The Male Lead isn't Following the Script!-Chapter 314: I Can Help!

Adeline looked stronger, she did not look dejected by the encounter with Benedict, "Yes, the sooner I deal with this the better."

Isabelle leaned against the wall and sighed. "I support you, you know I do. But you should also know that creating those charms will only buy time. A temporary solution at best." She started to crack her knuckles, it was a way for her to relieve some stress.

"I didn’t say it earlier, but the biggest reason the empire relies so heavily on the temple healers is because of the monsters. You’ve read our history—you know. Even though we’ve got two other kingdoms on the continent, we’re the only ones who’ve always been attacked. That’s never changed."

Adeline’s expression tightened, but she nodded. "I know." Her tone was calm, but her fingers toyed with the hem of her sleeve, "The root problem has to be dealt with. These amulets won’t solve everything. But... They aren’t useless either. With Cassian walking out of the wedding, the tension between the Holy Temple and the Royal Family is at an all-time high. That temple stands on four pillars of power—if one’s already shaken, then I intend to bring down the other three. The people’s dependency, the army’s reliance on their healers..." Her voice lowered, sharp with determination. "And finally, Edward. The one pulling all the strings."

Isabelle found herself staring at the young woman before her, a little caught off guard. Somewhere along the line, Adeline had stopped sounding like the child she used to be and started sounding like someone who could stand on her own against the world. For a moment, Isabelle saw not her brother’s little sister, but a woman who might actually pull off the impossible.

"I’m assuming," Isabelle said dryly, crossing her arms, "that I’m not supposed to mention any of this to Alaric."

Adeline gave a guilty little smile and nodded. "Just for a little while. When he looks at me... All he sees is a little girl trying to play adult."

Isabelle let out a snort. "Well, he’s not entirely wrong. You were a little girl not too long ago."

Adeline gave her a side smile. "I’m not that little anymore."

"No, you’re not," Isabelle admitted softly. She reached out, brushing Adeline’s hair back behind her ear like she used to when Adeline and Victoria were much younger. "It’s just hard to get used to. You’re growing into yourself faster than I realised. You’ve surprised me. You and Victoria both. I keep expecting to see children at the table, and instead, I see two young women who might just change the empire."

Adeline smiled at her sister-in-law’s words. "Time to call Aaron, I need his help too." She shook her head. This would definitely give her brother a big head.

She couldn’t say it enough. For the first time in a long while, Adeline felt like herself again. The heaviness in her chest had lifted, replaced with confidence, purpose, and a mischievous little spark. She had a plan, and for once she was certain she could pull it off.

It was time to bring out her butterflies.

"Look at this," Adeline smirked as a ball of warm light appeared in her palm. She shaped it carefully, almost delicately, until it unfolded into translucent wings. A small butterfly of pure light began to flap its wings, glowing with a soft white shimmer.

Isabelle gasped, eyes widening like a child’s. "Adeline... You never-" She didn’t finish that sentence, but basically Adeline kept her powers hidden as much as she could, but it didn’t mean she stopped using them.

The two of them sat side by side, watching the butterfly flap gracefully towards the window before slipping out. For a moment, it almost felt like they were young girls again, sharing secrets under the covers.

Adeline’s smile softened as she concentrated. Through the butterfly’s senses, she saw the world, and she could tell where her brother was. More or less. She focused and made it fly towards him... And blinked when she realised he wasn’t alone.

"Oh, for heaven’s sake," Adeline muttered.

"What is it?" Isabelle asked curiously.

"He’s stealing my friend," Adeline groaned dramatically, slumping against Isabelle’s shoulder. "Layla is mine. He should make his own friends instead of stealing mine."

Isabelle had a knowing smile on her face that Adeline missed.

Layla, still dressed extravagantly from the failed wedding, was sitting stiffly beside Aaron. Despite all the jewels and layers of fabric, Layla’s sharp eyes were serious, focused. Aaron, meanwhile, looked like he had just rolled out of bed in casual wear, but his expression was grim.

They were at the training grounds built specifically for Aaron and his team of soldiers.

"The assassins from last time..." Aaron’s voice was low, steady. "You’re telling me you traced them back to the borders?"

Layla nodded firmly, her heavy earrings glittering with the movement.

"Their hideout was basically crawling with monsters," Aaron continued, his tone grave. "I don’t know how they managed to live among them, stay safe, and still have time to scheme. I couldn’t go in alone, and I didn’t want to jeopardise my soldiers."

Layla straightened despite the weight of her dress. "I understand. So, do we have a plan?"

"Well—" Aaron started, but before he could finish, the glowing butterfly fluttered into the middle of their table. Its wings sparkled, its voice bubbling with Adeline’s excitement.

"I can help!" the butterfly chirped.

Layla and Aaron froze, staring at the glittering creature as it flapped cheerfully in their faces.

Aaron blinked. "...Was that... Adeline?"

"Yes, she often used that to order Maia and me around. She would tell us to bring her snacks frequently, like we were errand boys." Layla joked.

"Yes, it’s me!" the butterfly twinkled proudly, "And I repaid the favour many times, okay!"

"Of course you did," Layla muttered, covering her face with one jewelled hand.

"Anyway, I don’t think it’s something you can help with," Aaron frowned. What could she do? She was like five years old!

Ugh, the audacity! Adeline gasped.