I’ll Become the Female Lead in this Trashy Webnovel - Chapter 86.2

Secret Friend (2)

Recently, Kelly’s daily life felt as if it were stuck in a loop. Lying in bed. A life consisting of only meals. Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner. Even the education that she should have taken care of as the Princess Consort had been avoided under the pretext of health for the past few days. She had no specific aches but it was difficult to carry out the ordinary routines. Her whole body felt as though it had been soaked thoroughly in water——heavy and limp. Even when she resolved to get up and do something, her tired body couldn’t move as she intended. The best she could do was lay down all day with eyes wide open as the sun that had been high in the sky  quickly set, ushering her into the usual pitch-black night. Today wasn’t a day she could simply pass off just because she was feeling unwell.

She put on her dress and tightened her corset as she felt a sense of confinement rise within her. Daniel McKinley had returned. An individual she couldn’t handle was added to her burdensome everyday life. When he had said he was going to the battlefield, she had hoped he would die there but the heavens didn’t grant her that wish.

The events from a few years ago, deeply engraved on her mind, became vivid once again. It was a memory that wouldn’t fade, no matter how much she tried to wash it away as she scrubbed her skin every morning. Blue eyes that had lost their light gazed into emptiness. A vacant gaze with no meaning.

As the sand and dust scattered within her field of vision, the imperial soldiers aligned themselves under the bright sunlight, drawing closer. People cheered, welcoming the war hero who had returned alive from the battlefield. From right to left, Daniel greeted them with a friendly smile on his lips. He stopped before Kelly.

“Hello, Kelly. Long time no see.” He extended his hand for a handshake. Daniel had a face almost identical to years past. That expression was the same as that night. Just a moment of locking eyes with him caused unbearable itchiness as if bugs were crawling all over her body. Kelly averted her gaze to avoid his chestnut-colored eyes that seemed to want to strip her bare.

“Oh. Should I address you as ‘Your Highness’ now?” Daniel tightened his grip on Kelly’s hand, which didn’t reciprocate his handshake. Her trembling fingertips shook so much that it was visibly noticeable. Daniel keenly felt it tremble and exerted even more force in his grip.

“Well, you’ve really endured up to this point. Impressive.” He whispered and lifted the corner of his mouth. There was a deep sense of enjoyment in that. He had an attitude as if he was dealing with someone who was merely a momentary source of amusement. His plaything. Just facing him in such a manner was enough to make Kelly’s heart race. He was another person who could pull her down from this position.

If the events of that night were to spread, it was clear that only he could reverse the situation. Why had fate spared such an individual——— Like in the past, Kelly relaxed her body. It was clear that she couldn’t escape due to the immense difference in their physiques. She had no savior in this situation. Joshua, who had sent her cold glances, and even Bianca, who welcomed her son back, only added to this circumstance. Daniel released his grip and looked down at her with satisfaction as she closed her eyes slowly. But then, it happened. Suddenly, someone slipped their arm between them.

“I’m glad you’ve returned safely, Your Highness.”

An icy glare from Brix, who had inserted himself abruptly, reached Kelly. Despite that, he casually extended his hand for a handshake. Daniel distanced himself from Kelly with disapproval. Then he turned to Brix and, ignoring the outstretched hand, began speaking. “Viscount Arcent, long time no see. Is the friendship with my brother still as strong?”

After Daniel ignored his request for a handshake, Brix lowered his arm without showing any embarrassment and smiled as if nothing had happened. “Cut it out. I cut ties with that wretched child a while ago.”

Daniel understood the dynamics between Brix and Joshua better than anyone else. He was well aware that Brix Arcent, despite flattering him like this, was someone who would never stand on his side.

“That’s just empty words.” Daniel smirked and ended their frivolous conversation. Then, he passed by them without delay. Only after he was gone did Kelly’s constricted breath find some relief. She hastily moved away from the nobles, bent her waist, and clasped her knees. A rough sound burst from her lips as if she was gasping for air all at once. Above her, a gentle voice echoed. “Are you alright?”

“If you’re here to make a fuss about helping me, then just leave.”

“That’s not my intention.” Kelly didn’t have the energy to converse and only swallowed hard. After a while, she struggled to stand up straight. Brix quietly observed her as he stood in front of her. He didn’t inquire about her relationship with Daniel. He simply spoke as he did. “I’m not the kind of person who would make a scene in front of someone who looks like they could collapse any moment now.”

Suddenly, he extended a white handkerchief toward her. Only then did Kelly realize that her face was covered in a cold sweat.

“I don’t need a handkerchief. You don’t have to give it to me.” Once her straightforward words ended, their eyes met. His once bright yellow irises now held a deep golden hue under the bright sun. Brix held out the handkerchief until she took it, his arm remaining extended for quite some time. Faced with such persistence, Kelly cautiously accepted the handkerchief. Not long after, the faint sensation of Daniel’s touch, which had firmly imprinted on her fingers, began to fade. Only then did Kelly’s hand, gripping the handkerchief, gain strength.

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