I Wasn't Trying to Seduce with the Male Lead - Episode 6

The capital of the Haskator Empire, Palisity, boasts a grandeur worthy of the world’s most powerful nation. It’s famous for its magnificent scenery, which is as grand as its size. The well-designed city is meticulously organized, and historic artifacts are well-preserved, befitting a fortress that hasn’t been invaded for 1,000 years.

Every year, countless tourists visit Palisity and marvel at its famous landmarks. There’s Palisity University, which existed even before the empire was founded; Pamblico Avenue, the artisan’s street that sets global trends; and Monterine Cathedral, a sacred site a thousand years old.

Among these famous tourist spots, the most renowned is, of course, the emperor’s residence, the Imperial Palace.

The Haskator Palace, built by 30,000 laborers over 10 years, is the very essence of the empire’s glory. The pure white palace sits in the center of a sprawling 170,000-square-meter garden. Enjoying this magnificent view is a privilege reserved for the imperial family and high-ranking nobles. Not only is entry restricted, but the surrounding residential areas overlooking the palace are beyond the reach of anyone without significant status and wealth.

Biancasta Weiss was one of the fortunate few who resided in a mansion near the palace. However, the windows that offered a proud view of the scenery were meticulously covered with curtains.

“Milady, it’s time to leave.”

With heavy steps, Biancasta left her room. She got into the carriage waiting at the entrance and crossed the square toward the Imperial Palace.

‘Is it already the day after tomorrow?’

Palisity was bustling with twice as many people as usual because of the festival that was to take place in three days. To celebrate the Princess’s birthday, a week-long Birthday Festival was being held in the capital. The second gate of the Imperial Palace would open, bread, wine, and meat would be distributed, and balls and banquets would be held every night throughout the city. The capital was already in full swing with preparations for the festival.

Biancasta was on her way to the palace to prepare for one of these banquets.

“Bianchi!”

As soon as she passed through the golden gates of the palace, a cheerful voice called out to her. Biancasta forced a smile onto her face.

“You just have to choose the pattern. You’ll be surprised at how beautiful it is.”

“Yes. I’m already looking forward to it.”

She said the words, but in reality, she felt more like going home than looking forward to anything. She followed Aileen into the dressing room, where about ten other women were already cutting and fitting costumes.

They were all familiar faces, but when Biancasta entered, they didn’t greet her. Instead, they stiffened their expressions and turned their heads away. Biancasta gave a bitter smile.

Giving her friends more extravagant and beautiful dresses for her own birthday seems like a generous act. But if you think about it, it’s nothing but a facade. Since the dresses were a gift from the Princess, it was practically mandatory to wear them to the banquet. No matter how gorgeous they were, if everyone at a party wore the same design in different colors, they would look like bridesmaids or chorus line dancers at a wedding, regardless of the design. If all the girls her age looked like that, it was obvious that one person would get all the attention.

But Biancasta didn’t say a word.

“It’s a perfect design for the Princess. You’ll definitely stand out.”

It was a compliment, but her tone was a little twisted. Those around her seemed to sense it, and they glared at Biancasta. Only Eileen smiled brightly, completely oblivious.

“I hope so. I really want to look pretty. At this party, I mean…”

Aileen was too shy to finish her sentence, so Helen of the Meister family, who was next to her, filled in the blank.

“Because Count Lian will be there.”

Upon hearing that, everyone put their hands together in front of their chests and squealed, stomping their feet.

“I don’t know if I’ll even be able to talk to him.”

To a worried-looking Aileen, Biancasta threw out a comment.

“Don’t worry. You don’t have to talk to him. Count Lian is going to marry the Princess anyway.”

Suddenly, the atmosphere in the room turned frosty, as if cold water had been thrown on everyone.

Her bad habit had resurfaced. No matter how much she tried to fix it, she had a habit of stating the facts.

This was what every young woman in the empire dreamed of. But once those words came from the Princess, at least the people in the room could no longer voice those thoughts. No matter how friendly she was, the Princess was still the Princess. There was no noble lady brave enough to reveal her crush on someone who might become the royal consort.

With that shy confession, Eileen had effectively eliminated all her potential rivals for Lian’s hand in marriage. Given Lian’s status, he couldn’t possibly be considered a suitable match for anyone other than the high-ranking noble ladies gathered there.

When she was fourteen, Biancasta secretly told her closest friend about these thoughts. It was supposed to be a secret between the two of them, but the rumor spread everywhere. Her friend said she couldn’t help it because she was part of a group of girls who shared all their secrets with Eileen. Everyone pointed fingers at Biancasta, saying that she was slandering the Princess out of jealousy because she had a crush on Lian.

Biancasta, who was already an outsider, became unpopular, and before long, she was labeled as the ‘villainess.’

‘I wish I had been completely ostracized then.’

If she had fallen out of favor with the Princess and been denied entry to the palace, she would have been lonely, but she wouldn’t be as miserable as she was now. But invitations to unpleasant gatherings kept arriving at Biancasta’s house. It was because Aileen continued to defend her.

‘Why does the Princess keep such a mean girl by her side? I don’t get it.’

Everyone said that, but Eileen insisted that Biancasta was her most precious friend.

‘Even if Biancasta made a mistake, she didn’t mean any harm.’ ‘I’m fine, so don’t worry about it.’

Every time Eileen said something like that, people praised her. The beautiful and elegant Eileen. The kind, gentle, and unpretentious Princess.

But Biancasta was afraid of her.

The Princess was undoubtedly lovable from birth. Her innocent demeanor and charm weren’t calculated. She never got angry, and everything she said was right and kind.

But why did everything always go so smoothly for her? Why did every person who opposed her always disappear?

When Biancasta first refused the Princess’s invitations a few times, strange things started happening around her. Her favorite dress disappeared and was found in a sewer. A necklace that went missing from a dinner party she briefly attended mysteriously appeared in Biancasta’s jewelry box. One morning, she woke up to find her neighbor’s dog’s corpse hanging from a tree in front of her house.

The greatest misfortune was that Biancasta was blamed for all of these incidents. One day, while she was shut in her house crying and claiming her innocence, she suddenly realized the truth. There were many people who had become unfortunate, just like her, by staying in Aileen’s circle. Being unable to participate in high society was the least of it. Some had their parents demoted, disappeared, were imprisoned, or even executed. Among them were some of the highest-ranking nobles and even members of the imperial family. It didn’t matter if they were men or women, young or old.

Of course, Eileen appeared to have nothing to do with any of it on the surface. But anyone who truly harmed her didn’t last long.

I heard you’re having a tough time. I hope we can meet so I can comfort you.

Even then, the Princess continued to send Biancasta letters.

Biancasta eventually returned to the palace on her own.

“If you promise never to betray me, I will protect you.”

The Princess spoke kindly, and Biancasta had no choice but to agree. That promise became an undeniable vow, and eventually, a shackle. Biancasta silently endured the infamy for things she didn’t do and stayed by the Princess’s side.

Aileen Haskator is a terrifying woman. She gets what she wants, no matter what it takes. Given Eileen’s actions, the goal of this birthday festival was undoubtedly Count Lian Calabria. She isn’t satisfied until she has everything everyone else desires.

Anyone who shows an interest in Lian at the birthday festival will soon quietly disappear.

‘I would never dare to covet what she wants.’

Biancasta resolved herself and left the restroom.

Early in the morning, Lian woke up and immediately checked the side of his bed. No one was there. He looked around the room just in case, but Eleanor was nowhere to be found. Feeling empty, Lian lay back down on the bed.

‘Did she leave?’

He had a premonition that this would happen even before he checked. Eleanor had disappeared like a mirage, just as she had arrived. It felt unreal, but last night couldn’t have been a dream. His body was tired, and a sense of profound satisfaction enveloped him. He had held her countless times in his dreams, but he had never felt this sensation before.

‘I never thought I’d get the chance.’

He never imagined things would turn out this way. Lian stared blankly at the ceiling, reminiscing about the first night he saw Eleanor.

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