The Male Lead Is Obsessed With Proposing to Me - Chapter 70

64. 64. Main character and minor role

Senelia Daphnen’s initial gratitude for dissipating the awkward atmosphere vanished instantly.

Like a deer in headlights, Senelia abruptly froze, unaware as Benelucia turned his wary gaze towards her.

“Is it true that she came to see Sally, and not me?” 

With the assumption that they might have heard incorrectly, he inquired once more. 

Unable to respond, Senelia remained silent, prompting him to seek confirmation from the butler.

The butler, wearing an embarrassed expression on his downcast face, nodded in affirmation.

In the capital, few were aware of Lucalina’s relentless efforts to bring Benelucia back after he had left for war at the tender age of fifteen.  

Similarly, upon Benelucia’s return from the battlefield at twenty-one, most nobles assumed he had been patiently awaiting Lucalina’s return. 

This contributed to the rumors surrounding Senelia, suggesting her relationship with Benelucia was merely a facade created to hoodwink the emperor’s gaze.

Even though they were employees of the Grand Duke’s residence, they couldn’t have been oblivious to the intricate dynamics between Benelucia, Senelia, and Lucalina.

In this uncomfortable silence that descended amongst those present, they shared the same embarrassment when Lucalina announced her intention to see Senelia.

“… Sally, you wait here. I’ll excuse myself and see what this is all about.” 

Benelucia muttered, standing up to address the situation before it had a chance to escalate.

Facing an unprecedented awkwardness, Benelucia barely managed to conceal his internal embarrassment. 

He needed to know why his past love would seek out his fiance without his presence. 

“…I am the one Lady Lucalina Elihan is seeking, Your Highness.” 

Knowing where his concerns lay, Senelia had no choice but to interrupt him. Knowing the potential consequences should the lead characters reconcile, Senelia couldn’t let Benelucia face Lucalina alone.

“Sally, why would you need to meet Luna when she’s given no substantial reason? I’ll handle it.” 

Against Senelia’s insistence, Benelucia hesitated.

Understanding that Lucalina was not someone Senelia would welcome, Benelucia tried to spare Senelia’s feelings and dissuade her as gently as he possibly could. 

“…Your Highness, the Grand duke—” 

Senelia paused, her agitated eyes caught a glimpse of her fiance wearing a composed expression.

“I’ll do as your Highness the Grand Duke wishes…” 

Having given in to his honest gaze, the familiar response slipped out.

However, this time, Senelia hesitated, letting her thoughts linger.

Would Benelucia divulge their conversation and discussions if he met Lucalina alone?

Uncontrollably, doubt crept into Senelia’s mind. 

According to Cliff’s words, Benelucia had kept the details of the hunting festival from Senelia, even though he was fully aware of the possibility in which Lucalina might take on the role of Grand Duchess at her refusal.

Senelia couldn’t entirely trust Benelucia. 

Although honesty was an option, the key issue was Senelia’s lack of complete trust.

Ah…

Senelia had a sudden bout of realization. 

If Benelucia truly intended to entrust Lucalina with hosting the hunting festival, it would be over. 

Everything she’d worked hard for would crumble, the time Benelucia spent trying to prove his worthiness would be meaningless. 

If it’s fated to be over, then what can’t I do?

So, Senelia did something she wouldn’t normally consider.

“No, I’ll go.”

“…Sally?” 

Benelucia, taken aback, responded as Senelia asserted herself.

He couldn’t fathom the reason for her change of mind. 

This assumption arose from his belief that she would naturally prefer to avoid encountering Lucalina, as she had always done before.

“Your Highness, I would like to request that you’d kindly hold off on entering until I wrap up my conversation with Lady Elihan.” 

Senelia felt guilty for her greedy request. 

Benelucia paused once more, prompting Senelia to elaborate.

In a tone meant to add confidence to her words, she reiterated.

“Can you agree to that?”

For the first time in a considerable while, Senelia’s red eyes met Benelucia’s gaze directly.

She did not avoid his gaze. 

After a moment of silence, Benelucia reluctantly nodded. 

Unbeknownst to Senelia, it was uncommon for Benelucia to acquiesce to such a strong request.

“Just to be safe…” 

Senelia muttered to the jittery man before leaving the dining room.

“I hope His Highness doesn’t get wind of the conversation.”

Despite the fact that numerous individuals at the Grand Duke’s residence could convey the message to Benelucia, Senelia took preemptive measures to block all potential channels. Additionally, Benelucia’s sword master abilities allowed him to eavesdrop on conversations in the living room without needing assistance.

“…I’ll ensure it, Sally.” 

Benelucia assured her.

Due to Senelia’s assertive request, Benelucia found himself unable to resist, earning a peculiar look from Senelia as he obediently complied.

Despite sensing that something might go awry, Senelia focused on the imminent meeting with Lucalina, attempting to push aside any disconcerting feelings.

* * *

“I apologize for approaching you so abruptly, Lady Daphnen.”

Upon entering the living room, Lucalina extended a polite apology to Senelia.

Lucalina held the title of countess and had spoken to Benelucia, achieving personal recognition as the successor of the marquis, despite being a minor ruler. 

On the other hand, Senelia had not yet officially become a Grand Duchess. 

Despite this, there was no apparent reason for Lucalina to address Senelia with humble pleasantries. 

Nevertheless, Lucalina conducted herself as though it were necessary.

Senelia paused, taken aback by Lucalina’s courteous demeanor. 

Despite Lucalina committing the rudeness of appearing unexpectedly without an appointment, she didn’t come across as impolite at all when conversing with her face to face. 

Whether it was the result of the courteous apology or the upright attitude and non-intimidating posture, Senelia couldn’t discern.

What was evident was that Lucalina’s demeanor was something Senelia could never emulate.

“…What brings you to see me?” 

Senelia questioned, going straight to the point. 

She didn’t automatically acquiesce, as she usually had to be agreeable in every situation. 

At that moment, she didn’t want to be that person.

“The Emperor, Cliff de Helios, asked me to oversee preparations for the hunting festival.”

Perhaps sensing Senelia’s sentiments, Lucalina promptly addressed the matter upon taking her seat, leaving Senelia feeling embarrassed.

Senelia wasn’t aware that Lucalina would bother to share such information personally.

“…Why do you feel the need to inform me of this development?” 

Senelia questioned, intrigued.

Lucalina had no obligation to disclose this information to Senelia. 

In fact, if Lucalina were to fulfill her duties as a Grand Duchess, it could potentially benefit her desires regarding Benelucia and getting their revenge on the tyrant.  

So, why reveal the truth here?

To be honest, the situation made it challenging for Senelia to wholeheartedly believe Lucalina’s words.

“Because I don’t want to play into Cliff’s hands.”

Lucalina provided a straightforward response once again. 

“I will no longer be controlled by Cliff and his schemes.”

Is it due to the childhood friendship between Cliff and Benelucia, the two brothers? 

Lucalina casually mentioned Cliff’s name, her disinterest in his command clearly in contrast to Senelia, who was constantly occupied with bowing before the emperor.

In many aspects, Lucalina differed from Senelia, and soon, it became a source of misery for Senelia. 

The internal struggle was something no one else could comprehend, Lucalina hadn’t done anything directly to Senelia, yet the misery was palpable, which would ultimately result in others reiterated gossip. 

“Why do the future Grand Duchess feel this twisted sense of inferiority to someone shining like Lucalina?” 

Slowly but surely, people would question. 

Senelia acknowledged that nothing was inherently wrong with Lucalina, and she didn’t harbor hatred or dislike towards her. 

In fact, it was Senelia who had interfered with Lucalina’s fate in the first place, though who would admit to such shameful feelings?

Lucalina, oblivious to these thoughts, was the protagonist, while Senelia had a minor role. 

A no one earnestly trying to change her fate. 

Senelia bore the burden of knowing this truth, and she wondered what Lucalina would have done with such knowledge. 

Senelia understood that the problem was inherently within herself.

Suddenly, her breathing became difficult, as for the first time, she discovered why she despised herself so much. 

Senelia resisted the urge to break down, straightening her back even as she struggled against the overwhelming self-loathing. 

She didn’t want to crumble before Lucalina, even if it meant holding onto a fragment of her pride.

But what can I do? This is who I am. 

Senelia admitted to herself the truth she had known deep down. 

“Lord Elihan must have a reason for telling me this in person.” 

Senelia forced herself to ask Lucalina calmly. 

Lucalina responded with determined blue eyes.

“I believe that not only I, but Ben as well should be freed from Cliff’s hands.”

“Ben…” 

A nickname Senelia hadn’t uttered in years, flowed effortlessly from Lucalina’s lips.

“And with Lady Daphnen, I learned that Ben couldn’t do that.” 

Lucalina’s eyes gleamed with clarity, a manifestation of someone who understood their path and purpose.

Senelia’s heart pounded as Lucalina continued to divulge her discoveries.

“I heard you approached Ben’s side under Cliff’s orders.” 

With a chill felt caressing the nape of her neck, Senelia’s breathing became even more strained, as she clutched the hem of her skirt tightly.

How had Lucalina discovered this fact? 

Did she uncover it independently? Did she hear it from Cliff? …Or perhaps from Benelucia?

Amidst Senelia’s confusion, Lucalina pressed on.

“I’ll be blunt. I hope Lady Daphnen doesn’t cause Ben to become tied to Cliff again.”