The Young Male Protagonist Who is Destined for Ruin Fell for Me - Chapter 17

I asked Kyle to remove the engagement ring, and before he could say more, I hugged him tightly.

“I’ve never felt this way before, but I’m actually looking forward to this harvest banquet.”

I was stunned.

In the book I’d read, Kylian Chield was a lone wolf who felt deeply uncomfortable at crowded parties, balls, or banquets.

The emperor’s banquet would be attended by most of the aristocracy in the Hail Empire. Although they would act warmly toward Kyle, drawn to the power and wealth of the Chield family, they secretly despised him as the ‘Monster Duke.’

Kyle was aware of their double-dealing and generally avoided large gatherings, only making brief appearances when unavoidable.

‘But now… he’s saying he’s looking forward to the harvest banquet?’

“Do you like banquets, Kyle?”

After a moment’s pause, he replied, “I’m looking forward to going with you. I’m a little worried someone might try to take you away, though.”

Since we were so close, I could hear his inner thoughts.

Maybe enjoying the entire event won’t be so bad if I’m not alone.

And I’d like to announce our relationship as well.

I wanted to read more, but couldn’t. Kyle had taken off the engagement ring and put it back in the jewelry box.

‘This reaction… He’s definitely changed.’

Hearing his inner thoughts confirmed it. This Kyle was different from the version I’d vaguely imagined based on the book I read.
I wasn’t sure what had caused this change in him, but Kyle was not as brutal or cold as I had expected.

‘In fact, he’s almost too adorable now.’

Had he been this endearing even to the original heroine? Trying to hide his desire for affection, yet showing it so clearly, was almost irresistible.

‘I’m sure now. The current Kyle is far from the path of ruin.’
A man who would one day bring about the world’s destruction wouldn’t be excited to introduce his fiancée to others. So, maybe… I didn’t need to push him away with such resolve.

Even if the appearance of the heroine might change his heart later, seeing how different he was now, I couldn’t be certain.

‘I wish he’d just stay mine.’

As I gazed at him, full of longing, Kyle seemed to remember something and spoke up.

“I heard you don’t like dances or parties.”

“…Me?”

I quickly scanned my memory of the original story but found nothing significant.

[The victims of Chield’s wars weren’t just the common people; even minor noble houses like Diane’s, which had been left destitute, disappeared from history.]

That was the extent of the Diane household’s mention in the original work.

Instead, what surfaced was a memory from another book: Amelia Diane’s diary, written in awkward handwriting.

I finally recalled it. Amelia had a history of falling down the stairs at her debutante ball—a significant event marking one’s entry into society.

The Diane couple had sold off all their valuables to secure her place, and she had been devastated that one moment of clumsiness had ruined everything.

Her diary had lamented how even seeing a fancy dress reminded her of that shameful incident.

The Amelia I inhabited also disliked formal social gatherings where one dressed up and danced.

“I heard it was because of what happened at your debutante. Was that just a rumor?”

Kyle wore an expression that said he would crush anyone who spread falsehoods if I just said the word.

…Damn. That only left me with one answer.

“Well… I’m looking forward to the banquet, especially since I’ll be attending with you.”

Even though it was a forced answer, Kyle’s eyes sparkled as if he had found the greatest treasure and he hugged me tighter.

“We should start preparing for the banquet soon. It’s a perfect opportunity to introduce my fiancée.”

“You don’t have to go to so much trouble for me. People will learn eventually.”

“I’d like them to know as soon as possible. The harvest banquet, with all the major nobles in attendance, seems perfect for that.”

Kyle tilted his head with a beautiful, somewhat sorrowful look, as if he had been cast in a role to ‘act handsome.’

“Is that… not okay?”

“Oh… It’s okay. It’s fine.”

My loose lips betrayed me.