Leyla Nerwine (2)

"You bastard… What did you just say? Want me to beat the crap out of you?" Those were the exact words that came out of my mouth—right in front of a crowd.I regret saying that.

Let's go back to three hours earlier.Leyla and I attended the birthday party with an open mind. Of course, I didn't expect to be treated as her partner.Just accompanying her is enough.Get a grip… Don't fall too hard.

Honestly, it felt like I was fighting with my alter ego before even leaving.

I reached out my hand to help Leyla down from the carriage, and she took it.I couldn't stop the happiness bubbling inside me. Still, I was good at hiding my expression.

To be honest, Keith's personality before and after regaining memories of his past life… I think it stayed mostly the same.The only difference now is there's a little bit of Jung Cha Ri mixed in.

"Welcome, Lady Leyla Nerwine. Your invitation has been accepted. Please, come in and enjoy the event."

Leyla nodded politely at the tuxedoed greeter at the entrance, then walked inside.I bowed respectfully and followed her in.

The moment we stepped inside, a vast banquet hall unfolded before us, dominated by an enormous chandelier. The food was artfully presented, and predictably, the guests were all high-ranking nobles.

I quickly let go of Leyla's hand. I didn't want anyone to look down on her for bringing a mere knight like me as her companion.

Leyla reached for my hand again—it seemed like she was nervous.She blinked at me slightly, as if saying "It's fine, you can hold my hand."

This is why Keith fell in love… Damn it.

Soon, several nobles began to gather around Leyla, clearly trying to butter her up.Sensing it, I slowly backed away from the crowd.

Most of them either want Leyla to be more socially active… or want to propose to her.

Time to blend in with the background.

"Oh, by the way everyone, I'd like to introduce my personal knight, Keith."

And just like that, all eyes were on me, analyzing every inch of my face and body.And of course—my muscles.

Damn it, Leyla, why would you say that?

"Keith is my precious knight. We've grown up together since we were little. I see him as my older brother."

...Brother-zoned.

Well, the novel did mention that Leyla had no romantic feelings for Keith.Poor Keith. But whatever, I am Keith now. Who cares.

"If there's nothing else to discuss, Keith and I will head up front for a bit."Leyla grabbed my arm and dragged me away from the crowd.

Then came a girl dressed in a luxurious gown with a champagne glass in her hand—Remy.

"I've been waiting for you, Leyla."

"Sorry I'm late, Remy. It's not much, but please accept this gift."

Leyla handed her the present she had been holding. Remy accepted it gladly.

Leyla and Remy weren't particularly close friends, so I figured this was just polite small talk.At least she didn't come empty-handed.

Remy looked me up and down as if she were evaluating me, then licked her lips.

Honestly, I got chills.

She pulled Leyla close and whispered,"Where have you been hiding that gem? He's hot. Totally my type."

Leyla chuckled softly."That's Keith, my knight. I wasn't hiding him or anything."

"If I'd known you had such a handsome knight, I would've snatched him up by now."

"Don't you already have a fiancé?"

"You know that's just a political thing. Besides, I could never marry a low-born knight."

Leyla fell silent.Whatever they were whispering clearly made her uncomfortable.

I can hear you, you know.Geez, for a viscount's daughter, at least lower your volume if you're gonna gossip.Not that I'm offended—But Leyla's face said it all. Disgust was clear on her face.

"Oh, come on. There's no way you haven't fallen for a knight that hot."

"What the hell, Keith is like a brother to me."

"Really? Even if he's like a brother, he's not blood-related, right?Though I doubt he's your type."

"Can you shut up?"Leyla's voice was sharp. I could see on her face that she was about to slap Remy.

"What, seriously? You don't like him at all? Not even a little turned on?"

"I SAID SHUT UP!"Leyla's voice echoed through the banquet hall.

Oh crap… Leyla, why would you yell like that?

She immediately seemed to regret it.Everyone's eyes were on her now.She lowered her head, clearly wishing she could vanish.

I'm dying from secondhand embarrassment. I need to step in.

I quickly positioned myself between Leyla and Remy. Before Remy could lash out, I interrupted:

"Pardon me, Lady Remy.It seems Lady Leyla isn't feeling well. We'll be excusing ourselves—"

A woman's voice suddenly cut through the air.

The emerald green dress shimmered, catching the light as she moved. A delicate fan swished softly in her hand. Her hair, a vibrant green, framed a face with startling red eyes.

Here she is. The antagonist. You can feel her evil aura from a mile away.

"I knew that voice was yours, Leyla…Of course you'd cause a scene. You always do. What a desperate attention-seeker."

And there she is—our villainess.

"Have some shame." Her voice dripped with sarcasm.

The situation had officially gone from bad to worse.

Leyla looked up as she recognized the voice. Her face flushed with embarrassment.

Uh-oh…