Chapter 40: The Secret He Didn’t Tell

“Ah…!”

“Lady Cecilia!”

“Oh dear.”

As expected, Cecilia, who had run toward me with a startled look, twisted her ankle. With glass shards scattered everywhere, it could have been a dangerous situation if she got hurt. But in this case, there was really nothing to worry about. At least, not when it came to Cecilia. Why, you ask?

“You need to be careful.”

It’s because there are always people beside her with quick reflexes, ready to help. Knights who always save her whenever she’s in trouble.

Hawkins, who rushed up behind Cecilia in a panic, and Evan, who got to her even faster and caught her as she fell.

A moment of silence passed. This was a familiar scene to me.

After such events, there would always be an intense meeting of eyes.

Cecilia, her face flushed in surprise, staring blankly into Evan’s deep eyes, grateful for her rescue. Evan, having caught her, showing a relieved expression. And Hawkins, watching the two of them.

It was always the same arrangement. Ah! I forgot one person. The supporting character, Liana, watching them from the sidelines.

I was genuinely glad Cecilia wasn’t hurt, but seeing that scene left me feeling strangely unsettled.

Once again, I was swallowed up by the feeling of being on the periphery.

“I-I’m sorry.”

After a few seconds, Cecilia blinked and spoke in a faltering voice.

“That could have been really bad.”

His tone was slightly scolding, but it was clear there was worry mixed in.

“Y-yes. Thank you.”

Evan slowly let go of Cecilia’s arm. Hawkins approached, peering at Cecilia’s face with a serious look.

“Are you all right? You aren’t hurt anywhere, are you?”

“Hey, Hawkins. I caught her right away—how could she be hurt?”

Evan let out a dry chuckle.

“…But she was startled.”

“I’m fine. Thank you so much.”

When Cecilia bowed her head, her long, glossy blue hair cascaded over her shoulders. Her face sparkled. In that moment, it seemed as if the sunlight streaming through the infirmary window was shining solely on her.

Another brief silence.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

Cecilia tilted her head, touching her cheek.

“It’s nothing.”

Evan, who had been gazing at her as if entranced, turned away to avoid her eyes—and his gaze met mine. His eyes looked dazed, but when our eyes met, he seemed startled. He tried to keep a composed expression, but I saw his eyebrows twitch.

Yes. After eighteen years as a supporting character, I could read this situation perfectly. I’d watched them so many times—unintentionally observing, even picking up on their little habits.

“Liana, can you stand up?”

“Ah! What happened? Are you all right?”

Cecilia asked kindly, looking around. The wrecked infirmary was hard to describe. Should I just tell the truth? That the Fire Spirit had appeared?

But it was all so sudden. I had no idea how to start explaining.

I didn’t even know all the details myself, and I didn’t want to reveal them anyway… But Evan would probably say it. He was the type who kept no secrets from Cecilia.

“Sir Evan… What on earth happened here?”

Cecilia’s eyes were shimmering with tears.

Ugh. Anyone would end up answering if she looked at them like that!

Evan’s gaze grew somber. He glanced around at the devastated infirmary and sighed in response to Cecilia’s question.

Go on, say it, just say it!

I didn’t even expect you to keep it secret!

I hadn’t done anything wrong, but it still left a bad taste. Unlike before my regression, I now had an ability I never should have had, and I wanted to think it through on my own.

But that was impossible. A supporting character’s life has no room for such luxuries.

Ah, and considering Cecilia’s personality—she loves to share everything… If she hears anything about me, she’ll run straight to the mansion and tell my parents everything.

I blinked.

“Sir Evan?”

Cecilia’s questioning voice urged Evan for an answer.

Wait a second. Spirit Arts? Weren’t spirits a thing of the distant past?

I shivered. If word got out, I’d probably be plagued by wild rumors and the imperial city itself.

“She got flustered and knocked over the vase. It seems Miss Liana is a bit scatterbrained.”

“Huh? Liana?”

No way. At least outside, you’re never flustered!

Cecilia’s eyes seemed to ask just that. I averted my gaze from her and looked at Evan.

Wait, are you really covering for me like this?

Covering up the truth with an image of clumsiness! Well, it’s not a bad deal.

“Liana. Really? You’re not going to tell me?”

It seemed Cecilia was now determined to win me over, as she came to my bedside and gently took my hand, asking again.

I’m so worried about you! So tell me the truth!

Her face said it all. Staring at me with those deep blue eyes—who on earth could lie while looking into them?

“Yeah. Sometimes I get flustered. Ha. Ha.”

Yes, if necessary, I’ll lie.

I forced an awkward laugh, gave Cecilia’s hand a squeeze, and let go.

‘Don’t act.’

Why did Evan’s words come to mind at that moment?

But really, it’s surprising.

I didn’t expect he’d actually keep it a secret for me. Wasn’t he always the guy who told Cecilia everything? Evan, are you really the loyal type?

I glanced at Evan, who stood there relaxed. Our eyes met.

‘Huh? How long have you been looking at me?’

Well, since I had my back to Cecilia, if he wanted to look at her, he’d naturally look my way.

Feeling a little restless, I flicked my forehead.

‘Hey, Evan. We’re not even close, so why are you keeping my secret?’

I stared intently at Evan, and he just shrugged.

Does that mean he won’t reveal it unless I want him to?

“Did you really just knock it over by mistake? You didn’t throw it, did you? I knew it—you’d jump into the action—”

Tap.

‘Ah, cold!’

A drop of water landed on the back of my hand. It was a tear running down Cecilia’s cheek.

No.

“No!”

I didn’t want to be overwhelmed by Cecilia’s tears or this atmosphere. I didn’t want to spend my energy trying to comfort her. I grabbed Cecilia’s hands in both of mine.

Startled by my loud voice, her gentle eyes grew round.

“It’s not that at all. Sir Evan’s right. I was just surprised that I collapsed and panicked. Plus, I hate the smell of flowers!”

I frowned naturally, shaking my head as if the scent had been unbearable.

“Liana! You hate the smell of flowers?”

Cecilia asked with a look of utter shock. Evan and Hawkins also looked at me, puzzled.

Why? What’s so strange about not liking the smell of flowers? If you think everyone in the world loves flowers, that’s a misunderstanding!

—Well, I guess most people would agree, who actually hates flowers?

Of course, I don’t hate them either.

But remembering how every flower I tried to raise ended up dying, I just blurted it out, thinking maybe I should keep my distance from flowers in this life.

“My head hurts.”

I slowly blinked and released Cecilia’s hand, pressing my forehead.

“You were fine just now, weren’t you? Is it a mild headache? Or aftereffects from fainting? I heard you didn’t hit your head.”

Evan looked worried. To most people, his face would seem perfectly calm.

Evan always wore the kindly crown prince’s expression, making it hard to read any other emotion. But since I’d lived as a supporting character and watched him for so long, I could guess what he was really feeling.

Why does he look so serious? At this rate, he’ll call the professor.

“I’m all right. It’s just a mild headache.”

I shook my head quickly.

Remembering his expression brought down my mood again.

That man, who almost never showed his emotions, had once desperately called out for Cecilia.

I never expected their love. I simply needed affection too.

That’s why I always sought affection from Cecilia. She was kind, but it wasn’t just for me. That’s why I was always anxious.

“Liana. You don’t look well. What should we do…”

Cecilia looked between Evan and Hawkins, worried.

“She’s probably still in shock. She’ll be fine after some rest. Lady Cecilia, please don’t worry.”

Hawkins comforted Cecilia with a sympathetic look. His hand reached to pat her shoulder, but then paused.

Hawkins’s hand hovered in the air for a few seconds before quietly lowering again. Evan’s eyebrow twitched at the sight.

“It’s a mess here, so maybe the dorm would be better? Can you move?”

My head really did start to ache.

Before the carriage accident, I’d only focused on Cecilia’s worried face. But now, I just wanted to dwell on my own unsettled feelings.

“Liana. Are you sure you’re all right?”

Evan’s voice pressed for an answer, low and steady.

“I’ll be fine. But I can’t walk alone. I’ll probably need some help.”

Whew. I let out a sigh. Still, my heavy chest wasn’t any lighter.

“Liana, I’ll help you. We’re about the same height, so it should be comfortable.”

“Seriously?”

Evan, looking puzzled by Cecilia’s words, couldn’t suppress a laugh as he asked again. His face said it was ridiculous.

It really was. I was slender, but Cecilia was downright frail. She looked like she’d topple over if you so much as poked her.

And her fair skin only made her seem more delicate. Hawkins also stopped her, saying that was not a good idea.

“If you fall, you could get seriously hurt.”

“No! I’m much stronger than I look! Right, Liana?”

With a face full of determination, Cecilia flexed her arm.

“Looks like it would snap.”

“Liana! How could you say that?”

Cecilia looked hurt.

“Lady Cecilia, you always go out of your way for others.”

…Here we go again.

“Huh? No, it’s not like that. Liana and I are really close friends. We’ve known each other since we were very young… Our friendship is special, you know.”

Cecilia blushed and smiled. Her eyelashes trembled bashfully. Hawkins looked almost excited watching her, while Evan… was watching me. Huh? Why is he looking at me?

“You seem tired.”

“Liana, are you tired?”

Cecilia, who had been looking down bashfully, lifted her head to look at me.

“……”

Yes. I was exhausted.

And it was odd. Evan would never miss a chance to join a conversation between Hawkins and Cecilia, but now he was looking at me.

I raised my head and stared back at him. Evan looked over his shoulder, then turned back.

“What?”

‘What? That’s my line! Why are you staring at me?’

“No…”

I shook my head in confusion.

“Is there something on my face?”

“Hmm? There’s nothing, really.”

Cecilia, with an innocent face, stepped closer to him.

Evan, surprised, stepped back. When Cecilia looked at him questioningly, Evan stared at her for a few seconds as if time had stopped, then shook his head.

“No, I just suddenly have a headache.”

He suddenly furrowed his brow.

“Are you all right? What should we do? Should we call the professor…”

“No, that’s enough.”

“Evan…”

“That’s enough, Cecilia.”