I Became The Male Lead’s Female Friend

 

News of the recovery of Hessen’s youngest princess spread rapidly.

 

‘Every merchant with an eye on business must have had their eyes on the King of Hessen.’

 

Add to that the fact that a few days earlier, the King had locked the doors of his palace as if he had given up on everything.

 

There was a lot of talk about this.

 

From positive reactions that the King of Hessen’s efforts had finally paid off, to conspiracy theories that the King had dabbled in black magic, or that the Princess had died, and a replacement had been set up.

 

But that was only for the public who didn’t know the details. Those in the loop already knew most of it.

 

Averine had a hand in it. 

 

‘It’s been a while since I’ve been in the spotlight like this.’

 

I swallowed dryly, noting the stares I’d gotten upon entering the party.

 

Sure enough, the king had brought us here in secret, and the rumors had spread like wildfire not long after I left the palace.

 

The rumors of ‘Averine and the King’s secret alliance’.

 

‘Perhaps it’s because I entered the palace and met the King himself for the first time in a long time, but…’

 

Actually, the rumor itself didn’t do me any harm. The rumor was good for me because it naturally took the form of Averine’s business venture.

 

Soon enough, the rumor became a foregone conclusion when the King announced the Princess’s recovery, so I was now the center of attention at the party.

 

It wasn’t exactly a burden, but it wasn’t the first time this had happened to me, so I picked up the wine nonchalantly.

 “This is why being popular is exhausting.” “It’s a skill to be in the spotlight and not mind it, huh?” 

Jeron, who was escorting me from the side, said wearily. Hestia, who was accompanying us, nodded vigorously.

 “Really, my legs are wobbling right now… but am I allowed to be here?” 

Hestia hadn’t even intended to attend the banquet until this morning.

 

But her presence here, in her uncomfortable dress, was purely at the behest of the King.

 

Like me, she was a benefactor, and it was all to her credit that the Princess had recovered so well, especially after her awakening.

 

I patted her shoulder proudly and said, “Of course you did. If not you, then who else here? You actually saved the princess’s life.”

 “But I was only doing what you asked me to do.” “No matter what I told you to do, we wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for Hes’s abilities. Straighten up. Hestia Eustace is my healer, and I’m as proud of her as anyone.” “Lady…!” “Well played.” 

Jeron clicked his tongue slightly as he looked at us, our hands clasped together in a steamy friendship.

 

But I was quite sincere. I’d heard somewhere before that the King of Hessen was trying to get Hestia hired as a royal healer.

 

‘It’s a good thing I have a lot of money.’

 

Thank goodness, Hestia also prioritizes money over honor.

 

Perhaps we are a match made in heaven, I thought to myself as I secretly wiped the sweat from my brow.

 

From behind me, I heard an unfamiliar voice.

 “Princess Averine?” 

I naturally glanced back.  Jeron’s face, which had turned with mine, twisted in an instant.

 

A strange man stood there.

 

The man was quite handsome. His shoulder-length silver hair and closely set brows gave him a delicate, gentle appearance.

 

His eyes were round and green, and somehow they sparkled.

 

‘Mmm, not bad.’

 

I thought to myself, even with my eyes raised to the heavens by Rudrick’s appearance by standards.

 

But contrary to my nonchalant glance at him, Jeron was frowning.

 

Before I could ask what was wrong, Jeron’s low voice spoke up.

 “Yurian Rebeauvel.” “Yurian? 

I repeated Jeron’s words in disbelief, then realized.

 

‘Rebeauvel’s youngest son.’

 

Jeron’s former boss, the man who had fought me for the rights to Beloa’s business, was standing in front of me.

 

Realizing this, I felt awkward. According to Jeron’s words, he had worked very hard to win the business, and I had suddenly appeared one day and taken it away from him.

 

But none of that mattered, he says, as he bows to the dog with an endearing smile.

 “It is an honor to meet you, my lady. I am Yurian Rebeauvel, third son of Rebeauvel.” “Pleased to meet you, Lord Rebeauvel. I’m Dahlia Averine, the only daughter of Duke Averine.” “Please don’t be so formal and call me Yuri.” 

His eyes fluttered amiably, and I could feel it instinctively.

 

‘He’s no average player.’

 

Come to think of it, Jeron had once told me that Rebeauvel’s youngest son was a formidable flirt.

 

Although I would normally have been mesmerized by the look on his face, I was sufficiently immune to the beautiful young man that I took the comment in stride.

 “I see, but what do you want with me?” 

His eyebrows lifted for a moment at my thorny demeanor, but he quickly straightened up and replied.

 “Well, congratulations. I hear you’ve done something big this time. That you’ve won the King’s heart in an instant.” “I don’t know what you’re talking about, I haven’t done much of anything.” “I heard that a genius healer by trade in Beloa cured a disease that no one else could in a single breath…” “Oh, you mean the Princess’s safe recovery? Of course, I think that’s something to celebrate.” 

He let out a small chuckle as he watched me continue to be clueless.

 “Haha, isn’t it all going to be revealed soon anyway, like the fact that the healer is from Averine’s side, why the princess was secretly visiting the palace, and who will be in charge of the business?” “…” “Well, it’s not like I’m trying to take over the business.” 

With that, I glanced at him closely and squinted.

 “It’s just pure admiration. Finding a cure for a rare disease is one thing, but to go to that stubborn King and convince him to allow you to do it.” “…” “You accomplish with ease what I struggle to do, even with the best of intentions, so I was curious to see what you were like, and I apologize if I offended you.” 

Glaring at him as he bowed politely, I blurted out.

 “I didn’t accomplish anything so easily.” “What?” “It’s not that I’m great or that I’ve done anything special, I just…” 

Pausing, I took a breath.

 “I just happened to know a piece of information that no one else did.” “A piece of information?”