in Clovin’s carriage.
…But I might as well have walked.
It was because Clovin kept looking at me with interest, as if watching a juggling monkey.
I knew from reading the novel that he was a crazy, unpredictable person, but… I didn’t realize he was already like this before becoming the male lead’s aide.
“I’m sorry.”
Hearing that we would soon arrive in the capital, I thought I could endure this man’s nonsense for just a bit longer.
As I traced the character for ‘endure’ in my mind while looking at the wide expanse of meadow outside the window, Clovin’s eyes sparkled as if he had more to say.
“What is your relationship with our Young Duke?”
Since when was he your Young Duke?
I forced myself to suppress my irritation and answered calmly.
“I was just protecting the Young Duke for a short while—we have no special relationship. I wouldn’t dare to presume such a thing…”
“Hmm. It’s good that you have a clear sense of self.”
Clovin, with a wide grin, handed me a document.
“Sign here.”
It stated that I would receive my reward as soon as we arrived at the duke’s residence in the capital, but I must leave immediately and keep silent about everything related to the Young Duke.
“It would be best for your safety to just erase everything from your mind.”
I glanced over the document, half-listening to him.
Though it was akin to a threat, I had planned to leave the capital after receiving my reward anyway, so I silently signed my name, Estira, on it.
It was the first contract I had signed with my name since my reincarnation.
After placing the final dot, I noticed the city walls of the capital coming into view outside the window.
***
Even though I was the benefactor who found the Young Duke, couldn’t they let me stay for a day and offer me a meal?
“The remaining amount has been deposited into your account at Kara Bank.”
I was kicked out as soon as I arrived at the townhouse, with a heavy pouch of money.
Should I be grateful that they even came out to see me off?
“…Thank you, Duke.”
“Thank you for finding my son.”
Is it common for a grateful person to kick someone out without even a meal?
“Well then, goodbye.”
I bowed and hid my sullen expression. Then I glanced at Declan for the last time.
Still in poor health, he was leaning against the Duke for support, his face pale and his lips chapped.
Seeing his wan face and dry lips made me feel guilty.
Could it be… that he’s sick because of the shock I caused?
But I shook my head, trying to strengthen my resolve.
This must be the growing pains Declan had to go through eventually.
“Young Duke, thank you for everything. Thanks to you, I was able to reach the capital easily and start a new life.”
As I sincerely expressed my gratitude, Declan’s fragile expression crumbled.
Was he trying hard not to cry?
Declan shook his head with a forlorn look. Was he trying to tell me not to go?
‘Hmm.’
Seeing that he still had feelings for me, I realized it was time to use my final trump card.
Looking straight at Declan, I exaggeratedly hugged the pouch of money tightly and smiled broadly.
As if to say, I approached you for money from the beginning, showing a worldly face.
“After all, you are the Young Duke, the reward is quite substantial.”
How about that? Shouldn’t this make him completely detach any remaining feelings?
Ignoring the expression on Declan’s face, whether it was betrayal or grief, I turned away.
‘I’m doing this for your own good, Declan.’
So don’t be too upset.
Even though my actions have removed the chance for you to meet the female protagonist, the universe will find a way to bring you two together.
So now, live a happy life, receiving the Duke’s warm love and enjoying luxurious baths in a grander bathroom than the Emperor’s.
I will also build my own happy life!
