Chapter 40: A Day of Confusion and Unexpected Revelations

“You got a date request, didn’t you?”

“…How did you know that?”

“Lady Elina I told me.”

“…Oh, my goodness.”

So you were eavesdropping? Lara thought her human relationships were officially over today. Just as she grabbed Elina II by the shoulder to ask if Lady Elina I had heard anything else, a gruff voice cut in from beside them.

“You didn’t see me, did you?”

“…Ah, I’m sorry, Mikhail.”

Come to think of it, she had arrived at Mikhail’s place without even greeting him. Seeing Lara’s truly apologetic look, he stopped his antics, opting for a slightly curt tone instead.

“So, who are you going on a date with?”

“Nothing’s set in stone yet… I only got a request from Duke Diches.”

“Hmm……”

After asking, Mikhail appeared utterly disinterested. He got up from the sofa, passed by Lara, and muttered a word.

“Good for you.”

“…What’s so good about it? I’m dying of confusion right now!”

“Whether you’re confused or not is none of my business.”

Mikhail’s icy glare conveyed his annoyance clearly. Surely, it wasn’t jealousy; there had to be another reason.

“Where are you going?”

“I’m sleepy. I’m going in to get some shut-eye—you two can argue it out.”

Without once looking back, Mikhail disappeared into the bedroom. Just when Lara found his sudden exit suspicious, a few seconds later she realized she was in male disguise.

From Mikhail’s perspective, it must have sounded like a man receiving a date request from another man. His abrupt retreat was likely due to the shock of an unexpected coming-out.

“…Oh, it’s a misunderstanding. Please open the door!”

Late to catch on, Lara pounded on the bedroom door, trying to open it, but it was locked tight from the inside.

‘Oh… Life.’

Clutching her head, Lara silently screamed. Her day had turned into a catastrophe just a day after receiving a date request.

“What’s your problem? It’s just a date! Just accept it without overthinking.”

“Don’t you have any sense… Besides, you’re Lady Elina I’s kin! How can you say such things!”

“Come on, what does that have to do with anything? Besides, Lady Elina I and Duke Diches aren’t even officially a couple.”

“Everyone can see Lady Elina I likes the Duke, and if someone like me gets involved…”

Lara.

Elina II stormed up, her face tinged with anger, and stopped right in front of Lara.

“What do you mean, someone like me? What’s it to you?”

“I don’t know about you Extras, but we’re nothing like the Female Lead… Invisible, with a throwaway name that no one remembers… just insignificant presences.”

Lara.

“I’m leaving now. I’m a bit shaken.”

Between the date mix-up and Mikhail’s unintended coming-out, everything was overwhelming. As Lara slumped her shoulders and tried to slip out the door, a sudden gust of wind blasted in from behind.

The wind was so powerful it knocked Lara against the door. An unseen Spirit King caught her, ensuring she fell safely, though no one could understand what had just happened.

Replacing her dull companion, the Demon Sword hanging at her waist began to jingle in response.

“Damn! What kind of wind is blowing so fiercely?”

When Lara snapped back to attention and turned, she saw Elina II standing by the door with a clenched fist. Her usual playful smile was gone, replaced by a grim, determined look.

Soon after, whether the Spirit King had returned by her side or not, Elina II’s silvery hair flitted in the air.

“…Elina II?”

“If you’re leaving, bring me down with you.”

“What do you mean? I’m just heading home…”

Lara eyed her long, chopstick-like legs, wondering if she could really be taken down. Then it happened: Elina II trembled, lowering her head as her fist shook.

“You… were such a pushover?”

“…Huh?”

“Were you always so low on self-esteem? I always thought Lara was cheerful and considerate…”

At first, it sounded like some random philosophical musing, but the more she listened, the more it resonated.

“Meeting different people, being adaptable, avoiding conflicts, enjoying a calm atmosphere—you tend to take in others’ opinions instead of asserting your own. I think you need to start standing up for yourself sometimes. You’re naturally kind and fit for roles that require harmony or mediation. Am I wrong? Have I been fooled all this time?”

“No, it’s so spot on it gives me chills… Is this some kind of psychological dynamics test (EPDI)?”

For some reason, Lara felt she should note every word Elina II said and show it to her parents. It might even help with her future career choices.

After taking a deep breath, Elina II shook her head vigorously and exclaimed. Thus began the Female Lead’s earnest sermon.

“But why talk like that?! Lara, I’ve never once thought of you as some extra character!”

“Extra?… Don’t you know your words are even harsher?”

“Does demeaning yourself make you feel better? Does hurting a friend bring you comfort?!”

“No, you’re the one doing it!”

Lara jumped up and shouted.

“Lara, why are you talking like that?”

Elina II, as if stung by unspeakable insults, took a half-step back and mumbled dejectedly. One might think Lara had betrayed her.

And as if she couldn’t let go of Lara, Elina II started walking back, almost like the Female Lead trying to win back a once-dear friend with ‘We’re friends, after all.’

“Can’t you love yourself a little more? Speak up!”

“…No, I do love myself. I just care for myself in a way that’s different from you.”

“Lara, I really… truly thought you were a great friend. I loved that about you!!”

“What exactly is it that you loved…?”

“But you keep denying it, don’t you? Am I wrong?”

“You never even tell me what it is… Are you trying to compliment me and failing?”

Amid the heated argument between Lara and Elina II, God suddenly invaded Lara’s mind.

Lara felt as if this were a revelation, urging her to accept fate—a cliché where even an Extra eventually awakens to eternal truth after a few words from the Female Lead.

“How can you love others if you don’t love yourself…!”

Of course, it was classic Female Lead wisdom, resonating as if lifted straight from a monk’s book.

“I really… thought you were such a good friend.”

Finally, Elina II’s lips quivered and tears began streaming down her face.

“Damn it! Why are you crying and making a scene? You should apologize! You fell, so why are you throwing a fit? Damn it!!”

“Please, be quiet.”

Despite not being much help, the Demon Sword at her side decided it was best to be left alone next time. Lara moved closer to Elina II and hugged her.

“Alright, you’re right a hundred times over…”

“Lara! You really reached out sincerely. I’m glad.”

“Yeah, just… whatever.”

Exhausted, just as Lara was about to brush it off, Elina II grabbed her sleeve.

“You’re going on a date, right?”

“Why do you always go off on these tangents…?”

“Show them that an Extra can stand with the Male Lead. If you like him, that’s all that matters. Forget about birth status! You’ve got endless potential.”

Elina II clutched her friend’s hand tightly, forcing a bright smile as she spoke. Tears glistened on her cheeks like pearls sparkling in the sunlight.

Elina II thought that if she could simply wish for her friend’s happiness, that would be enough.

It all looked like a glorious scene showcasing the Female Lead’s genuine heart and loyalty, but Extra Lara was left utterly flabbergasted. What was she supposed to do?

On the day of the date, Lara still hadn’t made up her mind. Of course, she planned to refuse. But she was torn between rejecting him in person or ignoring him all day by staying home.

If she went out to meet him and was seen by Lady Elina I, misunderstandings would spiral out of control. In fact, it already seemed that way—despite several visits to the Duke’s estate to see Lady Elina I, no one would see her.

She feared she might be remembered as the worst Extra ever. The Male Lead can date countless women—as long as it’s said that his true heart always belonged to the Female Lead, everything is forgiven. For a woman, though, it’s never that simple.

‘But it’s the Duke, so I can’t just brush it off.’

She had sent countless rejection letters. Each time one was sent, she was bombarded with spam messages saying, ‘I’ll wait until you come,’ creating a terrifying atmosphere.

In the end, concerned for her family’s honor, Lara headed to the meeting spot. Just in case she was forced to stay, she slung her Demon Sword at her waist and packed a hefty rock in her handbag.

At the meeting spot, Duke Diches was already there, and someone else too. Wearing a sun cap and carrying a hiking bag was Lady Elina I.

“…Why is Lady Elina I here… and why are you two dressed like that…?”

“Doesn’t the weather call for it? Isn’t it precisely when you should be on a date?”