The Male Lead Knelt Before Me

Before I died, I was reincarnated into my favorite novel as Iena, a supporting character and an actress—a profession scorned in the Empire. After reincarnating, I had to "discipline" a few pests who kept bothering me. Then one day, the crown prince approached me with a strange proposal... "I heard there's no man who doesn't fall from just one of your gestures." I think we're imagining very different kinds of gestures here. "They say no one can meet your eyes when you smile." That's because they're scared of me... "Use whatever means necessary to make the duke fall for you." Excuse me, Your Highness... I think you've come to the wrong person!!! The Duke is the male lead, and he already has a destined female lead he's supposed to fall in love with!! I agreed to the crown prince's plan, deciding to just hang in there until the real female lead shows up. But something's gone off track? "Your Grace, desire isn't inherently bad. If you want something, speak up confidently. But if the other person says no, you step back. That's all it takes." "Is that so?" "Yes." "Then allow me to be bold. Iena, I wish to hold you." ...Are you being serious right now? (Source: Kakao Entertainment Corp., translated)