Tale 7
The Supposed Male Lead

My name is Indigo Crimson.

I’m the heir of the Dukedom of the Northern Lands.

My parents died when I was seven years old.

And it was my fault.

Because I was born with massive amount of fire mana, I couldn’t fully control my magic.

A fire broke out on our home, and my parents died.

Everyone called me a monster for killing my own parents.

And I agree.

It’s my fault.

I’m a monster.

“How could she be like that?” Titus whined one night

Here we go again.

It’s already been a year since school started, and Titus, the Crown Prince and my only friend,  started to become obsessed with a girl.

“Why do you even care?” I asked

“How can I not care? She’s been ignoring me for a year! Even when I try to talk to her, she always ran away!” he complained

“And that’s a problem because?”

“Because—”

He suddenly froze.

As if a sudden realization dawned on him.

“Because?” I kept asking

“.......nevermind.”

This idiot must have finally realized it.

He likes the girl.

It’s already been a year. How slow can he be?

Speaking of which, I think it’s already been a year since she started to ignore me too.

I guess that’s a good thing.

It was really annoying when she keeps on pestering me just because she’s my fiancée.

She suddenly changed after we entered the academy.

Well, I don’t care.

And I shouldn’t.

***

“You will officially become a Duke once you come of age, right?” Titus

I simply nod.

“That means you will get married too.” Titus

“Not necessarily. As long as Lady Larkin remained my fiancée, I can inherit the dukedom even if we don’t get married immediately.”

“Don’t you like her?” Titus asked

“I don’t hate her. But I don’t like her either.” I answered honestly

“Are you sure you have a burning heart? Not a frozen one?” Titus asked curiously

“Stop talking like an idiot.”

“Who are you calling an idiot? I’m still the Crown Prin—huh? Isn’t that Primrose Grace? Why is she with your fiancée?” Titus

“Can’t they be friends? Just let them be.” I said to shut him up

“Are you insane? My Prim—Ehem.. I mean, Primrose Grace is not someone who will be friends with  Savannah Larkin.” Titus

He was about to say “My Primrose” didn’t he? Well, I’ll just pretend I didn’t noticed.

“So what are you suggesting?”

“We should follow them.” Titus

“Pass. Goodluck.” I said before I turned my back to go back to our dorm

“No, you’re coming with me.” Titus then dragged me by my collar.

“......”

We found the odd pair of Primrose Grace and Savannah Larkin at the school garden, away from the crowd.

Is Savannah bullying her?

Maybe this is a not so good idea.

Knowing Titus’ temper, Savannah Larkin will get in trouble.

But contrary to expectation, the two girls were calmly talking.

“I don’t think I can do this. I know you’ll hate it, but please help me.” Savannah said

“The only help I can give you is me staying away from all of you.” Primrose

“What are they talking about?” Titus whispered to me

I also don’t know.

And isn’t it rude to eavesdrop on someone’s conversation?

“Please take away Indigo Crimson. The two of you are meant to be together anyways.” Savannah

“........” -me

What is she talking about?

And for some reason, it’s annoying that she’s giving me away.

“Meant to be? What is that girl talking about?” Titus asked in annoyance

“No thanks.” Primrose answered

“Please don’t be so lazy. You’re the heroine— Wait! Who’s there?” Savannah

They suddenly stopped talking when they noticed our presence.

Titus and I looked at each other.

We got busted.

“It’s just us. What are you two talking about?” Titus confidently walked towards the light and he curiously asked Savannah. It definitely bothered him when Savannah said that Primrose Grace and I are meant to be.

“N-nothing.” Savannah

“It’s rude to eavesdropped on someone else’s conversation.” Primrose said coldly

I couldn’t agree more.

“We were just passing by.” I interrupted

Primrose Grace and I stared at each other.

And I felt like I met my greatest nemesis.

Our personalities are so similar that it’s annoying.

And I knew for sure, that the two of us can never live under the same sky.

“Tsk. How troublesome.” Primrose said in annoyance before turning her back and leaving.

“Tsk. So annoying.” I commented back

“Wait Primrose Grace! I just want to say hi to yo—Ah, she’s gone.” Titus said sadly

I ignored my friend Titus and stared at Savannah instead, and she flinched when our eyes met.

“Ha-ha... I should get going too...” Savannah said awkwardly

I can tell that she’s hiding something.

“We should go back too—” All of a sudden, the fire burning in my heart erupted like a volcano.

I clutched my chest, it hurts. And I can’t breath.

I possessed a massive amount of mana, and I was born with a burning heart.

Yes, my heart is literally on fire.

Meaning, I was always in pain ever since I was born.

I already grew accustomed to the pain. So I would normally just ignore it.

But there are times when it would erupt to a point that it’s too much to bear.

Just like now.

“Hey, are you okay?” Titus was the first to noticed

I shook my head.

I need to go to the school clinic. Or anywhere cold.

I need t—

“Does it feel better now?” Savannah asked, and I can feel her cold mana flowing in me.

Why is she helping me?

I swatted away her hand that’s touching my arm.

I don’t want her to get hurt because of my flames.

“Stop pushing me away. You obviously need my fnckin help.” She said in an annoyed voice

I was surprised when I heard her cursed.

Even Titus was speechless.

Everyone received etiquette  lessons at a young age. Specially women.

So they are not allowed to curse like brutes.

“Oppss, ehem, sorry. Excuse my poor choice of words.” She said hurriedly, obviously embarrassed

“Pfftt...” I tried to hold back my laughter. But I failed.

Even Titus, who grew up with me, stared at me with shock.

“Are you laughing?” Titus asked with his eyes wide open.

“Ehem.. I’m not.” I lied

“Ahm.. I think you’re okay now.” Savannah said as she let go of my arm. And the cool and refreshing feeling of her cold mana suddenly vanished.

“Thanks.” I said

“If you need help, just ask.” Savannah

“Are you saying you’re going to help me anytime?” I asked

“Of course!” Savannah

“Are you not scared that my flames might hurt you?” I asked

“Why should I be scared of fire? You can be at ease around me, I’m confident you know? If you cause any fire, I can always extinguish it!” she said confidently

Hah, so she have a cute side too.

“Can you please stop flirting right in front of me.” Titus complained

“We’re not flirting.” She then looked at me, “Anyways, next time you’re hurting, call me. I’ll come running.”

Then she left hurriedly.

“You already have Savannah Larkin, don’t you ever take interest with Primrose Grace.” Titus warned me.

“......” Is he still bothered about what Savannah said earlier?

Remembering my short exchanged with Primrose Grace earlier, I don’t think I will ever like a girl who’s so much like me.

Besides, my fiancée is cute. Why should I look at someone else?

Starting then, Savannah and I started to talked more often.

And just like she promised, she would often help me when my heart hurts because of my mana.

I think we’re friends now.

But I want more.

***

Then comes our third year in school.

This time, our lessons will focus on magic so we were grouped by our Elements.

And since I’m a Fire Mage and Savannah Larkin  is a Water Mage, we were no longer classmates starting  this school year.

And because of that, I rarely get to see her.

“Hey look, the Water Mages have an Outdoor Class today.” one of my Fire Mage classmate said as he stare out of the window

“They’re probably going to practice some wide-area magic today.” Another one said

Hearing those words, Titus reacted immediately and he also stared out of the window.

“Why do they have an Outdoor Class? Isn’t Water the gentlest element? It’s not as if they would get hurt by practicing indoors.” I heard someone asked

“But Water Magic is dangerous too. Didn’t you heard? A Water Mage injured a Wind Mage on a friendly sparring last week.”

“Really? How is that possible?”

“I heard that it was Primrose Grace who did it.  I heard she’s very talented.”

Primrose Grace? That cold hearted woman?

Tsk. My fiancée is definitely better than her.

“Erase that smug smirk on your lips. It’s annoying.” I said to Titus

“I prefer if you just continue to keep your mouth shut.” He answered, obviously annoyed.

“What’s so good about that girl? Isn’t Savannah stronger than her?” I asked as I also stare out of the window.

I instantly saw her.

Long blonde hair and light blue eyes.

My fiancée.

Savannah Larkin.

“What are you talking about? Primrose Grace is obviously better.” Titus argued

“I doubt that.” I insisted

Titus glared at me, “Tsk. Tell your fiancée to stop nagging Primrose Grace. Why does she keep pestering her?”

“Savannah is just friendly. It’s Primrose Grace who should stop ignoring her.” I argued back

“It’s your fiancée who should sto—” he stop midsentence when we heard our classmates said something that they shouldn’t.

“Hey, don’t you think Primrose Grace is pretty?”

“She’s always alone so I thought she’s gloomy. But seeing her right now, I think she’s indeed pretty.”

“She looks glowing when she’s wielding magic.”

“I agree.”

Well, I don’t agree.

“What are you guys talking about? Lady Savannah is obviously prettier.”

Of course. My fiancée is the prettiest.

“Well, Lady Savannah is indeed pretty, but there’s something about Primrose Grace that makes her stand  out.”

Can I punch this guy?

“They’re both pretty.”

“The two of them are probably the prettiest in school.”

“If I can date one of them, I think I would die happ---”

The guy didn’t get to finish his words. He probably felt both my and Titus’ burning gaze.

“If I c-can d-date one of them, I think I w-would die early.” The guy corrected his sentence nervously

All of them silently went away from the window and got back on their seats.

Well, that’s not surprising since Titus and I were glaring at their direction.

They should understand right?

Don’t thirst for what’s ours.

***

Days turn to months and months turn to years.

We finally graduated from the academy.

I was annoyed that Primrose Grace topped our class.

Well, I can’t deny that she’s very talented.

She also made a huge contribution to the kingdom by inventing a new type of magic, Ice Magic.

She open our eyes to new possibilities.

Many scholars and professors got inspired to discover more types of magic, thanks to her.

But that wouldn’t change the fact that we don’t like each other.

Anyway, I officially became the Duke of the Northern Lands after graduating from the academy.

The King even appointed me as the new Vice Captain of the Black Knights, one of the two highest order of knights on the kingdom.

Not long after, I got appointed as the Captain after proving my self worthy.

“Should we get married now?” I asked Savannah and she almost choked on her tea

“Are you alright?” I asked

She wiped her mouth with the table napkin and said a small yes to say that she’s alright.

The two of us are having tea at their garden. I often visits her so everyone in the kingdom sings praises about our relationship.

“It’s been almost five years since we graduated from the academy. Don’t you think it’s about time that we start our own family?” I asked

“I... Ahm.. Don’t you think we’re still too young to get married?” she asked

I see.

She still doesn’t feel the same way about me.

I already tried all methods of seduction.

I even went to war voluntarily to make her miss me for an entire year.

But nothing works.

“I think I’m going insane.” I can’t help but say as I chugged down the tea.

“Why? Is there a problem at work?” she asked

I wanted to be honest and complain. But I held back.

I don’t want to pressure her.

“There’s just some issues that we need to take care of.” I lied

She nod her head in understanding.

And that’s how our usual tea time ended.

***

“I told you that you don’t need to buy me flowers every time.” She said as she accept the bouquet of roses in my hands.

“You deserve all the beautiful things this world could offer.” I said

She laughed, “Enough with the flatteries. I made some peach flavoured tea, I know you’ll like it.”

I smiled.

I don’t know how she knew that I love to drink tea. But I’m just happy knowing that she thinks about me.

Everything was perfect. So I don’t know how we ended up with this topic again:

“Sir Crimson, I’m serious, if you ever find a girl that you actually like, feel free to break off our engagement. I won’t mind.” She sincerely said to me.

“........” I was speechless

It’s always been like this. She would reassure me that she will never get in the way if I ever falls in love. And she would say it so often, as if her life depends on it.

And just like always, my eyebrows will crease. Who wouldn’t be unhappy in this kind of situation?

“Do you really want me to fall for someone else?” I asked, out of frustration.

“Well, I’m sure you’ll eventually find someone.” she answered honestly

I could only heaved a heavy sigh.

Who wouldn’t be frustrated if the woman you like say this kind of things almost everyday?

“Well, I can’t say the same thing to you.” I said grumpily

“What do you mean?” she asked

“I have no plans of breaking off our engagement. So don’t fall for someone else.” I said seriously

“........” Savannah

I feel angry. But not towards her. I’m angry of the situation.

“Well, do whatever makes you happy—"

She stop midsentence when she heard  me groaned in pain.

Ugh. Why is it like this again?

I’m clutching my chest tightly because of the burning pain.. And I’m having difficulty breathing.

“Hey, are you okay?” I heard her worried voice, as she hurried to my side.

I felt her hand touched my chest to transfer her cold mana to soothe the burning pain in my heart.

“Hey it’s okay, you’ll be okay.” She said to calm me

I forced my tightly closed eyes open to see her worried face.

And seeing how worried she is, I felt at ease. I shouldn’t make her worry. But I’m glad that she is.

It means that she’s concern about me.

Despite the pain, I smiled,, “T-thanks, what would I do without you?” I said with difficulty.

“Stop talking, just relax okay? The pain will go away soon.” She scolded, and she gently pat my head as if soothing a hurt child.

How can I not fall inlove with her when she’s like this?

I rested my head on her shoulder, “This is why I like you so much.” I whispered in a soft voice

I will never let her go.

Never.

~~~~~~~~