Surviving as the Second Main Lead: Second Lead's POV



There were many guilds in this world. Some were very advanced and important ones that Horas had written in detail while others were just ‘no-named’ fodder for his future writing.

And one of the guilds he had written in detail about was ‘White Stone,’ the second most powerful guild and the guild established by Duke Verteramo’s father. It was a well-reputed guild but was never able to make it to no 1 on the rankings.

Since it was such an important guild, it had many important characters. And among them, the vice leader of the guild, Saint Nicolas also known as the Herald of Light was the most famous.

In many ways, she was even more well-known than the president of the guild himself.

What Horas did know about her was that she was Duke Verteramo’s mother and a healer unlike any other. She was hailed as the second-best in the field after his mother.

“It is an honor to meet Saint Nicolas here at this party. And do not worry because I will gather myself in a second. It was all just a little overwhelming in the heat of the moment.”

Horas was a little awkward while talking with Saint Nicolas. She was someone he had written online in the original novel.

‘A rival to Howard Spencer’s mother and a healer of godly caliber.’

But looking at her like this and observing her was a different experience Keith did not know how to explain.

He was also afraid that his well-kept secret would be brought to light if he was alone too long with this woman. She was a friend of his mother and someone who knew Horas when he was young.

He was sure he had seen her around his house once or twice before.

“You know, when you were young everyone thought you would turn out to be like your father, both in looks and personality. But you turned out to be like your mother instead. I have to say that I prefer it.”

“Especially since your brother turned out to be so much like your father instead. Don’t you think it is a curious coincidence?”

Keith almost choked on the drink in his hand. This conversation was beginning to make him uncomfortable and he no longer wanted to have it.

At the same time, he also could not leave first since he was younger. And seniority mattered in the adventurer community. Keith could not be this rude to the elder lady standing near him.

“Oh, I can see that I am making you uncomfortable. I know how tough it is to try and forget people who were important to you and how effective it is to not think about them.”

“But you should try not to run away from your past. He is your brother and he does not even know it. Don’t you feel sorry for him?”

Saint Nicolas pointed toward Howard who looked happy to be going between people and talking with them. But despite this, there was a sadness on his face that made anyone notice him.

Horas’s heart went out toward Howard but he also needed to remind himself that he was not Horas’s brother. He was all but a stranger occupying the space of a dear person.

“He will be happier without me around. The trails Howard had to go through will be his own. And I see no reason to disrupt his current life.”

Howard was bullshitting his way through this conversation. He was making it all about Howard when it was about himself.

The one who did not want to get attacked was Howard. So, he was doing his best to keep his distance from everyone in this world. And it was evident in the way he spoke and the way he acted.

“Miss Saint Nicolas, it is nice to meet you again. Did Duke not come with you? He said that he was going to come.”

Howard had finally spotted Howard and Saint Nicolas talking and decided that it was the perfect opportunity to make himself known. He bounced over to the group with light footsteps.

“Oh, he was saying that he wanted to come but his father decided to take him in a dungeon raid instead. Something, I do not know what goes on in my husband’s mind.”

Saint Nicolas changed her tone from cautious to friendly in a matter of seconds. Horas could see how close she was to Howard and he suddenly felt like he knew why she had tried to talk to him.

Saint Nicolas considered Howard like her own kid. She was someone who had seen Howard ever since he was a kid and looked after him.

“I think I should look around for now. I also need another drink and-”

“Ah, I know. Howard, your instructor, said that he liked flowers and plants. Why do not you take him along and show him the greenhouse? I am sure it will be a good experience.”

Somehow, Keith wanted to run away as soon as he heard the ‘greenhouse.’ Nothing good ever came out of visiting the greenhouse for him.

So, this time, Keith wanted to avoid heading to a greenhouse. He tried to convey the same to Howard and he seemed to get it in an instant.

“Saint Nicolas, I don’t think that is a -”

“Nonsense. You kids need to bond with greenery more at your age. Now hurry up and go before someone spots you and you miss your chance.”

Since Saint Nicolas was speaking so passionately, Howard was not able to refuse her as well. He had no choice but to follow through with her wishes. Horas was also uncomfortable with this arrangement.

So as soon as they reached the hallway, Horas decided to talk Howard out of visiting the greenhouse.

“You know, we do not have to visit the greenhouse. We can go anywhere else and-”

“No, I do not think we have a choice. Saint Nicolas said to go to the greenhouse so there is where we will be going. She will know if he does not go to the greenhouse and I do not want to disappoint her.”

Howard spoke with a calm tone and Horas suddenly remembered the friendly smile Saint Nicolas had. And he felt his back shudder in an unexplainable fear as he remembered it.

“Yeah, maybe you are right. Let us get this over with.”