Thought It Was 'The End', Only to Return to a Changed Genre - Chapter 46

Adeline was not the type to black out.

When she woke up from being drunk, she always remembered everything.

Today, though, she woke up with a start—as if someone had slapped her cheek. And, try as she might, but she couldn’t recall what happened the previous evening.

She felt ashamed to have shown such a relaxed appearance in front of Shane. Groaning, she pressed her fingers against her eyes.

“That’s why I told you not to drink.”

“I didn’t know it was alcohol….”

She was amazed that this old man’s voice was hers. She had transcended age and gender.

“Here, water.”

Struggling, she sat up and took the glass of water Shane offered.

She hadn’t washed up before falling asleep, so she must have looked a mess. Her hair, once pinned up, was now disheveled, and the house dress she had changed into upon returning to the manor was wrinkled.

In contrast, Shane had already changed into clean clothes and his face was fresh. The male lead’s handsome appearance remained unshaken today once again.

It’s not like she actively wanted to look pretty in front of him, but his persistent gaze made her self-conscious.

“What are you staring at?”

“You’re beautiful.”

“…Your taste is seriously so weird….”

“I know. My taste isn’t the only thing that’s strange.”

It felt odd to have him readily agree that he’s weird.

Right, anyone who marries for the sole purpose of revenge isn’t normal. Adeline convinced herself. It was surprising that he was aware of it.

“Where’s Genevieve? Did His Highness Edwin leave?”

“His Highness Edwin left early in the morning before you got drunk. And Genevieve… She’s probably still sleeping.”

“Don’t tell me you left her in the dining room?!”

“I haven’t checked.”

“How could you! It was cold at dawn, what if she catches a cold! Ah, seriously. I need to wake her up.”

“Wash your face first.”

Adeline paused. Wiping the corner of her mouth with her wrist was an instinctive action. Shane smiled warmly.

“You’re pretty even when you drool.”

“…….”

…Should she hit him, even just once?

***

She washed her face and changed clothes. Just as she managed to get rid of Shane and was straightening her appearance, Genevieve knocked on the door.

“I came to say goodbye because I have to leave before breakfast.”

Fortunately, she looked well. She hadn’t slept in the dining room—someone had woken her, and she slept in a guest room.

Maybe Genevieve wasn’t the type to black out either, as she awkwardly avoided eye contact.

‘This feels like the morning after a company dinner….’

The colleague who acted like a decade-long friend during the dinner would always look at her sheepishly once sober.

“Haha, Adeline. Did you sleep well…?”

“Yes. How about you, did you sleep well? Do you have a headache?”

“Oh, I don’t get hangovers.”

Our dear female lead has become a drunkard…

“I drink often with my husband, too.”

And she’s also a married woman now….

Adeline felt like she was watching the married life of an idol she had adored during her school days. That feeling when a complete stranger, whom you feel like you raised, gets married and has kids.

“Congratulations on your marriage. I’m sorry I couldn’t stop it.”

“What’s that supposed to mean? Which is it?”

Adeline burst into laughter.

Genevieve, who had been watching cautiously, smiled bashfully in response.

Knowing a bit about Genevieve’s upbringing, Adeline hated seeing her being so cautious. No matter how many times Adeline told her that she was the protagonist of this world and didn’t need to worry about others, Genevieve always gauged the other person’s mood before speaking.

“Both are sincere. I know you dislike marriage, Adeline, so I’m sorry, but I’m also glad you’ve returned to Delmuz.”

“I’m also glad to see you again, Genevieve.”

There was no need to mention that seeing Shane again was anything but joyous. Genevieve spoke.

“Please take this, Adeline. It’s a bracelet. I blessed it myself.”

“You didn’t have to….”

Adeline thought of the health bracelets sold at tourist spots as she accepted the bracelet from Genevieve. It was a thin gold thread bracelet.

Its value couldn’t compare to a mere health bracelet… The almost weightless bracelet felt burdensome.

Genevieve lowered her voice and whispered.

“I really don’t want to imagine it, but if something dangerous happens, break this bracelet and call me. I’ll come to save you, no matter what.”

Genevieve was quite solemn.

In the novel, the sole role ‘Adeline’ had was to die to awaken the female lead. The world wanted Adeline dead for that purpose, and even though she didn’t die, she must have fulfilled enough of that role to be let go.

She believed she was released because she had distanced herself from the male lead and female lead, as the villainess couldn’t possibly stay together with them.

It was the inevitable outcome if Adeline wanted to keep on living.

But this had only left Genevieve riddled with guilt.

Had things followed the novel, she would have certainly died, sparing her from witnessing the guilt of those left behind.

“No matter what happens. Even if His Grace is terrifying, please.”

“Okay. Thank you.”

Most of the dangerous situations Genevieve imagined probably involved Shane.

Adeline didn’t say that Shane was originally Genevieve’s—that their positions had changed.

“At least now you’ll have some free time. Until the Winter Founding Festival, that is.”

“That’s right. Several of my expeditions have already been canceled. I’m so excited!”

Genevieve’s face brightened noticeably. Behind her, Adeline could almost see the house elf from a certain movie saying, “Dobby is… free!”

“I’m going to sleep all day! I won’t wake up even if my husband tries to wake me! If he does, I’ll just cry!”

“…….”

Her modest wishes, spoken with such hope, brought tears to Adeline’s eyes.

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