The Tragic Male Lead Chose the Wrong Partner Chapter 26

‘Well, she’s going to be his wife soon. Of course he has to take her side.’

 

Captain Declan grumbled to himself as he watched Maceira speak affectionately to Cynthia.

 

Openly humiliating his future wife would be no different than shooting himself in the foot.

 

To most soldiers, a wife was someone who stood as a supportive partner to the outside world, and the highest commanding officer behind closed doors. It was a natural result of the fact that most officers married their superiors.

 

With a sidelong glance, Captain Declan observed the other officers’ reactions.

 

One officer quietly tasted the ratatouille and looked up at Cynthia with a serious face.

 

That man was Major General Ewan Izak, Maceira’s superior officer and a man ranked even higher than brigadier general.

 

“This tastes quite different from the usual ratatouille.”

 

Major General Ewan Izak was known to be harsh, strict, and famously sharp-tongued.

 

People who invited him to dinners in hopes of climbing the career ladder would serve the finest gourmet meals imaginable, but he had never once given a compliment.

 

‘He’s the kind of man who would never be moved by sentiment. He is bound to complain that it’s a dish unfit for a formal dinner.’

 

Captain Declan quietly put down his fork, expecting a brutal review.

 

With his usual sharp expression, the Major General spoke.

 

“It tastes like the ratatouille my father used to make when I was young. He was from Francia.”

 

Major General Izak closed his eyes while still holding the fork. Then he let out a long breath, as if savoring the aftertaste, and opened his eyes again.

 

“This brings back old memories. Did the princess make this herself? I’d appreciate it if you could share the recipe.”

 

It was an incredible compliment from someone who had always been harsh.

 

The servant standing nearby frowned slightly and looked at Cynthia.

 

Surely she would pretend she made it herself.

 

But Cynthia firmly shook her head.

 

“The chef at the residence made it. He’s from Francia, and his cooking skills are excellent. I’ll ask him to write down the recipe later.”

 

Everyone knew the chef prepared the banquet, but most ladies of the house would insist they oversaw every detail.

 

The Major General, slightly surprised, dabbed at his mouth with his napkin and replied, “No need. I think it would be better to eat something made by a chef from Francia. Would you be willing to invite me for a meal sometime?”

 

This was the first time that the Major General, who rejected almost every invitation, was now asking for one himself.

 

“Of course! You’re welcome anytime. I’ll take you around the world through food.”

 

At her unexpected answer, the expressionless man’s lips twitched slightly.

 

Captain Declan suddenly felt a sense of danger.

 

‘Did she research the major general’s background, even his father’s origins? She’s no amateur. I was a fool to underestimate her just because of that clueless look on her face.’

 

In reality, it was pure coincidence. 

 

As if the heavens were on Cynthia’s side, coincidence strangely always seemed to play in her favor.

 

Meanwhile, Maceira, who had been quietly pleased earlier at finding a new way to annoy Cynthia, was now staring down at his plate with a stiff expression.

 

“Oh, the plating is different for the Brigadier General. It’s heart-shaped.” A clueless officer pointed out loud enough for the whole room to hear.

 

The vegetables on Maceira’s plate were piled in the shape of a heart.

 

Maceira shook his head immediately.

 

“It just happened by coincidence as I was eating. A rare one.”

 

“I… don’t quite follow, sir?” The officer replied, puzzled.

 

Maceira’s gaze slid past him, straight to Cynthia.

 

“Aww, don’t be shy! I made it that way on purpose,” she said brightly. “Only for you, Brigadier General!”

 

As soon as their eyes met, she threw him a finger heart with a beaming smile.

Maceira quickly looked away.

 

‘Was this her plan all along?’

 

She wasn’t sunshine, she was full-on ultraviolet rays.

 

Maceira gulped a glass of water, unable to shake the feeling he had just been thoroughly played.

 

“Haha! You two are already like newlyweds,” someone laughed. “It’s good to see.”

 

“You’re a lucky man, sir. To marry someone so cheerful and sweet, you’ll be smiling every day!”

 

The officers here started to pour out compliments, who now believed the couple’s relationship was warm and genuine.

 

They figured Maceira had turned his head away out of embarrassment.

 

‘Just as planned.’

 

Cynthia let out a dark little laugh upon seeing Maceira’s distressed face.

 

She had shown everyone that their relationship was fine, earned points with his superior officer, and served a delicious dinner on top of it. All in all, a successful evening.

 

In addition, she had even gotten revenge on Maceira for constantly calling her ‘princess’ on purpose.

 

‘Just like that little rat that became a chef. One day, people will stop hating me too.’

 

She was once called the ‘unlucky white rat’ and looked down on because of her appearance. But now, that same appearance was proof of her royal heritage, descendant of the great Frost Queen.

 

Cynthia smiled as she watched the snow fall outside the window.

 

* * *

 

After dinner, only the officers involved in the business deal remained at the table.

 

Thanks to the satisfying meal, everyone was in high spirits, exactly why important discussions were often held over dinner.

 

Brigadier General Steve glanced at Cynthia and asked,

 

“We’re about to begin the business talk, is that okay? A woman unfamiliar with this field might find it rather dull.”

 

It was a polite way of saying she had no business being there.

 

“I’m fine. I should at least have an idea of what’s going on, shouldn’t I?”

 

At Cynthia’s words, Captain Declan made a noticeably uncomfortable expression.

 

“She is not even officially the lady of the house yet. Is it really appropriate for her to be present when confidential matters are discussed? As a potential investor, I have my concerns.”

 

Since they weren’t married yet, it made sense.

 

“Haha. True enough. Even with a set date, you never know what will happen before the vows are exchanged.”

 

Brigadier General Steve’s joke carried just enough bite to leave a bad taste afterward.

 

‘I can’t exactly say, ‘We’re getting married no matter what,’ can I? Better to retreat for now, for Maceira’s sake.’

 

Just as Cynthia was about to leave, Maceira spoke.

 

“Unless one of us drops dead, the wedding is happening. No need to worry.”

 

Was that really necessary to say something so threatening?

 

Cynthia blinked at him. It was basically the same as her ‘no matter what, we’re getting married’ comment, but ten times more threatening.

 

“She doesn’t have any official authority, does she?” Captain Declan said sharply.

 

Maceira slowly shook his head.

 

“You’re mistaken. The ‘princess’ also has authority over this business.” 

 

‘Thank you for taking my side, but could you please stop with the whole ‘princess’ thing?’

 

At the strangely strong title, Cynthia shrugged her shoulders and glared at him with a sharp gaze.

 

But Maceira went on, unfazed.

 

“Which is why I intend to begin mountain exploration in line with the princess’ opinion.”

 

Brigadier General Steve frowned. 

 

“What’s that supposed to mean? If the princess is going to interfere without proper qualifications, I will withdraw my investment and leave. Unless she gives me a reason to trust her, that is.”

 

His greedy eyes showed a desire for material sincerity.

 

With Brigadier General Steve setting the tone, his faction of officers began eyeing each other, jumping in to echo the threat of withdrawing their investments.

 

But Maceira didn’t bat an eye.

 

“She has more than enough qualifications. The Nox region has recently been registered under both my name and the princess’. Nothing can proceed without the princess’ approval now.”

 

Everyone turned to look at Cynthia.

 

Given the unfortunate incidents, it seemed Count Queensguard had transferred the property into joint ownership before the wedding.

 

‘Wait, transferred Nox to joint ownership? Why would Maceira do that?’

 

Cynthia blinked in surprise.

 

Somehow, it felt like she was being tested, both on her luck and her loyalty.

 

As if he was offering her his trust first, just to see if she would return it.

 

“I’ll accept your decision to withdraw your investments,” Maceira lowered his voice.

 

“Whether it’s hers or not, what difference does it make? I will not withdraw. It has unprecedented potential.”

 

Those were the words of Major General Izak, the highest ranking officer in the room.

 

The officers who had opposed but had not truly planned on backing out, suddenly found themselves scrambling to save face.