CHAPTER 18
I slowly took in the magnificently decorated interior of the Imperial Palace as I searched for Ain, who was likely at the training grounds. It felt surreal to see buildings I had only ever encountered in comics standing right before my eyes. For a moment, I wondered if I was still dreaming.
Every morning, the first thing I saw when I opened my eyes was the gorgeous canopy above me and the intricate patterns embroidered into the ceiling. Luxurious dresses, gold and silver treated as the bare minimum, accessories adorned with every kind of jewel. Each time I saw them, a strange sensation washed over me, as if none of it truly belonged to me.
If I had died and reincarnated, I could have claimed everything without guilt and lived comfortably. But to think I had possessed someone else’s body while still alive. Moreover, the insurance money my mother had left behind, which I had been too reluctant to spend, had ended up wasted, and now I was living as a noble with immense wealth.
Every time I think about how I wasted that insurance money, I really realize what a fool I was.
Now that I was in Elizabeth’s body, I had to let go of those thoughts, but I still wasn’t very good at it.
What I realized today, after observing my own actions, was this: if I wanted to die as a villainess, I had to approach the Emperor. But since he had already built a wall and refused to let me near, I needed another method.
One option was to use Rath Arahan, the Emperor’s most trusted and cherished friend.
Arahan had used me first, so there was no reason I couldn’t do the same. The only difference was that Arahan had used me for his reputation, while I would be using him for my death. Still, in a society where nobles valued honor and reputation above life, perhaps that didn’t matter.
It would be great if Arahan just followed me around, liking me…
In place of the friend betrayed by the woman he loved and consumed by anger, have that woman executed.
Even without going that far, Arahan’s friendly attitude toward me made him a useful tool to provoke the Emperor. After all, Osborne was supposed to end up with Arahan, not Karlcia. Stirring conflict there might even accelerate things. Unless, of course, she was the type to keep multiple men around for her own benefit.
“…Miss…!”
I snapped out of my thoughts when I saw Ain running toward me from a distance. I smiled.
“Is everything finished?”
“Ah, yeah. I wrapped up the conversation. Where’s Grandpa?”
“He’s probably in an office inside the palace. Do you want to greet him?”
“No, it’s not necessary. He’s probably busy.”
“…Miss…”
Why did he look like he was about to cry?
“Sniff… I can’t believe my little lady has grown up so much.”
“…What are you talking about?”
“Even the Director must be thinking the same… sniff…”
“You can cry all you want. Nothing will come out.”
“…Anyway, are you heading back now?”
“Yeah. I think Dad’s waiting for me.”
“Okay. Then I’ll escort you to the Count Arlesia residence.”
Following Ain’s lead, I boarded the carriage, and we finally headed to Count Arlesia’s residence. Or rather, my home.
It still felt strange to call it that.
I used to live in a small one-room apartment. Now I was the daughter of a Count, returning to a massive mansion and calling it home.
“What did you talk about with His Majesty?” Ain asked.
“Hmm? Oh, just business-related matters.”
“…Business? You’ve been using a lot of complicated words lately…”
“…Ahaha. I meant commercial matters.”
“Anyway, Miss, you absolutely must not get involved in dangerous things. If the Director finds out, you might be forbidden from going out.”
“Yes, yes. I’ll behave.”
I raised both hands in surrender. Ain chuckled.
With so many handsome people around, I hadn’t noticed at first, but Ain was also quite good-looking. Very much so.
While I was lost in such useless thoughts, the carriage came to a stop in front of the Count’s residence.
“Please be careful. And do visit the Marquis residence often. Everyone wants to see you.”
“Got it. Take care, Ain.”
Waving lightly, I entered the residence and was greeted by Maya.
“Was everything alright while I was gone?” I asked.
“There was something.”
“Oh? Did Lady Luciela come by?”
“…Are your eyes playing tricks on you?”
Sorry. I already knew this from the original story.
“Not at all. Let’s talk inside. Where’s Dad?”
“He stepped out briefly.”
“Perfect. Bring dessert and tea to my room.”
“Understood.”
After collapsing onto the bed, exhaustion washed over me. Elizabeth truly had a talent for stirring trouble.
A knock sounded. I quickly moved to the sofa.
Maya entered, set down the tray, then continued.
“As instructed, I said you were ill. She insisted on checking herself.”
“…My heart isn’t that fragile.”
“Anyway, Lady Luciela was worried the illness might spread, so we sent her away.”
“Sent her away?”
“She said she’ll return tomorrow with a priest from the Holy District.”
“…What?”
The cookie slipped from my fingers and landed softly on the plate.
Arten.
My favorite character.
A priest with extraordinary abilities never fully explained in the novel. Prophecies, divine insight, truths that always came true. A character shrouded in mystery until Elizabeth’s death.
And I get to see him in person?
In 3D?
“How lucky am I?” I muttered.
“What if they discover you’re faking your illness?” Maya asked.
“I’ll just say I recovered in a day.”
I picked up the cookie and bit into it.
“She’ll arrive around lunchtime tomorrow. You shouldn’t sleep too early.”
“Huh?”
“If you wake up early, you won’t look sick.”
“…Good point. Why not prepare ice and whitening cosmetics too?”
“…That’s a great idea. I’ll prepare them.”
She actually took it seriously.
After she left, I lay back down.
“The real problem is the noble faction ball.”
This event never existed in the original novel. Elizabeth was never the Emperor’s partner.
So why now?
Maybe my presence had altered the flow of events. Or maybe this was always there, just never written.
Either way, things were changing.
Arahan’s attitude toward me had changed most of all.
Perhaps I should dive deeper. Betray them all. Become the villain who used the Duke for her own gain.
But first, the ball.
The Emperor would handle the politics. My job was simple.
Find Osborne.
Torment her.
Saint Osborne’s suffering would shine a spotlight on my villainy.
I brushed cookie crumbs from my skirt, drank the cold tea, and lay back down.
Despite Maya’s advice, exhaustion overtook me.
When I opened my eyes again, it was already past midday.
