The Male Lead isn't Following the Script!
Chapter 236: He Is Back

Chapter 236: He Is Back

The night was calm and quiet at Benedict’s estate. The soft chirping of crickets filled the air, and the gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the tall trees that lined the paths

. Benedict, feeling restless, decided to take a walk to clear his mind. The estate had changed so much since his father and Anna were gone. It felt lighter, happier, and more peaceful. Yet, tonight, something about the air seemed... Off.

He walked along the gravel path leading toward the gardens, enjoying the stillness of the night. But then, out of nowhere, the air turned cold. He stopped, looking around. His breath became visible in the chilling air, and an uneasy feeling settled in his chest.

Suddenly, black fog began to creep in, swirling around his feet.

"What is this?" he muttered, instinctively stepping back. But the fog only followed, climbing higher and higher until it reached his knees.

Benedict drew his sword without hesitation. He slashed at the fog, hoping to dispel it, but his blade cut through nothing but air. The fog seemed alive, moving with purpose as it wrapped around him tighter and tighter.

"Get away from me!" Benedict shouted, his voice echoing into the darkness.

He tried to summon his strength, his combat skills kicking in, but nothing worked. The fog seeped closer, pressing against his skin. Panic flared in his chest when he realised it wasn’t just surrounding him, it wanted to consume him.

"No," he growled, fighting with all his might. His sword slashed wildly, and his body tensed as he struggled to resist.

But it was no use. The fog was relentless. It found cracks in his defences and began slipping inside. A sharp, searing pain shot through his chest, and he dropped his sword, clutching at his heart.

He fell to his knees, gasping for air. His vision blurred as the cold fog invaded every part of him. His mind screamed in protest, but his body betrayed him, unable to resist.

Then, just as suddenly as it had started, it stopped.

The fog retreated, or so it seemed. The pressure lifted, and Benedict collapsed onto the ground, breathing heavily. He stared at his trembling hands, confused and terrified. It was gone... Wasn’t it?

Benedict staggered to his feet, gripping his sword for support. His chest still ached, but the fog was nowhere to be seen. Shaking his head, he muttered, "What... What just happened?"

Little did he know, the fog hadn’t truly left. It had entered his body, hibernating deep within, waiting for the right moment to strike.

The next morning, Adeline woke up early. She couldn’t shake the unsettling feeling from her encounter with Annora. Something about her reappearance felt wrong.

Adeline got ready quickly, she did not let the maids touch her. She knew that if they started, they would not let her go until hours passed. She just combed through her hair and set off immediately.

She glanced toward Dimitri’s room. He was still resting, and she decided not to disturb him.

"He needs his rest," she murmured to herself.

Stepping outside, she found the carriage already prepared. The coachman greeted her with a bow. "Good morning, Lady Adeline. The carriage is ready for your journey to the Northern Duke’s estate."

"Thank you," she said with a small smile, climbing in.

The ride was peaceful, but her thoughts were anything but. Her mind kept wandering back to Annora and the ominous way she had spoken about Benedict. Adeline knew she needed to see him, to warn him about Annora’s return.

After using the teleportation circle, they arrived in the Northern Duchy. She looked around, the environment was cheerful. She could notice that... That there were not as much as fields as she remembered but she didn’t question it.

Benedict would tell her if something happened. He would not hide things from her... Right? Still, she was happy that it was much more warmer. The people seemed happy.

Every time she came here... It was not for great reasons, it was either to heal the Northern Duchess or to get Benedict away from his father. Even now, she was visiting because of Annora.

When the carriage pulled up to the estate, Adeline was struck by how different it looked. The last time she had visited, the place had been cold and lifeless, a reflection of Benedict’s struggles under his father’s control and Anna’s schemes.

But now, it was vibrant. The gardens were blooming, and the entire estate seemed to radiate warmth.

The servants greeted her with bright smiles, bowing deeply. "Lady Adeline, welcome! It’s so good to see you again!"

Adeline smiled, surprised by the cheerful atmosphere. "It’s good to see you all, too," she replied.

She stepped inside, and the changes were even more evident. The halls, once dark and heavy with tension, were now filled with light. Paintings adorned the walls, and fresh flowers were placed in every corner.

Benedict did this, he turned this place around and made it feel like home. Thinking of Anna and his father, his fists clenched. She cursed them a million times from when she got down from the carriage to now.

One of the servants approached her with a warm smile. "His Grace has been eagerly awaiting your arrival, Lady Adeline. He’s in the study."

"Thank you," Adeline said, following the servant.

When Benedict appeared at the top of the staircase, Adeline felt a wave of relief. He looked healthy and strong, his usual calm smile on his face.

"Adeline," he greeted, his voice steady. "It’s been too long."

"Benedict," she said, hurrying toward him. "I’m so glad to see you’re okay."

He frowned slightly. "Why wouldn’t I be?"

"I’ll explain," she said, lowering her voice. "But first, tell me- everything has been fine, right? Nothing out of the ordinary?"

Benedict tilted his head, studying her with a curious expression. "Everything’s fine. The estate is peaceful, and I’ve been well."

Adeline sighed, feeling a bit of the tension in her chest ease. "That’s good to hear," she said. "But I need to warn you. Annora is back."

Benedict’s expression darkened. "Annora?" He knew her... Barely though. The only person from the Temple he absolutely hated was Edward...

"Yes," Adeline said, her voice serious. "I don’t know how, but she’s regained her powers. She showed up at the temple yesterday, and she’s definitely planning something. She mentioned you."

"Me?" Benedict raised an eyebrow. "What did she say?"

Adeline hesitated, "She implied that... Something might happen. But I don’t know what. I just wanted to make sure you’re safe."

What could she say? Could she say that Annora said that Benedict would try to kill her... To cruelly stab her in the heart like he did in the original story?

Seeing how shaken up she was Dimitri did not ask her the millions of questions he had. Annora coming back? Benedict hurting her? What did all those things mean?

Where could Adeline even begin? It was something amazing to be shared. If she told them that... In their past life... No, in the story they hate her... And they plotted to kill her?

That they were head over heels for Annora and were willing to do anything for her?

Or even tell them that they were characters from a story, not real people. How could she say that? Their feelings were real, this moment was real...

Benedict’s expression softened, and he placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I appreciate your concern, Adeline, but I assure you, everything here is fine. I haven’t noticed anything unusual."

Adeline studied his face carefully. He didn’t seem to be lying. His eyes were clear, his posture relaxed.

"Okay," she said finally. "But please, be careful. Annora is dangerous, and I don’t trust her."

"I’ll keep that in mind," Benedict said with a small smile. "And thank you for coming all this way to warn me."

The two spent the rest of the morning together, walking through the estate and catching up. Adeline was impressed by how much happier the place felt. Benedict showed her the shrine he had made in his mother’s old room, a tribute to her memory. It was clear that he had worked hard to turn the estate into a place of peace and warmth.

As the sun began to set, Adeline prepared to leave.

"I’ll walk you to your carriage," Benedict offered.

As they approached the gates, Benedict hesitated. "There’s one more thing," he said.

Adeline turned to him, curious.

"Cassian is coming back," Benedict said carefully.

Adeline’s expression immediately darkened.

"I didn’t want to ruin the day by bringing it up earlier," Benedict added quickly. "But I thought you should know."

Adeline took a deep breath, her jaw tightening. "Thanks for telling me," she said curtly.

Benedict looked at her with sympathy. "I’m sorry if it upsets you. I know things didn’t end well between you two."

Adeline nodded, her emotions swirling. "It’s fine," she said. "I’ll handle it."

Adeline was his friend and Cassian was... His ’master’. Whatever, he only told this so that she would not be caught off guard. Between Cassian and Adeline, of course, he would choose her! That was not even a question worth asking.