I Give Up on the BL Novel's Male Leads - Chapter 93
Illein wondered if Melias had chosen the freesia because it matched his preferences. Still, she thought he might look better with sunflowers.
“Melias.”
Illein felt a bit nervous after realizing her visitor was Melias. Yet, seeing his anxious expression, she couldn’t help but smile warmly.
“I wasn’t sure where you were hurting, so I brought a potion.”
“Really?”
“I heard you left early because you weren’t feeling well.”
Illein naturally invited Melias inside. When he noticed her hand, she instinctively removed her ring and put it in her pocket.
Melias handed her the bouquet. The fresh scent of the flowers lifted her spirits again.
“I’m feeling better now.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, thank you for your concern.”
Illein felt oddly reassured by Melias’s earnest gaze, as if he was trying to verify her well-being even with his eyes.
“Illein, if financial problems are causing you stress, our family runs a scholarship foundation.”
“What?”
“Why not consider applying for a scholarship from the Wignum family?”
Melias suggested this because he wished for her to focus on her health rather than overexerting herself in Class 1. His offer came after much thought, as he knew she wanted to become an imperial official and was aware of her academic ambitions.
However, he was worried about her neglecting her health while studying.
Just like today.
The ink stains on her palm—showing that she had been studying without taking breaks.
Illein realized that Melias was noticing the ink stains rather than her ring. The realization made her eyes widen in surprise, unable to hide her emotions.
She wondered if Melias was feeling pity for her.
Despite her inability to take a break from studying, she knew he wasn’t the type to show sympathy lightly, yet she felt a surge of uncontrollable emotion.
“Melias.”
As Illein’s eyes grew moist, Melias gently placed his hands on her shoulders. He felt anxious, wondering if he had said something wrong.
“Illein, what I’m saying isn’t meant to disregard you or belittle your efforts.”
“……”
“I’ve thought about this for a long time. It’s just that seeing how hard you’re working to maintain your rank, I felt compelled to say this. It’s not about undervaluing your efforts.”
“I know, Melias didn’t mean it that way.”
“…Illein.”
“It’s just… maybe the reality of my situation is overwhelming me right now.”
Illein said this with a forced smile.
“Melias.”
“……Yes.”
“I hope I can come to like you.”
Illein said this with a sense of resignation.
She thought that if she truly loved him, she might be able to embrace his suggestions and conditions more comfortably. However, the fear of a loveless marriage was real for her.
Life comes with its own set of challenges and adversities. If she chose to marry Melias based on the current favorable conditions and faced hardships later, she might not be able to endure them.
Trust built on conditions would likely deteriorate once those conditions changed.
What if the Wignum family no longer needed a dam? What if she were involved in an accident and lost her water abilities? What if she found another love after marrying Melias? Could she truly share her life with him if she didn’t love him?
These thoughts overwhelmed her, making her feel helpless in her current situation.
However, Melias had a different perspective.
“I will make an effort.”
“Pardon?”
“I will make an effort to ensure that you come to love me.”
Melias’s words made it sound as if he was determined to make her love him, pledging to work harder than anyone else.
“Heheheh.”
“Why are you laughing?”
“It’s just that. I find Melias’s commitment and sense of responsibility admirable. I feel like I can rely on you.”
Illein was sincere in her feelings. She hoped that, in time, she could come to love him as she wished.
“I will become someone you can rely on for life.”
Illein nodded at Melias’s words.
“Well, Melias.”
“Yes?”
Illein, seeming to be intoxicated by the fragrance of the freesia she held, looked at him and said.
“How about we start getting used to each other by holding hands from now on?”
“What?”
“Um, if you don’t like the idea…”
“No, it’s not that I don’t like it.”
He quickly took her hand.
Illein was surprised by how hastily he acted; it was the first time she had seen him move so swiftly.
In reality, she believed that her sense of closeness to Edwin was due to the act of holding hands, which is why she suggested it.
