Translator: Shiko

Proofreader: Asu

People often say that reality and ideals are different, and I'm becoming more and more aware of it.

'Meize Hazelnut.'

Ever since I've become the heroine of a very predictable, third-rate novel.

"Are you okay, Meize? What's wrong?"

Seeing Syukr – my novel boyfriend – smiling as if he didn't know about my worries that made me frown.

In fact, the original novel 'Meize' wasn't all that bad. No, honestly speaking, it was the best in its own genre.

In the beginning, the main character, Syukr, was the only one who could serve as a Warrior. But as the story developed, it turned out that Meize was the real cheat character. It turned out to be that the kind and pretty country girl was actually a really powerful character, because in truth, she was a saint. So, of course, I knew I'd be living a good life soon. I wasn't just some ordinary extra, nor a supporting role, but the heroine! It'd be better to enjoy this life rather than to not.

But why? Life is never steady.

Meize's life wasn't at all awesome. She was a victim of society. It was the routine of the heroine, Meize, to experience all kinds of crimes such as kidnapping, incarceration and intimidation under the guise of the “growth of a warrior”, and to wait for Syukr, the hero, to come to her rescue.

“You know what? Syukr, I have something to tell you.”

“What is it? You can tell me anything. I'll listen to anything Meize says. Because you're the most important woman to me.”

Of course, there have been times when I've tried to put up with it. Since I'm inside the book, I thought I should stick to the original story and I actually quite liked the idea of being the heroine. However, I'd been kidnapped way too many times and would always wake to see Syukr chatting with other women.

I guess anybody can be the heroine.

The original Meize was a hit beyond a nice person, but I'm not her. I don't have to be dating a warrior. Rather than live the life of a colorful heroine who is the girlfriend of a soldier, I wanted to live with a good man who likes only me.

I looked up at Syukr.

The life I wanted was only possible without Syukr in it. If I don't get involved with Syukr, I won't be a saintess or a victim of crime.

“In fact, I've been thinking about a lot of things that I want to tell you, so thank you for saying that, Syukr.”

I drew my hands together and smiled shyly like a pure Meize. I was terrified because it was my first time trying to disobey the original storyline, but I really wanted to live a normal life.

“What's new? Anything is fine, so don't worry and tell me.”

“Mm, then I'll speak freely.”

According to the original, today was the day Meize got abducted and gave Syukr her first kiss. But I did not give him my first kiss today.

“Let's break up.”

Instead, I gave him a strong farewell

[Meize, please tell me if I've done anything wrong. I'll fix everything.]

Syukr's note, which had been stuck in front of the door since morning, was burned in the fireplace.

It would be a lie to say I hadn't lost my mind because of Syukr's daily behavior, but when I thought about it later, I found it was quite useful in many ways to help me hurry up and stop caring for him.

"Meize, have you finished working already? You're always so enthusiastic."

All my hard work would've been for nothing if Syukr was to find out that Meize was a saintess. I wouldn't be able to return to my normal life again.

The owner of the bookstore welcomed me inside. I smiled as prettily as I could, handing over the documents I'd written. It was only a small matter, but it was important for everyone to have a favorable opinion of me.

“I've got a lot of time, so I decided to finish it. Is there anything else I can do to help you?”

“I've got a few more jobs, so how about this?”

"Yes, of course."

Since the heroine's daily life had existed solely for the main character, my daily life has become monotonous ever since I bid farewell to Syukr. But I couldn't just play around all day. I needed money to make ends meet. Now that I've given up my relationship with Syukr, I have to be responsible for my own life.

And that's why I was desperate for a job. Except for Meize, who had plot armor to help her, commoners were rarely able to write, so those who were able to transcribe were considered high-quality workforce. If I worked steadily, I would be able to earn enough to eat and live alone.

“Meize, I'm not worried because you're so good, but we have meet the deadline. Okay?”

“Of course. I'll get it for you on time.”

Let's have a small party today. It might not be such a bad idea to buy soft, white bread. I've only been eating barley bread for the last few days and I feel like my stomach has gone rough. It's okay to have a change every once in a while.

I was walking happily when I saw Mrs. Becca, a chatty woman. Ugh, if I was seen, I could be forced to listen to her for an hour straight. As I turned and tried to run as fast as I could, I caught sight of Syukr approaching us from far away.

In front of me, there was a woman who talked too much, and behind me was my ex-boyfriend. My situation would be a bad example of a dilemma. What did I do to deserve this? My fortune is ruined today!

“Oh, Meize! Where are you going? I was worried sick since I haven't seen you lately. How're you doing? You're getting prettier! Now you can really marry, huh!”

Mrs. Becca and Syukr were both troublesome people, but I'd rather be around a noisy person than an ex-lover. I hid my bitterness and smiled gently with my hand on one cheek. I didn't know that my service industry experience would be so helpful in this kind of place.

“Mrs. Becca is becoming more beautiful day by day. Where are you on your way back from?”

“Ah, you know my cousin, Lizzina?”

“Of course I know!”

I didn't know. Still, I nodded hard as if I knew everything. Memorizing extras' family relationships was too much, but at least I could pretend to know. Usually, when you talk less and react in moderation, you're halfway there.

“Lizzina's brother-in-law is looking for a bride.”

“I see.”

“By the way, he's just your age.”

(T/N: ohohoho, male lead? ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°))

(P/N: he better be hot)

“What a coincidence. That's amazing.”

“He's handsome, has a good personality and even has a good job! He's a royal official.”

“Oh, that's great.”

“So, Meize, are you thinking of getting married?”

"I hope you've found a good brideー What?"

I gave a hollow answer. I opened my eyes wide open. No, lady… What are you saying?

"You and Syukr seemed to be happy so I didn't tell you. I thought that you two had been distant these days too… Actually, Syukr isn't that reliable, is he?"

Mrs. Becca muttered, silently lowering her voice. I laughed awkwardly, unable to agree nor refute the remark.

People's assessment of Syukr is very poor, and will only change when he becomes a legendary warrior later on. An orphan of unknown birth, a decent job, and an ordinary appearance. There was nothing going for Syukr except for the title of 'warrior' and being the protagonist of a third-rate harem novel.

Besides, he wasn't a soldier yet and had only just began to realize his own strength. He was kind of an ugly duckling that didn't match up with the kind and beautiful swan, Meize.

"It's hard to say what happened between us but… Syukr is a good guy."

My voice trembled as I tried my best to sound like the original Meize. Having changed the original story a lot whilst giving up the role of the heroine, it was funny that I was now trying to protect the original, but I hoped the original story would not change any more.

Even if I quit being the heroine, I still belonged to this world. In order to live a normal life, I had to avoid the 'happy ending' of the novel.

"Syukr will see the light one day."

'For your information, he's seen so much light that he's been flirting with all kinds of women besides me. And now that I've broken up with him, I expect that he'll soon be dating the next heroine, the princess'. I was mumbling things to myself that I definitely could never tell Mrs. Becca.

“That's because you're so nice, it's all looking good. Frankly, friends and lovers are different. If you continue to be with Syukr, you'll have to live with him."

“No, I'm just friends with Syukr now, especially these days…”

Right now, Syukr can't give up his lingering feelings for me, but that's just a one-time thing. As long as he's the main character, he will become a soldier and, soon enough, he'll become the king of the country and he'll live and eat well.

Oh, come to think of it, the last kidnapping was a few days ago. I think it's almost time for the Knights of the Kingdom to visit Syukr. I need to get Syukr's mind straightened out as soon as possible.

“Then you'll have to meet someone else soon!”

"But I'm not thinking of dating any time soon."

I've been so busy trying to get rid of Syukr that I don't know what a romantic relationship is. Besides, having Mrs. Becca's cousin's brother-in-law as a partner? I shook my head thinking about such a terrible scenario.

I don't know if there are holidays in this era, but that was then… and this is now. I've already listened to enough nagging in my past life. Not only was there no reason to live under pressure as part of Mrs. Becca's family, but it was better to avoid being involved with Mrs. Becca as much as possible. I wanted to live a normal, quiet life rather than waste my time being forced to listen to stories that I have no interest in.

"But you! There's a rumor that Syukr has been showing up to your house non-stop and hasn't given up on you! You really can't get married like this! If you're over Syukr, you need to sort everything out."

There's a long way to go. I wanted to keep it cool, but now that I live in this town, I had to be careful. There was nothing good about being seen by Mrs. Becca's eyes. Her mouth was faster than the wind, so she was playing a major role in controlling the reputation of the villagers.

“You know I'm not trying to put a lot of pressure on you, just meet him once. He's a really nice guy.”

“Thank you for your concern, but I don't think I can answer that right away.”

I was going to say no quietly, but my headache was already painful. Ah, Syukr was coming over here. I wonder how much he's heard…

“Well, anyway, I'll go ahead. But if you feel any better, just tell me right away. Okay? I don't usually do this, Meize, but you're like a daughter to me.”

Mrs. Becca, who was moving her mouth passionately, hurried away. I bet all the money I made today that it was because she'd made eye contact with Syukr, who was now right behind me.

"Meize…"

'Describe the awkwardness when faced with a heartbroken ex-boyfriend who still has feelings for you. 3 points for the correct answer.'

Having been a little absent-minded, I quietly erased my thoughts when I saw Syukr's face.

T/N: