Episode 13
You like me? Not that you don’t like me?
Did he forget to add the word “not” by mistake?
When the Emperor said something totally different from what I expected, I wanted to shove those words right back into his mouth.
Wasn’t I supposed to be the only one not falling for the male lead’s charm?
I was completely stunned by this unexpected situation.
In the original novel, the Emperor abandons Eileen.
Yes, the Eileen who looks like a fairy every time I look in the mirror.
He’s the most powerful man in the empire and a famously handsome guy. Of course noble ladies lined up for him, so he had nothing to regret.
Plus, the woman who makes him change later in the story is glamorous. As I said before, that must be his type. He falls completely for her and even becomes a wise and good emperor thanks to her.
So I thought his type was that kind of glamorous woman… not someone like me who’s more like a quiet, loyal pine tree.
I was happy thinking that was the case, but now…
He says he likes me? Likes me? Seriously?
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. My brain couldn’t process it.
Where did things go wrong? I tried to figure it out, but there were just too many confusing parts from the very beginning.
So… what should I do now?
I had decided to save the Grand Duke. That was the reason I believed I had entered this novel in the first place. The plan was to fake his death, sneak him away, and escape with him to live the rest of our lives in peace.
That was my golden plan.
And I really thought it would work…
But now the Emperor’s sudden interest in me was like a bomb that ruined everything.
If the Emperor likes me, then that ruins my whole plan!
I was too shocked to hide my reaction properly. But I had to act normal somehow, so I pulled the corners of my wide eyes into a polite smile.
“…Is that so. Thank you.”
When I smiled softly, the Emperor looked at me closely.
“May I call you Eileen?”
And he didn’t stop there.
Not “Lady Eileen,” but just “Eileen”? That clearly meant he wanted to get closer to me.
He was asking for permission, but in truth, it was basically an order.
I mean, how can anyone say no to the Emperor of the Empire?
This was reality, and I had to face it.
So that’s why the original Eileen kept her distance from him?
I thought she was just a poor woman who got cast aside by the Emperor. But now I realize, she was a strong woman who stood up for her own life.
If that’s the case, maybe I should push back a little too.
“Your… Your Majesty. I think our relationship is still a bit…”
I wanted to say, “You can call me that if we become closer,” but the words didn’t come out easily.
As I hesitated, the Emperor leaned in with a charming expression that was totally unfair.
“Our relationship is…?”
His sculpted face came close to mine. His lowered eyes and whispering voice brushed right against my ear.
You can’t just look like that and talk like that—it’s cheating!
Eileen, get it together!!!
Even though my heart screamed at me to stay calm, my brain had already fallen into character. My lips moved under its control.
“…We’ve grown closer… so, it’s fine.”
“Is that so? Haha.”
The Emperor gave me his usual charming smile.
He didn’t say it, but it felt like he was thinking, “I feel much better now that you’ve said yes.”
Was he reading my mind or what?
I hated myself for giving in so easily, but it was too late now.
The water had already been spilled.
It was a warm and sunny day.
I was staying in my room on the second floor of the Duke’s mansion.
After returning home, my parents became extremely overprotective. Except for when I was in my room, I was always followed by guards. Even inside the house, my room was tightly guarded from the outside.
So if I wanted to be alone, staying in my room was my only choice.
But the thing I wanted to protect wasn’t my safety…
Please, someone save me from that crazy Emperor! That’s what I really need protection from!
Right now, I was safe, but the future was a different story.
I was slowly being pushed into the position of the Emperor’s fiancée…
Ugh. This is crazy!!!
In another romance novel, this would be the start of a sweet and happy love story.
But not in this one—this Emperor isn’t normal, and it will lead everyone to ruin.
I had to admit it now. The original Eileen was a woman of strong principles.
Me? I’m just like a weak little reed…
I couldn’t even say a harsh word and just kept getting dragged along by the Emperor’s will.
At this rate, things might end worse than the original story.
The Emperor keeps ruling harshly, the Grand Duke is killed, and I become nothing more than a footrest for the Emperor…
No way! I can’t let that happen!
Even if I’ve been swept along until now, I need to get serious from this point on.
Saving the Grand Duke is my top priority.
As soon as I decided that, thoughts of the Grand Duke filled my mind.
My favorite, Raymond. I hoped he was safe from the Emperor’s traps.
Now that I thought about it, the Emperor might be planning something against him. But how could I warn him?
I was practically under house arrest in the mansion. And even if I forced myself out, I’d be surrounded by guards. Meeting the Grand Duke would be impossible like this.
So how do I contact him?
While I was busy worrying…
A very special guest arrived at the mansion.
It was late at night.
I couldn’t sleep because of too many thoughts in my head. I was reading a book under a magical lamp when I heard the sound of a night bird in the distance. I didn’t think much of it at first, but the sound grew louder and closer.
As I perked up my ears, I heard a tapping at the window. Looking up, I saw the shadow of a bird behind the curtain.
What’s that? Is someone really here for me?
Curious and a little scared, I went to the window and carefully moved the curtain aside. There, sitting on the window frame, was a round-eyed owl looking right at me.
S-So cute!
Owls are usually medium-sized birds, about 40cm tall. But that doesn’t matter—cute things deserve all the space in the world.
Size doesn’t make something less cute!
I quickly opened the window so the adorable visitor wouldn’t bump into it.
The owl quietly flew inside the room.
“Why are you here, little guy?”
Of course, the owl didn’t answer. But talking helped me feel like we were communicating.
Then, the white-and-brown-feathered owl stuck out one of its legs, like it understood me.
Tied to its left leg was a tiny scroll.
“Oh? You’re a messenger owl?”
The owl proudly lifted its head, like it was saying “Of course!” I almost believed it was a person transformed into a bird.
I carefully untied the scroll, trying not to scare the owl. When I opened the paper, a familiar name caught my eye.
It was from Grand Duke Ruslo.
Ah! Raymond!!
A message from my favorite person, delivered by an adorable owl—it made me feel so excited.
I respectfully read the letter, one word at a time.
“Are you doing well, Lady Eileen?
I have something to tell you, so I’ve sent this owl.
But first, the little one must be tired from flying all the way to the Duke’s mansion. Please give it some water.”
Reading that part, I immediately went to the table, poured water into a cup, and brought it to the owl.
It gently dipped its beak and took a few small sips.
Watching it, I whispered softly.
“Did your master not give you a name? Should I give you one?”
The owl didn’t reply, of course, but I kept talking.
“Let’s see… what would be a good name?”
I tapped my chin and thought hard.
Since I always go ‘Okay!’ whenever the Grand Duke calls, how about Oki? That sounds cute!
And since you say “ook ook” when you hoot… Oki! Perfect!
Feeling proud of my naming skills, I smiled at the owl.
“Your name is Oki now. I’ll call you that, okay?”
Oki shook its head, like it was refusing. But I told myself it was just my imagination.
I went back to reading the letter.
“I’d like to ask you something. I wish we could meet in person.
I understand the guards must be strict due to your recent kidnapping.
That’s why I suggest we meet late at night, when everyone’s asleep. If you agree, I’ll send someone to fetch you. Please reply using the same method.”
My eyes widened and stopped at one part.
I wish we could meet. I want to meet you. Let’s meet.
He wants to meet me? The Grand Duke wants to meet me?
I threw my arms into the air and silently cheered, mouthing a loud “Yay!”
Even though it was probably for political reasons, I was over the moon, as if he’d asked me on a date.
What should I wear? I need something pretty but easy to move in…
Just as I was starting to imagine outfits, I heard a sound from the side.
Oki hooted at me like he was reminding me to stay focused.
“Oh right, sorry Oki! Now’s not the time to daydream. Let’s write the reply!”
I quickly grabbed paper and a pen and began writing a response to the Grand Duke.
