The Male Lead isn't Following the Script!
Chapter 130: I Want To Leave

Chapter 130: I Want To Leave

She continued with more confidence this time, "Besides, I wasn’t alone! I had Dimitri with me!" She carefully judged her father’s expression before revealing her reasons, "It was necessary. By exposing him, I’ve gained the Duchess’s gratitude and a valuable favour that we can use when the time comes to face the Holy Temple."

Her father’s eyes widened in surprise. He didn’t realise that his daughter was trying to help him in her own little way.

Aaron whistled low, leaning back in his chair. "I have to admit, that’s bold—even for you." Just when he thought that he knew his sister well, she did this.

Who could’ve imagined that his sister who went for etiquette lessons ended up exposing a well hidden scheme by the former Duke of the East?

The Marquess studied her intently. "You’ve taken a calculated risk," He said finally. "But you must understand that alliances built on favours are fragile. The Duchess may owe you now, but people like her never act without self-interest. Be cautious."

The Eastern Duchess was a wise woman. He didn’t believe that she would help his daughter out of just kindness... He wondered about what advantages she could gain from this.

Adeline nodded. Even if she explained that she built a genuine relationship with the Duchess, her father might brush it off. What ’relationship’ would a Duchess have with his five year old daughter?

"I will," Adeline promised. "But we can’t afford to waste opportunities. I don’t- I don’t want to be a burden... I don’t want to put you all in danger."

Her fists were balled and placed on her knees. She lowered her head. She almost wanted to cry but she didn’t. She didn’t want them to see her expressions either.

"Linny..." Alaric quickly rushed to her side and hugged her. Why was she thinking all this? She could never be a burden. She was his younger sister, he would give his life to protect her.

The Marquess nodded slowly. "Adeline, you could never be a burden." He lifted her chin up to see her red eyes. She has had an exhausting couple of days.

It felt like her emotions were on overdrive, and now she couldn’t bottle it up any more. Seeing her family, tears started to pour out.

Her father whispered, "Your motives are heroic, but remember, you’re not alone in this. I would fail as a father if I let you think that these burdens are yours to bear. You are my daughter. You know I would give up everything for you, right?"

Adeline nodded. But that was exactly what she didn’t want. In the story, they lose everything because of the original Adeline’s actions. She didn’t want that. She didn’t want them to meet terrible ends!

She wanted to protect them just as much as they protect her. She must change the plot at any cost! She truly believed that it didn’t have to end in the way described by the novel.

Aaron, who had been silent for most of her account, finally spoke. "And next time, inform us before you undertake such a dangerous mission. You may think you’re protecting us by keeping us out of it, but we’re stronger when we work together."

She nodded with much vigour, "I’ll listen to you, brother."

This was the first time she didn’t treat him as a peer but gave him respect as an older brother. Seeing his usually quirky sister become so complacent felt very wrong.

He smirked and pinched her cheeks. He wanted his gremlin back! He wiped her tears and took a good look at her.

She finally stopped crying, she was still hiccuping though. She knew that she could rely on them, but there was one last adventure she had to take alone. It was to the ruins. She trusted the Goddess... More or less.

If going to these ancient ruins was that important the Goddess had to mention it... Maybe she should check it out. Yes, she was still kept in the dark about the reason why, but it was a chance she was willing to take.

She couldn’t stay mad at the Goddess for too long... She did give her this good life, she was surrounded by people she loved. Yes, there were secrets but she believed that she had her best interests at heart.

The sun was setting over the Kendrick estate when Dimitri stood before the Marquess in the study, his small figure dwarfed by the tall shelves.

And seated behind the grand mahogany desk was the Marquess. Dimitri’s expression was firm, his gaze unwavering.

"Marquess Kendrick," Dimitri began, his voice steady despite the nervous energy coursing through him, "I’ve come to ask for your permission to leave. I wish to join the Mage Tower."

The Marquess’s pen paused mid-signature, and his sharp eyes bore into the boy. "The Mage Tower? Now? You’re just a child, Dimitri." He couldn’t let a child do that! He took him in, so now it was his responsibility to ensure Dimitri’s safety.

"I’m ten," Dimitri said, straightening his posture. "I’m not too young to begin."

The Marquess leaned back in his chair, the leather creaking softly. "You do realize what you’re asking, don’t you? The Mage Tower is not a place for the faint of heart. The trial to even reach it is a gauntlet designed to break spirits and bodies alike. Many don’t survive."

"I know," Dimitri replied, his voice quiet but resolute. "But I’ve made my decision. This is the path I want to walk."

The Marquess sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You don’t need to do this. You have a place here, Dimitri. A safe place. Why choose such a dangerous road?"

Dimitri hesitated, the weight of his decisions visible on his face... "Because it’s not enough to just exist, my lord. You’ve given me shelter, food, and kindness. But I want to stand on my own two feet. I want to be worthy of the life you’ve given me."

He was grateful for them, he would never want to take them for granted. This was something he wanted to do not only for Adeline but also for himself... He knew that it looked like an impulsive decision... But it’s not!

He has thought it through. He had many days to think it through... This was what he wished to do, he wanted to join the Mage Tower and become a force to be reckoned with.

The Marquess’s gaze softened, but his concern remained. "You’re still so young. The Mage Tower will not show you mercy because of your age. It’s a den of monsters, Dimitri... Literally and figuratively. Once you embark on this journey, I cannot help you. It’s against the rules."

He has to survive in that damned forest that is infested with monsters. That was the trial. only if he survived it and reached the Mage Tower safely would he pass. And he would not be allowed to interfere.

He couldn’t do anything to protect him during that trial. And how could he live peacefully knowing that this child is out there... Surrounded by those horrendous monsters that are ready to pounce on him at any given moment.