The Male Lead isn't Following the Script!
Chapter 248: Banquet

Chapter 248: Banquet

Her father didn’t say anything else.

He simply let her stay.

Adeline seemed in no rush to meet Benedict or Cassian. She had already made up her mind... At least, a little.

The main catalyst in their messy love triangle was her. In the original story, she constantly harassed Annora, which only made them more protective of her.

If she could just stay on the sidelines and let things fizzle out, maybe—just maybe—she wouldn’t have to deal with them hovering over Annora like love-struck fools.

She let out a long sigh. If only it were that simple.

Cassian had returned victorious from his campaign, so the Empire was throwing a grand banquet in his honour. During the celebratory lunch, only the most important figures of the Empire would attend, but now, everyone was invited. Adeline wasn’t exactly looking forward to the event, but she did miss her friends.

She couldn’t wait to see Maia, Victoria, and Layla again.

Her mood lifted slightly at the thought.

She just stepped out of her room all ready for the banquet when she saw Aaron.

He hadn’t gone back to the border yet.

Her second oldest brother smirked. "He seriously reminds me of my drill sergeant with all the yelling."

Adeline laughed, "Who’s worse?"

Aaron pretended to think, then quickly answered, "Definitely Alaric."

They were still walking down the stairs when Alaric shouted again.

"Do you want me to leave without you?" He warned.

Adeline rolled her eyes. "We are literally a few feet away from you, for goodness’ sake!" Aaron yelled back, clearly just as annoyed as she was.

As soon as they stepped outside, they noticed something strange.

There were two carriages.

Adeline raised an eyebrow. "What’s with the extra one?"

Before Alaric could answer, Aaron smirked and mocked him.

"This is why I tell you to exercise, brother. You literally can’t fit in a carriage with us anymore."

Alaric rolled his eyes.

"I’m bringing Isabelle home," he finally said.

Adeline’s eyes widened slightly in realisation.

Ah. So that’s why.

"And," Alaric continued, "I refuse to ride with you two."

Adeline and Aaron exchanged a knowing look.

They both knew the real reason.

Their dear brother was too in love to act normal in front of them. If they rode in the same carriage, he would have to hold himself back, and they would definitely tease him for it.

"I swear I won’t make fun of you," Adeline said, fighting back a smile.

Aaron snorted. "I absolutely will."

Alaric ignored them.

Adeline hummed in thought, tapping her chin. "But the wedding isn’t that far away. You guys shouldn’t be seeing each other," she pointed out.

Alaric shrugged, completely unbothered.

"I don’t care about those traditions," he said easily.

Aaron smirked and nudged him.

"Someone’s in love~"

Alaric didn’t even deny it.

"Of course, I am." He crossed his arms. "Unlike you, I have a fiancée."

Aaron scoffed. "Unlike you, I’m free."

Once they all got into their carriages, it didn’t take too long to reach the castle. The familiar sight of the grand palace loomed over them, its towering walls gleaming under the sunlight. As soon as the carriage stopped, Adeline stepped out gracefully.

And then— she saw Layla. That unmistakable shade of blond, but it was unusually tame! This meant that the Duchess got to her, she must have brushed her hair so hard that it introduced her to a new world of pain!

Her face lit up instantly, and before she could even think, she ran over to greet her.

"Layla!" she called out.

Layla turned and beamed the moment she saw her. "Adeline! How are you?!"

Before Adeline could even answer, Layla had already thrown her arms around her in a tight hug.

"Come now. Manners..." A familiar voice sighed.

Adeline looked up and smiled. The Eastern Duchess stood beside Layla, watching them with a slightly exasperated yet fond expression.

Knowing how clumsy and disorganised Layla was, the Duchess had always tried to instil some discipline into her.

Not that it ever worked.

Adeline grinned at the Duchess—her dear, lovely aunt.

"It’s been a while, Auntie," she said warmly.

The Duchess sighed and shook her head. "Honestly, Layla, you need to be more proper in public."

Layla pouted. "But it’s Adeline!"

"That is not an excuse," the Duchess said, though her strict tone was a little softer than usual.

Aaron, who had been walking slowly behind, finally caught up to them.

At that moment, Layla’s eyes landed on him.

Her expression shifted slightly, her eyes narrowing in curiosity.

She had never seen him before.

When they were in the academy, Aaron had already been stationed at the border, and even after that, he had never visited.

Of course, Layla knew Adeline had two brothers, but she didn’t know which one this was.

Her curious stare made it obvious that she was trying to figure it out.

Adeline immediately understood.

Before Layla could even ask, she casually gestured towards him and said, "This is my brother, Aaron."

Then, with a completely straight face, she added, "He’s the annoying one."

Aaron rolled his eyes.

And then—to prove her point—he reached out and yanked her hair.

Adeline yelped and smacked his hand away, glaring at him.

Meanwhile, Aaron just smiled charmingly at Layla, as if he hadn’t just tormented his sister.

Layla, watching their interaction, simply smiled.

Adeline groaned and shoved Aaron away before turning back to Layla.

"Alright," she said, dusting herself off. "Let’s go inside."

Layla laughed and linked her arm with Adeline’s.

As they walked toward the entrance, Adeline felt a little lighter.

At least her friend was the same. As they went deeper into the hallway, they met Victoria who was trying her best to avoid the crowd. But they would not leave her alone! She was the new heir after all!

Isabelle was trying to divert the attention from Victoria to save her the pain. Talking about her upcoming nuptials did the trick! She was about to marry the Western Marquess! A handsome, influential and wonderful man!