I Give Up on the BL Novel's Male Leads - Chapter 24
“I’ve been going for three years…”
Illein thought of all the blood and sweat she’d poured into maintaining her rank these past three years.
If she married now, it would all be over. She had fought desperately because she didn’t want to live her life bound by her family, being treated like property.
The thought of everything she worked for crumbling at once was suffocating her.
Illein found herself unexpectedly tearing up, not knowing how to cope with the overwhelming emotions.
“I’m going to stay in the academy.”
At her firm declaration, Melias sighed softly and handed her a handkerchief.
She accepted it, noting its plainness—unlike the embroidered ones that boys from wealthy families typically carried. Realizing Melias lacked a mother to provide such embellishments, she understood the situation better.
“Nobles often marry for alliances.”
“I know… but still, I…”
“I understand your wishes, Lady.”
Illein felt somewhat relieved by Melias’s gentle response. Her heart settled a bit.
“Huh…”
A tear slipped down her cheek.
She didn’t want to show weakness in front of others, so she dabbed at her tears with the handkerchief, trying to calm herself.
“I will make sure to consult Illein directly in the future. It was my mistake.”
“Ah… Yes. Thank you for that.”
Illein nodded, appreciating what seemed like genuine understanding from Melias.
As the most disastrous invitation ended, she planned to return to the mansion immediately.
“I will see you out.”
As Illein rose to leave, Melias offered.
She had spent the lunch focusing only on the meal and a brief tour of the estate they walked through, which was the extent of their conversation that day, making his presence somewhat uncomfortable.
“I can manage on my own.”
“No, I insist on taking you.”
She had hoped to catch some rest in the carriage alone.
But Melias, perhaps feeling he had imposed on her, insisted on not leaving her side.
“Then… I’ll be in your care.”
Reluctantly, Illein accepted his offer as she was unable to decline his courtesy.
Illein approached the carriage parked in front of the manor.
As she was about to climb in, Melias extended his hand. She didn’t see it at first and almost boarded without assistance, but then she hesitated, reached down, and accepted his hand.
“It’s a habit.”
“I understand.”
Melias said so. He knew that Illein had spent more days living as a man than as a woman.
With his help, she climbed into the carriage and then extended her hand to help him in. He seemed surprised by her gesture but masked his reaction and joined her inside.
Soon after, the carriage door closed.
Sitting in the carriage, Melias observed Illein, who seemed cautious, and finally spoke up.
“I was quite rude today.”
“No, it’s not that. It seems my parents really liked you, Lord Melias. That’s why they decided without telling me.”
Illein felt her earlier tears had been a bit improper.
“I didn’t cry because I dislike you, Lord Wignum. I really want to graduate from the academy.”
“I understand. Baron Thierry mentioned his daughter’s deep affection for the academy.”
Illein felt a bit relieved by his words. She smiled wryly as his expression softened.
“Do you not have a passion for the academy, Melias? I love that we can learn something like magic. It’s fascinating.”
Melias paused, considering her words, then looked down briefly before responding,
“I don’t know if it’s enjoyable. Having abilities means attending the academy is a duty for me.”
“Perhaps it feels like an obligation to you.”
Illein nodded, showing her understanding. Melias seemed more relaxed and spoke more calmly.
“If you wish to continue at the academy, I can wait until you graduate. I need you, Lady Thierry.”
Her heart raced a bit at his earnest tone.
“Is this because of the dam issue we discussed last time?”
“Yes. The Wignum Marquisate borders the south, and we consistently face water shortages.”
“If that’s the case, why not seek help from a water mage?”
“I need someone I can trust.”
Illein waited quietly for Melias to continue, sensing there was more he wanted to say. Finally, he spoke, seemingly compelled by her silence. He originally had not intended to reveal this.
“Our domain’s people have relied on a man-made dam. It’s risky because there’s only one source of water. If someone were to poison that source.”
“Ah!”
Illein gasped, realizing what he was implying. She had heard stories about how neighboring countries had attempted to cripple the Wignum Marquisate by tampering with their water supply.
These enemies would often target the dam or aqueducts. Each time, the local people suffered tremendously.
“Once, a water mage we hired turned out to be the one who poisoned it.”
“…I see.”
