Chapter 2
Of course, I already knew there were some rules that every newbie in a sudden “possession” situation had to follow.
First rule: Accept that the original story will not go exactly the way you want.
Life never goes as planned anyway. And in these kinds of possession stories, the usual cliché is: “Even if you don’t interfere, the story changes on its own.”
Second rule: Don’t try to recklessly change the original plot.
Some people think they can “redeem” villains or dark characters and force a happy ending. But even if I know the story, the characters inside it are living people with their own minds.
You think, “That person would never do something like that?” Well, people are complicated. Someone who picks up trash on the street could still be a terrible person in private.
If I try to change the story carelessly, I might end up being the one who attracts the obsession of the final villain instead.
Third rule: Don’t blindly trust any “possessor’s buff.”
The original won’t follow my will, and the characters won’t always move according to my plan.
That’s why, if I want to survive in this world, I need the mindset of “every man for himself.”
I clenched my fist and made a promise to myself.
“As long as I can stay close to Aria, that’s enough.”
I didn’t plan to ruin the main story. In fact, I had no intention of disturbing the love between the main couple at all. I only wanted to watch their true love unfold. I had no thoughts of taking the male lead for myself.
Besides, those two only had eyes for each other. Imagine them suddenly showing interest in me? Honestly, if that ever happened, I might even attack the male lead myself and shout, “You’re not supposed to do this to me!”
“They’re in an incredible, world-shaking love!” I muttered.
“…What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Ahhh! You scared me!”
A sudden voice nearly made my heart jump out of my chest.
“‘They’re in love’? What does that mean?”
I glared. “And didn’t Aria tell you not to come into my room unless I gave permission?”
“It’s fine. Aria can’t beat me anyway.”
Daniel casually sat on my bed and even pushed aside my bangs to check my forehead.
I gave him a look of disbelief, but he just grinned cheekily.
Wow. Genetics really don’t lie. That smile was identical to Aria’s.
“How’s your forehead?”
“I told you, it’s fine. It’ll heal with time.”
“Riella, your way of talking is weird. Did you eat something wrong? Should I call the doctor again?”
“N-no! I’m fine!”
Of course he couldn’t know I was possessed, but just the thought made me nervous, so I raised my voice.
Daniel chuckled like it was funny.
“Don’t laugh! And get out of here! I didn’t forgive you yet!”
I swung a pillow at him, but Daniel only laughed harder.
“Okay, okay. I won’t laugh anymore. And… sorry. I didn’t mean it, but I did hurt you after all.”
He took the pillow from my hands and gently brushed my forehead.
It didn’t hurt anymore thanks to the medicine, but I still pouted.
“Still not forgiving me?”
“Not unless you get permission from Aria.”
“What kind of permission?”
“Whether I should forgive you or not.”
“Then of course she’ll say no. Aria likes you better than me.”
Wait, Aria likes me more than her own brother?
I tried hard not to smile, but my lips twisted weirdly.
“Your face looks strange right now.”
“It does not!”
“It does.”
“It doesn’t!”
“Yep. Totally weird. Like this.”
Daniel scrunched up his face, copying me. Even pulling ugly expressions, he still looked handsome thanks to his good looks.
But I had more important business: I had to kick him out.
“Daniel.”
“Yeah? You’re gonna forgive me now?”
Cheeky brat.
I lifted my chin proudly. “Bring me a chocolate cake and I’ll forgive you.”
“That’s it? Easy.” He smirked and got up.
I raised my finger. “Also, a walnut tart and meat pie from Lil Carman. And they have to be fresh out of the oven.”
“Do they really have to be fresh?”
He pouted pitifully, but I didn’t budge.
That meant if he wanted to go outside, he’d need Duke Maynard’s permission. And he couldn’t lie when giving his reason. Which also meant… he’d have to tell his father exactly what happened today.
Daniel hadn’t realized this yet. I held back a laugh, watching him sulk.
“…Okay, fine. Even if it’s not fresh, just bring me a walnut tart and a meat pie, and I’ll forgive you.”
“Really? Promise?”
“I promise.”
We hooked pinkies to seal the deal.
Then he nagged me some more about how weak my body was and how I had to be careful, until the butler dragged him away.
“Sir Daniel, Sir Cedric has been waiting for quite some time. A true gentleman never keeps others waiting.”
Sounds like he dawdled and was late for class.
I sighed. “Anyway, I’ve got to make sure Leonid grows up to be a normal person.”
Otherwise, I might get tangled in his mess later.
After all, Leonid’s twisted obsession with Aria originally came from his terrible family environment. Growing up in a world where he could take whatever he wanted, no matter the cost, turned him into someone who cared only about himself.
In my memories, Leonid was indifferent to everything, cruel, and didn’t hesitate to use dangerous mental magic on Aria just to make her his living doll.
“Well, that’s a problem for later.”
For now, they were only ten or twelve years old. I didn’t need to worry yet.
I started planning what I should do next.
“Maybe if I just take things step by step, it’ll work out.”
Even though I knew the story, I couldn’t blindly trust it. That made me hesitate.
Then—knock, knock.
“Come in!”
I quickly pulled the blanket up to my chin.
“I heard you collapsed. Are you feeling okay?”
Wow…
The golden-haired duchess, Veronica Maynard, entered with a worried face.
“You must be in a lot of pain. Your face is so red.”
That’s because you’re too beautiful!
Before I could explain, her hand touched my forehead. Come to think of it… I really did feel feverish.
“Linde, call the doctor right away.”
“Yes, madam.”
The maid hurried out. I closed my eyes, savoring the duchess’s gentle touch.
“Do you feel dizzy or sick to your stomach?”
“I’m fine.”
“You always say that…”
“I really am fine.”
I forced a smile, ignoring my upset stomach.
But then, suddenly, a sharp headache hit me.
“Ugh…”
I clutched my head, and Veronica’s face went pale.
“Where is the doctor?!” she shouted, her voice like a whip.
The servants scrambled in panic.
Soon, the doctor rushed in, pulling out a notebook filled with notes.
“Do you feel heaviness in your stomach?”
I nodded.
“Do you feel dizzy or nauseous?”
I nodded again.
The more I nodded, the darker Veronica’s expression grew.
“What’s her condition?” she demanded.
“Please wait, I need more—”
“Uuugh!”
Suddenly, I couldn’t hold it in anymore. A wave of nausea overwhelmed me.
No way, I can’t throw up in front of everyone!
But my body betrayed me. I clamped my hands over my mouth, face pale.
At that moment, Aria came rushing in, crying.
“Riella, don’t die!”
I’m not dying! Don’t bury me yet! I won’t die until I see you happy!
I tried to calm her, but—
“Uweeegh!”
I vomited right then and there, in front of everyone.
“Riella!” Aria cried.
The sound alone was disgusting. I shut my eyes in embarrassment.
Something hot spilled over my hands.
Oh no…
I wanted to run away, but my limbs were trembling too much to move.
“Oh my goodness, young lady!” someone wailed.
People can get food poisoning and throw up sometimes! I thought bitterly.
But then I looked down at my hands.
They weren’t just messy with vomit.
They were red.
Blood.
