The Obsessive Male Lead Is Actually Scary
Chapter 25: Definitely Not Angry

Chapter 25: Definitely Not Angry

The next morning, I dragged myself into the inn’s yard for training, eyes bleary and ringed like I’d lost a fight with insomnia.

"You look like you didn’t sleep at all."

Alessio’s brows knit in mild concern as he studied my face.

Of course I didn’t. How could I sleep, with thoughts of the real Sonia running circles in my head all night?

"What happened?" he asked, gaze steady.

"Uh—oh... nothing. Really. I just had a lot on my mind."

I gave a too‑quick shrug, hoping it passed for casual.

’Yeah, right. Like I can tell him I spent the night spiraling about what might’ve happened to Sonia.’

My attempt at a smile wobbled; the conflict on my face probably showed anyway.

Alessio stared a moment longer, then exhaled.

"All right. Just—if you’re feeling unwell, tell me. We can pause training."

I lit up with hopeful puppy‑eyes. Alessio’s mouth twitched—half reluctant, half resigned.

"I get it. Stop looking at me like that. You can take the day off."

"YES!" I threw both arms in the air, grinning like I’d just won the lottery.

Alessio let out a slow breath, shaking his head at my enthusiasm.

"Oh—by the way, where are Sir Caleb and Sir Mateo?"

His expression shifted; a faint glare, almost a pout.

"You use honorifics with them but not with me, do you?"

"Uh, well... Your Highness‑who‑is‑so‑kind‑and‑magnanimous, you are supposed to be in disguise, right? Or should I start calling you Sir Alessio, if that makes you feel better?"

A flicker of something crossed his face—then he rushed out, "No. Never mind."

’Why does it bother me when she calls me that?’

Alessio’s brows furrowed, his gaze drifting somewhere distant, as if the answer might surface if he just thought hard enough.

Noticing his expression, I stepped closer and tilted my head.

"What’s wrong, Your Highness?"

He flinched—just barely—but said nothing, his gaze locking onto me in silence, like he was searching for something he couldn’t name.

"..."

"Your Highness?" I tried again, blinking.

Still no reply. But something shifted in his face—barely a flicker, like the title sat wrong in his ears and he wasn’t sure why.

"...Sir Alessio?"

That seemed to snap him out of it. His frown deepened as he turned to me, wearing a vaguely annoyed look—one he clearly hadn’t realized was on his face.

"What’s with that face?"

"What face?"

"That face. You look weird. Are you mad about something?"

"Me? Angry?"

His expression darkened even more.

"See! That’s the face! You definitely look angry."

I pointed right at his face, unwavering.

Alessio blinked and quickly adjusted his expression into something calmer, almost like resetting a mask.

"Sir Alessio," I called again, lips twitching into a half-smile.

A small vein ticked at his temple. "Tsk. Stop calling me that. Just use my name. Like you used to."

"Oh really?"

I grinned, clearly enjoying myself. "So now you want me to drop the ’sir’ again, hmm?"

Alessio gave me a long-suffering look, the kind that said ’why do I even try?’ before letting out a quiet sigh like he was conceding defeat.

"Anyway," I said, clasping my hands together, "since I’ve got a day off from training today... can I go out?"

"Where were you planning to go?"

"Just... walk around the city and maybe shop a little?"

Honestly, I had a few necessities to take care of...

’Not exactly the kind of thing most transmigrated heroines go on about, but—hey—I needed to figure out what women here used during, well, that time of the month.

Alessio studied me for a second.

"Hmm... seems like there’s something specific you want. If you tell me what you’re looking for, I’ll ask Khan to help get it. That way, you don’t have to waste time searching."

"WHAT?!"

The word exploded out of me before I could stop it, my entire face heating up like fire.

Alessio blinked—once, then twice.

"Wh-what’s with that shout?"

How exactly was I supposed to describe that... to him?

"Wh, why on earth would I tell you what I’m looking for?!"

I threw him a glare, my face still flushed crimson.

He blinked at me, utterly confused—like the issue hadn’t even crossed his mind.

I sighed, long and heavy, staring at his clueless face.

"Why do I even bother expecting anything from a man who’s clearly never dated, let alone understands what a woman actually needs during that time?" I murmured.

Alessio visibly flinched at my jab, his face going stiff—then slowly turning red as realization dawned.

"A-ahem..."

He cleared his throat and quickly looked away, ears burning red.

"I’ll... escort you around. Ahem."

I glanced at him, the corner of my lips curling into a smirk. It was just too amusing not to tease him—if only a little.

"Then let’s get changed and head out right away."

* * *

In this world, when it was that time of the month, women used folded linen cloths.

At first, they were nothing more than simple strips—layered and tied with cords or tucked into plain undergarments. They were washed, dried, and reused again and again. Practical, if not exactly comfortable.

But over time, women found better ways. Seamstresses, midwives, and clever women began crafting cloths stitched to hold their shape, adding soft padding and secure ties. Some even had small loops or linen buttons that could fasten neatly into specially made undergarments. Not exactly luxurious, but thoughtful—quiet innovations that made those long, uncomfortable days a little easier to bear.

Anyway, I got what I needed and stepped out of the shop, holding the wrapped bundle close to my chest.

’Wow... who would’ve thought they had something this well-made? Makes everything a bit simpler.’

"Hehe." I let out a satisfied little giggle, clutching the bundle like I’d just conquered a quest.

"Did... you get them? Ahem," Alessio asked, awkwardly clearing his throat.

His expression was somewhere between serious and deeply uncomfortable, his gaze pointedly averted toward the far-off horizon as if the mere mention of the subject might strike him down on the spot.

"Yeah, I did. I’m starving now—let’s grab something to eat," I said casually, pretending not to notice the way his ears were slightly red.

He let out a quiet breath, nodding.

"Alright."