I Give Up on the BL Novel's Male Leads - Chapter 25
“So, I needed someone trustworthy. If we were bound by marriage, we could make a magical vow. I never intended to burden or trouble you, Lady Thierry. If you really dislike the idea of marrying me…”
“That’s not it.”
Illein was surprised that he took it that way and quickly waved her hands to clarify.
She knew he should reject her, not the other way around.
Otherwise, her parents, the Baron and Baroness Thierry, might become even more oppressive and make her life miserable.
They might even go to the academy to force her to drop out and sign a marriage contract, practically selling her off like a slave.
“I don’t dislike you, Lord Wignum.”
Although they referred to each other formally, neither seemed to realize as they continued their conversation.
“The truth is… as you know, I was born a woman but raised as a man. I think from a young age I felt I needed to achieve something.”
“So you wanted to graduate from the academy?”
“Yes, I really don’t dislike you.”
His expression softened again at her words.
“Shall we start with an engagement then?”
She couldn’t respond right away, and he continued, trying to ease the burden.
“As you mentioned before, it’s alright if there is another man. But first, please fulfill your duties as a noble with me.”
Illein knew what the duties of nobility were: to produce heirs with a designated partner.
“After that, you can see whoever you want, be with whomever you want. I won’t mind. All I ask is that once a month, you purify the dam and create water.”
She hesitated, saying that she would think about it.
As they traveled in the carriage, a square came into view, and Illein spoke up.
“Could you let me out at that square?”
“Why is that?”
“I want to buy a notebook. It seems like a hassle to come all the way to the square again tomorrow.”
In truth, Illein said this because she felt uncomfortable and wanted an excuse to get off.
“Then let’s go together.”
“No, I can go alone!”
“It’s dangerous at night.”
“No, still…”
“If you prefer, I can wait here while you go.”
Illein found it difficult to refuse as Melias offered so kindly, and she replied almost without thinking.
“Alright, I’ll be quick then.”
She got out at the square first, and he truly seemed intent on waiting inside the carriage.
She needed to head to the nearest shop.
Walking there, various thoughts filled her mind.
She believed she absolutely had to graduate from the academy. Only by graduating could she become an imperial official, avoid this bizarre engagement, and free herself from her family’s clutches.
If she became an imperial official, given her water attribute and healing abilities, she would likely be called upon for purification missions, even though it meant a higher risk of danger.
Still, she preferred that to being married off like livestock, merely to bear children.
She didn’t necessarily dream of a love marriage, but she didn’t want to bring a child into a world where they couldn’t be properly cared for. From her previous life, she knew all too well how hard it was to grow up lonely without parental love.
Therefore, she wanted to be truly ready, both emotionally and physically, before having children, not just because a strategic marriage demanded it.
With these thoughts, she briskly opened the shop door.
—Bang!
“Ah!”
She was pulled inside abruptly by someone opening the door from the other side, colliding with the person’s shoulder and head.
“What the—?”
As she slipped and struggled to regain her balance, the person in front of her held her tightly to prevent her from falling.
“Watch where you’re going…”
When their eyes met, she realized it was Edwin holding her.
“Illein Thierry?”
At the sound of his voice, Illein shivered, her face turning pale.
“No, that’s not me.”
She blurted out in confusion, her voice shaky. Despite trying to twist away, Edwin’s firm grip made it impossible to escape.
“Come on, stand properly.”
“Wait, just a moment!”
She struggled more, fearing he’d recognize her if he looked any closer.
In the midst of this, he suddenly let go of her arm.
“Ah!”
As she nearly slipped and fell, he quickly grasped her arm again and righted her.
“Stand up straight.”
“Ah? Yes, thank you.”
Illein bowed her head in response. However, her behavior seemed to make him more suspicious as he continued to look at her intently.
“Illein.”
“No, that’s not me!”
“Do you enjoy dressing up as a woman?”
“That’s an insult!”
She was so flustered by his intense scrutiny that she turned her head completely away.
Looking him in the eyes would make it too hard to lie.
Feeling as if she had been caught, her heart thumped noisily.She felt like she could vomit her heart out at that moment.
Worried about being discovered, Illein’s hands trembled.
Her voice felt as thin as a goat’s.
“Do you know who I am?”
“No, I don’t.”
Trying to avoid his gaze any longer seemed like it would only make him more suspicious, so she attempted to look at him directly.
