I, the Female Lead, Ruined the Original Chapter 27

The gazes that scrutinized him, holding the position of the Tower Master, those trying to gauge his hidden motives, prickled at the back of his head. Just as he wished, it felt like he had drawn the curiosity of everyone attending the banquet.

 

It’s more tormenting than I thought… He had ignored his friend’s advice all this time because he knew this would happen.

 

He felt no excitement about celebrating his father’s birthday for the first time in his life. Only the presence of an angel secretly checked upon entering, located 15 meters away at a 160-degree angle behind him, was bothering him.

 

“You have invited me to several imperial vents, but it is only now that I have managed to respond.”

 

“It’s okay. It’s good you came at last. I hope this occasion will enhance the friendship between the imperial family and the magic tower under your command.”

 

As the conversation between the tower master and the emperor continued, the faces of those watching grew increasingly perplexed. Those unaware of his identity were puzzled by Tashur III’s subtle familiarity, while those who knew he was the fifth prince were surprised by his eloquent speech, contrary to the rumors of him being a foolish prince.

 

“Now, then.” Rakrensius pulled out a small box from his cloak. “As a token of celebration for His Majesty’s birthday, the magic tower has prepared a modest gift.”

 

The box, handed over to Tashur III through the chief steward, looked somewhat simple for a gift to the emperor despite its luxurious ebony lacquer.

 

“This is a scroll I made.”

 

Ooh, astonishment was voiced by the onlookers.

 

“Such a gift as this scroll.”

 

“I heard that wizards infuse magic by hand. Even the simplest ones cost at least 100,000 reot.”

 

“What’s more, if the tower master made it himself…”

 

In response to people’s curiosity, Tashur III pulled out a parchment the size of a palm from the box.

 

“It’s engraved with teleportation magic. It can transport the user to any desired location. Just tell me where you want to go, and I’ll complete it right here.”

 

“Oh, I didn’t know such a thing as teleportation was possible. Moreover, a scroll is so valuable and personally made by the Tower Master. It’s indeed precious.”

 

The amount people speculated it could be worth skyrocketed to hundreds of thousands, even millions.

 

“How many did you get?”

 

“Three, three. There was no teleportation scroll though.”

 

Agnesia asked in astonishment, to which Michi gleefully responded.

 

Meanwhile, Tashur III had instructed Rakrensius through the chief steward on where to set the destination for the teleportation magic. Rakrensius, having received the whispered instructions, floated the scroll in the air.

 

As the magic was cast right before their eyes, the attention of the banquet hall was once again drawn to Rakrensius. The elegant movements of his hands weaving through the air as if conducting, with light wrapping around the scroll like a thread.

 

In the silent hall, where everyone was spellbound watching him, Agnesia casually remarked. “…Lea, I see why you were so giddy over him.”

 

“Gi-Giddy? Me? What are you talking about?”

 

“Weren’t you all excited showing off the scroll a few days ago, huh?”

 

“Spot on.” Michi chuckled at Agnesia’s teasing.

 

“The scroll is a gift, but… above all, that silver hair and his cool-toned skin.”

 

Agnesia continued slowly, pretending not to notice Selleana waving her hand to tell her to be quiet.

 

“He’s tall enough and well-built, I guess. I can’t see his face well, but he looks handsome from the side.”

 

“It’s the first time I’ve heard such generous praise from Priestess Nesia. Without a single swear word.” Michi teased, and Agnesia chuckled.

 

“I’m feeling quite a bodhisattva right now.”

 

No one was surprised when the Priestess of Orot referred to herself using terms from another religion’s past life.

 

“I had a really unlucky encounter earlier. Now everything looks cute to me.”

 

“What happened?”

 

A deep sigh escaped the priestess. “I was with Mellisa and her gang, about to head back because the High Priestess called me, and then…”

 

“And then?”

 

“Someone bumped into me.”

 

“Bumped into you?”

 

“My husband in the original work, that b*stard.”

 

“Oh my god.” Michi inserted her shocked interjections.  “Hey, Milady, did you hear it?”

 

“Uh, what?”

 

Michi nudged Selleana’s waist.

 

“Got distracted by the tower master?”

 

“You really, to him…”

 

“No, I’m not!” Selleana protested against her friends’ accusations. She did look at Rakrensius, but…

 

It’s strange for someone who never comes to suddenly show up…! Could it be because of me? She had that idea, not just because Michi kept telling her that he might like her.

 

It’s just known without saying for the lark of Elard, who has lived a life adored by all. He was excessively kind to Selleana. Even while pretending to be annoyed, his consideration was overflowing. When she approached, he would feign disinterest, yet shyness was evident.

 

Really, he came to see me because I haven’t been around him these days? …No, that can’t be.

 

Surely. It couldn’t be that the prince, shrouded in mystery until now, would make his official public debut in such a manner.

 

Selleana shook off her suspicions and focused on her friends. “Sorry, sorry. What was going on?”

 

“Nesia bumped into her character’s husband earlier.”

 

“What?”

 

Indeed, it was a shocking event. Doloret had warned to be careful, and once again, the eldest sister was right.

 

“A perfectly fine person walking down the street comes and bumps into you?”

 

“Huh? Come and bump you?”

 

“Probably a mistake. Maybe that b*stard learned to walk wrong as a child.”

 

Margrave Gotenfrid is a noble martial lineage. It was unlikely he was clumsy at using his body. Agnesia’s disdain for her character’s original love interest knew no bounds.

 

“Nothing else happened?”

 

“Uuh, he just said sorry, and that was it. But it was scary how he stared at me.”

 

“Stared? Why?”

 

“Exactly. Not like it was his first time seeing a priestess, like some country bumpkin.”

 

“What if he fell for you at first sight?”

 

“Maybe he liked your appearance.”

 

“XXX. That only comes out in the side stories from his perspective, not in the original Agnesia’s story, you know?”

 

Agnesia sulked, showing her teeth. “Anyway, I look different from the original character. Got instantly angry when I saw him, so my face soured. So, it should be fine.”

 

“Right, right.”

 

“Anyway, I’m not coming to this kind of banquet again. Ahh.”  Agnesia, tired from the day’s scrutiny, clenched her teeth in irritation.

 

As Selleana chuckled, finding it cute, a place came to mind. That place came to mind when she saw an acquaintance who suddenly appeared.

 

“Nesia.”

 

“Hmm?”

 

“Want to go somewhere quiet until the banquet ends?”

 

“Weren’t you planning to go home?”

 

Michi’s eyes sparkled. She was reluctant to leave the imperial banquet and the unique wines available only there.

 

 “Let us take care of Nesia until the High Priestess leaves, shall we?”

 

“Yeah, who did I come here for, after all…” Agnesia murmured with a gloomy face.

 

“Aren’t you going to ask about Rosi and Doli?”

 

“Rosi, well… she’s having the time of her life.”

 

Rosalli, as usual, was enjoying her popularity in social circles, receiving dance requests from this gentleman and that. Doloret was also surrounded by people and had no moment to herself; all were associated with Benichi’s business.

 

Normally, Selleana would also be surrounded by people like them, but today, the impact of the bomb she had dropped was quite significant.

 

“Let’s slip out while the tower master is drawing everyone’s attention.”

 

* * *

“Wow, does the imperial palace really have such places?” Agnesia exclaimed in awe as she looked at the tranquil rear garden bathed in moonlight.

 

The garden, somewhat neglected for a palace, was overrun with ivy climbing up to the windows. The lawns were dotted with colorful flowers planted haphazardly, and acacia trees lining the edge shone in the moonlight.

 

“I’ve been coming and going from the palace for a whopping 12 years now.”

 

“So, the lark of Elard has been performing emotional labor for another 12 years. But is it really okay for us to wander around like this?”

 

“Those 12 years weren’t for nothing. The guards already treat me almost like the imperial family.”

 

“That’s coming to an end soon too.” Agnesia threw her hat aside and flopped down on the grass. “Ah, I can finally breathe a little.” 

 

Selleana and Michi chuckled as they looked down at Agnesia, who stretched out her limbs to enjoy the comfort of the night air.

 

“Where is this that the scenery feels so human?”

 

“The West Palace.”

 

“What’s that for?”

 

“That’s where the tower master lived when he was younger.”

 

Michi, having taken off her glasses, quickly gave a quick nod.

 

“Ha, why does the connection have to jump like that?”