The Male Lead? I Don’t Want Him

* * *

For the remaining week, Luna spent each day very busily.

Starting from checking if the school was well decorated, meeting the teachers who would teach the students, determining if the children could leave their market jobs to attend school, and finding out if there were replacements for the children’s jobs – there was a mountain of tasks to do.

Meanwhile, guests for the wedding started to arrive at the estate, so she had to meet them, greet them, and check if their accommodations were satisfactory.

Fortunately, Rosemary took charge of all matters concerning the wedding and the festival, allowing Luna to barely finish her tasks on schedule.

And then came the wedding day.

“I’m so sad that from now on, I won’t be able to call you ‘Lady’,” said Rosemary with a sigh, as she braided Luna’s hair.

Luna thought it would be wonderful to marry Antes and become family, but that wasn’t the case at all. It felt like her precious friend was being stolen by a villain.

On any other day, Luna would have comforted Rosemary lightly, but today, she too felt odd. 

The fact that she could no longer use the last name she inherited from her parents also weighed on her.

So, without saying a word, Luna just tightly grasped Rosemary’s hand. At this, Rosemary stopped braiding and held Luna’s hand.

“Oh my, why are you both like this on such a happy day?”

Laura tried to lighten the suddenly somber mood with her words, but it didn’t help much. Just as she too was about to become downcast-

“My lady, a new floral wreath has arrived.”

A cheerful servant brought in a beautiful floral wreath. Though they had already received many wreaths, this one was sufficient to change the mood.

“Who sent it?”

Unable to hide her shock at the servant’s answer, Luna stiffened.

“Seira Granada herself brought it.”

“…W-who?”

“What? Who did you say?!”

Rosemary too was startled. She asked, wide-eyed, as if hoping it wasn’t true.

“Um… should I ask her to leave?”

The servant asked timidly, flinching at their unexpected reactions.

No, considering she had come all this way and even sent a wreath, Luna felt she should at least meet her. But first, she had a question.

“How on earth did she know?”

How did she find out and even send a wreath? Of course, the news of their marriage had spread widely, but it was strange for her to send a wreath when they weren’t even on good terms.

Unable to comprehend, Luna looked at Rosemary, who guiltily admitted:

“Actually… I sent her an invitation…”

“Yes?! Why?”

“To tease her! To brag about how well you and the Duke are doing…”

Rosemary stuttered, saying she didn’t expect her to actually show up with a wreath after receiving the invitation.

Since she sent it with a ‘good’ intention, Luna couldn’t press her further. After all, they had already received an apology for past issues and now even a wreath.

“It’s alright. More guests are always better.”

And with the unexpected guest’s appearance, the earlier gloomy atmosphere had disappeared. Luna smiled gently to reassure her.

“Let’s go thank her for coming. Where is she now?”

Almost all the guests had already arrived by the eve of the wedding, so most greetings were done. Hence, meeting Seira, who had arrived on the day itself, was only right.

“Well, she left the wreath and said she’d return for the ceremony and disappeared.”

“Really?”

Perhaps she intended to congratulate but didn’t want to make small talk. Luna wasn’t too keen on making friendly conversation either, so she shrugged it off.

Then, as she continued to prepare, it was time to participate in the main ceremony.

“Miss, it’s time to head out.”

At the servant’s call, Luna, dressed in a pristine white dress specially ordered by Rosemary, stood up. The dress flowed with her movements as she headed towards the door.

Upon exiting, unlike the engagement ceremony, Antes was waiting.

As it was their wedding day and they had an important announcement, unlike regular weddings, they planned to enter together from the start.

Dressed in a matching suit, he glanced at Luna, seemingly displeased.

“You look too beautiful. I’d understand if I was the only one seeing you, but I don’t want everyone in the estate to see you like this.”

“Oh come on, what are you even saying?”

Luna playfully chided Antes, though she wasn’t truly displeased. Who could resist the compliment that they are the most beautiful in their lover’s eyes?

“That’s something I should say.”

At Luna’s sincere words, Antes gave a soft, loving smile.

Without love, the conversation wouldn’t have been possible. He, satisfied with Luna’s response, extended his hand to her and said:

“Unlike the engagement ceremony, you won’t be able to refuse.”

This wasn’t a suggestion for her to run away if she wanted to. The chance to escape from him had long passed. It was just his last piece of advice.

“You should be the one saying that.”

Luna smiled warmly as she held his hand. Who would leave such a handsome, kind, and lovable man?

Together, they headed to the third-floor terrace. The garden was packed with people, eager for the announcement from the new lord. Most were there for the free food at the wedding feast.

However, this didn’t mean that there was no interest in the new policy announced by Antes. Their eyes filled with disbelief as to what new way they would be tormented, they stared at Luna and Antes who appeared on the terrace.

One wrong word, and they would face ridicule. Even if he were to announce a truly malicious policy, it might not be executed.

“Before the ceremony, I will convey the new tax law that will be applied from this moment in the Rordrian territory.”

Are they going to raise taxes even more? The residents listened intently, their faces filled with distrust and fear.

There was a long pause, and many wondered if he was just taunting them. Antes swiftly announced the new policy.

“Taxes on labor income will be reduced to 5% until the city is deemed rebuilt. Other taxes related to residency and welfare will be abolished, except for certain property transactions.”

He continued to describe how all the taxes previously levied by the old Duke would be abolished.

Everyone was stunned, having not anticipated such an announcement.

“In addition, minors under 16 must attend the school established by the new Duchess and will receive scholarships based on attendance. The amount is-“

It was higher than what children would make working outside. While attendance wasn’t mandatory, the policy practically ensured it.

“Labor will be provided where needed, old buildings and facilities will be repaired for free, and projects needing investment will be reviewed-“

He continued announcing policies that were thought out for the development and comfort of the territory residents.

After the lengthy announcement, the mansion fell silent.

It wasn’t because they were moved or happy. They just couldn’t believe what they’d heard.

The few who did understand felt it was a well-intentioned, yet seemingly unfeasible policy.

“Ah, how do you plan to cover these costs…?!”

An apprehensive resident boldly asked Antes.

Many shared the same concerns, waiting nervously for Antes’s answer.

For all they knew, he could announce a tax hike next.

“The assets gathered from the territory by the Duke’s family, my personal profits, and lastly, the assets of the new Duchess.”

But there was no twist. Antes was genuinely offering both his and Luna’s assets.

“Impossible. Why would you make such a sacrifice? Even if you use all your assets, it wouldn’t be enough!”

A resident questioned Antes.

“The duty of a lord is to govern the territory well so that the residents can live happily. The previous Duke failed in this duty.”

It’s only right that I take responsibility, Antes replied nonchalantly.

“Don’t worry. It may sound funny, but my wealth is not that small.”

The final question was answered by Luna with a bright smile, just stating the facts.

She then playfully poked Antes, who needed to smile to end the astonishment.

As expected, when Antes smiled, the reactions changed.

Everyone started to express their gratitude, deeply bowing or lying prostrate.

In the crowd, Seira looked surprised. By her side was a strikingly handsome young man, holding her hand – seemingly her new love interest.

‘So Seira has a new male lead now. Guess she’s a quick mover. But now, it doesn’t really matter.’

With so much deviation from the original, who the main characters are doesn’t really matter anymore. Luna and Antes weren’t villains anymore.

With a playful smile, Luna turned to Antes.

“It turned out well, right?”

His gentle gaze met hers, as if saying it was all thanks to her.

“Yes. Stay by my side so I can continue to do well. Forever.”

There was no need to reply. Antes opened his arms and Luna responded by embracing him.

( Side Story: THE END )