Chapter 107: Whispers of Love and Danger

…Mansudra, you were in Dubai just a while ago when you called, weren’t you? Seriously… how on earth did you come all the way to this distant land?

I came by my private magical helicopter. Sure, the security costs hit 3 billion, but money doesn’t matter. If anything ever happens to you, I won’t forgive myself.

Those words brought tears to my eyes for some unexplainable reason. Was it because the one who always held me together during tough times might not be here for me now? I could almost feel the soft warmth of her thick, embracing arms.

In that instant, it hit me: Mansudra, the oil queen with wealth that could rule the world, was my lover.

Mansudra… I truly have nothing to offer.

That doesn’t matter, my young love. Look—see the 63 Building I bought outright for you. Can you see it?

I lifted my head to see a building right behind Mansudra’s shoulders. Hundreds of lit windows formed a perfect heart shape as fireworks burst around it.

I pulled her into a tight embrace, my face buried in the curve of her neck as I fought back the tears that threatened to overflow.

Rejoice, my young love. After all, the building is in your name.

At that moment, a loud “dudududu” echoed overhead.

Right on time. I’ve finished business with my ex, so let’s head back to my country, darling Diches. Tonight, you’re not off the hook, are you?

A long ladder descended from the private magical helicopter. Mansudra climbed up first, and I clung tightly to her solid frame as we descended.

For a fleeting moment, I met the eyes of Lady Elina I, but before she could react, I smiled broadly and confessed to my millionaire lover, Mansudra.

“I love you.”

To the new love I have found.

Author’s Note

Thank you to all the readers of ‘The Beautiful Duchess.’ Despite the challenges of serializing a work by a young man, I am overwhelmed with gratitude to have brought it to a close.

Many of you questioned why the female lead is Mansudra, and some even complained that she’s too old.

Mansudra and Diches have an age gap of 17 years. In romance, we see stories involving older men or even high school girls—so why not a middle-aged woman or a young man?

Besides, Mansudra is the premier Benz among oil queens. To hold that level of prestige, she must be at least middle-aged. The age settings are impeccable.

It’s thanks to your unwavering love and support that this work has finally been published. My sincere thanks also go out to the managing editor and to Elina II for their constant support.

The publication includes an extra side story event. I look forward to meeting you again in my next work.

* * *

“Have you read ‘The Beautiful Duchess’ this time? The author finished it with utter trash… Oh my goodness.”

“I trusted Diches’ work, but who would have thought he’d suddenly swap the female lead for a foreign oil queen?”

“I actually feel sorry for Lady Elina I. At least she doesn’t come off as a train wreck.”

Overheard from a nearby table as groups of Youngae chattered, Lara sighed. I heard that after quitting as the Emperor’s closest aide, he became a full-time writer—and his latest finished novel is flying off the shelves among the Youngae.

‘Protagonist buff or what…?’

Lost in thought, Lara was snapped back when a cheerful jingle rang from the door’s wind chime at the tea house.

Soon, footsteps approached and Lara turned her head. A man with sleek, jet-black hair swept neatly back, a clear forehead, a sharp profile complemented by tinted sunglasses, and an impeccably tailored suit—truly model-like—was looking down at her.

“Wow.”

Lara was so embarrassed she couldn’t utter a word. She quickly stood up, hastily guiding him out of the tea house to avoid prying eyes. Once in a deserted alley, she finally stopped and looked up at him—her boyfriend on their supposed first date, overdressed to the extreme.

“What’s the problem exactly?”

“I did try to dress up. Is it really that outlandish?”

“It’s not just outlandish—it’s way over the top! People would think you’re headed to an awards ceremony.”

In response, Karlahee obediently removed his suit jacket and slung it over his arm. He also took off his sunglasses and slipped them into his shirt pocket, which made him look just a tad less like an extra.

“Understand this: from the day you started dating me, Rahi, you’re no longer the Male Lead. You’re not meant for the spotlight anymore.”

“I know. That’s why… I’m so grateful you accepted me.”

Karlahee blushed shyly. He was the only one who saw him for Karlahee, not just as some generic Male Lead.

Stepping out onto the street with Lara, Karlahee took a deep breath. He’d waited for this moment for so long. After his breakup with the distinguished Lady Elina I, he had sorted out so much in his life.

Of all the challenges he faced, the hardest was selling the Magical Girl Lilica dakimakura on the second-hand market. While tidying up his cherished merchandise, he even shed secret tears—but he has no regrets.

‘…I swear, I have a real girlfriend too!’

With his heart swelling with excitement, Karlahee looked up at the sky with a bright smile. The crisp autumn air, gentle breeze, and his girlfriend by his side made for a perfect date.

Karlahee glanced at the petite head resting on his shoulder. Her hair looked adorable like a little crown. His gaze drifted downward to where Lara’s hand trembled, nearly within reach.

Maybe it was too soon for hand-holding, but couples around them were already linked. Karlahee quietly observed Lara’s profile.

While he could’ve clung to his dakimakura anytime, holding hands with a real girlfriend was entirely different. Who knew such a simple act could make his heart race? This must be what real, 3D love feels like!

“Ah, let’s go inside.”

Startled back to reality by her cheerful voice, Lara looked up to see her ahead, waving eagerly in front of a trendy store. Karlahee’s heart skipped a beat.

‘My girlfriend… no, my girlfriend is just too cute!’

Accompanied by Karlahee’s somewhat stiff movements, Lara entered the trendy store and began browsing the various items. Pausing by a collection of adorable trinkets, she picked up a ribbon-adorned hairpin and shyly glanced over at Karlahee.

“How does this look? Don’t you think it suits me well?”

“Ugh!”

‘…Ah, I’d rather die.’

Clutching his chest in pain, Karlahee collapsed to his knees. As eyes turned towards him, Lara chided him and quickly helped him up.

“Let’s check around some more.”

Just as Lara nodded to leave, Karlahee’s eyes caught a promotional display near the entrance. At its center, the beaming face of Magical Girl Lilica captured his full attention.

‘…Oh.’

Unexpectedly seeing Lilica here, Karlahee froze in his tracks. A strange flutter stirred in a corner of his heart. He thought he’d moved past her completely, so why…?

“Rahi?”

A crisp voice pierced his ears; Karlahee jumped as his 3D girlfriend looked at him quizzically.

“Ah, it’s nothing. Just forget it.”

Shaking off his fluttering heart, Karlahee stepped outside with Lara. Their date continued smoothly: an intimate dinner at a restaurant at sunset, followed by a stroll along dimly lit streets.

The street, lined with magical lanterns, exuded a romantic ambience. Just when Lara wished the night would never end, an imposing, brilliantly lit building caught their eyes.

“Do you think there’s a play tonight? How about we go watch it?”

“Of course, that sounds great!”

Karlahee’s enthusiastic agreement brought a smile to Lara’s face. Inside the theater, long lines formed as people waited to see the performance.

Karlahee led the way through the crowd to check out the play introductions posted near the ticket booth. That’s when he spotted a familiar face—Lilica, winking with sparkling stars by her eyes.

[Magical Girl☆Lilica Play Promotion! On opening day, the first 100 attendees will receive a limited-edition Lilica figurine.]

Karlahee froze. He’d heard about a live-action play, but never expected it to be today. And a limited-edition figurine was an opportunity too good to miss.

“Rahi? You don’t look so good.”

“…Sorry. I’m fine with anything, so let’s choose the one that starts the earliest.”

Forcing himself to avert his gaze from Lilica, Karlahee turned away, murmuring to himself. He used to pride himself on loving Lilica more than anyone, but not now. He had to let go of the past.

“Lara.”

“Yes?”

Lara turned around and, in the blink of an eye, felt a warm, soft kiss on her cheek.

“Because I have only you.”

Looking up at Karlahee’s smiling face, Lara blinked repeatedly. Overwhelmed by a sudden warmth, she cupped her cheeks and lowered her head.

“Wh-what is this all of a sudden?”

“Lara, Shumorud? What are you doing here?”

At that moment, a chilling voice from behind sent a shiver down Lara’s spine.

“…Let’s go, hurry.”

“…?”

“There’s no time to explain. Let’s run.”

Lara attempted to use the Lady’s Teleportation Technique to leave as quietly and swiftly as possible, but even that wasn’t enough to escape the situation.