CHAPTER 103…………………………………………..
I had always thought that life was a one-cast play.
Because my life had always been solitary. I had never even considered creating a role meant for someone else.
But to someone like me, he proposed a role—the role of the female lead.
He had invited me into the play called his life.
Did I deserve to stand on his stage?
Wouldn’t there be an actor more suitable than me?
My hesitation lasted only a moment.
I was already running toward his stage.
Unable to bear the force of my leap, he fell backward. I ended up on top of him.
“Is that a yes? Will you marry me?”
Pinned beneath me, he urged for an answer. Seeing the anxious look on his face made me want to tease him by delaying it. Perhaps he noticed, because he frowned when I only smiled instead of answering.
“Please answer already. Don’t torture me.”
Instead of replying, I kissed him.
Since he accepted the kiss so willingly, I thought there was no need for words. I believed I had already given a sufficient answer. But when the short kiss ended, he suddenly flipped us over and trapped me beneath his thick, firm arms—locking me onto his stage.
“The answer?”
“I thought that was the answer.”
“I want a clear answer.”
I held out my left hand toward him.
“I’ll become your female lead.”
Only then did he smile in satisfaction after hearing the definite answer. The ring he slipped onto the ring finger of my left hand fit perfectly. After admiring the ring for a moment, I wrapped my arms around his neck and asked him with a deep gaze,
“By the way… did you lock the theater doors?”
Understanding the provocation, he smiled knowingly.
“Are you bold because you’re drunk?”
“I sobered up a while ago.”
“Right. You were always a bold woman.”
He slowly leaned toward my lips. My eyes gradually closed. Just as our lips were about to meet, he said:
“I locked the door.”
We were riding back to the capital in the Seymour carriage, famous for its comfortable ride.
Pereydil, who had been as silent as if he had taken a vow of silence, suddenly loosened up and began recounting everything that had happened.
“The princess did find your war speech impressive, but it was more admiration than overwhelming fangirl enthusiasm. She chose me as her attendant for purely practical reasons—she believed I could handle diplomacy properly.”
His voice had been like background music, but when it suddenly stopped, I looked at him. He was staring at me with a displeased expression.
“…Are you even listening?”
Hmm. Looks like he’s sulking.
“I’m sorry. I got distracted because the ring you put on me is so pretty.”
I spread my left hand and pointed to my ring finger. Thankfully, the cute tactic worked—his annoyed expression melted away. After an embarrassed cough, he continued.
“Ahem. Anyway, rather than opera, which developed mainly among the nobility, she’s more interested in theater that ordinary people enjoy. Since she had seen you perform on stage in Bria, recommending you as the right person was easy. His Majesty also saw you at the ball and took a liking to you.”
“Then why didn’t you let me talk with His Majesty?”
I had been half-listening until the king was mentioned, but at that part I protested. Pereydil looked awkward.
“Well… I wanted to keep everything a secret and surprise you like a gift. But His Majesty tends to have a loose tongue, so… If I had known it would hurt you, I wouldn’t have done it.”
Hmph. He doesn’t even realize how intimidating his own face can be. He always smiles at me, so he doesn’t notice—but when Pereydil frowns, his naturally cold expression becomes so frightening it feels like your heart might freeze.
When I kept pouting and didn’t soften my expression, he wrapped his arms around me and tried to act cute.
“I just imagined how happy you’d look if you heard you could keep acting without receiving the nobles’ scorn—and that the honor of being a theater actor could be elevated, just as you always wished. I wanted to see you smile. I always want to make you smile.”
Tsk. I had planned to keep pretending to be upset a little longer, but I couldn’t anymore. I had been angry because I felt like he hadn’t considered me—but thinking about how everything he’d done had actually been for me, I couldn’t keep sulking.
Noticing that my mood had softened, he changed the subject.
“Oh. The princess hopes cultural exchange can happen as soon as possible, so it looks like you’ll need to visit Copes for an inspection.”
“I see. When do I leave?”
“Tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow?”
Who finds out they’re going to another country only one day beforehand? I couldn’t hide my shock at the sudden departure.
“I wanted to accompany you, but I have too much government work piled up from my duties as the princess’s attendant. Still, Copes isn’t that far, and you won’t be staying long. It’ll probably take about three days.”
Sigh. As soon as we arrive in the capital, I’ll have to pack for Copes. If I’d known, I wouldn’t have overexerted myself last night. I just hope the muscle soreness disappears by tomorrow.
“I’ll come back safely. Don’t worry.”
“I’m the one who should worry. You might cross the border just because you can’t stand missing me. If that happens, the emperor who already dislikes me might dismiss me in a single stroke.”
“Haha. Even if Theo grumbles, he wouldn’t throw you out. He knows how to separate business from personal matters.”
“Don’t defend him. Take my side.”
Hearing me defend Theo made him pout. He looked so cute that I laughed.
It would probably always be like this—life with Pereydil. When I decided to step onto his stage, I had been deeply moved. It wasn’t just a simple proposal. His words—acknowledging and supporting my dream—made me cry more than anything anyone had ever said to me in my life.
That reminds me… I now have two theater troupes under my name.
What should I do about the Woodville troupe…?
When I return from Copes, I’ll have to talk with Luna. It’s shameless, but if the offer still stands, I want to live as Joyce Woodville. I want to ask if I can forever keep the role of Woodville’s youngest member. I’ll also have to discuss what to do with the Woodville troupe.
Everything after I return from Copes. For now, I’ll set that aside and focus on the task Pereydil entrusted to me. I have to live up to his expectations.
When we arrived at Woodville, Pereydil offered his hand to help me down from the carriage. After holding me for a while, he lightly kissed my cheek, saying he’d miss me. Like lovers who can’t bear to part even for a moment, I found it hard to pull away from him.
It was time to go. As I was about to say my final goodbye and head inside, he suddenly spoke as if remembering something.
“Oh. About the question you asked before.”
“What question?”
“You asked if there was anything about the opposite sex that would be a dealbreaker. Something you couldn’t tolerate even in a lover. After thinking about it, I realized there might be one thing.”
I had almost forgotten asking that, but he was finally giving me his answer. I had already decided to be with him, but it wouldn’t hurt to know what he disliked.
“What is it?”
Determined not to disappoint him, I waited for his reply.
What would he say, after claiming that everything about me was fine?
At last, I heard the answer I had been so curious about.
“Being deceived by the person I love. That’s the one thing I don’t think I could endure.”
