I Give Up on the BL Novel's Male Leads - Chapter 40
“I’ll lend you anything you want, but you have to help me out.”
“What do you need?”
Illein found his request incredibly audacious but needed the books nonetheless.
“Introduce me to your sister.”
“What?”
“Your sister. I want to get to know her.”
“Why?”
Illein stared at him in disbelief. Willai scratched the back of his neck, his cheeks turning red.
“Why do you think? She’s about the age to start thinking about marriage. I figured I’d try dating her.”
“What did you say?”
“Look, I don’t expect to marry her. Your family’s poor, right? So, I’m just looking to date her.”
Illein was dumbfounded, staring at him. Willai quickly added, trying to recover.
“I promise I won’t get her pregnant.”
“Are you out of your mind?”
“Yeah, maybe a little. So, please set it up for me. I’m begging you.”
Illein’s mouth fell open at his shamelessness.
“Poor noble girls can’t get married easily. No dowry, no suitors. So introduce me. I’ll treat her well.”
“Stop it. I don’t want to hear anymore.”
“Come on, help me out!”
Willai’s voice grew harsh, and Illein took a step back.
“Fine, I’ll be careful about the baby thing. There are good contraceptives these days.”
“You…”
“Don’t be stingy. Your sister’s just sick in her room all the time, right? Wouldn’t she be happier meeting someone and feeling loved?”
Hearing Willai’s words, Illein felt sick to her stomach. She wanted to lash out but held her tongue.
“If you don’t help me, I won’t sit still. I lost my wand because of you, and now I’m using a temporary one. What if your parents find out about the family ring?”
“…”
“I’ll tell them.”
Illein’s expression hardened in anger at his blatant audacity.
“So, let me date your sister—”
“You’ve got quite the nerve.”
Illein was startled to see Edwin suddenly appear next to Willai’s floating books.
“Wha…!”
Willai’s jaw dropped as he stared at Edwin in shock at Edwin who was standing next to him.
“If you’re referring to Lady Illenas, she’s already agreed to meet me.”
“What?”
“Got a problem with that?”
“N-no…!”
Leaving his books behind, Willai scurried down to the 8th floor. Illein, left alone with Edwin, nodded slightly in thanks and turned to leave.
But just then, Edwin grabbed her arm and spoke.
“This is your second life, isn’t it?”
Edwin spoke with confidence.
“What are you talking about?”
Illein looked at Edwin. He had a complex expression, as if unsure how to explain, but continued to speak.
“Why are you afraid of me?”
“Huh?”
“I haven’t done anything to you yet.”
Illein felt a wave of relief. She thought he might have sensed the absorbed magic control device through their contact, but apparently not.
“I’m not afraid of you. What’s that got to do with living a second life?”
“…”
After hesitating, Edwin finally spoke.
“Be honest with me, Illein.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Is there some kind of magic that makes you think that?”
Illein tried to play it off, watching Edwin closely. He sighed and replied.
“No.”
“Then why did you ask?”
“It’s nothing. Just a dream… a recurring nightmare.”
Edwin released her arm, looking both relieved and pensive. Illein almost asked about the dream but stopped when he continued.
“And don’t tell Illenas about this.”
“Why bring her up all of a sudden?”
Illein was surprised that he suddenly said that.
“There’s a reason I see her, but I don’t want to make it more awkward.”
Illein smiled slightly, thinking Edwin was more considerate than she had assumed.
“Okay, I won’t. But you have to tell me how you met her later.”
“Alright.”
Illein’s bright smile made Edwin hesitate, as if he wanted to ask something but decided against it.
“Edwin.”
She called out to him first.
“Could you maybe change Willai’s expulsion to just a disciplinary action instead?”
“Why?”
Illein couldn’t bring herself to explain that if he got expelled, her father’s job would be at risk, so she looked down.
Understanding her hesitation, Edwin patted her shoulder and said.
“Alright.”
He headed down first, leaving Illein to gather the books Willai had found and bring them to the 8th floor.
As she got down, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.
Maybe, just like she had become Illein, a miracle had happened for Edwin too, giving him a second life. His vague explanation about the dream was suspicious.
Could it be that he was seeing the original story through his dreams?
If that was the case, maybe the danger would be slightly different.
She pondered deeply, considering whether to ask Edwin further. However, she knew he was sharp and might uncover her secret if she tried.
Illein continued down the stairs. Waiting for her were Damian and Melias, quietly studying.
