I Give Up on the BL Novel's Male Leads - Chapter 61
“What is this?”
Illein woke from her sleep to find herself alone. She immediately realized it had been a terrible nightmare.
She sighed and tried to stretch out her stiff body.
The more she thought about it, the stranger it seemed. What was that dream all about?
She knew that dreams often reflect the subconscious.
But then, that made it all the more peculiar.
Lately, she had been getting along well with Edwin. He hadn’t been suspicious of her, and they had even become closer on a more personal level.
As Illein, the man, she had reached out only to hit a wall, but as Illenas, the woman, she felt he accepted her, yet only as a friend.
Edwin definitely likes men.
Illein was certain of that much.
Otherwise, it made no sense that Edwin had no women around him at his age.
It was just like the original story; unconsciously, he could not feel more than friendship towards women.
That’s why, when approaching as Illenas, he seemed to maintain a certain distance.
“What a weird dream.”
To call it a prophetic dream seemed far-fetched, as nothing extraordinary had appeared in it.
It was just him taking her hand to his cheek and crying out promises.
All with rather chilling words.
The Edwin she had recently experienced wasn’t the kind to drive someone mad, not like in the original story.
She sighed again and squinted her eyes shut, reopening them. Lack of sleep made her eyes sore and tired.
“I need to see Edwin soon.”
Being around him had a purifying effect on her body due to his magical aura.
Yet, that night’s dream made even such thoughts feel strangely ominous.
“It was just a dream.”
With that, she stretched again and began to get ready.
As Illein was finishing up and washing her face, servants sent from the Wignum Marquisate arrived.
Melias was with them.
“Welcome.”
Illein was surprised that he had arrived earlier than expected.
“The dance party usually starts around sunset. It’s nice that there are no classes on the day of the party.”
“Did you sleep well?”
“Um… yes, how about you, Melias?”
“I slept well too.”
Melias noticed the slight darkness under Illein’s eyes and caressed her cheek with a worried look.
Illein shuddered at the touch, reminded of the sensation she felt in the dawn.
However, she didn’t pull away.
Melias seemed surprised, both by his own actions and by Illein who accepted his touch despite being surprised.
“You look a bit pale.”
He spoke out of concern, a comment he normally wouldn’t have made. He preferred not to press her if she seemed reluctant to share her troubles.
Considering they hadn’t known each other long, it could be difficult for her to confide in him.
But, he had said so without realizing it. He looked into her eyes, eager yet hesitant, wanting to hear her response.
“It’s just that…”
Feeling his warmth on her cheek, Illein felt strangely numb.
She remembered how Melias had stood up to her mother to protect her, which made her consider that marrying him might not be the worst outcome.
She thought it was right to get to know him better and, if it didn’t feel right, she could always say no.
“I had a strange dream last night.”
“A dream?”
“Yes, that’s why I feel odd. I had sleep paralysis, and it was a bit troubling.”
She said this with a bitter smile, looking at Melias.
Then, Melias began to share some of his magical energy with her.
“Melias’s magic feels nice. It seems like we’re quite compatible.”
Illein felt Melias’s earth magic mix with her water magic, quickly rejuvenating her energy.
As she leaned her face into his hand as if melting into his touch, Melias held his breath for a moment.
Even so, he continued to pass more of his magic to her without realizing it.
“We’re adults now, so we can drink at the dance party, right?”
“Have you never drunk alcohol?”
“Yes.”
Illein responded, looking at Melias with a hint of anticipation. Melias slowly lowered his hand and met her eyes.
“There’s a fine selection of alcohol at the estate. If you’d like, I could send some to you.”
“Really? Oh…”
Illein momentarily felt excited. However, she then worried that if expensive alcohol arrived, her parents would likely sell it.
“Maybe I should just come and drink it there?”
“That would be fine.”
Melias looked surprised by her forward response. Yet it seemed to him that she was making an effort to get closer.
“If you’re worried about your parents, I can send two bottles of the same kind. Wignum region is a desert, but it’s quite good for growing grapes.”
“Really?”
“Yes, we have plenty of wine and several whiskey distilleries.”
Illein slowly nodded at Melias’s explanation.
