The Male Leads Were Stolen By The Extra [EN]: Chapter 109

<109>

As I was about to enter the dining room, I saw my father already seated at the table.

“……”

Celonia stopped walking, almost imperceptibly.

A novel sensation washed over her, a burgeoning suspicion that made her acutely aware of her father’s presence. Tension coiled within her, and her palms grew slick with sweat.

“Selly.”

The gentle cadence of her name broke the silence as she stood frozen in the dining room doorway.

Slowly, Celonia lifted her gaze, her eyes meeting his directly.

She saw her father seated at the head of the table, his head turned towards her.

“You’re here. Come, sit. We have your favorite veal dish today.”

His eyes, the familiar blue she knew so well, softened with warmth.

The moment Celonia saw that smile, a lump formed in her throat.

It was the same affectionate smile he always gave her, a smile that spoke of unwavering care for his daughter.

But could this same father be Grace’s patron? Could he be another victim ensnared in Grace’s web of schemes?

Her mind and heart warred within her, but she couldn’t remain rooted to the spot. She walked past her father and settled into the chair across from him.

Her father was dressed in an outdoor suit, suggesting he planned to leave as soon as the meal concluded.

Almost immediately, the chef, who had been waiting discreetly, entered with the steaming dishes, transforming the table into a lavish spread.

Celonia, her expression slightly vacant, mechanically cut into the perfectly cooked veal, her thoughts far away.

Had Grace manipulated her father, employing the same tactics she used on the male leads?

If so, when and why? Was it purely for financial gain?

She couldn’t be sure. But if her father had indeed fallen prey to Grace’s machinations, something felt amiss.

It was the difference in their behavior.

MacRian and Reyev, clearly enthralled by Grace, obeyed her blindly.

Like mindless bulls, they charged forward, oblivious to everything else, even her own presence.

Gillian, of course, feigned compliance with her requests, but he secretly worked for Grace, a duplicitous betrayal.

‘But it’s still unclear whether Gillian was tricked or willingly betrayed me.’

When she apprehended Gillian, he hadn’t used healing magic.

This was to prevent Grace from discovering his ability to remove black magic with healing magic. It was obvious that Grace would contact Gillian in prison, and he would tell her everything.

So, with the exception of Gillian, MacRian, Reyev, and even Emily, who was inadvertently affected, couldn’t conceal their infatuation with Grace, displaying it openly.

But her father was different. He had always been her staunch supporter. There had never been a moment when he wasn’t.

Was this a different, more subtle form of black magic? Or was her father…

“Selly, if the veal isn’t to your liking, I’ll have them prepare something else.”

“Ah… No. I was just waking up.”

Celonia touched the back of her neck, snapping herself back to reality. Her father had been observing her as she drifted into her thoughts.

“You need to eat well to stay healthy. How have you been feeling lately?”

“I’m fine. I’m healthy.”

“Still, don’t skip meals.”

“Yes, I will.”

It was the same as always, a familiar, comforting exchange between father and daughter. But Celonia’s heart remained heavy with unease.

Should she directly inquire about the bill?

If he was under a spell, he wouldn’t answer truthfully, even if she asked. She had to take preliminary steps first.

“Father, how have you been feeling lately?”

“Hahaha. Are you worried about me? You are a thoughtful daughter. But don’t fret about your father. I always take good care of myself.”

“Are you feeling weak at all? My healing magic can also help restore energy. I could check you before you leave.”

Celonia spoke casually, maintaining her usual tone and expression, as her father chuckled warmly.

“Oh, dear. Should a father rely on his daughter? I appreciate the sentiment, but I’m perfectly fine. I’m healthy, without any aches or pains.”

“Father, still, just once…!”

“Selly, always take care of yourself. The same applies to your abilities. It’s an ability that shouldn’t be used indiscriminately on just anyone. It’s your ability, but wasn’t it a gift from your mother?”

“……”

“Don’t waste it on trivial matters. You must always use it carefully and preciously. Do you understand what your father means?”

Celonia couldn’t press the issue further, not with her father’s stern expression.

Given his firm stance, it was clear he would refuse healing magic unless he was on the verge of collapse.

For now, holy water was the best course of action.

She needed to instruct Reyev to acquire it as soon as possible.

“Yes, I will.”

“By the way, Selly, I heard you went out early this morning. Are you not getting enough sleep?”

Galloway slowly placed his fork down and turned his head, his eyes suddenly sharp and piercing.

The two locked eyes.

Did he know? Celonia swallowed hard, her throat suddenly dry.

“A knight saw you returning early in the morning. Did you go far?”

“No. I woke up in the middle of the night and couldn’t fall back asleep, so I took a walk in the garden in front of the house and came back.”

The lie slipped out before she could stop it. Since nothing was certain, there was no need to reveal her knowledge of the bill.

Moreover, her father’s probing gaze felt like an attempt to decipher her inner thoughts, making her even more cautious.

“Is that so? I should get you a prescription for some medicine to help you sleep soundly.”

“Thank you for your concern.”

“I have to be concerned. This father always thinks only of his daughter’s well-being and health.”

Galloway’s affectionate smile was directed at Celonia.

She forced a smile in return.

“Your Grace, it’s time to depart.”

At that moment, Raymond entered the dining room and addressed her father.

“We’re opening the temporary building tomorrow, so I anticipate being very busy today. I might be late, so go to bed first. I’ll have some good sleeping medicine prepared this afternoon, so be sure to take it.”

“Yes. Thank you, Father.”

Galloway smiled and patted Celonia’s shoulder twice affectionately before leaving the dining room with Raymond.

“……”

The corners of Celonia’s lips slowly drooped as she was left alone.

Before her, the untouched, finely sliced steak sat forlornly on the plate.

* * *

“Celonia.”

“……”

“Celonia.”

“Yes, yes?”

Celonia, who had been staring blankly out the carriage window, startled and turned her head.

“What’s wrong? You look so pale.”

Tan asked, scrutinizing Celonia, who had been acting strangely for a while.

“Tan, ah……”

Celonia yearned to confide in Tan about her father, but she suppressed the urge.

She didn’t want to cause unnecessary alarm by sharing her suspicions prematurely.

Tan would undoubtedly rush to her aid, but if it turned out to be a misunderstanding, she wouldn’t be able to face her father.

Celonia was currently en route to Erzel Jewelers with Tan.

She needed to compare the amount on the bill with the price of that limited-edition necklace from the jewelry store. If the figures matched, she would be one step closer to uncovering the truth.

“You can tell me if something’s wrong. What is it?”

“It’s nothing like that. I just didn’t sleep well, so I’m a little out of it.”

Celonia forced a natural smile and took Tan’s hand.

“Are you sick again? Do you feel like you’re going to collapse?”

Tan reached out with a worried expression and touched Celonia’s cheek. Fortunately, she didn’t have a fever, but he remained vigilant.

“I’m too healthy, if anything. By the way, how are you? I thought you were getting better, but lately, your pain seems to be getting worse……”

Celonia was more concerned about Tan. Compared to when they first met, the frequency and intensity of Tan’s pain had noticeably decreased.

He used to suffer, drenched in sweat, but he hadn’t experienced such episodes lately.

She felt a sense of relief that the wound, which always evoked guilt within her, seemed to be healing. However, recently, the pain had been gradually intensifying again, causing him to sweat and suffer anew.

“That’s not possible.”

Tan chuckled as he looked at Celonia, who was attempting to change the subject. It seemed like something was troubling her, but if she wasn’t ill, that was a relief.

He wouldn’t allow her to suffer as she had before.

He lowered his head towards Celonia, who seemed to suspect something but didn’t quite grasp the full picture.

Thump. Their foreheads gently touched.

“Didn’t I tell you? Don’t worry about anything. You won’t have to be in pain anymore.”

“Don’t worry about me and take care of yourself. Since we’re out, I should buy some medicinal herbs that are good for your body.”

“You’re so stubborn.”

Tan’s beautifully curved lips, turned up in a pleasant smile, slowly approached Celonia’s lips.

“Hehehe…….”

At that moment, Celonia was startled by the awkward laughter emanating from the front of the carriage and gently pushed Tan’s face away.

“I’m sorry……”

Ella scratched the back of her head, a guilty expression on her face. She had wanted to pretend she hadn’t seen anything, but she knew her lady would want to disappear after realizing she had been caught.

“No, I’m the one who’s sorry.”

Celonia, who had been swept away by the romantic atmosphere and had temporarily forgotten about Ella and the bill, regained her composure.

However, Tan remained displeased, glaring menacingly at Ella until they arrived.

Shortly after, the carriage reached Montera and came to a halt, and the three of them entered the southern street.

“This is the place.”

“……Of all days.”

Celonia stared at Erzel Jewelers, where they had arrived, with a dismayed expression.

Of all days, it had to be closed today…

Did she have to wait until tomorrow? She felt a surge of frustration. She desperately wanted to confirm her suspicions.

It was then.

A very familiar voice began to reach her ears.

“Do we really have to go this far?”

“Didn’t you shower her with gifts when you were under her spell?”

“Are you bringing that up now! That was then, and this is now! Just looking at her makes me sick, so why would I give her gifts!”

“If you don’t show your face for too long, she’ll become suspicious.”

MacRian and Reyev were walking down Boutique Street, engaged in a heated argument.

Listening to their conversation, it seemed they were planning to buy gifts and visit Grace at the Bennett residence.

‘Wait a minute……’

Bennett Manor. The suspiciously rumored basement. And Grace, the origin of all her troubles.

“Tan, you transformed that rock into a griffin back then.”

“Yes.”

Tan stared at Celonia, who had asked the sudden question, and answered.

“Can you do that to people too?”

Celonia, who had already turned to face Tan, asked with a gleam in her eyes.

“No problem.”

“That’s great.”

She smiled and strode forward, emboldened by his answer.

“I won’t feel relieved until I crush that woman and reclaim my heart. Damn it……!”

“MacRian.”

The place she stopped was in front of Mac and Reyev.

“Lady Celonia.”

“Selly!”

Reyev and MacRian smiled brightly upon seeing Celonia.

But MacRian’s expression quickly soured again because Tan was standing beside her.

“You’re always together.”

MacRian grumbled in dissatisfaction. Why was she always with that suspicious guy?

“You’re going to Grace, right?”

“Yes. You said we shouldn’t get caught yet.”

“I have to go too.”

Celonia’s eyes shone with a newfound determination. All the answers must be there.

But later, she would wonder: What if I hadn’t gone there then? Would anything have changed? [Foreshadowing]