Second Female Leads' Playbook

It's been more than a year since I left Arerin. I had been travelling the continent this whole time.

But at the same time, Sebastian seemed to be following me around the continent. I confronted him about that, but he said he was just paying visit to his neighboring countries. All very innocent, nothing suspicious. As for meeting me, it's all just 'coincidence'.

If it's all coincidence, then why did he bring me a gift every single time he met me? The gifts were still the small pieces of jewelry that looked like a part of something bigger. A trinket with a mirror on the night of the Night Market, another piece embedded with stones that have the same shade of pink as the peach blossoms I had been viewing in Cregan. Under the trees with glowing red leaves, he had given me a piece with a huge ruby...

Now that I thought of it, I feel like I am travelling around the continent with Sebastian, but not by myself. In every single famous attraction site in every country, it's filled with memories of Sebastian and I.

I gave up confronting him when I met him frequent enough. Once I finally asked him if Arerin was alright with a King that went missing every few weeks. He shrugged in reply, as if I was asking a stupid question. Maybe our country was falling to parts because of a lazy King.

As for the pieces of jewelries he kept giving me, I tried ȧssembling it, but it's very apparent something is missing. I guess the final product will form something circular. But what? A necklace?

"Liana. Found anything interesting yet?" Sebastian walked towards me and placed his coat on my shoulder.

"And I was wondering when you would show up. Here you are!" I gave him a teasing smile.

After so many encounters, we now interacted like friends. Sort of.

Today was the start of Astria Festival on Coral Cliff. During these few days, the stars sparkled brighter and shooting stars might also be seen if you're lucky enough. Furthermore, if you're extremely lucky, you might catch a glimpse of mermaids.

Legends had it that mermaids from all over the world returned to the capital of their Kingdom during this week each year. The capital of their Kingdom was incidentally near Coral Cliff. The stars shone brighter because of their magic.

I didn't know how many people believed in that legend, but that was enough to attract people. As proven by the whole island being packed with tourists.

"You have a lovely villa, your majesty. The private beach and the building itself."

"It's yours, not mine."

"Sebastian, you know you don't have to compensate me. Breaking off the engagement is what I want. You have compensated me enough. You gave me back a life and another chance to find what I want."

I was thankful enough. I died, but Sebastian gave me my life back by reversing time. He let me go to let me see the world. I was thankful.

"Liana, are you happy now?"

"What do you think?" With a small smile, I closed my eyes to enjoy the cool breeze.

"You were not happy then."

I opened my eyes and turned my head to look at him. Sebastian was staring into the sea, deep in thoughts.

"No, I was not."

"You hate me."

I looked down and tugged at the sleeves of my dress.

"Maybe I did, but not now. It's hard harboring hate."

"Hate comes from love." He said after a while, "Am I so disappointing?"

I continued tugging at my sleeves and refused to look at him. I believed I had put down everything, hatred, feelings... but had I really put down everything? Then why was my heart still aching? Why were tears still threatening to spill out? Why did I feel bittersweet whenever I thought back to my days as Queen? Why did my heart skip a beat whenever Sebastian did something touching? Why was I feeling a bit disappointed whenever he did not show up during my journey?

"I... You... you betrayed me. Why did you never ever tell me anything? I trusted you unconditionally, time after time. But what did you repay me with?"

Tears were threatening to spill.

"Lord Bentley's power allowed him to spy from afar." He lifted his hand and started to gently wipe tears away from my face.

When had I started crying?

Did he think that explanation alone could erase every single betrayal? But why was my resolve already weakening?

"Liana."

I looked up. His eyes were the color of ice blue. But at that moment, the shards of ice seemed to melt a bit. His emotions were no longer guarded behind a wall of ice. Guilt and sorrow could be seen.

"Liana, I am sorry. I am sorry for not being able to protect you. I am sorry for abandoning you in your room by yourself. I know you were unhappy and alone, but I did not rescue you. It's all my fault. I thought I could solve everything before it's too late. I thought I still... I still had the time to cheer you up and stay by your side after everything was resolved. I am so sorry, Liana. Forgive me." He was hugging me. His head on my shoulder. He hugged me tighter and tighter with every apology he uttered.

I snuggled closer. In the end, I still yearned for his warmth. Even though the warmth I was yearning for came a life time too late.

And the stars were shining brightly above our head.