IBMPC 16

Episode 16

Why did that memory suddenly come to mind?

If anything… Bella trying to kill me might, in some twisted way, still be the result of her affection—for the original me, Ophelia Leora.

Right now, that was the only explanation I could cling to. The most optimistic one.

And yet… I was still confused.

Kill a helpless chick?

Was this really the same Bella I knew—the one who, despite possessing the strength of a beast, never harmed even the smallest creature?

Maybe she didn’t mean it.

Maybe she was just nervous, standing before Clements, saying things she didn’t truly feel?

If not…

“Take me to the imperial palace. I sincerely wish to remain by Your Highness’s side.”

Clements said nothing. He only looked at her.

“If a price is required, I will pay anything.”

…Had I completely misunderstood Bella all this time?

For some reason, I felt afraid to meet her eyes.

That was why—even though just five minutes ago I would’ve jumped for joy hearing those words—I couldn’t feel happy now. Even when she smiled so dazzlingly.

Only unease remained.

“C-chirp…!”

I scrambled belatedly, trying to follow Bella as she left the room—but Clements held onto me tightly.

“She’s a bad woman, little chick. Don’t grow attached to her.”

You bastard! Don’t insult our Bella!

This time, I pecked his palm hard.

“Ah.”

“Your Highness, are you alright?”

…Was I really going to spend another night with these chick-obsessed fools?

Yes, Bella had awakened something—but things were still going terribly wrong.

What do I do…?

If Clements wasn’t responding to Bella because of me—

And if Bella wanted to kill me because of me as a human—

…Then it was time for drastic measures.

I would reveal everything.

That I was Ophelia Leora.
That I was the chick.

Then they’d both understand. They’d stop focusing on the chick—and finally focus on each other.

Clements, upon realizing his precious chick was actually a full-grown human, would naturally lose interest. And Bella would get her beloved maid back.

Sure, she’d lose the cute chick—but in return, she’d gain a peerless beauty from Honwood.

As for Bella, that part was simple.

“Bella, I was the chick. I got cursed while gathering herbs.”
“What? You idiot… and I didn’t even realize!”
“It’s okay. Did you really mean harm? I just wanted to come back to you. Let’s go to the palace together. I’ll help you with everything.”

…That should fix things, right?

The violent emotions would calm down. The Bella I knew—the one I’d watched since childhood—was gentle. Not someone who could easily take a life.

Alright. Let’s do this.

I steeled my resolve and waited for nightfall.

But then—

Why does it always turn out like this?!

I swallowed my tears.

Before I could even begin, the plan collapsed.

Perhaps this was my karma.

After last night’s escape had caused such panic, the Crown Prince had decided—

To personally sleep while holding the chick.

Does that even make sense?!

“Don’t worry. I won’t crush you.”

As I struggled to escape, Clements easily pulled me back into his arms, whispering drowsily.

“Even this small estate is too dangerous for you. I can’t be at ease. Stay in my hands at all times… and I’ll protect you.”

I don’t need that! Please… just—

“Stay still.”

Huff… huff…

In the end, I ran out of strength.

Honestly, it wasn’t just me—Clements was absurdly stubborn.

What now?

Soon I’d turn human again.

And then what? I’d be a complete stranger to him—yet lying in his arms on his bed?

Please… when I transform, let me get out of his grasp…

There was only one hope.

When I transformed, my body would rise into the air.

Good. The moment that happens—I’ll roll off the bed with everything I’ve got!

I simulated it over and over in my mind.

Night deepened.

Behind me, I heard slow, steady breathing.

Clements had fallen asleep.

And then—

A rising current of air.
My body began to glow white, lifting—

…Except it didn’t.

Damn it.

Because Clements was holding me so tightly, I couldn’t rise at all. His hands lifted slightly—and then—

Crack.

The next moment, I returned to my human form.

Right into his arms.

No—no no no!!

“…Mm.”

As I tried to escape, Clements instinctively pulled me closer.

His chest pressed against my back.

His breath brushed my ear.

A shiver ran down my spine.

HELP—SOMEONE—ANYONE—SAVE THE SIDE CHARACTER!!!

My entire body froze.

What do I do now?!

This situation was a disaster—nothing but misunderstandings from beginning to end.

And then—

“…What is this.”

Of course. Of course it happens now!

“Ah—!”

In an instant, I was flipped over.

The next moment, I was pinned between the bed and Clements’s body.

My wrists were caught in one hand, raised above me—

And before I could even register it—

A dagger was at my throat.

…A knife.

Had he hidden it under his pillow?

Even in the dim light, the blade gleamed sharply.

His eyes—like shattered amethyst—cut into me.

“Who are you?”

If his hand moved even an inch, my throat would be slit.

But even before that, I was overwhelmed—by the pressure, the killing intent pouring from him.

“I… I am…”

My voice trembled. Tears slipped down without permission.

I wanted to beg for my life.

But first—I had to give him a reason not to kill me.

“Ophelia… Leora. Maid to Lady Belarusian.”

“…That maid?”

At my name, the killing intent lessened—just slightly.

But his grip and the blade remained.

“Y-Your Highness… my wrists… they hurt. Please let go…”

He didn’t budge.

“Did you think claiming to be her maid would guarantee your life?”

…Well. Yes.

But—could he really kill Bella’s maid?

Right. Of course he could.

Clements was ruthless. And he fully wielded the authority granted to him.

He didn’t love Bella yet.

So even her maid meant nothing.

“You seem quite arrogant. How amusing. What is she to me? And what are you to her?”

…That’s right.

Right now, even Belarusian Monahan—his destined woman—was nothing to him.

And maybe… I wasn’t that important to Bella either.

“Did the Count send you? His sister wasn’t enough, so now he sends the maid to my bed?”

What kind of misunderstanding is that?!

…But honestly, it made sense.

With his status and face, how many must have tried to seduce their way into his bed?

Damn it. There couldn’t be a worse first encounter with the male lead.

I forced myself not to look at the blade at my throat.

Stay calm. Speak clearly. Tell the truth.

That knife won’t fall.

I repeated it to myself over and over.

“The House of Leora was granted baron status one hundred and fifty years ago by His Majesty the Emperor. Even as a maid, I am not of a status to be forced into serving a man’s bed without marriage.”

…Wait. That might sound like I came willingly.

Seeing his expression, I quickly added—