19 Learning How to Meet the Female Lead

I woke up that day with a heavy heart. I couldn't do any magic. I wonder what I am supposed to do from now on.

The king told me he wanted me to be the future queen of Liontari. But I don't know if I can do a good job and prevent all those bad events from happening. The novel I read stopped at Alex and Anastasia's wedding.

I don't know how to lead people much less an entire country. Even the king doesn't know if I'll succeed since the future is still blurry. I could always run away, live in another country away from all the events the king mentioned. But then my mind goes back to the little girl and my conscience tells me to do the right thing.

Besides, being a queen ain't too bad. For once in my life I get to live comfortably. My etiquette lessons are still ongoing, but I decided to take a break form it and wanted to explore the world of this book.

I decided to go out in proper attire. I wore a light purple dress with white layers and even a corset, I wonder how people could stand wearing them all day, but now I've gotten used to holding my breath.

Me and Lisa, my maid, went outside taking the family carriage. Perhaps I can also make a stop at the businesses I was going to own since Cedric wanted me to give him the money I owed him. I went to the Blue Ribbon and saw a sight that made me drop my umbrella.

It was Alex holding the dainty hands of a blonde haired girl with eyes and the clearest blue eyes you'll ever see. It was still a year away from entering the Academy, how could they have already met?

He was looking at her with eyes full of love and devotion while she looked back at him mirroring his look. Aren't they just perfect for each other?

Anastasia wasn't supposed to be here yet. Did the time line change because of me? But I didn't do anything.

I was standing awkwardly in the middle of the street looking at them giving each other googly eyes. Should I stop them? But what if I end up like the real Elaine?

Of course now I had the king on my side and I doubt he would allow for my head to be on the guillotine. I should do something, anything since a small crowd has formed looking at the supposedly rich girl gaping in the middle of the street.

I picked up my fallen umbrella and held it tightly as if any wind movement could blow it away. This time I had the king on my side, I don't need to be afraid.

'Alex.' I called out to him hoping to break his trance of just staring at Anastasia. Honestly, who does that?

He didn't seem to hear me so I gave him a loud cough which was clearly fake to anyone who might hear it. After I did so, he realized someone was trying to get his attention and he finally turned his head my way.

'Elaine,' he sounded surprised to see me and if I wasn't wrong there was also a hint of disappointment in his voice. It was hard to tell though since he's good at making a poker face.

'What are you doing here?' he asked me. I should be the one asking that to him. He wasn't even phased by the fact that his fiancé found him holding hands with another woman in public.

'I should ask you the same thing. I was visiting my new business venture, what about you?' I gripped my umbrella in my hands slightly nervous.

'Oh you must be the new investor! Thank you so much, because of the expansion I was able to find a job,' Anastasia spoke. It was as if there was a blinding light surrounding her face that makes her all so cheery and delightful. Was it bad that it made me dislike her a little bit? The high pitch of her voice just annoys me.

So it was thanks to my involvement that Anastasia is here due to the money I invested in the café. But that doesn't explain why Alex was here. He's practically royalty, not someone who would take a casual stroll down the street.

I gave Anastasia back an awkward smile as a response.

'You don't need to be rude. What? Are you above talking to someone of lower status than you?' Alex suddenly seemed annoyed with me. Is this due to the plot of the book? Am I forever destined to be the evil person that bullies Anastasia?

'Oh no no mister Alex, I'm sure that's not her intention,' Anastasia said in the most angelic voice ever. Wow give this two an trophy for acting.

'You don't need to defend her. She should know better,' Okay I don't like where this is going. I won't turn out like the real Elaine because I know what happens if this continues any further. They say you should keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

I put my arm around Anastasia's arm and brought her over to my side.

'I don't know what you mean. I quite like this girl and we're going to be best friends. If you're okay with that?' I told Alex who was speechless at my words and turned to Anastasia. There's no way she would say no because that would make her the bad guy here, I wanted to make nice and be friends.

All she could do was nod in return. They say main characters have plot armor, well I hope that extends to me in the future.

'That still doesn't explain why you're here.' I needed to know what had changed in the story that made Alex visit this shop.

'I invited him.' A voice from behind spoke. I knew that voice, the one who is always trying to push my buttons.

'Sir Cedric,' I turned around and was met with his stupid handsome face. Why do male leads always attract drama?

'He's my friend. Is there a problem Lady Elaine?' he bowed down and gave my hand a kiss. I could feel the blush that crept onto my face and tried to keep it at bay.

'No of course not.'

This person must know that I was engaged to him. He wanted this meeting to occur. What was he planning? Whatever it is I have to be ready for it.

'Great now that you're both here, let us have a chat.' He pointed us to an empty table by the window in the café and Anastasia brought our drinks.

'Anastasia why don't you join us?'