I Give Up on the BL Novel's Male Leads - Chapter 51
As a child, Illein often visited the place, but as she grew older, her life became busier, and she rarely visits
Life for her was always a sequence of challenges.
Perhaps because of the vitality that Edwin had shared with her, she felt she could now enjoy some leisure.
“The language of rapeseed flowers is cheerfulness.”
Damon mentioned as they walked. Illein looked at him.
“It suits you well, so I brought it.”
“That’s nice, thank you. My brother likes rapeseed flowers too.”
“Yes, I know. So does Illein.”
She smiled back at him when he smiled with his eyes.
She had often wished for an older brother like Damon, even though she didn’t really have one.
He was genuinely considerate and kind. But he was selective about people.
His people and not his people.
Illein Thierry was his people. But if Damon ever found out she had deceived him, Illein knew he could become quite cold.
“Illenas, what do you want to do later?”
“I… I’m not sure. What about you, Young Duke Damon?”
“I guess I’ll have to work as the Young Duke.”
“Right.”
Damon was already working as a Young Duke now. Though not fully managing everything since he was still attending the academy.
“You’re twenty now, right?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
Scratching the back of his neck, Damon asked.
“Aren’t you curious about the social world?”
“A bit, yes. But I’ve been unwell and don’t get out much.”
Illein had hardly participated in social activities.
At most, she had done so minimally and only in male guise.
“How about going with me?”
“What?”
Illein looked at Damon, wondering what he meant. He looked straight at Illein who was holding the flowers and said,
“Would you be my partner for the dance party?”
Startled by the similar situation, Illein froze.
“I…”
“Give me your answer tomorrow.”
Illein wanted to decline immediately, but Damon’s words stopped her. It seemed more polite to pretend to consider his request and decline it the next day.
“Okay, I’ll tell you tomorrow.”
“Alright.”
Illein wondered if Damon had guessed her answer, noticing his ears had turned quite red. Maybe he was feeling embarrassed.
“But what about my brother? You two always go together every year.”
“…Yes, that’s true. So…”
“Yes?”
“…So I thought the three of us could enjoy it. Or since Illein often returns early, it could be an opportunity for him to get to know other people.”
“Ah.”
“It’s because Illenas has almost always stayed at the mansion. I thought you would be curious about other nobles.”
Illein smiled appreciatively at his thoughtfulness.
“Young Duke Damon.”
“Yes?”
“I think it’s really fortunate that Young Duke Damon is my brother’s friend.”
“Oh?”
“Will you continue to be good friends in the future?”
His eyes flickered uncertainly at her request.
Illein smiled, seemingly seeking confirmation.
“Yes. I will, even if Illein tells me any secrets.”
Illein’s eyes widened suddenly. It was as if he knew her secret.
“Really?”
“….Yes.”
For a moment, she considered being more courageous.
She wanted to confess that she was Illein and had been raised as a man, although she was actually a woman. She wanted to apologize for deceiving him from childhood.
It was not her intention, but it was deception nonetheless. However, she found herself unable to speak.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
As they were on their way back,
“What’s this?”
“Ah! Lady Illenas!”
Willai was there. Just like last time, waiting at the front of the main house with a knight.
His hand hovered near the bell, perhaps he had rung it.
“Why is Young Duke Candeliaria here?”
As Willai saw Damon, he spoke.
“What are you doing here, knowing where you are? Have you forgotten what you did to Illein?”
“That’s none of your concern. We’ve already made up.”
Willai spoke shamelessly. Damon, finding it unpleasant to discuss this without the concerned party present, remained silent.
“We’ll talk properly at the academy tomorrow.”
“Yes, let’s do that.”
Willai shrugged with a smile. He was so bright and seemingly oblivious to his wrongdoing.
“Why did you come? Didn’t I tell you not to come?”
“Ah, that’s…”
The knight standing behind Willai approached Illein, holding a lavish bouquet of roses.
Illein, already holding a bouquet of rapeseed flowers, had no free hands and just watched as it was offered to her.
“Please accept this.”
“You came to give this?”
“Yes.”
Illein felt uneasy about accepting anything from Willai.
She hesitated as she gazed at the opulent bouquet composed solely of bright red roses.
“If you accept this, I’ll leave.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
She sighed and took the bouquet.