The Male Lead isn't Following the Script!
Chapter 122: Kicked out?!

Chapter 122: Kicked out?!

"It’s both," she admitted finally. "Dimitri has worked so hard to become the person he is. He doesn’t have a noble title, but he acts nobler than most of the people I’ve met. I just... I want people like him to have a chance."

Would it be wrong of her to wish this? Should she just conform to the role thrust upon her? No, she was brought here for a reason. And although she still didn’t know why, she would carve a place for herself in this world.

Only a few get the power to implement change, she will prove herself worthy of being a noble.

The Duchess’s gaze softened, and for a moment, Adeline thought she saw a flicker of approval. "You have a good heart, Adeline. But remember, nobility is not about bestowing titles. It is about earning respect and trust. Dimitri does not need my title to prove his worth. He is already noble in his own right."

The conversation with the Duchess stayed with her long after the night ended. It was a turning point that shaped her understanding of what it meant to lead and serve.

And as she left the study, the weight of her title felt a little less like a burden and a little more like a calling.

Adeline groaned softly as the morning sunlight hit. She tried to shield her eyes as the brightness nudged her awake. She blinked a few times, her mind slowly catching up to the day. Something felt off.

She sat up and glanced at the clock. She started getting nervous, she was late! Late for etiquette classes! Normally, someone would have come to wake her by now, ensuring she was on time for her lessons.

Adeline tossed aside the blanket and rushed into the hallway to see if anyone was around.

The estate was unusually lively, with an air of excitement buzzing around. Servants bustled to and fro, carrying trays, arranging flowers, and chatting in hushed but cheerful tones. Were they celebrating something?

She shrugged, was this a divorce party for the Duchess? She could get on board with that. Celebrate getting rid of that sucker! Cheers!

She looked at her reflection in the window next to her. She was still dressed in a nightgown. This won’t do, she couldn’t go out like this! She quickly got in and got dressed appropriately.

After getting ready, she finally got ahold of the steward, he looked very busy too. So busy that she felt bad for stopping him and asking questions.

"Excuse me," she said politely. "What’s happening today? Why is everyone so busy?"

The steward gave her a quick smile. "Ah, Lady Adeline! Today’s the farewell party! Everyone’s preparing to see you off."

Adeline froze. "Farewell party?" she repeated with disbelief in her voice. "But... I thought I was staying for a month. It’s only been a little over two weeks."

I’m getting kicked out?! You don’t mind your own business and expose a cheating husband one time and suddenly ’you’re nosy’.

The steward was sad that the children were leaving, they really brightened up the place. "Unfortunately, I don’t know the reason for your early departure, my lady. I am only doing as I was told."

Adeline felt disheartened. Why was the Duchess pushing her out? She just helped her?! Where’s the respect? ’Oooh, there’s food!’

Forgetting what she heard from the bullet she rushed to get her hands on those snacks! Yummy pastries!

Halfway through stuffing her face, she realised that she was going to confront the Duchess about kicking her out. She looked at the sweet in her hand with great contemplation. She sighed and put it down

Unfortunately, she still had some things to do. She made her way through the bustling halls, searching for the Duchess. But she was nowhere to be found. It made sense, of course... The Duchess had been heavily drunk the previous night.

Adeline remembered the emotional conversation they had shared, the vulnerable truths the Duchess had confided in her. It wasn’t surprising that she was still resting.

Determined, Adeline made her way to the master bedroom. She hesitated outside the door, listening for any sign of movement. Hearing none, she gently knocked. "Your Grace?" she called softly. No response. She knocked again, a little louder this time. Still nothing.

Adeline didn’t know about hangovers, she wasn’t of drinking age even in the modern world.

Taking a deep breath, Adeline pushed the door open and stepped inside. The room was dim, the curtains drawn to keep out the bright morning light.

The Duchess was sprawled on the massive bed, her face relaxed in sleep. Even in her current state, she looked effortlessly elegant, her features soft and peaceful.

Adeline nose scrunched immediately, this was what they called a ’sleeping beauty’.

"Are you awake?" That was a dumb question. She would respond if she was awake.

This time, the Duchess stirred. She let out a loud snore, followed by a sharp gasp, and her eyes snapped open. The sudden movement startled Adeline, making her flinch.

"Ah!" Adeline shouted. She didn’t think the Duchess would make such sharp movements!

The Duchess blinked at her, she was clearly disoriented. A throbbing headache made it hard for her to see things clearly. What she could see though, was a fuzz on pink. And that meant only one person.

She groaned softly and tried to sit up, but her movements were unsteady. Twice, she flopped back onto the bed before finally managing to balance herself in an upright position. She sniffled and ran a hand through her tousled hair.

Adeline just awkwardly stood there waiting for her to sit upright before they could have a discussion. "Sorry for waking you up..." She said softly.

"It’s quite alright," She said hoarsely, waving a hand dismissively. "I should’ve been up by now anyway."

Adeline hesitated, unsure of how to proceed. "I just... I realized today is the day Dimitri and I leave," she said carefully.

The Duchess nodded, her expression unsurprised. "Yes. The Marquess made it clear he wants you back. After everything that happened with the ex-Duke, he doesn’t want you here any longer."

Well, that made sense. She planned to guilt him by saying ’You sent me away and now I got hurt huhuhuhu.’

Her train of thought immediately got lost and the Duchess had to snap in front of her to get her attention.

"Oh! But I wanted to stay for a month and learn etiquette." She said earnestly. She balled her fist and slammed it against her hand to show determination.

"Frankly, child, I have nothing to teach you."

Adeline blinked. Were her skills good enough? There was a sense of pride slowly overcoming her. She was good at it, wasn’t she? Not too shabby for a five-year-old!

"Really?" She grinned but also tried to remain modest hoping that the Duchess would sing praises to assure her.

"Nope. I just said that to make you feel better but now I decided it isn’t nice to lie to children." She said casually as if she hadn’t just insulted Adeline. She was tying her hair up and didn’t see how Adeline’s smile wavered.

"..."

"Anyway, you should get ready." She put her feet on the ground and left to freshen up leaving a disheartened blob of pink behind. It was leaking sadness.