Chapter 105: Confessions, Schemes, and Dire Promises

A paper bag fluttering in the street landed on Karlahee’s head, yet the two of them only responded with a bashful smile, completely absorbed in their own world like an awkward young couple oblivious to their surroundings.

In a world that might crumble around them, Male Lead Karlahee didn’t have time to fix his disheveled hair or his timid glances; he was too busy.

“Of course, I’ll do it properly later… I’m sorry for springing this on you so suddenly. The secret—and my confession—is still unsaid.”

“No, a formal confession is too much for me. I really can’t stand grand declarations in front of everyone.”

Karlahee, who had been mulling over putting on an extravagant magical show in public, just mumbled an indignant ‘hmm’. Clearly, he wasn’t one for the spotlight; perhaps he’d been too hasty.

Then Lara Schmord spoke up firmly.

“But, that doesn’t mean I’m accepting your feelings yet.”

“…Lara?”

“I have to be absolutely sure—my life is on the line. Are you going to first settle things with your fiancée, Lady Elina I, the villainous Rozally, rival Orc Maiden, and all the other opposing factions? I really can’t stand palace intrigues.”

Even the lowly Female Lead struggles to be with the Emperor, so hardly did anyone in a powerless secondary role dream of traversing a thorny path for love. Respecting Lara’s resolute decision, Karlahee adopted a sincere tone.

“I swear on God, my fortune, and everything I cherish. I’ll sort everything out, so could you wait a little longer?”

“Yes, that’s fine.”

With a gentle smile, she replied, and Karlahee slowly stood, watching her. Truly, his acquaintance was an angel. Just as he marveled at having a real 3D girlfriend… unexpected hardship struck him.

“And sort out Lilica too.”

* * *

The mountain shrouded in darkness felt as desolate as it was eerie, with the occasional hoot of an owl breaking the silence adding to the strangeness.

Deep in a secluded part of the mountain, inside a barely concealed cave, two figures sat curled up. One, Lady Elina II, with wild, unkempt hair; beside her sat Rozally.

“Weren’t they all withdrawn after the hunting contest…?”

“Don’t talk nonsense! They wouldn’t just abandon us!”

“But it’s been two days already. If they had found us, they would have done so by now. Hah…ha…”

Lady Elina II glanced at her dirt-stained dress and let out a desolate laugh. It only deepened her self-loathing. Two days stranded in the mountains and still no sign of help.

She had minimized her movements to conserve energy, but her frail body was nearing its limit. All she’d managed was to quench her thirst from a trickling spring in a crevice and nibble on some fruit. She picked up a stone and etched another mark on the cave wall.

“Tomorrow, I’m coming for help. Hahaha, because I’m the Female Lead! I will definitely be found.”

“Ha, have you lost your mind? You’re so carefree—just wait here until you starve and let Male Lead do all the waiting!”

With her irritation at its peak, Rozally glared sharply. Lacking even the strength to throw a slap, she just stared venomously. Kim Bing-ui couldn’t hold back his pent-up anguish any longer.

“Then who, if not Male Lead, is going to rescue us?! In this backward world, there are mountain rescue teams, helicopters—whatever it takes! This world is a mess!”

“How dare you, an outsider, badmouth our world? I don’t care what a helicopter is, but I won’t tolerate you trashing our home!”

“I’m just so frustrated! Why—if I’d known we’d be stranded this long, I’d have taken over the Female Lead’s body! I’d have possessed Bear Grylls instead!”

“Who’s Bear Grylls?”

“…He exists. That kind of person exists.”

Dodging Rozally’s piercing gaze, Lady Elina II murmured under her breath. It was obvious talking wouldn’t change anything. After finally venting her anger, she felt a bit calmer, though her strength was clearly waning.

“At least you have somewhere to go back to. Even if you starve here, once you return to your own body, it’s all over.”

At that moment, Rozally spoke quietly, her usual defiant tone notably softened.

“But I… I’m not like you, my sister.”

“Sister?”

“The owner of the body you possess. Lady Elina II, my dear sister, means everything to me.”

“But you’re a villainous woman.”

“Villain or Female Lead, it doesn’t matter. Everything I did to interfere was for her sake. She was the first to reach out to me.”

Overcome by hunger and drowsiness, Rozally leaned against the cave wall and closed her eyes. She recalled their first encounter—yes, it all began with a misunderstanding. She remembered Lady Elina II’s fearless grip on her wrist as she raised a questioning hand.

It was after they’d been declared unrelated to Pope’s Male Lead and had gone off together for an afterparty. A drunken Lady Elina II had blurted out to her,

“But seriously, you’re amazing! How can you come up with such smooth lines?”

“Ha, what are you saying! Can’t you let go of this?”

“Look at your hand. Wow! Even though your hand is smaller than mine, you managed to deliver such an incredible line?”

She held her hand warmly as if marveling at it, and when that gentle touch felt unfamiliar, even as Rozally recoiled defensively, she smiled brightly.

That sincere smile and honest praise, free of any pretense, was both devastating and irresistible for the villain in her. Before she knew it, it had slowly become a part of her—an inseparable, indelible presence.

“I envy you. You boldly throw out challenges wherever you go, while I, as the Female Lead, always end up being a burden. How wonderful it would be to shout out my defiance as openly as you do!”

“Sometimes, I really envy you too. I’m the one with a bad attitude, quick temper… maybe a naive, cheerful sister would be better…”

“Well, I think your fiery spirit is incredibly attractive! When I first saw you, your unabashed passion was simply dazzling.”

And with that, she fully opened her heart to her. That day, she would never forget the smiling face of Lady Elina II. Slowly, Rozally opened her eyes.

“You’re the first person to say that to me like that.”

“This is supposed to be the touching part…?”

“Don’t ruin the mood by acting all sisterly!”

Rozally snapped sharply as if questioning when Elina II had ever looked so gentle. Startled, Elina II stepped back and scratched her cheek.

“Hey… anyway, I’m sorry. But as I mentioned before, I didn’t possess this body because I wanted to. I still have no idea how to return to my original self.”

In the worst-case scenario, she might never revert. Most Female Leads who traverse dimensions end up staying behind, entangled in trysts with their Male Leads until death.

“I wish this were all just a dream. I long to see my family and friends in Korea… it would be amazing if, upon waking, I found myself back in Korea and realized it was all just a dream.”

“Dreams are for whoever they please! Wake up, this is reality.”

“Thanks for the heads-up, hehe.”

Lady Elina II lowered her head and burst into a sheepish grin. After dozing off for a bit, she slumped uncomfortably, finally falling asleep. Across from her, Rozally quietly watched before rising.

“If the Female Lead gets hurt, it’s only me, the villain, who suffers…”

Muttering gruffly, Rozally draped her cloak over Lady Elina II.

Karlahee had arrived at the reception hall of the Duke Liniat Family estate. With the exception of Lady Elina V and Lady Elina IV in the Demon Realm and Lady Elina III who had left the Empire, only Lady Elina I remained in the family compound.

“I couldn’t find you in Imperial City, so I assumed you’d been at the family estate.”

That was the first thing he said. Lady Elina I hesitated, considering whether to pretend to be Elina II, but seeing the seriousness in his tone, she simply nodded.

“Ever since the hunting contest, something’s changed. I came here to apologize—to you. Will you watch this video?”

Though he sensed the mood had shifted, Karlahee quickly got to the point. He pulled a magic orb from a box and held it before Lady Elina I. She stifled a murmur, “This is…” as the orb played a video.

It was a recording featuring several Elinas, capturing lively moments of street scenes, carriage rides, and meetings with various people.

“I had the agency monitor you outside. They may all look alike, but among these videos, there are plenty showing you.”

“…Ah.”

“I’m sorry. I did it to protect the Female Lead from danger, but it was all just an excuse. As you can see, I’m no longer fit to be Male Lead.”

Speaking candidly, Karlahee pulled out a document from his coat—a formal divorce notice.

“Continuing the engagement seems meaningless now, for both our sakes.”

“So you truly intend to call it off.”

“You’re sharp today. In any case, after showing these magic orb videos to all the Elinas, I plan to destroy them along with my apology.”

Just as he was about to put the orb back in its box, Lady Elina I reached out and stopped him.

“I’m sorry to interrupt, but Your Highness, could you please give me all these videos?”

“If that’s what you want, of course. But what exactly are you planning to do with them?”