The Young Male Protagonist Who is Destined for Ruin Fell for Me - Chapter 19

Having read about Kyle’s life in the book, I understood how significant it was for him to vow not to become like his father.
Even as I ran my fingers through his dark hair until it was completely disheveled, Kyle didn’t make a single complaint.

Instead, his flushed face leaned heavily against my neck.

‘Ah, he’s adorable.’

I knew I’d cave in an instant if this handsome, doomed male lead ever pouted and whined, so I couldn’t help but be startled when I heard his next words.

“…Do you hold others this warmly too?”

Kyle’s voice was a perfect blend of jealousy, happiness, excitement, and anxiousness, sweet as honey.

“Well, I suppose body warmth feels the same for everyone. But I wouldn’t know; you’re the only person I’ve ever hugged like this.”

“…!”

Oops. A slip of the tongue. Even though his face was buried in my neck and I couldn’t see it, I could almost feel the glint of those red eyes.

“I’m the first?”

“…”

Already too worn out, I decided to keep quiet. Speaking now would only mean saying exactly what this shrewd negotiator wanted to hear.

Kyle was a master at playing people, after all.

I pretended to fall asleep, keeping my mouth shut and breathing gently. He chuckled softly, sensing my act.

“You don’t have to answer. I’m sure I am the first.”

I bit back a reaction. Even in Korea, relationships for me had been scarce and ended poorly, so I asked him back on impulse.

“Why are you so sure, Kyle?”

“Well… I still remember our first night.”

What kind of tone was that? Was he implying I wasn’t… good at it?

I quickly pushed Kyle away from me and glared at him. He looked at me with a puzzled expression, tilting his head as if to say, “Didn’t you say you were tired?”

His innocent look only irritated me more, so I spoke up.

“After teasing me like that, you think you can just fall asleep, Kyle?”

“…”

“Do you really think I’ll let you rest now?”

＊＊＊

After being up all night, played by the cunning Kyleian Chield, my routine was in complete disarray.

Thanks to the abundance of skilled staff at Chield’s mansion, I didn’t face any major difficulties. Still, it took me a week to get back on track.

And today was the day of the harvest banquet hosted by the emperor, who was infamously preoccupied with romantic affairs.
While Kyle was out handling some business matters, I was at the guest palace where Claire was staying, preparing for the event.

“Hey, don’t you think that lace suits Amel better than the ribbon?”

Claire, who was already dressed up, was meticulously overseeing the accessories for my hair.

What was I doing? I was busy admiring my stunning favorite, Claire.

With her striking features highlighted by sophisticated makeup, particularly the bold burgundy lipstick that made her lips look breathtakingly alluring, Claire was the picture of elegance. The deep wine-colored dress she wore accentuated her graceful curves perfectly.

As expected, my favorite queen of society was unrivaled.

“Amel, why are you staring like that?”

“Oh, I just remembered what Lady Claire said before. That you returned from your travels for the harvest banquet.”

“Yes, I did.”

“Then… will you leave after the banquet is over?”

Claire, who had been examining various hair accessories on my head, paused and blinked at me, her red eyes filled with a strange emotion.

“Lady Claire?”

I tilted my head in confusion, and Claire’s face flushed. Then, with a tender touch, she cupped my cheeks.

“Amel, how could you be so adorable…?”

Squish.

“Even if I have a restless spirit, I must stay to see your engagement. You’d look lovely in a dress for that.”

When did I become ‘our Amel’? If you call me that…

“Ah! That sounds amazing! I love spending time with you, Claire!”

“Amel, just now…”

Claire looked like Kyle did when I first called him by his name instead of his title.

“Did you just call me ‘sister’? Keep calling me that, won’t you?”

Embraced tightly by Claire, I nodded repeatedly.
Take me as yours, sister!

While basking in the feeling of being a lucky fan at a personal meet-and-greet, the door burst open.

“…What are you doing?”

It was Kyle.

Claire’s expression turned blank as she saw him in the mirror, keeping her face emotionless. Yet her arms loosened their hold on me slowly.

Kyle waited in silence until Claire fully released me, and when I looked at her wistfully, he finally spoke.

“Are you ready, sister?”

“Yes, thanks to Claire’s help.”

Despite the affectionate word “sister,” Kyle’s expression didn’t shift.

Still, I could tell he wasn’t pleased. The Chield siblings were adept at hiding their true feelings.

The air between them was tense enough to make one believe a battle could break out any second.

For now, I focused on defusing the situation, beaming as I led Kyle to the full-length mirror.

Linking my arm with his, which was stiff by his side in long gloves, I noticed his expression softened.

“How do I look?”

I batted my eyes and smiled up at him. Kyle’s body gave a slight jolt as if suppressing a sting.

“Not good?”

Kyle averted his gaze, swallowing hard. His face even seemed a little flushed.

“…That could never be true.”

“Then?”

I playfully placed my hands under my chin, forming a flower shape.

“…Beautiful.”

Of course, this was the response I’d expected. A simple ‘beautiful.’ But now that I’d heard it, it felt lacking after hours of getting dressed up.

“Only beautiful?”

Eventually, I resorted to coaxing out more compliments.
“Graceful too.”

“And?”

I stood on tiptoe, prompting more praise. But for some reason, Kyle was silent.

When I coaxed him with my sweetest voice, his eyes darted away, locking with Claire’s for an instant.

“…”

“…”

In that frozen moment, I realized Kyle had been holding back because of Claire.

After an uncomfortably long pause, Kyle finally spoke.

“Lady Claire, what do you think of Amelia?”

“Hm…”

Claire seemed surprised that Kyle sought her opinion. I was too. Kyle and Claire usually ignored each other’s existence.

Instead of answering immediately, Claire glanced at the maid who had been assisting in the corner. Kyle’s eyes followed hers.

Faced with the intimidating gaze of two Chields, the maid understood her task. She had to recite their unspoken thoughts perfectly.

The maid quickly assessed me and spoke.

“Although it’s been said countless times, Sister’s beauty is unmatched, especially today, as she’s prepared so meticulously for the harvest banquet. She will undoubtedly outshine everyone under any light.”

The maid checked their reactions, but neither Kyle nor Claire seemed satisfied. She hastily continued.

“Most notably, the sparkling jewel hairpins and lace accents set against her latte-colored hair are a standout. They ensure Sister will be the center of attention.”

“…”

Still, the Chields remained cold.

“More compliments, of course! Lady Claire’s selection of this cream and pink dress after a seven-stage review process results in a skirt that flares with every step, making Sister the most delightful presence at the banquet.”

The maid looked to Claire and Kyle for approval. Still not enough.

Finally, Claire spoke herself.

“The main highlight is the emerald brooch on her chest, framed with diamonds to match the dignity of Chield. It pairs perfectly with Amel’s green eyes, making them even more… enticing.”
Claire, uncharacteristically adding such detail, stopped short, surprised by her own words.

Kyle continued as if in disbelief.

“And why has no one mentioned how perfectly those silk gloves suit her?”

Claire, looking intrigued by Kyle’s remark, responded again.
“And with the sweet, sultry perfume, it would be best if she took a fan adorned with Griffin feathers, known for their softness.”

The two Chields continued exchanging remarks about my attire for the banquet.

What was this? Were they always this close?

＊＊＊

Finishing my look with the sensual perfume, I walked with Claire toward the waiting carriage.

We crossed the garden, where pink roses bloomed in abundance. For once, I wasn’t stopping to admire the flowers.

After all, this was the first social event I’d attend as Amelia Diane, and I was nervous.

Sensing my tense steps, Claire paused and looked at me.

“Amel, what’s wrong? You look pale.”

“I think… I’m just a bit nervous.”

Claire, likely aware of my disastrous debutante experience, didn’t press further but spoke with concern.

“Society is a battlefield where waltzes play. If you go like this, you’ll be eaten alive.”

As if I wasn’t already scared enough.

Just as I was about to whimper, a strong wind swept through the garden, making my skirt billow.

Pink rose petals fluttered down with the breeze, and Claire’s eyes caught a petal that had landed on my shoe.

“Amel, let me ask you. What should you do if a petal dares to land on your shoe?”

“Um… It’s pretty, and it hasn’t really hurt me, so I’d just brush it off.”

I awkwardly moved my foot, and the petal drifted down, landing on the hem of my dress.

Claire watched the petal for a moment and said,
“If you dismiss something small and pretty, as you can see, it climbs.”

With an enchanting smile, Claire flicked the petal off my dress and stepped on it. She ground it under her shoe until it was completely crushed.

Only then did she lift her foot, leaving the petal flattened and lifeless on the decorative stone.

Claire laughed lightly and resumed walking, adding,
“Amel, if someone underestimates you, don’t just push them away.

Push them, and they’ll climb back.”

“…”

“Crush them. Make sure they don’t dare turn toward you again. Chield will take care of any aftermath.”

Sister, that’s terrifying.

Seeing my anxious face, Claire patted my shoulder reassuringly but continued, “You’re the fiancée of the Duke. Everyone at the banquet will know you, so be cautious.”

I nodded.

Little did I know at that moment that I would indeed find myself in a situation where I’d have to follow Claire’s advice to the letter.