The Male Leads Were Stolen By The Extra [EN]: Chapter 60

Tan sat in the main reception room of Duke Galloway’s mansion, having been summoned by the Duke.

“I called you because I understand you’re knowledgeable about the slums. I have a charity project I want to promote.”

Tan barely registered the Duke’s words. Being there reminded him of his first real encounter with Celonia.

Her eyes wide with surprise as she rushed into the reception room in her pajamas to see him.

That image remained vivid, and Tan unconsciously smiled.

That was when his curiosity had been piqued.

He’d wondered what her clear blue eyes were hiding, wanting to delve into her thoughts.

“Sir.”

“Yes.”

“The makeshift buildings in the slums are in danger of collapsing, potentially causing significant loss of life. We’re seeking a site to provide concrete housing, and I hope you’ll assist us.”

Galloway explained the project generally, with a warm smile.

Tan didn’t focus on the words; he stared intently into Galloway’s eyes.

Celonia and Galloway’s eyes were similar.

But despite the similar shape and color, the feeling was completely different.

Celonia’s eyes drew you in, making you lose track of time, while Galloway’s eyes felt… strange.

His kind smile held a warm light, but behind it, there was always something cold.

“It will take time to get approval from His Majesty the Emperor, but I’ll use my influence. Once the relocation plan is certain, I hope you’ll step forward.”

“How would you like me to step forward?”

“Even if it’s for their benefit, they may be hesitant at first. Your involvement would reassure them. You’re a hero and a ‘beast of the night’ [a respected figure] to them, aren’t you?”

Galloway meant to use Tan’s reputation to ensure the charity project’s smooth progress.

It wasn’t particularly difficult, nor harmful to the slum dwellers, so Tan nodded.

He knew better than anyone when those ramshackle houses might collapse.

“Hahaha. Thank you. By the way, it’s been almost three weeks since you’ve stayed at the mansion. Have you recovered any memories during that time?”

“Not really.”

“Oh dear. Would you like me to introduce you to a doctor I trust?”

Galloway offered, looking sympathetic.

“It’s okay.”

Tan refused.

He truly didn’t care about his past memories anymore.

It was amazing, because he had been desperate to regain them and discover his identity.

It was amazing how one person could completely change his life goals.

“I’ll be going then.”

“Alright. Go ahead.”

Tan left the reception room, unconcerned by the Duke’s offer.

A pleasant smile graced his lips. Tan was headed for Celonia.

* * *

Celonia was at the Empire’s largest central library.

She was trying to discover what Grace had fed the male leads before tonight’s operation.

She had already donned a robe and toured the Montera Magic District.

She’d asked about magical tools or potions that could enchant minds, but everyone denied their existence.

‘Then what did Grace do?’

She had come to the library to find out.

Before leaving, Celonia had cut one of the pound cakes she’d brought yesterday in half and analyzed it.

She dug out the inside, crushing it and examining each piece, but it was just a plain pound cake, and she found nothing strange.

But the stench from the cake remained. Ella still said it smelled savory.

‘Strange.’

There were many strange things, but to summarize her findings:

First, Grace likely used some trick involving food to capture the male leads’ hearts.

Second, her healing abilities could counteract the trick.

Third, the food used to cast the spell stank. Only Tan and she seemed to smell it.

“But why?”

Why could only Tan and she smell it? Why did Grace go so far as to forcibly capture the male leads’ hearts?

And why choose the original male leads?

What was the purpose?

Just a desire for attention?

“Haa…”

Celonia sighed, plopping down on a large sofa in the central hall, her mind racing.

She had searched through magic books, but as expected, no such magic existed.

“But, Miss, did something happen with Tan?”

“What? What! What happened!”

Celonia jumped, startled by Ella’s question.

“Yes? No, I just thought you haven’t made eye contact with him even once today…”

Ella, flustered by Celonia’s fierce reaction, trailed off.

“No. Nothing happened.”

Embarrassed by her overreaction, Celonia scratched her cheek and sat back down.

However, the night’s events flashed in her mind, and her neck flushed.

‘Am I crazy?’

Why kiss someone’s hand?

She was so surprised she couldn’t get angry or ask what it meant. He’d simply smiled and said, ‘Sleep well,’ before disappearing.

Then, in the morning, he acted as if nothing had happened, smiling refreshingly.

As if she was the only one who had a sleepless night because of that sudden, shocking contact.

What was that, really?

Celonia glared at Tan in the distance.

He leaned languidly against a pillar at the library entrance, arms crossed.

He stood there as if he owned the world, drawing glances from everyone passing by.

“Look at that, look at that.”

She clicked her tongue, displeased, and turned away.

He must enjoy the attention.

“Oh, he’s looking over here.”

Ella, sitting beside her, muttered.

Celonia, leaning against the sofa, glanced up.

“…”

Celonia froze.

The white sunlight streamed through the library’s glass ceiling, bathing Tan in light.

He shone brightly, as if he had absorbed all the light, his hair sparkling like black crystal.

The fierce expression was gone, replaced by a charming face. He was smiling at her, a sincere and affectionate smile that made Celonia’s throat tickle.