I, the Female Lead, Ruined the Original Chapter 157

There was no answer to Selleana’s question.

The faint buzz from the alcohol vanished instantly, like dew under a harsh summer sun.

 

“…So, he’s still not mentally ready?”

 

[That’s what I guess.]

 

The conversation with Di before setting out had been crystal clear. Anyone with eyes could see that Rakrensius was acting like a man dragging his feet toward his own execution.

 

“Collin, did you know? No, you must have known. You’re from there, after all.”

 

“…”

 

“Mr. Sword, tell me. You said you’ve read all the travel guides.”

 

[…]

 

“What is this? So I was the only one getting all excited?”

 

Selleana’s voice rang out sharply, cutting through the air like a blade. It was a tone rarely heard from her, and Rakrensius, startled by its edge, hurriedly grabbed her hand, his fingers warm against her skin.

 

“I’ll answer you.”

 

“Speak clearly.”

 

“Of course.”

 

“And don’t hide anything.”

 

“…I won’t.”

 

The usual cheerful and lively expression had vanished from Selleana’s amber eyes as she looked up at him. Though the hue of her irises was warm as honey, the usual brightness was completely absent, making her gaze cold enough to freeze Rakrensius’s blood. His heart sank like a stone in deep water.

 

He rubbed his face roughly with his empty hand. The man’s face, revealed after his large hand swept over it, was etched with fatigue, lines carving into his handsome features.

 

The pleasant buzz from earlier had fled, leaving only stark reality in its wake.

 

“…Yes, it’s true. Once every six years, a whirlpool storm hits the Aranchio Strait during summer. The timing is unpredictable, so no one knows exactly when it will happen, which is why no one goes to Arancha in July and August. However, there shouldn’t be any problem with us entering Arancha, so there’s no need to worry.”

 

Seeing Selleana’s delicate brow begin to furrow—a small crease between her eyes that betrayed her rising emotions—Rakrensius hastily added. “It’s just that in the nearby regions of Aranchio Strait, everyone stays indoors for five to ten days when the storm hits. Arancha is no different.”

 

[…That’s because it’s only recorded in local folklore and not mentioned in any official travel guides.]

 

“I know the travel guides for the Arancha region are unreliable. And I also know that strictly speaking, you’re more on Collin’s side than mine, Mr. Sword.”

 

[…Ugh.]

 

It was a situation where even if Rakrensius had ten mouths, he wouldn’t have anything to say. And Di, which had no mouth at all, was even more speechless.

 

Perhaps because she heard there would be no issue with visiting, Selleana’s demeanor softened a bit, the sharp edges of her anger dulling.

 

But since nothing should be hidden… Rakrensius bit the inside of his lip before speaking slowly, each word measured and careful. “At first, when you suggested going to Arancha for our honeymoon… I didn’t think much of it. It was only recently, when I checked the dates that I realized this year happens to be one of the years when the whirlpool storm occurs.”

 

“Then why didn’t you suggest going somewhere else?”

 

“…I didn’t want to see you disappointed. And I also wanted to travel with you for a long time.”

 

“…”

 

“And, it’s a bit silly, but… I don’t really understand my own feelings.”

 

As Rakrensius looked down at Selleana, his eyes revealed deep confusion, like a man lost in a forest with no path home. Seeing his forlorn expression, the disappointment and resentment bubbling in Selleana’s chest melted away like snow in spring.

 

Right. He wasn’t the type to upset her carelessly.

 

“I do want to go to Arancha. But… I’m not sure if it’s the right thing to do.” The man’s words continued slowly, each syllable weighted with doubt. “Setting aside the fact that we might get stuck there… I’m worried you’ll be disappointed. That you might think coming to Arancha was a mistake.”

 

“That’s what travel is all about, isn’t it? Haven’t we faced inconveniences on our travels before? But we always adapted quickly.”

 

“That’s not what I’m worried about. Of course… I’m concerned about your comfort, but you’re someone who adapts well anywhere and always sees the good in things first. I’m sure you’ll find something positive in Arancha’s scenery or the sea breeze.”

 

Rakrensius’s fingers slipped between hers, intertwining gently, his calloused skin a reminder of all they’d weathered together.

 

“More than anything… I’m not sure if going is the right choice.”

 

“You’ve missed it, haven’t you?”

 

“I still do. But… it’s been so long since I last saw it.”

 

“…”

 

“I wonder if my memories have become too idealized, if more than half of what I remember is just a fantasy… That’s what I think. There’s no one there to welcome me anyway.”

 

No one. The finality of Rakrensius’s words echoed painfully in the space between them, and Selleana knew that his true feelings were embedded in those two simple words. His roots in Arancha were gone. Because his mother had passed away.

 

“So… I thought maybe I should leave it to fate,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “If, while wandering around with nowhere else to go, we end up in Arancha and the whirlpool storm happens to strike… then maybe it was never meant to be.”

 

As he fidgeted with their intertwined fingers, Rakrensius cautiously observed Selleana’s expression, searching for any hint of her thoughts.

 

“If we’re lucky enough to avoid the whirlpool season, then it was meant to be.”

 

“…”

 

“You’re disappointed, aren’t you?”

 

He was watching her like a man awaiting judgment, his eyes tracing every minute shift in her features. Her lips were slightly pursed, showing no movement, so he covered his face with his empty hands again. His fingers rubbed his skin until they finally shielded his eyes from her gaze.

 

“…To be honest, I’m so sick of my indecisive nature,” he confessed, the words muffled behind his palms. Then, with his head hung low, he continued speaking as if each word caused him physical pain. “Even though I longed for you so much, I was unable to do anything because of that damn vow, and I ended up hurting you. I swore I’d never let that happen again… but what’s different now than back then?”

 

“…”

 

“I’m still the same fool who can’t even understand my own feelings…”

 

“Darling.” Selleana removed Rakrensius’s hands from his face, her touch gentle but firm.

 

‘Darling.’ The tender endearment, spoken with such warmth, eased the tension in Rakrensius’s heart, allowing it to settle like a bird coming to rest after a long flight.

 

“Yes. You’re worried that the scenery you remember might have disappeared, and you’re afraid that your memories have been overly romanticized and that the illusion might shatter,” she said, seeing through to the heart of his fears.

 

Selleana’s fingertips gently brushed his long bangs, tucking them behind his ear. As her husband’s handsome forehead was partially revealed, a smile graced her lips—soft and knowing.

 

“Is that… your own experiential thought?” he asked, his voice hesitant.

 

“It seems so, doesn’t it?”

 

“…”

 

Rakrensius swallowed his silence, the sound audible in the quiet between them. In other words, she was thinking of her homeland, the world of her past life. His heart sank with sympathy, a stone dropping into still waters.

 

Could it be that Selleana had also carried the longing and nostalgia he felt in her heart all her life? Unlike him, who could now freely return to his homeland, Selleana had no path back.

 

With lips that had been gently bitten, Rakrensius slowly asked, “Do you miss it, that place?”

 

“No, not at all.” Selleana smiled brightly and playfully swung their clasped hands, the movement light and carefree. “Not even a little.”

 

“Really?” Disbelief colored his voice.

 

“Why would I miss it when you’re not there, Darling?” Selleana stood on tiptoe and planted a kiss on Rakrensius’s lips, then grinned mischievously, her amber eyes dancing with life once more.

 

Her straightforward answer made his cautious question seem unnecessary. She acted more cheerfully, knowing exactly what dark thoughts had been circling in his mind.

 

“Honestly, I’ve never missed it that much. I only remembered my past life when I was ten, and it’s been well over twenty years since I became Selleana Elard.” Having said that, Selleana stuck her tongue out slightly, a playful gesture that lightened the mood. “Oh dear, I should say Ansi instead of Elard now, right?”

 

“…Indeed.”

 

Rakrensius couldn’t help but chuckle softly in the end. His handsome smile made Selleana beam with satisfaction once more, her face glowing with triumph.

 

“Husband, see?” she said, her voice taking on a teasing lilt. Selleana released their interlocked fingers and placed his hand on her palm, her skin warm against his. “First, being with an angel means luck will always be on your side.” She gently folded his index finger, her touch feather-light. “Second, with an angel, it will surely be more beautiful than the place in your memories.” As she folded his middle finger, Selleana tapped her lips as if she had misspoken, her brow furrowing slightly. “Oh, is it a bit much since you have memories with your mother there?”

 

“No, it’s true,” he admitted, his voice thick with emotion.

 

“And most importantly… your mother is there, all alone.”

 

“I tried to bring her body back for Rakrensius, but it was impossible. Being such a powerful mage, it’s presumed she used her last magic to seal herself.”

 

“I know your heart is trembling, but with an angel and Mr. Sword by your side, if you don’t muster the courage now, you’ll never go. Right?” Selleana gently covered his folded fingers with her palm and looked up at him quietly, her eyes pools of honey that reflected all the love and understanding in her heart.

 

With that refreshing conclusion, something warm surged in Rakrensius’s throat, and he clenched his teeth to hold back the overwhelming emotions that threatened to spill over. His ears burned with intensity, a physical manifestation of the feelings he couldn’t quite contain.

 

* * *

As the saying goes, strike while the iron is hot—they set off for Arancha the very next day. The journey was simple enough. As soon as they left the inn, Rakrensius called upon his teleportation magic, the air around them shimmering with power as he transported them all to the docks of Aranchio Strait.

 

Beyond the vast expanse of Aranchio Strait—a body of water so immense it could swallow several of the empire’s territories whole—the Arancha Peninsula jutted out toward the East Sea, a faint silhouette on the continent’s far eastern edge.

 

By ship, it would take at least half a day to traverse that distance. Selleana’s fear of water made taking a boat impossible. They needed to confirm the specific terrain of the Arancha Peninsula, but as evidenced by the lack of proper travel guides for the region, the map they’d brought was outdated and woefully unreliable.

 

After questioning the sailors at the dock and correcting several glaring inaccuracies on their map, they adjusted the coordinates. With a whispered incantation and a flash of magic that danced around Rakrensius’s fingertips, they headed toward Arancha.

 

And when the two of them arrived at their destination…

 

“Oh…!”

 

Whether there was a mistake in setting the coordinates or the village had transformed over the past decade, they found themselves materializing in the middle of a clearing where children played. Their sudden appearance sent ripples of shock through the small gathering.

 

Startled by their magical entrance, the children gasped and pointed—not at both of them, but directly at Rakrensius.

 

“Wi-Wi-Wi-Witch…!” one child stammered, eyes wide with terror.

 

“T-The witch’s son…!” another cried out.