After Linking the Villainess and Male Lead (5 Chapters Left to Complete) - Chapter 2
Most of it was about Adelia—the one and only shared interest between him and me.
Whenever I spoke, he would either give a brief reply or simply nod his head, just as he had a moment ago.
In truth, it was almost the first time I’d ever had a conversation alone with him like this.
Adelia had always been by my side, and Kaern would usually speak to his younger sister, only occasionally tossing a few words in my direction.
That’s why it felt awkward talking with him today in the same space, without Adelia present.
Yet, as we gradually exchanged small talk about this and that, emotions I’d long ago given up on began slowly resurfacing.
Perhaps because of that, I found myself chattering away without thinking and then, without meaning to, suddenly blurting out a thought that had just popped into my head.
“But, to be honest, although I told Your Grace I was crying out of happiness, there was a hint of sadness mixed in as well.”
It was wonderful to see Adelia happy as the mistress of the Crayton household, and I also looked forward to the future where she would live harmoniously with Calix.
Ever since I’d grasped the truth of this world, I’d lived solely focused on my friend’s happiness—so alongside my sense of relief, a part of my heart felt strangely hollow.
Upon reflection, it was only natural to feel this way.
We’d grown up together, inseparable since childhood.
Especially since our parents had been close friends, that bond grew even stronger.
The Lavellion family was a prestigious ducal house, whereas my family was merely a modest viscountcy—but regardless of such differences, our elders shared a deep friendship.
Because of that, Adelia and I became each other’s closest confidantes.
But I’d heard that the Craytons, Calix’s family, mainly lived in their provincial estate rather than the capital.
That meant I wouldn’t be able to see Adelia as often as before.
Naturally, as this realization dawned on me, my mood grew slightly melancholy.
“…Didn’t you just say you were happy?”
At my words, his expression instantly shifted as if he’d overheard something he shouldn’t have, and his voice—previously calm and even-toned—abruptly changed.
Kaern’s eyes sharpened in an instant, and the atmosphere around him turned distinctly tense.
Having known him all this time, I’d never witnessed his emotions shift so abruptly in real time; I hesitated for a moment before carefully studying his face.
He was staring at me with an unreadable gaze.
Though it felt strange and unsettling, I decided to accept it as natural—for today was a special day, after all.
Adelia’s marriage must hold great significance for Kaern as well as for me.
No—perhaps he was even more sorrowful than I was.
After all, with his only younger sister now leaving the Lavellion ducal household, he would be left entirely alone.
Empathizing once more with his feelings, I spoke again.
“I won’t be able to see Adelia as often as before. And without her, it’ll be hard for me to visit the ducal estate.”
The gardens of the Lavellion ducal estate were breathtakingly beautiful, and the sky viewed from there was magnificent.
They were so lovely that every visitor unanimously praised them.
‘So much so that anyone who’s seen those gardens even once usually starts ordering seasonal floral teas or sachets made from the estate’s flowers every year.’
Sitting on a bench amidst the riotously blooming, vibrantly colored flowers, gazing at sunsets that dyed the sky crimson, I often wished these peaceful days would last forever.
Above all, that garden was a place I personally tended under my family’s permission, as I’d always loved flowers and plants.
I cherished that garden deeply—it bore the imprint of my own hands.
“Might I… still be allowed to take care of the garden at the ducal estate from now on?”
I asked, looking up at him with wide, glistening eyes.
To be honest, I wanted to insist on continuing to care for the garden, but the words wouldn’t leave my lips.
I worried he might find it bothersome for me to visit a place where Adelia was no longer present.
“Why…?”
“Yes?”
“Why do you, my fiancée, feel the need to ask my permission to visit the ducal estate?”
His eyes looked strangely wounded as he said this, and I stared at him for a while, puzzled and confused.
But then—
“Helena.”
My mind, still tangled from trying to decipher his previous words, went completely blank the moment he uttered my name.
I gaped at him, dazed as if my soul had left my body, and murmured softly.
“Did you just… call me by my name…?”
He’d called me Helena.
Despite having known Kaern since childhood, I’d never once heard him say my name.
Kaern had always addressed me as Lady Rosentia.
In truth, even that formal title had rarely passed his lips—only a handful of times.
So I’d always believed that to be the unspoken boundary between us, an impassable line.
Among nobles, calling someone by their given name was reserved only for relationships as close as the one between Adelia and me.
It was a privilege granted solely in intimate bonds—thus, something that should never happen between him and me, whose engagement was merely formal…
And yet…
In that instant when he spoke my name, it felt as though something between us had shattered.
“Helena.”
As if to dispel any doubt that it was a mistake, he called my name once more.
“Oh—yes, that’s right. I am Helena. But Your Grace…?”
I started to say something more to him but abruptly trailed off as I suddenly came to my senses.
I’d just realized the expression on my face and how I was speaking.
‘Rambling nonsense, flustered—what on earth am I doing?’
Reacting so excessively just because he said my name once… he might think I’m strange.
And I absolutely didn’t want him to see me that way.
I quickly gathered my thoughts, calmed my heart, and tried my best to act as I normally would.
“I’m sorry—I was just startled because it’s the first time Your Grace has ever called me by my name…”
I gave him an awkward smile, forcing the corners of my lips upward.
“Do you dislike hearing me call you by your name?”
“No, no! It’s not that—I just thought names are usually reserved for close relationships.”
But I’d already been swept up in his pace, and whatever he said next only left me more flustered.
Moreover, seeing Kaern’s brow furrow slightly at my words, I bit my lip hard in dismay.
“No—I don’t mean you shouldn’t call me by my name! You’re just as important and precious to me as Adelia.”
“…Important and precious?”
“Yes. So please don’t misunderstand—I didn’t mean I dislike hearing my name from you.”
I struggled to convey my intention clearly and plainly.
At the same time, I cautiously observed Kaern’s expression.
Aside from worrying he might see through my feelings, I dreaded even more that he might misunderstand my words and be hurt.
Of course, it was hard to imagine someone like Kaern ever being hurt by another—but fortunately, my sincerity seemed to get through, as his face returned to its usual blank expression.
“Then…”
My heart suddenly began pounding fiercely.
After the series of emotional shocks, I now waited tensely, wondering what words would come next from his lips.
“May I assume I’ll continue to see you often at the estate from now on?”
“Yes?”
Why did he interpret it that way?
For a fleeting moment, I nearly asked him outright—but barely managed to clamp my mouth shut.
“Even without Adelia, you remain my fiancée, so it only makes sense for you to visit the estate often, doesn’t it?”
“Oh… yes. Of course. Because we’re engaged…”
“Then, whenever you wish to come to the garden, do so freely. You don’t need my permission.”
“Really?”
Overjoyed at his words granting me free access to the garden, I couldn’t help but let out an excited, louder-than-intended reply.
Only now did I receive his answer to the question I’d asked earlier.
“It’s only right—the garden is yours, after all. You created and maintained it.”
Kaern gave a small nod, his gaze never leaving mine.
“Thank you, Your Grace. Even when I visit the ducal estate, I’ll only tend to the garden. I promise I won’t trouble you in any way, so please don’t worry.”
So he’d known all along that I took care of the garden.
Just the fact that Kaern was aware of it lifted my spirits immensely; I beamed at him with a bright smile as I expressed my gratitude.
I also reassured him about my future intentions.
But again… why?
‘You’re truly unpredictable today.’
He’d always been hard to read, but today it felt especially so.
Why did his expression suddenly turn cold again…?
Male lead is reincarnated to save his wife
I’ve also read this one twice already. The female lead is kinda soft and gets embarrassed easily—not really my type, but the plot is definitely worth reading. Hurry up and read it, y’all!
Intro
When Shen Yuan encountered Su Jin again in his previous life, she had already become the Prime Minister of the current dynasty. As for him, the former top young master of the capital, he had long since fallen into the abyss, becoming a singer on a pleasure boat.
After a song ended, he was redeemed and sent to the Su Residence.
Su Jin respected and cherished him, gave him a roof over his head, and bestowed him with warmth. Shen Yuan fell deeper and deeper, but before he could express his feelings, Su Jin passed away.
Shen Yuan died to follow her in death, but instead, he returned to when he was fifteen years old.
At that time, he was not yet engaged, and Su Jin was just a poor scholar.
Shen Yuan gritted his teeth, casting aside all his pride, and thought of ways to coax and entice her every day.
The colder and more indifferent Su Jin was towards him, the more proactive Shen Yuan became.
He was not afraid of being mocked by the world, only wanting to marry his Wife-master early, to hold her hand and never let go for a lifetime.
[Note: This story will not specifically point out the male lead’s reincarnation time point; it’s all in the details. Whenever you feel that the male lead is acting strangely, he has most likely been reincarnated.]
[Touch the gear icon in the bottom right corner of the screen to move to the next chapter if you want.]
MANGA DISCUSSION
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Chapter Comments (11)
Ugh, Helena is already starting to drive me crazy. I mean, I get that it might not be so obvious that Kaern is in love with her and all that, but she’s already starting with this whole breaking the engagement nonsense. And without even having a backup plan! Because if she has debts, it’s not like she’s going to pay them out of thin air hahaha.
“It’s a day I must never forget—no matter who threatens me with a sword and demands I erase it from my memory.”
What an odd sentence. Maybe it’s just me, but it just feels out of place, ike a foreshadowing moment. If I don’t see someone threaten her with a sword and demand that, I will be disappointed.
What a way to overcomplicate things! I mean, you could tell he wanted to go with her, and the female lead just loves getting into trouble for the sake of it hahaha. Poor Kaern
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Rahzel Everlasting
I knew it! The ML does have feelings for the female lead, he’s just an ice cube when it comes to speaking his mind hahaha. But the fact that he wants her in the garden whenever she wishes already says a lot, even more so now that he started calling her by her name. Helena’s reaction cracked me up hahaha.