I Give Up on the BL Novel's Male Leads - Chapter 29
Seeing Illein’s pale face, Melias seemed to realize something was amiss.
“Don’t come in. I just showered, and opening the door would be awkward.”
“What kind of big scene are you imagining? Is Illein there?”
Damon’s voice came from the other side of the door.
“No, he already left.”
Illein felt relieved that Melias was quick on his senses.
Her heart was pounding with fear.
Damon didn’t know she was a woman. Moreover, if he found out she had been deceiving him this way, he wasn’t likely to forgive her.
She didn’t want to hurt him like this.
She hadn’t planned to keep this secret forever.
After graduating from Bellaine Academy, when both she and he might be married to others, living separately and having stabilized their lives, she wanted to talk about it.
“What? I thought he was here?”
“He left already. It’s been a while since I sent the letter.”
Melias stared at Illein.
Unable to avoid his gaze, she looked back at him with a scared look.
“So, why did Illein come here?”
“Just happened.”
“Alright, I understand. You’re sure Illein went back to the manor?”
“Yes.”
“Okay, see you the day after tomorrow.”
“Alright.”
As Damon’s footsteps faded away, Melias didn’t consider it overly rude not to show one’s face when visiting someone’s home, given that Illein looked so scared.
Once the footsteps in the hallway were completely gone and the area fell silent, Melias spoke first.
“I heard he’s an old friend of yours.”
“What? Um… yes.”
“So Damon doesn’t know about this.”
“Yes… And you haven’t told anyone else?”
“I didn’t tell anyone. I just assumed…. Damon knew because he’s a longtime friend.”
Melias knew that Illein and Damon were close, which is why he assumed Damon would come immediately after he sent the letter.
But realizing now that Damon didn’t even know she was a woman…. it seemed their relationship might not be as deep as he had thought.
“May I ask why you haven’t told him?”
He watched as Illein sighed in relief.
The chandelier’s light illuminated the mansion’s interior as the sun had set. But strangely, it seemed that her silver hair reflecting the light appeared even more beautiful, complemented by her pale, ice-blue eyes.
Dressed in such dazzling attire, she seemed radiant.
Melias looked at her as if viewing a beautiful sculpture, but then he met her gaze with an indifferent expression.
There are many beautiful women. Even though he had never seen anyone quite as stunning as Illein Thiery.
He breathed slowly, contemplating his thoughts.
“Damon has thought I was a man for a very long time. I was afraid that telling him the truth might push him away.”
“Do you have feelings for Damon?”
Melias asked, recalling her question about what would happen if they had lovers after marrying.
“No! That was just a hypothetical!”
“Then, did you mention that because you have feelings for him?”
“No. Damon is really just a friend,” she clarified, drawing a line.
Melias looked at her with a slightly puzzled face. Illein, feeling uncomfortable with the atmosphere, blurted out.
“I really appreciate everything today. May I go now?”
“It’s quite late. You should stay the night. Plus, our library is well-stocked if you need to study.”
“Ah…”
Illein felt bad as if she was continually uncomfortable with Melias’s kindness.
“Wouldn’t I be imposing?”
“Not at all. We often have guests, and honestly, it would bother me more to send you off this late.”
Hearing that, Illein let out a sigh.
“May I just stay here tonight then?”
“Yes. If you’re going to study, I’ll join you.”
Illein nodded. Melias stood up and moved closer to her.
“Melias.”
“Yes.”
As he approached, she felt more alert. Despite his hospitality, she remembered he was a man after all.
“I think I should just go back. That seems best.”
“Understood.”
As Illein requested that, Melias nodded and arranged for a carriage.
Thus, Illein was able to return to the Thiery mansion.
As she arrived at the mansion, she noticed a letter stuck in the door, seemingly left by someone who had visited.
She unfolded it and read,
[“I thought you were asleep, so I just left. Was there something wrong today? I was worried.
-Damon.”]
“Sorry, Damon.”
Illein muttered apologetically, feeling bad for unintentionally standing him up.
She then took the letter and went up to her room.
The mansion was completely dark. Her parents were apparently spending the night at the Duke’s residence again.
Since they hardly ever returned, she felt no regret about it.
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