It really is rather unfair, I reflected as I watched male lead number 1, people just are not meant to be that pretty. It really is no wonder he always has so many fangirls. In those lives that involved a school setting there would sometimes be actual fan clubs dedicated to him.
The royal family made their way across the room to the throne's set at the front, the crowd parting before them like water. Everyone averting their eyes and bowing their heads in respect as they passed.
I made a cursory look through the crowd do see if I could spot the female lead or any other main characters but was unsuccessful and so turned my gaze back to the royal family.
They had not reached the throne and as the emperor sat everyone bowed in respect until he bade us to rise. He sat in his throne, his wife sitting to his right. Behind them stood the crown prince Alaric, as well as his younger sister. Whose name I hadn't bothered to remember.
"Welcome everyone to my sons 18th birthday party. I am pleased to see so many here today. Now please, enjoy the celebration." With those words the party finally began, the music starting up and chatter breaking out across the room.
I stood at the edge of the crowd, grabbing a flute of champagne (or whatever this worlds equivalent is) to take the occasional sip from. Otherwise, I remained unmoving. simply watching the way people began to dance, how they formed groups and began to talk. Some about business or politics, others gossip and insults. I knew there were eyes who watched me from time to time, but i paid them no mind.
This was such an old role it was almost comforting in its familiarity. The disdain, and envy so constant it was like an old blanket. Or perhaps merely a very familiar stain. One you have spent so long staring at that it barely even registers as not having been there the whole time.
It was as I was staring that I saw a small commotion begin to form not to far from me. A group of girls of a similar age to my current body were hiding smirks and sneers as one girl in particular began to cry. 'That sort of weakness was only ever going to get you eaten alive in a place like this' I think as I watch her. Then I catch a glimpse of her green eyes and I realize who it is I'm looking at.
The illustrious heroine has finally graced the world with her presence. She is brown haired this time, dressed in a plain blue dress (well plain by nobility standards), and with her hair falling straight down her back without any of the usual updos expected of ladies.
Though I suppose that it matters little whether she bothers to try and assimilate into the nobility. It doesn't matter if she shows weakness, if she cries, she will always have her heroes by her side to do all the hard work for her.
So, like clockwork, the prince appears. intervening and clearly saying something that has the other women looking away in embarrassment before scurrying away. Though contrary to my expectations he does not linger, does not offer her a dance. Simply offering her a nod in reply to her thanks and gliding away. Leaving the heroine staring after him, dazed.