I Became the Male Lead who was Clinging onto the Female Leads

TL/Editor: Raei

Schedule: N/A

Illustrations: Posted in discord.

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"So, Viscount Hobart is coming soon?"

"Yes, that's correct."

"The purpose is to discuss postponing the repayment date and taking Erika as a concubine. Those are the two things."

"Right."

"However, since discussing the repayment is contingent on Erika becoming a concubine, it essentially means the repayment discussion is pointless, right?"

"…Yes, that is the case."

"…"

Eugene sighed.

Philip slightly bowed his head.

"I'll take my leave now. Viscount Hobart dislikes the presence of commoners at the nobles' mealtime, aside from the serving maids."

"Understood."

"Then."

With that, Philip departed from the dining hall.

Eugene remained seated at the table with Dallas and Erika.

Just moments ago, when Erika could hardly hide her shock, Eugene had asked Dallas who 'that person' was.

Eugene discovered that Erika had become the target of a debauched nobleman infatuated with women.

Erika's face showed no trace of darkness, but…

'She must be enduring it.'

Erika, by all accounts in his memory, had a considerate nature, always putting others before herself.

She appeared ready to be sold to the corrupt noble and suffer indignities, all the while insisting that no one should fret on her behalf.

"But are you truly my brother?"

Her questioning gaze, eyes wide as a rabbit's, seemed only to be an effort to put on a brave face.

"Can't believe it's really you. How can you look so normal?"

"…"

Or not?

Is she actually curious?

Her persistent questioning seemed genuine.

She could be trying to appear bright, but...

"It is me, I assure you."

"Then recite the words you spoke to me the night before you left for the Royal Academy. If you do, I'll believe you."

Eugene closed his eyes, attempting to recall.

The night before the Royal Academy.

The words he had said...

'Wait.'

Why can't I remember?

As Eugene was struck dumb, Erika slammed her hands on the table, rising to her feet.

"See! You don't remember! You're not my brother!"

"…How can this be?"

"Father! This man is not my brother!"

"…What kind of manners are those for a noble lady?"

"Hmph."

Following Dallas's admonishment, Erika slumped back into her seat.

'Why can't I remember?'

Eugene's brow furrowed, confused by this lapse in memory.

Then, from the corridor, a commotion arose.

"What on earth are you doing!"

"Oh, I'm hungry! To hell with formality!"

"...He's here."

Dallas's face noticeably stiffened.

Kwang!

The doors burst open as a colossal nobleman made an entrance.

Jacob von Randel Hobart.

Known simply as Viscount Hobart.

His appearance was far from ordinary.

His hair was slick with an overabundance of olive oil, shining greasily, and his face exuded an oily sheen, likely from his indulgent lifestyle.

Above all, his clothes seemed ready to burst at the buttons, his belly appearing as a balloon pumped to the verge of popping.

'Wow.'

Although I had heard that he was greedy and had an obsession with women, I didn't expect him to advertise that so openly.

Thump. Thump.

The floor trembled with each of his steps.

"Ah, the journey was not easy. The horses were so slow that I thought they would explode!"

And he had paid a hefty sum for them!

The retort 'If the horses are slow, perhaps look down at your belly' almost escaped Eugene's lips.

Dallas, sharing a similar sentiment, stiffened his expression but soon recovered with a smooth smile and rose to his feet.

"I should have gone out to welcome you. What brings you here in such a rush?"

"Oh, I couldn't bear it because I was so hungry! Please understand! Let's eat first!"

"…"

Viscount Hobart brushed past Dallas and headed for the dining table.

Eugene's brow furrowed at such outright disrespect.

Yet, Dallas could only maintain his smile.

He was powerless to retort, even if Viscount Hobart spat in his face.

Civility and manners, although important to nobility, held no weight before those without power.

Viscount Hobart seated himself beside Erika with a thud, his massive arm, slick with sweat, almost touching hers.

He looked at Erika with a lazy smile.

"Lady Erika, it's been a while. Have you been in good health?"

"Yes, Viscount Hobart."

"Your beauty is shining brilliantly today as well. Truly exquisite."

"You flatter me."

Erika chuckled and covered her mouth.

Viscount Hobart's grin stretched ear to ear at her charming smile.

'Admirable.'

How she managed to smile at Viscount Hobart's unsightly face was beyond Eugene.

Erika seemed remarkably composed.

"Well then, let's save the conversation for later, and I shall satisfy my hunger first! This spread before us—it’s all for the taking, isn’t it?"

"Of course, you may..."

Chomp, chomp, chomp!

"…"

Before Dallas could even finish his sentence, Viscount Hobart had begun to voraciously devour the food on the table.

'So that's why there was an excessive amount of food prepared.'

Eugene had wondered why a meal fit for nearly ten had been prepared for one Viscount, but now, watching Hobart eat, it all made sense.

In front of him, the food was merely a mirage, existing for a brief moment before disappearing.

"Burp!"

The entire dining hall resounded with Viscount Hobart's belch as he contentedly rubbed his belly.

The other three hadn't even managed to pick up their spoons, as their appetite faded while watching his eating.

"I've eaten well!"

Viscount Hobart, wiping his mouth with a handkerchief, smirked mischievously.

"Whether I came to a noble's dining table or a commoner's dining table, I couldn't tell, but it was tasty nonetheless."

"...I'm glad it suited your taste."

"When will the dessert be served? Dessert is essential in a noble's meal, isn't it?"

"If you wait a moment, the maid will bring out some aromatic tea."

"No, dessert should be a sweet treat! Bringing out hot water like this, you've ruined my remaining appetite!"

Well, it's bound to disappear after he single-handedly devoured a meal for ten!

---

Raei Translations

---

"Now that the meal is over, let's have a more productive conversation."

Viscount Hobart's lips curled into a smirk.

His eyes shifted towards Erika, his tongue briefly licking his lips.

"Do you remember the contents of the letter I sent about ten days ago?"

"Of course, I remember."

"Then the conversation will be quick."

Viscount Hobart paused to survey the surroundings, noticing the overly modest and shabby setting of the noble house's dining hall.

"Tsk."

He clicked his tongue in disgust.

"Let's not mince words. The Grace barony is as unimpressive inside as it is outside, a mere shadow of a noble house. Speaking of this house is like chewing on bitter words."

"This lineage has been maintained for hundreds of years. Please temper your words…"

"Temper?"

Viscount Hobart interrupted, furrowing his brow in disdain.

"Honestly, even if this house were to disappear today, would it impact the lives of the commoners? All the taxes they pay end up as interest for our family, and even the profits from taverns and stores flow to us."

"…But the commoners…"

"Commoners exist to pay their taxes. If their taxes are flowing to the Hobart viscounty and not the Grace barony, aren't they essentially our subjects?"

"…Isn't that a bit excessive?"

A flushed Dallas raised his objection.

Viscount Hobart sneered, spitting into his cup before shouting with a mocking expression.

"Come in!"

Two guards, who had been waiting outside the dining hall, entered.

"What are you doing now?"

"I am simply showing the practical difference in power."

The guards stood firmly on either side of Viscount Hobart.

Shimmering armor and a massive longsword exuded an overwhelming presence, matched by his imposing stance.

Viscount Hobart smirked.

"See? This is power. Nobles without strength are nothing more than superficial ornaments. Honestly, the level of soldiers here…"

"Those soldiers have served our house loyally for decades. Do not insult them!"

"I'm not insulting their loyalty; their competence just leaves much to be desired."

"Viscount Hobart!"

"Lower your voice. We have matters to discuss."

"…"

Dallas's face flushed with shame, but he was powerless against Viscount Hobart's words.

His remarks, albeit harsh, weren't entirely wrong.

Nobles without power received no respect anywhere.

"Now that you clearly understand our positions, let's get to the point."

Viscount Hobart smiled slyly.

"As I've said, the Grace barony is a house of no value. Your situation is not good."

"…"

"Without our family deferring the repayment, this insignificant house would soon be extinct. There's only one thing of worth here. Do you know what that is?"

"…"

He knew but couldn't say it.

Answering would mean acknowledging Erika as an object of value.

"Why are you all so slow to understand?"

Not because they didn't know, but Viscount Hobart, pounding his chest, bellowed:

"The only thing of worth in this pitiful house is Lady Erika von Rubia Grace! Her beauty, renowned throughout the region, is breathtaking! And her figure is equally splendid!"

Viscount Hobart's lecherous gaze fixed on Erika.

At his blatant insult, even Erika, who had maintained a smiling face, twitched slightly at the corners of her mouth.

'This isn't right.'

Eugene quietly clicked his tongue.

'Should I do something?'

Judging the guards' strength, they seemed strong, but they would be no match if they fought.

'Let's watch a little longer.'

However, he decided to exercise patience.

Defeating these guys wouldn't improve the family's situation.

"I have long admired Lady Erika."

Viscount Hobart said, looking at Erika, greed glinting in his eyes.

"In a week, I'll visit again to formally propose to Lady Erika. In my left hand, a wedding ring, and in my right, a document indefinitely postponing the repayment date. If Lady Erika accepts my love, I'll grant both to the Grace barony. The more she pleases me, the more I'll offer."

"…"

"I've said all I wanted to say."

When Viscount Hobart finished speaking, Dallas couldn't even lift his head.

Witnessing his daughter being insulted right before his eyes ignited a burning flame of anger within him.

Lifting his head now would reveal a face full of fury to Viscount Hobart, potentially provoking him.

'I mustn't risk our house due to my personal emotions!'

Even if our house's honor only has a few days left!

Dallas bit his lip so hard to calm his anger that it nearly bled, then raised his head.

"I've understood everything. However, the decision to accept the engagement is entirely up to Erika. Please consider if she responds unfavorably."

"Ha ha ha. As if the lady would refuse."

If she refuses, she will become a commoner under me.

Viscount Hobart, with a sly smile as if his words were written on his face, stood up.

"I've said all I wanted, so I'll take my leave now."

"I'll see you out."

"No need. You don't seem to have the energy for it."

Ignoring Dallas, Viscount Hobart grasped Erika's hand as he stood.

"I'll see you in a week, Lady Erika."

"…Take care on your way back, Viscount Hobart."

"Your smile alone melts my heart. Heh heh."

Viscount Hobart, genuinely pleased with Erika, gave a deep smile and passed her.

"Ah, you're here too."

He approached Eugene.

"You didn't say a word during the meal, are you mute?"

"No."

"Then you should have spoken up. Anyway, we might become in-laws, so let's shake hands."

Viscount Hobart extended his hand for a handshake.

Eugene grasped his plump hand in return.

"See you next time. Heh heh."

Viscount Hobart walked away with a mocking smile, leaving Eugene behind.

Eugene wiped his damp hand, watching Viscount Hobart's retreating back.

'How should I deal with him?'

It seemed a lengthy contemplation was necessary.

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