The Fate of the Perennial Sub Male Lead Is in My Hands

"Black-haired men again?"

Why do romance novel protagonists always fall for men with dark hair? And why—why—do I always end up rooting for the brown-haired second lead?

In Alliance Marriage , Baileon Biers is that overlooked character. The devoted childhood friend of Princess Odette and the empire’s esteemed prime minister. As a loyal reader who always falls for the steadfast, kind-hearted types, I couldn’t help but adore him. But how could a civil servant ever win against the powerful, brooding Northern Grand Duke?

Night after night, I mourned his fate—until I woke up as Marien Didier, Baileon’s third aide. This was my chance. If the story wouldn't give him his happy ending, I’d make sure he got one myself!

Step one: Change his image.

"Have you ever considered dyeing your hair black?"

"...Why would I do that?"

"Because it’s the only way to end your unrequited love, Lord Biers."

If hair color was the problem, we'd fix it. If power was the issue, we’d train. Thus began Operation: Become a Northern Duke !

"Leave without looking back, act indifferent, but stay close enough to protect her… Got it?"

"Does Her Highness really like this sort of thing?"

"Trust me."

Baileon, skeptical but willing, followed my lead. But despite all our efforts, Odette remained unmoved. Baileon’s resigned smile deepened. And worst of all—the Northern Grand Duke had entered the scene.

Would my carefully laid plans succeed, or had I just made things worse?