I Ignored the Protagonists, Now They're After Me

Ch 2

Never in my life would I think to be struck by a lightning bolt.

Who even expects that?

Especially on my tenth birthday?!

One moment, I was running around with the Third Prince and the son of the Captain of the Royal Knights. We were playing a game of tag, which was difficult for me. I mean, who can win against the physical strength and endurance of these two boys?

The next moment, I'm struck by lightning and shown my future.

Hah! Abandon me, will you?

Not if I abandon you first!

I said with great resolution.

However...

"Maerie! Maerie, are you okay?"

I squeezed my closed eyes before opening them slowly, blinking as my blurry gaze tried to settle on dull colored masses that floated above me.

"Oh my god, I thought you were going to die!" sobbed one of the masses, wet liquid drops on my face as it hovered next to me.

"For once, crybaby Chris isn't being overdramatic. You could've died, Maerie," said another, leaning in close.

My distorted vision is beginning to clear, so I recognize the faces of the group of higher nobles that were my "friends."

Fredrick Reynolds, the son of the Captain of the Royal Knights (ugh, I never realized what a mouthful that was), was peering curiously at me. Christopher Jäger was standing next to him, bawling his eyes out while he tried to meet my gaze.

"So I'm not dead," I muttered.

"Surprisingly."

I didn't even have to glance over to recognize that voice. Henry Fitzgerald, the son of a scholar and the oldest one in our group.

God, was his voice that annoying before?

I sat up, ignoring the dull pain that erupted in my head. I took a quick glance around, noticing the familiar bedsheets and wallpaper.

"Was I moved to my room?" I asked.

It wasn't a question that required an answer, but Christopher shook his head vigorously.

"Yes, Aunt Madeline and Uncle Edwin coming running out with some servants when they heard what happened. They were really upset," he replied, clutching at my blanket.

When I felt a tug from him, I stiffened and gave him a cold stare. He jumped from the look in my eyes and released the blanket, confused as he stepped back.

Aunt? Uncle? Shut up. You don't have any right to call them that.

You want to act familiar with my family when you'll eventually throw them away? Don't kid yourself.

I won't let you near them ever again.

I retracted my stare when the door to my room opened, revealing my parents, the Third Prince, Allen Carter, and my family's doctor. In a flurry, my parents and the doctor were all over me.

They checked every inch of my body, making sure I had nothing wrong externally. As for internal injuries, I told them that nothing hurt and I felt fine.

"Are you sure? Maerie, you were struck by lightning," fretted my Mother.

"I'm fine, Mother. Honestly, I've never felt better. I feel so refreshed, like I'll be rid of the bad things from my life soon," I said, giving an empty smile.

They were confused by my choice of words, but they didn't say anything about it as they both kissed my head. As they went to step out with the doctor, I stopped them for a moment.

"Mother, Father," I called out politely.

They both paused and looked back. "Yes, dear?"

I gave them a host smile. "I'd like to be alone for the rest of the evening. Please escort these... my friends out."

I almost called them guests. If I used such a detached term, they're going to think I'm being weird. Looking at the stunned faces around me from the group of boys, my parents, and even the doctor, it's safe to say they already think I'm being unusual.

Well, I am.

For the past ten years, I've been practically joined at the hip with these five. I would complain if at least one of them wasn't here. If I had a chance to get everyone together, I would be the one most reluctant to let them leave. So me requesting that I want to be alone without any one of them to stay, is a bit unusual.

God, why was I so desperate for these boys? I was pathetic.

"Hey, Maerie, are you sure you're feeling well?" Fredrick gave me a look that said "have you gone mad?".

I looked down instead of at him. "I'm just tired. I was struck by lightning after all."

I gave a small chuckle before looking towards my parents again. They hesitated, unsure whether or not I meant what I said. Then they started rounding the boys up and made them walked out one by one. Towards the end was the Third Prince, who paused at the doorway and took a look back at me.

"Maerie..." he said.

I simply tilted my head, a confused smile on my face.

"Yes, Third Prince?"

He froze, his eyes widening slightly. Before he could say anything, he was (politely) ushered out the door by my parents. When the doors closed and finally clicked shut, my smile dropped. A frown etched itself onto my face.

Ah, right. I always insisted to call him by his first name. Even though I was a lesser noble, not on equal standing, and he was royalty, I always called him by his first name. He didn't mind it until the black haired girl appeared. In my flashback, I could see him visibly get annoyed with how overfamiliar I acted with him.

Fine. He didn't like me saying his name, right? In this life, you win.

Third Prince, Allen Carter, Fredrick Reynolds, Christopher Jäger, and Henry Fitzgerald. You all saw me as a pest in my first life, correct? Congrats.

In this life, you won't have to worry about me meddling in your lives.

Because I won't exist in them to begin with.