I, the Female Lead, Ruined the Original

The stars occasionally twinkled in a vision tined with silver. As movements continued, sensations long forgotten awakened in every cell. The memory of that day blossomed vividly with every touch and kiss that brushed the palest parts and the places flushed with heat.

Or perhaps… was it because the series of events that had occurred deepened the bond between them, swelling their emotions for one another? Was this not a simple attraction but a profound embrace born of precise context and shared history that stirred such overwhelming emotion?

The other’s excited breath became her joy, and the exhilaration spreading across her face made his pulse race even more. Their senses, minds, and actions entangled roughly, sublimating into a singular heat. Uncalculated touches, desperate attempts to forget sorrows and grievances from elsewhere, extended into a long indulgence in each other.

“…It feels like I’m committing a sin.” Gently brushing the red marks on her smooth skin, Rakrensius murmured softly. “Since that day, I haven’t forgotten a single thing… because I thought it was a stroke of luck that would never happen again…”

Gentle kisses that barely stayed on her skin followed. The fleeting touch left her yearning.

“I’ve never even shaken hands with anyone before, but the first person I held hands with, linked arms with, and danced with was that angel… Lady, you can’t imagine my elation.”

“

… For Master of Tower to say such things, I’m really glad I didn’t give up…”

“I blamed myself, saying I shouldn’t have fallen for Lady’s temptation and should have resisted till the end… But deep down, I guess I never regretted it. That’s why we’re here now…”

“

, so it was all my fault, right?”

“…Would you say that?”

Even in the midst of this, the man’s face, smiling with one corner of his mouth lifted, seemed to be barely holding something back.

“It was a mistake I am incredibly grateful for. It gave me memories to cherish every night… Lady’s softness, warmth, even the way you whimpered when you were drunk…”

“What did I say…?”

“… You’d be embarrassed to hear it sober.”

“Then I just won’t be sober.”

Selleana’s slender arms swayed in the air before wrapping around his neck, which had somehow come over her. Encouraged by her welcome, Rakrensius buried himself willingly into Selleana’s embrace.

* * *

The heat filling the space had subsided somewhat after night had fully fallen outside.

Selleana giggled as she buried herself in his blanket, taking in the scent of him lingering there.

Though the feel and weight of the blanket were much simpler compared to what she had enjoyed all her life, it didn’t matter at all.

Being wrapped in bedding that had accompanied many of his nights made her feel as though she was embraced by Rakrensius.

Meanwhile, Rakrensius prepared a simple meal, fed her Rollina’s pudding as dessert, and carefully washed her with a warm towel. Selleana, accustomed to being tended to, and Rakrensius, used to taking care of himself, felt no awkwardness. For Selleana, it was pure happiness to savor his attention without lifting a finger. To top it off, there was wine and cocktails to enhance the night’s flavor.

Eventually, Rakrensius dressed Selleana in her nightgown and changed into his own sleepwear, adding a cardigan on top.

“…Master of Tower? Are you going somewhere?”

“

, that….” He hesitated, scratching his cheek. In one arm, he held a thick book that looked exhausting to read for days. “I don’t know if you remember, but there are no guest rooms in the magic tower. You’ll sleep here, and I’ll find an empty room in the wizards’ quarters…”

“No, Master of Tower.” Selleana chuckled softly, seeing his hesitation. Clearly, he had other intentions. “After bringing me all the way to your house, you’re going to sleep separately?”

“But, in such a small bed, Lady won’t be able to sleep comfortably…”

“What’s small about it?”

“Compared to your bed, it’s probably half the size.”

“So what? I can just sleep snuggled to Master of Tower. That way, I won’t take up much space.”

“T-That’s…”

“Why are you acting like this? We’ve already seen everything to see about each other.”

“Please… stop saying things like that…”

Selleana laughed as she saw his face flush deeply. Who was the one whispering love and passion in her ear just moments ago? Now, seeing this stark contrast made her stomach flutter with amusement.

“Master of Tower.” Selleana batted her eyelashes pitifully, knowing full well it would ensnare him. “I’m so pitiful today.”

“…”

“I might have nightmares if I sleep awkwardly alone.”

She patted the space beside her. Her lips pouted, her entire face clearly expressing her request. Rakrensius sighed deeply and sat down beside her.

“…Lady, you’re truly cruel.”

“That’s right. Just realized it now?”

“You even stop me from doing what I think is best for you.”

“If you were thinking of me, you wouldn’t be doing this. Besides, it’s not what Master of Tower truly wants.”

“What I really want is for Lady to always be safe and happy…” Rakrensius’ hand gently trailed along the curve of Selleana’s ear, smoothing her slightly tousled hair.

“For safety, Master of Tower can protect me. For happiness, I’m happy being with you. It’s perfect, right?”

“…”

“Right?”

“…Indeed, but I will have my patience tested all night.”

“Why would you be tested? Who told you to hold back?”

With a slight grumble, Selleana slipped her hand inside his cardigan and pulled him close. Unable to resist, the man leaned towards her at the slightest touch. What followed was obvious.

“I won’t have nightmares if I don’t sleep, right?”

“…You are truly cruel.”

Not an angel but a devil, Rakrensius muttered as he complied with Selleana’s wishes.

* * *

“Master of Tower.”

It was at dawn when the night sky outside the window began to lighten with the morning glow. Selleana, who had been dozing off with her head resting on Rakrensius’ arm, suddenly woke up. Even without opening her eyes, she could clearly feel the man’s gaze, so she called out to him.

Had he really stayed awake all this time watching over her? Instead of responding, Rakrensius carefully brushed aside the hair that had fallen over her forehead. She wanted to tidy her up so she could sleep more soundly but had left it alone, fearing his touch might wake her.

Selleana couldn’t help but notice. Opening her eyes slightly, she saw Rakrensius’ face looking down at her. The faint dawn light cast dramatic shadows on his face, emphasizing its contours. His blue eyes glowed softly as if carrying a dream. The fact that Rakrensius’ face was the first thing Selleana saw upon waking filled them both with immense joy. As smiles spread across their lips,

“I’ve been thinking…”

Thinking. At that single word, Rakrensius’ face darkened. There was only one serious topic Selleana would want to discuss.

“Not that I was bored enough to think of something else last night….”

“

, come on….”

At her joke to lighten the mood, Rakrensius blushed deeply.

Who was the man from last night, with all this shyness now? Selleana chuckled, pressing her fingers against his furrowed brow.

“First of all, I’m sure of one thing. That the empress can’t touch me.”

“…”

“If she could have, she had plenty of opportunities until now. Even yesterday. Yet, she only issued a warning and let me go.”

“…That’s true.”

Instead of arresting Elard for treason or using her power against Selleana, she settled with the ambiguous punishment of house arrest.

“So I’m going to confront her directly.”

“Lady.”

“I need to meet her again and ask her directly. What exactly does she want? What do I need to get my friends back… It’s too unfair to let it just be like this.”

Of course, based on their last meeting, the empress seemed to want Selleana to leave Rakrensius and become the crown princess, but there was no guarantee that there wouldn’t be any loopholes.

“So I won’t avoid her anymore.”

Selleana’s eyes glowed crimson. Whenever her usually warm amber eyes shone like this, Rakrensius could never oppose her. And he, too, wanted what she desired. Having fully realized Selleana’s warmth, he never wanted to let it go again.

“…By now, there might be a search warrant out for you, Lady.”

Though he hadn’t communicated with Di, who was sent far away, that was likely the situation.

“Right. They put Elard under house arrest, but I’m still out here.”

“Yes. So, it won’t be difficult for you to get to the imperial palace.”

“Being dragged there still counts as going, right?”

Rakrensius groaned inwardly at Selleana’s remark.

“…So, Lady, take Di with you. It’ll make it easier to communicate with me.” After taking a deep breath, Rakrensius continued slowly. “I, too, need to settle things with the saintess.”