The Male Lead? I Don’t Want Him

* * *

Rosemary, who returned to the Duke’s castle, immediately told Antes about what had happened today. It was even before he greeted Luna.

Rosemary relentlessly berated the former Duke. Then she got angry, asking how he could be a lord and not know about this.

Antes responded with an irritated expression as if telling her to stop:

“I know.”

“You know? Know what?”

“What you just told me. I know it’s true.”

So, can you just shut up now? He looked like he didn’t want to converse with Rosemary anymore, holding Luna’s hand. He didn’t forget to give her a kiss on the cheek as a greeting.

Usually, Luna would have reciprocated the gesture, but today was different. She asked in surprise.

“You knew?”

“Yes. I found out when I toured the domain before coming down.”

Rosemary and Luna had also found out during a brief outing, so it was more strange for him not to know. Antes was quick-witted, but then why had he taken no action?

If Antes was greedy, he wouldn’t be like the former Duke, causing pain to the citizens just to scrape together money. Though he operated a business and made a significant profit, the business’s establishment was more for self-sufficiency.

If he realized the former Duke was unfairly collecting taxes, he should’ve acted immediately.

Why hadn’t he done anything yet?

Suddenly, Luna’s mind was filled with confusion. In response to Luna’s visible confusion, Antes explained:

“I planned to report to the imperial palace and announce a tax adjustment, but you wanted to hold a wedding in the domain.”

Huh? Me…? Luna blinked in surprise when she heard it was because of her. Antes gently stroked her eye.

“I thought it might be a good idea to announce it at the wedding.”

How about it? Good idea, right? Antes said, looking expectantly at Luna.

It was such a handsome face that she could be easily charmed by it, but there was still an unresolved issue.

“Well… It’s dramatic and a good idea, but won’t the citizens suffer in the meantime?”

It seemed Rosemary shared Luna’s concerns as she incredulously asked:

“Have you gone mad? Seriously? For real?”

Peaceful life is worthless? Are you accepting the rumors of the past as fact? At Rosemary’s sincere reaction, Antes’s brow furrowed.

“You’re the crazy one. You, who could be someone’s successor, are loafing around in someone else’s domain.”

“I have studies, you know?!”

“Do you?”

Antes mockingly smiled at Rosemary, making her seethe with anger.

Whenever they met, they quarreled. It seemed the issue would end in a fight without a clear answer, but fortunately, Antes turned his attention back to Luna.

“I haven’t been neglecting it. I just haven’t announced it. I’ve already stopped collecting the taxes. But that doesn’t mean the citizens’ hard lives have immediately improved, it’s just not noticeable.”

Antes continued, saying he was planning to consult with Luna.

“It’s good timing. I wanted to ask for your permission for something.”

“From me?”

Luna urged him to speak, saying if it was about the domain or taxes, he could make a unilateral decision.

“I thought about using all of the Duke’s assets for the swift recovery of the domain. The former Duke committed the crime, but the responsibility has come to me.”

He added that he was more than willing to bear that responsibility. He had unexpectedly acquired a vast wealth, and he wasn’t particularly excited about it.

But Luna’s consent was needed. Naturally, as they were to spend their lives together.

Though surprised, Luna quickly nodded in agreement.

“Of course! If it helps to recover the damage, then we should! But how do you plan to do it?”

“Even if they’re called personal properties, I plan to support the repair costs for old buildings and facilities. I’ll also invest in promising businesses after reviewing their business plans. I won’t charge interest, and I don’t intend to pressure them if they can’t repay.”

And he explained that he would also provide, free of charge, the materials, resources, and manpower needed for repairs and investment.

Simply put, he was saying he would donate the entire fortune of the Duke’s family for the restoration and prosperity of the territory.

Any ordinary person would have reacted angrily, telling him not to talk nonsense, but the other party was Luna. A person who could be said to be the wealthiest in the Empire without exaggeration.

“If that’s the case, I’ll help too.”

Luna said, taking Antes’s hand. 

“Actually, I was shocked to learn that young children are working without even receiving basic education. There were cases in the capital where minors were working, but it’s too much for a child who looks under ten, isn’t it?”

Young children should receive education. Instead of working and over-exerting themselves, they should take in sufficient nutrients and focus on growth.

“How about giving financial support to children up to a certain age? Of course, we should also build schools. The stipend should only be given if they attend school. I’ll cover it with my assets.”

If there are more benefits to attending school than working, everyone will send their children to school.

It was a charitable project that required a large amount of money, but there was no setback for Luna, whose wealth only kept increasing.

“I was wondering what I could do for the territory, and this seems perfect.” 

It seemed like Antes was dying out of work every day, so Luna felt guilty for not doing enough for the territory. With a new purpose in mind, spending money felt more than worthwhile. 

“If you do that, the children will grow up grateful to Luna.” 

“Then I must do it even more.” 

Luna smiled joyfully, and Antes followed suit. The castle’s lobby, which had been noisy because of the siblings’ quarrel, was enveloped in a warm atmosphere in no time.

The servants of the Duke’s mansion, who had first witnessed the confrontation between the three, were initially anxious, fearing an unpleasant event.

But soon they couldn’t hide their smiles at the softened atmosphere and the conclusion that considered the residents of the territory.

“…What, what’s this? I look like the odd one out…!” 

Among them, only Rosemary, who had enthusiastically scolded Antes, pouted her lips and gave Antes a sidelong glance. For a moment, she regretted inadvertently pushing Luna towards Antes.

* * *

As the matter was decided, work proceeded quickly. It wasn’t just a way to pass the time, but a project that would change someone’s life. So they mobilized experts from various fields and worked day and night.

Although it was complex and diverse, fortunately, it wasn’t a difficult project, so they were able to finalize the budget and start the main work soon.

Of course, they didn’t neglect the preparation for the wedding ceremony and the festival.

The main event was the wedding, but for some reason, it seemed to have been overshadowed. Rosemary couldn’t hide her sadness. 

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime wedding!”

Rosemary exclaimed, slamming down her fork and knife, addressing Luna and Antes.

“Luna is handling it well, isn’t she?” 

“That’s the problem! Why doesn’t Lady Luna care about her own wedding?!” 

Rosemary, who thought she’d never get angry at Luna, couldn’t help but show her petulance.

Luna, smiling gently, replied:

“What are you talking about? There’s no one who knows better than you. I’ve entrusted it to the best expert, not that I’m not interested. I get regular reports from you.” 

“L-Lady Luna…!” 

There was no way Rosemary wouldn’t fall for something like that. Rosemary, who had been easily appeased, stared at Luna with eyes full of emotion.

“We have only a week left, so please bear with me a little longer. You’re the only one I trust with my once-in-a-lifetime wedding.”

“Don’t worry! I’ll make it the best wedding! I was also looking forward to the festival.” 

Of course, the main purpose, the trip with Luna, had long disappeared. With the heir’s lessons, the wedding, and the festival preparations, Rosemary had never been busier. 

How can a person be that easy? Antes, who had completely forgotten that he was also a person who went back and forth between heaven and hell at Luna’s words, clicked his tongue inwardly.