The Male Lead isn't Following the Script!
Chapter 75: Reassurance

Chapter 75: Reassurance

When the Marquess returned home, he noticed that there was a figure waiting in the foyer. A small, cute figure. She carefully peeked around the wall to see what his mood was.

After waiting for a very long time, she saw him enter through the front gates of the manor. Her dad was back.

He noticed the slight redness around her eyes, a clear sign she’d been crying.

He knew why. She was scared... He probably scared her by telling her that the Holy Temple would snatch her away from him. His eyes narrowed, they would have to kill him first to be able to ’snatch’ her away.

He had expected to feel anger, towards her for putting herself at risk so publicly or towards the circumstances that gave him endless worries, but he was surprised.

He wasn’t angry at all. How could he feel angry looking at her? When she looked back at him with that cute face... He could see his Elizabeth in her.

She made a choice... It was not out of impulse or foolishness, but out of compassion. She had chosen to save a life, even at the potential risk of her own safety.

Was he proud of her? That was a difficult question. There was pride, yes. To see her act with such courage, but it was hard... To fully accept her choice.

He possessed the knowledge of what that courage could cost her in this world.

Still, he could not ignore how she had embodied the values someone from the House of Kendrick should possess —nobility, responsibility, and above all, kindness.

The Marquess approached her quietly and slowly. Adeline flinched. Her gaze dropped to the floor in anxiety.

She was readying herself for a lecture. Who knows how long her father could rant for? Her guess is an hour at most.

Without a word, he stepped forward and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. Before she could speak, he scooped her up in his arms. She stiffened slightly, surprised but relaxed as he held her close.

"I am not angry, Adeline Kendrick," he said, his voice quiet yet unwavering. She blinked, and her eyes widened in surprise. He continued, "You carry the name Kendrick well, Linny." He pinched her nose.

The Marquess could see a hint of relief in her expression, the way her shoulders softened and the corners of her mouth lifted slightly. But he could tell that she was still uncertain about her decision.

And he would be right. Adeline didn’t know what would happen in the future. Cassian may or may not keep her secret. She was just hoping he would. For now, she decided not to worry too much and trust.

"Thank you... I just-"

He shook his head, stopping her before she could finish. "I could never be angry at you for acting with compassion, Adeline." He paused, "If I lost you too, I don’t know what I would do. That was the only reason I- I went too hard on you. Just know that I will never let anyone take you away."

He brushed a stray strand of hair from her face, letting his hand rest on her cheek for a moment. "There are people who take advantage of kindness. You must be careful."

Adeline nodded vigorously. She felt so happy that her father wasn’t angry. His words gave her reassurance. Leaving it entirely up to her father wouldn’t be fair.

This was her problem, first and foremost.

She knew her father would protect her... She knew her brothers would protect her... She firmly decided that she would protect them too.

The Holy Temple had recalled the healers from the borders... Adeline also knew that they were targeting her.

With the way, he kept looking at her in the banquet... She was sure that Edward had figured out about her powers... And now he wants her to make a move.

She will make a move alright...

The Holy Temple had always been a corrupt organisation. Her eyes glimmered with schemes... The Goddess blessed her with endless holy power... Then it was time to use it...

But before that, she needed to secure her position. Cassian was the most powerful among the Male leads. He always has been. She would need to make an alliance with him.

She also needed the help of the mage tower... As she thought about Dimitri she frowned. How could she tell him to leave? But she needed his help...

No, this was her problem. She won’t use him. She needed to figure out a way to get the Eastern Duke on her side. With that, her plan would be one step closer to complete.

Adeline hopped up on her bed and thought hard about the Eastern Duke, what weaknesses did they have... What could she do to make them owe her and back her up?

The Eastern Duchess was barren. This was well known. Could she cure her infertility? As far as she knew, they hadn’t adopted anyone. There was no clear heir. This could pose a problem for them.

The Eastern Duchess is the rightful heir to the title. The Duke was someone who got the title by marriage. As Adeline thought about what she could do about this, she heard a voice she missed so much.

"Ello there mate."

"It’s you! Why have you gone silent for so long?!"

"Hey, I’m not some nobleman’s child that can be a leech to society. I have lots to do."

Adeline smirked at her as if mocking her. ’Haha, I can be lazy, you can’t~’

"I need your help," Adeline’s face turned serious. She needed some information, anything that could help her get the backing of the Eastern Duke.

"Hah, of course you do. Since I am the awesome, kind Goddess I will help you. You want to know about the Eastern Duchy right? The Duke is cheating on her. *gasp* How scandalous!"

Adeline blinked a few times... It was a good piece of gossip sure, but was it enough for her to get the Eastern Duchess’ backing?

She couldn’t exactly go to her saying, ’Hi, your husband is cheating on you. Now that it’s out there, could you back me up when I go against the Holy Temple?’