Second Lead Syndrome (1-187) | ✓

• 73 •

Hana was feeling happy.

She was feeling extremely happy, despite the traumatic event that happened back in the bandit’s den. 

Even her dirty dress, which was like Cecil's white lacy dress, but blue in colour, didn't make her upset. Along with her red hair that was rather disheveled.

Hana rested her chin on both her palms, swinging her legs as she observed the two people in front of her. One of them was reading a book about medicinal herbs, while the other was sleeping peacefully, his head leaning against the corner of the carriage.

They were thankfully able to get their belongings back.

Hana watched them with a grin, letting out a short giggle. 

Cecil glanced up at Hana, smiling back. “Why are you so happy?” 

“I just am!” Hana chirped.

“Well, it’s a good thing you are happy,” Cecil glanced back down to her book, smiling. “After all that happened.” 

They were riding in a carriage back to the academy, and Gom was with the other civilians, acting as a guard in case another mishap occurs. Thus, it was only the three of them in the carriage, however, Cecil felt the situation was somewhat...strange. 

Why am I seated beside the lord protagonist?

Cecil put her book back into her backpack, tapping her fingers on her chin. She looked up at Hana who was still smiling at both her and Xue. 

The moment Gom placed Xue down in the carriage, Hana hurried to take the seat opposite Xue, occupying the entire space that was meant for two people, and Cecil only stared at Hana, puzzled. 

Hana insisted on Cecil sitting beside Xue, not letting Cecil have a single inch to squeeze in beside her. Cecil didn’t want to delay the trip back to the academy any longer, thus, she reluctantly took the seat beside Xue, who was still in a deep sleep. 

The carriage rocked violently, startling Cecil out of her reverie and the two ladies watched as Xue fell forward due to the momentum. The two of them cried out at the same, catching Xue in time. 

“Sorry, there was a loose rock!”

Cecil and Hana blinked their eyes at one another, before breaking out into wide grins since they caught Xue in time.

They started to push Xue back onto the seat, when the carriage rocked violently again. Hana fell back to her seat and Cecil’s hands slipped. 

With none of them supporting Xue, his body swayed just as Cecil fell back into her own seat...and Xue’s head landed on her lap. 

"...!"

"..."

“Sorry, there was another loose rock!” the driver apologised. “Too many damn rocks, who the hell kicked them over here?!” 

The two ladies gasped, looking down at Xue who was lying comfortably on Cecil’s lap. Hana covered her mouth in surprise, and Cecil stared at Xue in disbelief. 

Cecil looked up at Hana, her expression one of guilt and regret. 

Hana started to giggle delightfully.

“You are laughing?” Cecil sighed. “You should have been the one sitting here instead…” 

“Me?” Hana tilted her head, still giggling. “Why?” 

Cecil gave Hana a conflicted look. 

Because you are the heroine!

Because you are supposed to be the love of Xue’s life!