I Became The Male Lead’s Female Friend

 

I looked up at the sound of a familiar cry.

 

A familiar face came into view, someone who shouldn’t be here, but who I’d missed just moments before.

 “..!” 

And as soon as I recognized him, I put my foot down. Suddenly, the pain was washed away and I felt energized.

 

I ran only toward him. The farther I ran, the closer he got, until he too dismounted from his horse and ran toward me.

 

And the moment he reached the bottom of the steep hill, he opened his arms.

 “Rudrick!” 

Without hesitation, I leapt toward him.

 

A gust of wind slapped me in the face. Suddenly, a scene flashed through my mind.

 

A demon was chasing me, and I stumbled off a cliff. A hand pulling me to my feet just when I thought I was doomed, a firm body pulling me into a suffocating embrace.

 

Just like right now.

 “Haha…” 

And as soon as I realized it, relief washed over me from deep within.

 

I chuckled and muttered.

 “I’m alive.” 

 

  

 

 

To make a long story short, I was saved.

 

Rudrick hadn’t been too late. I was worried that the Marquis’ men would surround us when we emerged from the forest, but my fears were unfounded.

 

Rudrick himself showed up.

 

‘Thank God.’

 

I relaxed and leaned into him, and the division commanders who had followed him turned to me.

 “Go, Princess, your hair, nay, more than that, your blood…!” “Haha, you don’t look like a horse, do you?” “Is this the time to laugh?! I don’t think you’re injured, you should go to the nearest village right away and get some treatment…” “No.” 

I said firmly.

 “I need you to go to the Averine estate.” “…What?” 

It was Rudrick who reacted to my words. Looking at his face, which had gone cold, I spoke urgently.

 “What time is it now? I mean, do we still have time before dawn?” “…” “We need to be at the estate by noon for the final meeting. I’ll get some quick first aid along the way, and at least as far as the traveling party, and then I’ll be on my way…” “Are you crazy?” 

Rudrick gritted his teeth.

 “Do you realize what you look like right now?” “…” “One arm bloody, head bandaged, face covered in bruises and cuts, and judging by the dirt all over me, I’m pretty sure I’ve been rolled, and I’m sure it’s worse under my clothes.” “…” “You’re going to attend a meeting when it’s obvious you can barely stand up straight, you’re clueless…!” “Rudrick.” 

I turned to face him.

 “It’s very important to me.” “…” “Why else would I be so desperate to get out of here, when I don’t like being sick, and you’re right, I’m in full bloom.” “…” “I know you’re worried about me, but can you please listen to my pleas one more time, because if I miss this chance, I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.” “You…” 

Rudrick’s mouth opened as if to say something, but he couldn’t finish. He just bit his lip hard and turned his head away, still looking dissatisfied.

 “…Have it your way.” 

I smiled broadly and replied.

 “Thanks.” 

Once our destination was set, Rudrick scooped me up in his arms and mounted his horse, then turned to the division commanders who were about to follow him and gave a short order.

 “Second division, follow me, the rest of you stay behind and kill them.” “Kill them?” “No.” 

Rudrick said with a wicked grin.

 “Bring them back alive, and I’ll deal with them myself.” 

His eyes glowed as he spoke, and even I, who had no good feelings for them, felt sympathy for him.

 

But I chose to roll my eyes rather than stop him. I needed to save every bit of energy I could to make it to the final meeting.

 

Soon, the horse started to run. I wasn’t afraid, either because I was tired or because I was with Rudrick. Instead, I squinted, feeling strangely comfortable.

 

Dawn was breaking in a grayish haze.

 

 

  

 

 

I arrived at the Averine estate later than I expected.

 

I was in worse shape than I thought, and it took longer to get me to a doctor.

 

The doctor looked at me and clicked his tongue in disgust.

 “You’re up and about,”

he said.

 

Rudrick’s expression darkened at that, but I couldn’t help but smile wryly. Contrary to what the doctor had said, I wasn’t really sick.

 

On the contrary, I was in excellent condition.

 

Perhaps it was the relief of arriving safely at the manor, or perhaps it was the fact that I had fallen asleep, if only for a moment.

 

My head was clearer than ever. So I shook my head resolutely at Jeron, who looked horrified to see me and tried to convince me to put it off for another day.

 

‘It has to be done now.’

 

If ever there was a time in my life when I felt I could accomplish anything, it was now.

 

I dressed quickly with the help of the maids.

 

I knew I wouldn’t look good with all the bandages, but this was my seat, and I needed to at least look presentable, and a long robe up to my neck would hide the wound somewhat.

 

Once I was roughly ready, I headed down to the meeting hall. The vassals were already gathered there.

 “The Princess was late. She said she had an excuse, but her punctuality was a bit…” “If that’s not acceptable, we’ll have to organize it among ourselves…” “I apologize for being late.” 

I pushed open the door and stepped inside. Instantly, the murmuring stopped, and the vassals’ eyes turned to me.

 

Their reactions were varied. Some were surprised and relieved at my sudden appearance, while others were disgusted and dismissive.

 

For example, Myers Confucius.

 “I was unavoidably late due to an accident on the way here, but it’s not too late, so I hope you can understand.” “If only there had been an accident…” “But you don’t seem to be injured, will you be able to join the meeting without any problems?” 

The vassal who spoke was looking at me with a worried gaze. He was probably referring to the bandages on my hands or head that I hadn’t hidden.

 

I smiled, perhaps deliberately, and replied with an easy smile.

 “I wouldn’t have made it this far if it was serious, I’m fine.” 

They still looked at me in disbelief, but didn’t say anything more. It didn’t matter anyway. The chairman, sitting at the head of the table, clapped his hands to get their attention.

 “I understand your situation, but accidents are personal, and late is late, so don’t expect to lose points.” 

“

I understand.” “Then let’s call the meeting to order.” 

Mr. Myers was the first to speak.

 

He explained his business, tourism, and rattled off his accomplishments so far.

 

He had succeeded in acquiring a large tract of land in the southeastern part of the empire, in a prime location, he said, and he had coordinated with the neighboring lords, and he had a fantastic plan to attract tourists.

 

“

You’re going to build a resort?” “Yes. Luckily, the southeast of the Empire is known for its mild climate and scenic beauty, and that’s where we’ll be working with Rebeauvel to build the Empire’s largest resort.” “With Rebeauvel?” “Yes. Rebeauvel’s second son in particular is renowned for his construction, and we plan to borrow his construction know-how to make it a

‘special’

resort.” “What is a special retreat…?” “Rather than just enjoying the scenery and relaxing, we’re planning to create a special theme for each area. For example, we will bring in specialties that can only be found in other countries, or create a hotel complex with an ancient architectural style…” 

As I listened to Myers Confucius, I thought to myself.

 

‘They’re going to build a theme park.’

 

I wondered what they were going to do if they didn’t build a casino, but they seemed to have chosen the most common and obvious option.

 

‘But it’s such a grandiose plan.’

 

To hear him tell it, it sounds like it would be the size of a kingdom, not just a vacation spot, but a kingdom of some sort, but the problem was money.

 

‘It’s going to cost a fortune to maintain, and where are we going to get the money for that?’

 

The vassals were not pleased with the idea. Only the vassals who had been bought by Duke Myers were eager to listen and praise him.

 “And so we will create a paradise on earth that goes beyond the usual vacation spot, and spread Averine’s name across the continent…!” “By the way, speaking of creating a hotel complex, I thought you said that the Princess has a similar business…” 

One of the vassals who had been listening to his story in silence suddenly spoke up. Suddenly, I realized that all eyes were on me.

 

‘My turn.’

I said with a grin.

 “Yes, I’m thinking of building a hotel, too.” “Come to think of it, didn’t you say that the Princess had managed to secure a concession for the harbor land in Veloa?” “Certainly, and Veloa is the largest port city now, so the influx shouldn’t be a problem.” “I’m sure there are plenty of coveted tops, so how did you get it… You’re resourceful.” “It’s no big deal. You’re being flattered.” 

It’s no big deal. I worked very hard for this response.

 

But my shyness instantly warmed up the room. Unable to resist the hoots and hollers of mutual praise, Myers quickly interjected.

 “Isn’t that just a hotel? It’s nowhere near the scale of what I’m planning..!” “But before that, let me ask you something: What kind of hotel are you planning to build, Mr. Confucius?” “What?” 

My sudden question dazed him. Then he quickly regained his composure and spoke with a sneer on his lips.

 “Of course I’m going to build the most luxurious hotel in the empire, no, not just the empire, but unrivaled on the continent…” “Then your main clientele will be the nobility, but do you know, we’ve already built a hotel in Averine that caters to the nobility?” “That’s…” “And how did that turn out?” 

Mr. Myers clamped his mouth shut. It was one of the vassals, who had been listening with interest, who answered my question.

 “Not very well, sir, I know they did well for a while when travelling was in vogue, but that was a seasonal thing, and they went out of business quickly.”  “Yes, I was in the lodging business.” “…” 

Looking around at the silent vassals, I continued.

 “I think part of the reason the luxury hotel strategy hasn’t worked was perception – the idea that they’re outrageously expensive, unlike normal lodging, and only for the nobility and the rich.” “That’s not necessarily a bad thing, is it?” “It might be good for the bottom line right now, but it’s not good for the future, because it means we have a limited customer base.” “So what are you going to do to change the perception?” 

Yes, I’ve been waiting for this question.

 

Without missing a beat, I pulled out my prepared answer.

 “I’m going to democratize the hotel.” “…Popularize?” “Yes. Make it available to anyone who can afford it.” 

The faces of the vassals trembled at my words. Someone raised his hand and asked.

 “But in order to set the right price, the cost of the facilities must be reduced. How is this any different from a normal inn?” “We’re going to overhaul the rooms in a way that a standard hotel would. We’re going to cut down on the unnecessary space, but keep the practical space and increase the number of single and double rooms.” 

The other person next to him asked.

 “And what are you going to do about fixtures and services?” “We’re going to standardize the fixtures across the board, and we’re going to have customer-specific services, so you can pick and choose what you want to receive, and the cost will vary accordingly.” 

One of the vassals rubbing his chin shook his head.

 “But to maintain something as large as a hotel, you’d need a power source of that magnitude, and as you know, the cost of magic ore alone would be…” “Of course.” 

I said, smirking.

 “I’ve got a way around that, too.”