I Became The Male Lead’s Female Friend

 

Dahlia’s first impression was a

‘pretty girl’.

 “I am Dahlia Averine, the only daughter of the Duke of Averine.” 

Their mothers arranged Rudrick’s meeting with Dahlia.

 

At the time, his mother was pregnant and preparing to travel straight to the capital. 

 

The climate in the north was not favorable for pregnant women, and she intended to stay at least until she had recovered after giving birth.

 

His father, being the head of a family, could not leave right away, so he promised to come later, and Rudrick accompanied his mother.

 

Mother was excited all the way to the capital. There were so many things she wanted to do and so many people she wanted to meet.

 

Especially an old friend of hers whom she hadn’t seen in quite some time.

 

‘Perhaps I should introduce you to her, too.’

 

The Duchess of Averine.

 

Rudrick nodded, having heard so much about the Duchess in his life. But he was also a little worried.

 

Given his lack of social skills, he wondered if he could win her heart. She might be one of the few ladies in the Empire, but she was his mother’s best friend, and he didn’t want to be disliked.

 

But his worries were quickly dispelled when he saw a girl.

 “Rudrick?” “What? I, uh, I’m… I’m Rudrick Bouser, and I hope to see you again soon.” 

He stared at the girl in a daze, barely snapping out of it at his mother’s questioning call. 

 

He stammered out a curt greeting and wanted to bite his tongue at the same time.

 

‘Why am I stuttering there.’

 

And why did I even say thank you? The more I thought about it, the more I felt like an idiot, and the more I blushed.

 

As he stared at the ground, unable to look up, he heard a small chuckle from above his head. He looked up in surprise and then froze.

 “I wish you the same, Bouser Confucius.” 

The girl was smiling up at him, and Rudrick couldn’t help but think to himself.

 

‘I’m in trouble.’

 

Whatever happened, I didn’t know, but somehow I had a feeling that things weren’t going to go well with her.

 

But nothing really happened after that.

 

No, not just nothing, but a series of awkwardly uneventful encounters.

 

The girl on his mind, Dahlia Averine, was the epitome of aristocratic behavior. Mild-mannered, polite, cultured— the very definition of a gentle lady of noble birth.

 

The problem was, that Rudrick wasn’t much of an outgoing personality himself. If anything, he was more timid than usual at the moment. 

 

He’d already made a mistake in front of her once before, and he was overly self-conscious.

 

As a result, their conversations were limited to a few words, and they would only spend time together when their mothers met, and then part ways awkwardly.

 

It’s not that they didn’t try, of course.

 “You must like books a lot, because you’re reading every time I see you…” “What? Well, not really… I read my favorite books often.” “What kind of books do you like?” 

Rudrick asked coldly, pleased that the conversation was about to get uncharacteristically long. 

 “Romance,”

she replied.

 “Oh…” “…” 

There was a moment of silence between them. Impatient, Dahlia asked again.

 “What kind of books do you like to read, Confucius?” “I mostly read demon history books…” “Ah… yes…” “…” “…” 

Needless to say, things got more awkward after that.

 

In a way, it was natural. Dahlia and he had grown up in different environments in the first place. 

 

They had very few topics in common, not that their interests overlapped, so there was less to discuss.

 

At first, he was eager to get to know her, but then his enthusiasm waned, and he tried to console himself by saying,

‘At least we’re not any worse than anyone else.’

 

In the end, it was a very small thing that brought them together.

 “Did something bad happen to you?” 

That was when Dahlia suddenly asked him how he was feeling.

 

Rudrick was a little surprised, because he didn’t think he was very observant, but she’d picked up on a mood he’d been trying to hide.

 

‘You’re a perceptive person.’

 

Rudrick scratched his cheek in disbelief at his newfound realization. Then he nodded obediently.

 “Well, actually…” 

It was true that he had been a bit depressed lately.

 

Aside from the situation with Dahlia, his mother had been neglecting him a lot lately.

 

Of course, he knew she didn’t do it on purpose.

 

It was just that she was in the capital for the first time in a long time and her mind was elsewhere. 

 

She needed to catch up with friends, catch up with other acquaintances, and enjoy cultural activities she hadn’t been able to do in a while.

 

And most of all, she had a baby in her belly. With all the time she had left, she was focused on the baby, so it was no wonder she was neglecting him.

 

But she couldn’t help but feel a bit sorry for him.

 

To begin with, his father was strict, and his mother was the only one who showed him affection, but now even she had to look after him…

 

‘I wonder if I’ll be rejected even more when my younger sibling is born.’

 

That thought made him even more depressed, and his mood plummeted.

 “…So I’m not sure if it’s a good thing that I have a sibling, or if it’s a bad thing that my parents are distracted and don’t treat me the way they used to… It’s a bit… frustrating…” 

Rudrick blushed as he spoke.

 

It’s actually not a big deal when thinking about it. He barely talks about it as if it’s a big deal, like he’s upset that his parents don’t pay attention to him.

 

Aside from looking like a child, he was also worried that his jealousy of his not-yet-born sibling would come across as childish.

 

Wouldn’t I make a bad impression by telling her the truth?

 “I think I would, too.” “What?” 

Rudrick glanced at Dahlia, who was looking unusually serious.

 “Actually, I don’t have any siblings, and my parents don’t have any plans, so I might not know how Confucius feels.” “I see.” “Still, I’m embarrassed to say, my parents are very affectionate, sometimes I think it’s too much… but I think I’d be a little sad if their affection ended up elsewhere and wasn’t the same.” “…” “Even though you’ve been loved so much, you’re greedy, aren’t you?” 

Rudrick shook his head urgently. Dahlia spoke calmly.

 “I don’t think it’s a bad thing to want to be loved, and I’m sure the Duchess would understand if you told her the truth.” “Will she?” “Because she’s a nice lady, but if you can’t tell her the truth…” “What?” “You can confide in me.” 

Dahlia gave a faint smile.

 “You know, just talking to someone else can make you feel better.” 

Rudrick looked at her blankly, and then, for the first time in a long time, he smiled, genuinely, broadly.

 “I will.” 

After that, Rudrick slowly began to tell Dahlia about himself.

 

It was nothing more than a recounting of events and his impressions of his new experiences in the capital.

 

Dahlia always listened attentively, and later she began to add a little of her own.

 

Before I knew it, they were talking naturally.

 

Spending time with her was no longer awkward. In fact, I even looked forward to it.

 

What should we talk about today, what funny story should I tell her to make her laugh, should we go for a walk, should we go somewhere scenic, etc.?

 “Does it really never snow in the capital? It’s always mild and sunny, which is strange. What’s it like up north? Well, there are lots of strange creatures, but… Oh, you don’t want to hear about that? Yeah…” “Have you learned to ride, by any chance? There’s a place up in the hills with a nice view, and I’ve heard there’s a place the two of us can go later…” “I felt my mother’s belly and there’s a small movement, isn’t there? The doctor says it’s probably a girl, and I’m going to be a big brother…” “I’m worried because my mother has suddenly become unwell, but I’m glad my father came here quickly…” 

Time passed quickly, and my mother finally gave birth to a baby. 

 

Sure enough, it was a girl.

 “I finally got to see her face, too. She’s so tiny and cute, and it’s funny how she used to twine her fingers in her little hands…” “Really?” “Yes. I still can’t believe I have a little sister, and I hope she likes me… What do you think I should do?” “I don’t think you have to do anything…” “What?” 

Dahlia grinned mischievously at him, seeing his excitement.

 “Well, having such a sweet brother would be nice, that’s all.” 

Suddenly, Rudrick’s face turned bright red.

 “Oh, no, you’re being flattering. I’m not really… not that nice…” “Well, too much modesty is bad, but if you’re still nervous, how about a gift? Wouldn’t your sister like it if it was something you picked out yourself?” “A gift? But I don’t know any good shops in the capital…” “I can recommend some, or do you want me to go with you and pick something together?” “Go, together? Oh…” 

Rudrick barely restrained himself from nodding at once.

 

It wasn’t that he wasn’t tempted, honestly. He was more than eager to go out with her right now and pick out something nice. But I held it back because a thought occurred to me.

 “It’s okay, I appreciate the recommendation, but I’ll go alone.” “Really? That’s too bad, but maybe next time we can go together. There are many places to visit in the capital.” “Yes, next time…” 

Rudrick’s words trailed off with a hint of bitterness, and he smirked before she realized it.

 “Thank you as always. Hehe, it would be nice for you to see my sister soon…” 

After parting ways with Dahlia, Rudrick went straight to the store to buy a present for his sister, of course, but he also had another purpose.

 

A short time later, Rudrick sought her out again.

 “What is it?” 

When she received the gift, Dahlia was surprised. Her eyes sparkled as she peered into the open box, as if she hadn’t expected it.

 “You helped me the other day, and when I was buying my sister’s present, I thought of you, so I bought it for you.  “What… what can I do with that, I didn’t get her anything.” “That’s okay, it’s not that big of a deal.” 

Dahlia shrugged and untied the ribbon on the box, then lifted the lid, her eyes widening at what she saw.

 

On a luxurious cushion lay a bracelet.

 “Oh my goodness.” 

Rudrick said shyly, looking at Dahlia, who let out a muffled exclamation.

 “Do you mind if I put it on for you?” “Sure.” 

Dahlia held out her hand calmly, and Rudrick let out a small laugh and took it. 

 

Slipping the finely jeweled cord around her slender wrist, he slipped it through the loop and spoke.

 “Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve ever thanked you properly before.  “What? I haven’t really done much, but it seems to happen all the time…” “I don’t mean this time, just… when we first met, or when I had a problem, and you listened to me, and I’m always thinking about apologizing, and thanking you, and…” 

Rudrick paused for a moment, then finally spoke up.

 “I’m leaving.” 

Dahlia’s hand twitched, and trembled.

 “No, of course, you can’t stay forever, and whenever you come to the capital, I will come to see you.” “…” “But if I leave this time, I won’t see you for a while… and once I start training my successor in earnest, I’ll be so busy I won’t be able to keep in touch…” “…” “So, my lady.” 

Rudrick said, squeezing her hand.

 “Next time we meet… may I call you by your first name?” 

Dahlia stared at him wordlessly for a moment, then returned his grip, smiling brightly.

 “It’s too late.” 

Rudrick laughed with her. Then he swallowed what he hadn’t said.

 

‘I like you, Dahlia.’

 

A lot, more than he’d ever wanted to admit.

 

So please just wait. When I get a little older, when I’m old enough to come get you myself, I’ll tell you in person.

 

‘I want to tell you…’