The Male Lead? I Don’t Want Him

“A… pillow?”

“Lend it to me. I need a short nap.”

“Really necessary?”

“Yes, very necessary.”

Antes, who gave a short answer, laid down resting his head on Luna’s leg. Although he was quite tall, because the carriage was specially made for traveling, he was able to lie down comfortably.

Why would one use such a trivial thing for a wish? It’s such a waste. Luna thought this as she brushed Antes’s hair who had closed his eyes.

Seeing him seem to want more of her touch made her unintentionally smile.

Using a wish for such trivial things might have seemed wasteful, but on the other hand, thanks to it, they were in a situation dripping with such small joys.

* * *

Throughout their journey towards the Rodrian territory, Antes kept using his wishes on seemingly inconsequential things. For example, he’d ask to stop the carriage to admire a field before reaching the next resting point or wake Luna up in the middle of the night to stargaze.

When they were almost at their destination, for his last wish, he offered to personally make travel food for Luna, which baffled her.

“Why do you wish for such things? How can these be wishes? Even if I asked, these are not big favors!”

He could’ve wished for her to make food, but wishing to make food for her? What kind of wish was that? Moreover, he was an exceptional cook, almost at the level of Emma. It was almost an understatement to say he was showing off.

“It’s what I desire. Seeing the face you make when you’re happy also brings me joy.”

Antes, what kind of man are you… Luna couldn’t continue her words, looking at Antes who was preparing the food with a soft smile.

At this point, she wondered if the world needed one Antes per household for world peace.

‘Oh God, I didn’t particularly live a hardworking life in my past life, so why is this life so blissful?’

Not only Antes, but there were also friends like Rosemary, Emma, and Laura, and a mine pouring with money.

She felt like even if she saved a country in her past life, she’d still feel indebted to the gods. Yet here she was, leading such a joyous life without doing anything significant.

Maybe she saved a country in her previous life? Or is a disaster soon to come? While Luna was lost in thought, Antes, who finished the soup, spoke.

“Check the taste. I think I’m short on spices.”

“Oh, okay.”

Taking a sip, Luna felt a deep and rich flavor, unexpected from travel food.

Seeing Luna’s amazed expression, Antes gave a light smile and started preparing the next dish.

“Hold on!”

Luna, who was observing him, quickly grabbed his hand, causing Antes to freeze in surprise. Before he could misunderstand, Luna quickly explained.

“Can we forget about the last wish?”

“Why? Is the taste not good?”

“No, it’s not that. I just want to make the remaining dishes. I’ve always been the one receiving.”

Although there were no remaining wishes, Luna shook Antes’s hand, pleading. It was the first time Luna wanted to cook.

He couldn’t find a reason to refuse. Handing the cooking tools to Luna, Antes’s cheeks reddened slightly in anticipation.

“I’ve never really cooked, but I’ll do my best.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

A little later, Luna, relying on her limited culinary knowledge, managed to finish the dish, though her face turned sour.

By its looks and smell, it wasn’t appealing at all. Even Luna, who had tasted a variety of dishes, knew it wasn’t right.

“Um… How about we just have the soup and wait until we arrive at the estate for a proper meal?”

“Why?”

Why? Because it’s a disaster.

Luna pointed at the dish she made with an awkward face. Even after trying to present it nicely on a plate, it still didn’t look appetizing.

However, Antes, noticing Luna’s discomfort, didn’t mind. Picking up a plate, he disagreed with Luna’s suggestion.

“I don’t understand why we should avoid a dish you made with effort.”

“Are you serious? Doesn’t it look like we should just stick to the soup?”

The food looked so bad that Luna feared it might ruin their trip.

But-

“Maybe. You have to try it to know.”

Despite Luna’s efforts, Antes ate a dish that was on the plate.

Fortunately, it didn’t seem so bad that he spat it out immediately. After swallowing one, he picked up another without changing his facial expression.

“Are you okay?”

Luna realized that he meant it was tasteless. If it were really good, he would’ve exaggerated his praise.

Luna felt guilty and embarrassed watching Antes continue to eat.

However she couldn’t use force against him, so when she felt she couldn’t take it anymore, Luna covered the plate with her body.

“Stop! Stop eating! You might get sick! I promise I’ll learn and make something delicious later, so please don’t eat this!”

She was desperate, almost as if she would throw the plate if he continued to eat.

It wasn’t that the food tasted horribly, which made it a bit regrettable, but Antes seemed to understand. He couldn’t refuse her plea when she promised to make more later.

“If you make it three times, then okay.”

“Understood!”

How could she not make it three times? It’s just tasteless food after all. With that thought, she quickly agreed, and Antes, smiling deeply, lifted Luna who was covering the food.

His attitude was incredibly affectionate. Her guilt and embarrassment faded, and her heart warmed.

Grateful, Luna hugged Antes’s waist, and he embraced her shoulders in return. It was a brief, happy moment.

‘…So when exactly are they going to eat? Will we only have soup, or do we have to cook again?’

Only Luna and Antes thought this. The servants who were watching didn’t share the sentiment.

After the huge feast, they embraced, and it ended. It wasn’t that the servants disapproved, but they were uncertain about what to do.

Fortunately, the astute Antes decided to just have soup and then promptly depart, which resolved the servants’ concerns.

* * *

“…My goodness. It’s almost like an imperial palace.”

Upon arriving at the Duke’s residence, Luna couldn’t help but marvel. It truly looked as grand as an imperial palace.

“It was always grand, but the previous Duke spent a tremendous amount of money and time expanding it. Both the interior and exterior were completely replaced.”

True to Antes’s words, the gardens, decorations, and the walls of the castle were all shining as if they were brand new.

Wondering why someone would do such a thing when they don’t even live here, Luna shook her head.

“Welcome, master.”

In the meantime, all the servants of the Duke’s residence greeted the two politely. Luna, reminded of when she first bought the Rose Mansion, nervously observed the servants.

However, there was no need. The servants of the Duke’s residence maintained a respectful and courteous attitude. Some even seemed more frightened than nervous.

“I am Yonez, the head butler of the castle. I will serve you to the best of my ability.”

The butler, quite different from the one she met in the capital, greeted Luna politely.

Worried that being too friendly from the start might cause issues, Luna briefly responded, concluding the greeting.

“Thank you.”

Yet, she thought it might be better to reply differently. Surprisingly, seeing her response, the tension on the butler’s and the servants’ faces eased.

‘What’s with these reactions?’

It seemed strange, but there was no need to add more. However, one thing needed clarification.

“The servants with me are my personal attendants, so all instructions will come from me.”

“Understood. We’ll ensure there’s no confusion.”

The butler’s response seemed as if he was relieved to know this in advance.

Moreover, the Duke’s servants hurriedly checked Luna’s attendants, trying not to make any mistakes.

Feeling overwhelmed, Luna felt a bit awkward. Wanting to tour the castle, the servants parted, creating a path for her.

‘What is this, an army? Intense training?’

It was surprising how disciplined they were. Luna tilted her head, but without discomfort.