I Decided to Kidnap the Male Lead

Chapter 17: A Good Friend (II)

I think its because of me.

She said shes recuperating because she is not feeling well and theres a risk of infection.

It could be. But

Ophelia brought up what had happened.

She let out a long sigh as she even talked about how cold Iris got after the hunting competition.

I know Im a parachute.

Parachute?

Ah, um. So this is what the countryside grandfather told me. A person whose abilities and personality have not been verified suddenly becomes a member of the organization without any notice under the protection of a superior in the organization.

Why do you call that a parachute?

That grandfather is always looking for something new.

Its not a lie. Because she hadnt decided whether her grandfather was Archimedes or an unknown person who first coined the term parachute.

Anyway, the terminology isnt important, I know Im that kind of person. Because I hung around Your Highness and became an aide overnight.

It didnt happen overnight.

Infinite regression is a time that only exists between Your Majesty and I. In other peoples view, its at the level of appearing when they close their eyes.

Didnt I approve?

Of course. But, um Still, something is different. Anyway, I understand that she hates me. I know very well that not everyone can like me. Especially if theyre in the same position as Iris. Yes. I understand. However!

Ophelia exclaimed, taking in a deep breath and exhaling.

Isnt it too much that she doesnt want to talk to me so much that she doesnt even go to work! Of course, all the conversations weve had so far have been work-related, but now it means she doesnt even like that!

The long story of Ophelias trouble ended, but Richards reaction was bland enough to make it seem funny that she had been thinking and agonizing for several days.

Well.

Does she hate it so much? I must have been the only one who misunderstood that we have developed a sense of camaraderie after being together almost all day for a few days.

Ophelia seemed to have lost her strength, now looking despondent

Then, Richard asked, tapping his chin.

Do you really need to like Iris or build camaraderie with her?

It its not like that.

If it really bothers you, you can repeat the regression and redefine your relationship with Iris until you are satisfied with it.

That is also true.

Then there will be no problem.

It was a voice drier than a desert that had not rained in years.

His eyes, which seemed to have transferred the afternoon sun, were also dry.

Yes. Only Richard and Ophelia were trapped in this cursed bondage of infinite regression.

So, as he said, she could repeat the regression until her relationship with Iris improves, making all of the existing issues go away.

The countless pasts, such as relationships and conversations that other people could not remember, would remain as memories for only him and her.

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The insides of her mouth were sore as if she had chewed a bull.

Because she could understand why Richard treated his relationships with other people so ruthlessly.

He didnt regress once or twice.

Those were regressions that were not even of his own will.

He must have tried to escape.

And it must have failed. More than he could count.

Infinite regressions that he could never escape despite the far-reaching amount of time and challenge.

There was nothing he could do in that bridle of unknown reason and purpose.

In the end, everything in the world, even his own life, became meaningless to him.

Therefore, his indifference was closer to the end of resignation and despair than exhaustion.

Its said that the world was as much as one knew, but he didnt want to see the immeasurable frustration of a person who knew this and fell into the same quagmire.

However

Ophelia wanted to live. She wanted to break free from the cycle of infinite regression.

Yet I dont want to give up.

Ophelia exhaled slowly, licking her dry lower lip.

In her blue eyes, a bright spark flashed, like the day when she grabbed Richard by the collar to survive together.

Im not going to worry about what I cant do. Ill do what I can.

Do what you can.

Richard repeated her words.

It was a very fundamental, irrefutable and beautiful mindset.

Plus, it was the words that came out of her mouth, who knew everything about him.

Thats arrogant.

Yes. You have to have confidence in this trash-like reality.

Should he say that it was Ophelias characteristic not to put hope in her mouth while talking about things like this?

Despite sharing the same experience and regressing countless times, Ophelia had not given up on anything yet.

How long can you say that?

Its not that youre curious, its that youre cursing.

As Ophelia grumbled, Richard smiled slightly and got up.

No, I want to see how far you can go.

Truly, it was.

The only exception that appeared in his endless life.

He didnt expect it.

No, he didnt want to look forward to anything.

Since the beginning of infinite regression, hope meant despair to him.

Still, looking at Ophelia

Didnt you ask me to live together?

Yes.

You held me by the neck.

Forget that part.

Its the first time.

A voice deeper than a well that resounded softly.

From a distance so close that their noses could brush against each other, Richard looked into Ophelias eyes.

Because you were the first.

Its something unforgettable. The afterwords that had been swallowed permeated her ears.

A very brief moment in the blink of an eye.

An even smaller bud sprouted from the tiny seed that had been tucked away in the depths of Ophelias heart without her own knowledge.

But its still too small to realize that its there.

Ophelia, staring back intently, not avoiding Richards eyes, opened her mouth with a deep groove between her forehead.

What did the people around you do, not even grabbing your collar once?

Well.

Its a little difficult to complain to Your Highness.

In the first place, wasnt it difficult to express dissatisfaction with him?

For most people, it would be impossible.

Even if it was contrary to the opinion of the crown prince, it was a servants duty to say the right thing, but who is Richard?

He is not just a prince, but the protagonist of this world.

In short, its a world where what Richard does is the right thing to do.

Well then, its the first and the last.

As Ophelia shrugged, Richard took a step back, pulling his collar lightly.

The last?

Excuse me? Do you want me to hold it one more time?

Richard glanced at Ophelia, who was seemingly eager for the opportunity, and lightly flicked her forehead.

You seem to have a lot of dissatisfaction.

Yes, well I keep dying like that and Im falling apart

So what are you going to do now?

Richard mercilessly cut off Ophelias words, burying it.

It was obvious that he was changing the subject, but Ophelia also decided to move on.

Because there was no need to waste time with questions that do not have an answer now.

Opportunities abound.

With infinite regression, one could do anything

Now Im going to do what Assistant Cooper told me to do.

Cooper?

For a moment, Richards eyebrows furrowed, but Ophelia couldnt see it because she turned around.

Yes. I will be friends with Iris!

Ophelia shouted vigorously, raising her hands and clenching her fists, but then she shyly lowered her hand and scratched her cheek.

Its too much to be buddies, but lets try to build a little friendship.

Friendship?

Were not friends yet. Anyway, Iris is said to be a generous giver with close friends.

Thats new.

Youve been together for a long time, yet its a new fact.

When Ophelias face became like a pufferfish again, Richard smirked.

Because Iris always gave generously.

Ah

I guess so.

Thats the extent of being Richards aide.

If it wasnt for the level of loyalty sworn to him that was the same as a god, Iris would never be by his side.

In that respect, it was very far from Ophelia.

Your Highness, please know that even though I am infinitely lacking in loyalty, I am full of camaraderie that is second to none.

Ophelia pushed her chest out and pounded it hard, as if asking him to trust her.

Richard readily agreed to her words, where even false crumbs could not be found.

Yes. Who else could be by my side without loyalty if it wasnt for you?

Perhaps because of the mood, Ophelia smiled playfully, her voice mixing with laughter as she replied.

Even if I have no loyalty, I have love.

Immediately there was silence between the two.

Ophelia blinked. At this point, he should have responded with I dont need your love.

Ah, I forgot for a moment that its a fictional world again.

Im ruined!

She added hastily before this awkward, maddening silence could get any longer.

Im kidding! Its a joke. I know very well that you dont need my love. Mhm. You know that my love is only as a comrade, right? There are many types of love. It can be said that theres love between family members or between friends!

The more Ophelia talked, the worse she felt, but she couldnt just keep her mouth shut.

Thats what Im saying uh. Uhh?

IMPORTANT NOTE!! So far, Ive put the female head of the Neir family as Marquis, but after discussing with other bluebells staff, we decided Marchioness would still be better. Going forward, thats what it will be! Changes have already been made to previous chapters

Ame: A slightly less important but still quite important note this is 1/3 of extra updates! Come back tomorrow and the day after!