In My Next Life I'll Win the Heart of the Male Lead
There's nothing wrong with Adelaide's life. There's nothing wrong with being cheated on. After all, half of marriages end in divorce and most end from infidelity. There's nothing wrong with getting addicted to an otome game. After all, everybody has something they're obsessed with. There's nothing wrong with reincarnating as the villainess instead of the heroine. After all, the villainess is richer and more powerful. There's nothing wrong with the villainess chasing after one of the love interests. After all, it's not like he's the canon route. There's nothing wrong with Ophelia's life.
The Bet
Lucas wastes no time in grabbing a table inside the noisy, packed tavern, beckoning me after him. He pats the table enthusiastically. "Mercs play cards, right? Come play with us!"
My gaze scans the rowdy, unpleasant looking men already involved in the game, and I give a short huff of amusement. "No thanks."
He makes a pleading sound and whines, "Diane~"
"No."
Lucas heaves out a theatrical sigh and leans forward on his elbows. I catch his smirk in my peripheral as I turn to find something a bit more quiet to do for the night.
Like sitting and reading. Strategically placed to keep an eye on my charge still. Obviously.
Despite the unpleasantness of the men at the table, this tavern isn't immune to the festive atmosphere. Lucas seems to have no trouble at all insinuating himself into the card games.
He laughs and talks loudly with the men as he does so. Given how stressful the past few days have been, he probably could do with this pit stop.