“Just why? Why does His Highness want me to disappear?”
“His Highness is stopping you ahead of time because you may be spreading information about the contract with His Highness, Miss Lena.”
It was unfair to Elena.
Because she never told anyone about the contract and had no intention of doing so.
“Then why does he send me off yesterday? He should have gotten rid of me yesterday if he was going to.”
“It was His Highness’ last consideration. It was kind of like a final reprieve.”
It was such a fucking bullshit.
How can a final reprieve that the party is unaware of be a final reprieve?
She wished she could argue, but she couldn’t. Because, before she could say anything, a cold blade stabbed her in and out of her stomach.
“I apologize, Miss Lena, but this is also unavoidable. I’m simply carrying out His Highness’ orders.”
Her hands were tied, so she couldn’t cover the wound, and only her eyelids shook, but the man quickly sprayed some powder on her wound.
“Wh-what, ugh… sprayed… on me… ugh…”
“I summon the demonic beast to take your body. It’s a good way to get rid of a corpse with the demonic beast.”
Count Van Der added with a shrug.
“At the very least, you won’t be lonely. The demonic beast will come and take you away before Miss Lena dies, and your comrades who went first will be there to greet you, Miss Lena.”
Elena realized what it meant only after she was bitten and taken to a cave after Count Van Der and the man had left.
‘Did they deal with other women besides me in this way?’
It was speculation more on verge of being proven.
Because Count Van Der and the man who stabbed her appeared to be experts at everything.
Was it because it was her final moment?
Or was it because she was losing consciousness as she lost blood?
Rather than being scared, Elena felt her hatred for the Crown Prince and her miserable situation.
And a face was flashing through her mind.
It was Caleb’s smiling face that she happened to see that day.
It was that exact moment.
She was envious of Vivian without even realizing it.
‘If I was that young lady……’
That was her last recollection.
When she opened her eyes again, she became “Vivian Vessel.”
And back to before she died.
With the guardian necklace, she’s worn since she was a child around her neck.
⇺⇺⇺⇼⇻⇻⇻
I was speechless after hearing all of Vivian’s stories.
This is because it took time to listen to and comprehend so much information in such a short period of time.
‘If what she said was true, isn’t it the story about Vivian’s previous memory returning that I read before?’
What had piqued my interest the entire time seemed to have been settled.
But I couldn’t believe it if it wasn’t true.
It’s not something I could say because I possess and live in Elena’s body, but because I’ve never regressed, it felt like a nonsense story.
“I, too, was perplexed at first. It’s not enough to be someone else, let alone back in the past.”
It never occurred to me that Vivian was telling the truth.
There was no reason for her to do so until she was confronted with her current situation, which was caused by the existence of the ‘Sacred Relic’ that Vivian possessed.
“In addition, I was concerned and curious about my body. Because our souls would have changed if I had returned to the past and become Vivian Vessel.”
“But why didn’t you visit me? Didn’t you want to make sure?”
“I was going to find you.”
Vivian responded quickly.
“Because I was being treated for falling off the horse, I couldn’t move in my bed. I intended to pay you a visit once I recovered. I certainly did, but my memory disappeared at some point.”
“Disappeared?”
“Yes. Instead, headaches fill in the gaps in your memories. As if I were the original Vivian Vessel.”
I recall being possessed for the first time. I got a headache and a memory from the original Elena.
“I forgot everything like that, but when I met you, everything came back to me strangely. About how did I die, and how did I end up like this.”
Vivian elaborated.
“However, you didn’t recognize me. It’s like God gave me this opportunity.”
“So you just pretended you didn’t know who I was and kept acting?”
“That’s correct. Because of the good appearance, good parents, and good family…… Even the man I was about to meet is desirable.”
Vivian spoke in a lower tone than usual.
“Also, it’s earlier than I remember with the time when the Crown Prince…… anyway, you’ll disappear anyway.”
I got goosebumps.
“This time, I thought I could live a wonderful life. However, that was not the result.”
“Did you try to kill me because the things didn’t go your way?”
“No. At first, I did I without even realizing it. Even though our bodies change, the Duke still has his eyes on you in this life……”
“Did you try to kill me just for that?”
“Yes. I know it was a pathetic.”
Vivian recited while looking pensive.
“You have no idea how terrified I was as a result of it. While I was worried that what I did would be revealed, you became the Duke’s fiancée. As a result, the crown prince threatened me and I lost everything.”
“Wait. Why is the crown prince threatening you? What does he have to threaten you this time?”
Vivian was taken aback by what I said.
She appeared hesitant, but I waited for her response.
Soon, she said, biting her lips while looking at me.
“The time when you were drowning at the lake on the Emperor’s birthday banquet, that’s me.”
What!?
“I was relieved because the investigator was unable to identify the perpetrator, but the Crown Prince threatened me a few days later, citing that time. He will reveal who pushed you down if I do not comply.”
“Is that why you wanted to kill me? Because the crown prince asked for it?”
“No.”
Vivian made a shaky motion with her head.
“The prince instructed me to separate you from the Duke within ten days. But how am I going to do that? In ten days?”
Smirk-
Vivian moved her hand with a smile. There was a clashing sound between chains at the same time.
” I felt like I was going insane, afraid of losing everything. But you not only have the Duke, but you also have my parents. I both envied and despised you. So, so……”
“So you tried to murder me?”
“I figured I could start over if I killed you, so…… No, I didn’t mind if I didn’t go back. I just hated you.”
Vivian’s admission rendered me speechless.
Because no matter how hard I listened to her explanation, I didn’t do anything wrong.
Instead, I was the victim. But Vivian was behaving like a victim, which was so ridiculous that I couldn’t even get angry.
“Have you ever considered that you picked the wrong person to blame?”
“What exactly do you mean?”
“First, the person who murdered you was the crown prince, and the crown prince was the one who threatened you. So why did you despise me and try to kill me rather than the Crown Prince?”
“I despise the Crown Prince more than I despise you. But how can I try to kill the Crown Prince?”
“But you have the ability to kill me?”
“Th-that’s……”
Vivian paused, her words becoming hazy.
The sight made me laugh without realizing it.
“You took your anger out on me.”
“No, I just……”
“Not? You can’t touch the prince because you’re afraid, but you want to get rid of your own hatred. Isn’t that why you tried to kill me, who appeared to be easier to kill than the prince?”
Vivian was speechless, as if she had been struck by my words.
It wasn’t long after that that a very shaky voice emerged.
“So, what do you want me to do……? What was I supposed to do?”
Vivian locked her gaze on me.
“You should still pretending as me.”
“……”
“No.”
I stated it emphatically.
“If I were you, I would have exacted my vengeance on the crown prince.”
“Do not tell a lie! What can I, a mere marquis’s daughter, do to fight back against the prince?”
“Didn’t you say the prince murdered you? Did he only do that to you?”
“Wh-what are you trying to say?”
“Even a prince cannot justify killing someone. And you’ll be put on trial in public soon.”
Vivian frowned as she looked at me. As if she expected me to finish what I was saying.
But I didn’t want to go into too much detail, so I took up the item I had placed on the table.
“Think about what I’m saying and do what you can.”
“Do what I can……?
“If you truly feel unfair and a little guilty.”
I heard exactly what I wanted to hear and said exactly what I wanted to say, so I stood up without hesitation.
Maybe Vivian can figure out what I’m saying.
She’s only been encouraged by her emotions, but she’s actually quite smart.
⇺⇺⇺⇼⇻⇻⇻
Caleb was waiting for me when I came out.
Caleb stood in an empty hallway with no one around, not even leaning against the wall.
Why aren’t you sitting down and just standing there?
Oh, there isn’t a chair.
I didn’t look at the time, so I’m not sure how long I was inside, but I talked to Vivian for quite some time.
And I felt sorry for Caleb, thinking about how long he would have stood like that all the time.
I crept up beside Caleb and said.
“I apologize. How long did you have to wait? The talk took longer than expected.”
“No, it’s fine. Moreover, have you completed your business?”
“Yes, thanks to you.”
Although I was perplexed because I was learning so much truth at once.
“Where are the guards, by the way? I should return the flute before we leave.”
“Since the story seems to be getting longer, I sent everyone to rest because I am alone enough to keep you safe.”
I was curious as to where everyone had gone. Then I should be able to return it on my way out, right?
It was when I was being casual about it. Caleb inquired cautiously.
“……are you okay?”
“Huh?”
“You came face to face with someone who tried to kill you.”
“It’s all right. On the contrary, I’m relieved because I learned what I needed to know. Thank you for your concern.”
I didn’t mean to laugh, but I burst out laughing as I spoke. I continued, folding my arms to Caleb.
“Should we return now?”
⇺⇺⇺⇼⇻⇻⇻
The next day, I went to see the Archduke and his wife. It wasn’t difficult to meet them because I promised to do so yesterday.
After a brief greeting and Caleb’s departure, the Archduchess inquired carefully.
“I heard you met that lady the other day…… Are you all right?”
“Yes, I’m fine.”
“Did that lady ever hurt you or say anything harsh to you?”
“She was tightly bound when we met. She couldn’t possibly have intended to harm me. I’ve also not heard anything particularly harsh.”
“I’m relieved if that’s the case. So, did you hear everything you wanted to hear?”
“Yes, thank you for doing me a favor.”
“It’s nothing,” the Archduke and his wife said, shaking their heads.
“Uhm, by the way.”
The Archduke and his wife, who had been speaking to me without hesitation, turned to look at my expression.
I could tell they were interested in the conversation I had with Vivian the day before.
When I decided it was time to speak, I set the cup I was holding down. I said it in front of the Archduke and his wife.
“I have something to tell you two. Regarding yesterday’s occasion.”
“Just why? Why does His Highness want me to disappear?”
“His Highness is stopping you ahead of time because you may be spreading information about the contract with His Highness, Miss Lena.”
It was unfair to Elena.
Because she never told anyone about the contract and had no intention of doing so.
“Then why does he send me off yesterday? He should have gotten rid of me yesterday if he was going to.”
“It was His Highness’ last consideration. It was kind of like a final reprieve.”
It was such a fucking bullshit.
How can a final reprieve that the party is unaware of be a final reprieve?
She wished she could argue, but she couldn’t. Because, before she could say anything, a cold blade stabbed her in and out of her stomach.
“I apologize, Miss Lena, but this is also unavoidable. I’m simply carrying out His Highness’ orders.”
Her hands were tied, so she couldn’t cover the wound, and only her eyelids shook, but the man quickly sprayed some powder on her wound.
“Wh-what, ugh… sprayed… on me… ugh…”
“I summon the demonic beast to take your body. It’s a good way to get rid of a corpse with the demonic beast.”
Count Van Der added with a shrug.
“At the very least, you won’t be lonely. The demonic beast will come and take you away before Miss Lena dies, and your comrades who went first will be there to greet you, Miss Lena.”
Elena realized what it meant only after she was bitten and taken to a cave after Count Van Der and the man had left.
‘Did they deal with other women besides me in this way?’
It was speculation more on verge of being proven.
Because Count Van Der and the man who stabbed her appeared to be experts at everything.
Was it because it was her final moment?
Or was it because she was losing consciousness as she lost blood?
Rather than being scared, Elena felt her hatred for the Crown Prince and her miserable situation.
And a face was flashing through her mind.
It was Caleb’s smiling face that she happened to see that day.
It was that exact moment.
She was envious of Vivian without even realizing it.
‘If I was that young lady……’
That was her last recollection.
When she opened her eyes again, she became “Vivian Vessel.”
And back to before she died.
With the guardian necklace, she’s worn since she was a child around her neck.
⇺⇺⇺⇼⇻⇻⇻
I was speechless after hearing all of Vivian’s stories.
This is because it took time to listen to and comprehend so much information in such a short period of time.
‘If what she said was true, isn’t it the story about Vivian’s previous memory returning that I read before?’
What had piqued my interest the entire time seemed to have been settled.
But I couldn’t believe it if it wasn’t true.
It’s not something I could say because I possess and live in Elena’s body, but because I’ve never regressed, it felt like a nonsense story.
“I, too, was perplexed at first. It’s not enough to be someone else, let alone back in the past.”
It never occurred to me that Vivian was telling the truth.
There was no reason for her to do so until she was confronted with her current situation, which was caused by the existence of the ‘Sacred Relic’ that Vivian possessed.
“In addition, I was concerned and curious about my body. Because our souls would have changed if I had returned to the past and become Vivian Vessel.”
“But why didn’t you visit me? Didn’t you want to make sure?”
“I was going to find you.”
Vivian responded quickly.
“Because I was being treated for falling off the horse, I couldn’t move in my bed. I intended to pay you a visit once I recovered. I certainly did, but my memory disappeared at some point.”
“Disappeared?”
“Yes. Instead, headaches fill in the gaps in your memories. As if I were the original Vivian Vessel.”
I recall being possessed for the first time. I got a headache and a memory from the original Elena.
“I forgot everything like that, but when I met you, everything came back to me strangely. About how did I die, and how did I end up like this.”
Vivian elaborated.
“However, you didn’t recognize me. It’s like God gave me this opportunity.”
“So you just pretended you didn’t know who I was and kept acting?”
“That’s correct. Because of the good appearance, good parents, and good family…… Even the man I was about to meet is desirable.”
Vivian spoke in a lower tone than usual.
“Also, it’s earlier than I remember with the time when the Crown Prince…… anyway, you’ll disappear anyway.”
I got goosebumps.
“This time, I thought I could live a wonderful life. However, that was not the result.”
“Did you try to kill me because the things didn’t go your way?”
“No. At first, I did I without even realizing it. Even though our bodies change, the Duke still has his eyes on you in this life……”
“Did you try to kill me just for that?”
“Yes. I know it was a pathetic.”
Vivian recited while looking pensive.
“You have no idea how terrified I was as a result of it. While I was worried that what I did would be revealed, you became the Duke’s fiancée. As a result, the crown prince threatened me and I lost everything.”
“Wait. Why is the crown prince threatening you? What does he have to threaten you this time?”
Vivian was taken aback by what I said.
She appeared hesitant, but I waited for her response.
Soon, she said, biting her lips while looking at me.
“The time when you were drowning at the lake on the Emperor’s birthday banquet, that’s me.”
What!?
“I was relieved because the investigator was unable to identify the perpetrator, but the Crown Prince threatened me a few days later, citing that time. He will reveal who pushed you down if I do not comply.”
“Is that why you wanted to kill me? Because the crown prince asked for it?”
“No.”
Vivian made a shaky motion with her head.
“The prince instructed me to separate you from the Duke within ten days. But how am I going to do that? In ten days?”
Smirk-
Vivian moved her hand with a smile. There was a clashing sound between chains at the same time.
” I felt like I was going insane, afraid of losing everything. But you not only have the Duke, but you also have my parents. I both envied and despised you. So, so……”
“So you tried to murder me?”
“I figured I could start over if I killed you, so…… No, I didn’t mind if I didn’t go back. I just hated you.”
Vivian’s admission rendered me speechless.
Because no matter how hard I listened to her explanation, I didn’t do anything wrong.
Instead, I was the victim. But Vivian was behaving like a victim, which was so ridiculous that I couldn’t even get angry.
“Have you ever considered that you picked the wrong person to blame?”
“What exactly do you mean?”
“First, the person who murdered you was the crown prince, and the crown prince was the one who threatened you. So why did you despise me and try to kill me rather than the Crown Prince?”
“I despise the Crown Prince more than I despise you. But how can I try to kill the Crown Prince?”
“But you have the ability to kill me?”
“Th-that’s……”
Vivian paused, her words becoming hazy.
The sight made me laugh without realizing it.
“You took your anger out on me.”
“No, I just……”
“Not? You can’t touch the prince because you’re afraid, but you want to get rid of your own hatred. Isn’t that why you tried to kill me, who appeared to be easier to kill than the prince?”
Vivian was speechless, as if she had been struck by my words.
It wasn’t long after that that a very shaky voice emerged.
“So, what do you want me to do……? What was I supposed to do?”
Vivian locked her gaze on me.
“You should still pretending as me.”
“……”
“No.”
I stated it emphatically.
“If I were you, I would have exacted my vengeance on the crown prince.”
“Do not tell a lie! What can I, a mere marquis’s daughter, do to fight back against the prince?”
“Didn’t you say the prince murdered you? Did he only do that to you?”
“Wh-what are you trying to say?”
“Even a prince cannot justify killing someone. And you’ll be put on trial in public soon.”
Vivian frowned as she looked at me. As if she expected me to finish what I was saying.
But I didn’t want to go into too much detail, so I took up the item I had placed on the table.
“Think about what I’m saying and do what you can.”
“Do what I can……?
“If you truly feel unfair and a little guilty.”
I heard exactly what I wanted to hear and said exactly what I wanted to say, so I stood up without hesitation.
Maybe Vivian can figure out what I’m saying.
She’s only been encouraged by her emotions, but she’s actually quite smart.
⇺⇺⇺⇼⇻⇻⇻
Caleb was waiting for me when I came out.
Caleb stood in an empty hallway with no one around, not even leaning against the wall.
Why aren’t you sitting down and just standing there?
Oh, there isn’t a chair.
I didn’t look at the time, so I’m not sure how long I was inside, but I talked to Vivian for quite some time.
And I felt sorry for Caleb, thinking about how long he would have stood like that all the time.
I crept up beside Caleb and said.
“I apologize. How long did you have to wait? The talk took longer than expected.”
“No, it’s fine. Moreover, have you completed your business?”
“Yes, thanks to you.”
Although I was perplexed because I was learning so much truth at once.
“Where are the guards, by the way? I should return the flute before we leave.”
“Since the story seems to be getting longer, I sent everyone to rest because I am alone enough to keep you safe.”
I was curious as to where everyone had gone. Then I should be able to return it on my way out, right?
It was when I was being casual about it. Caleb inquired cautiously.
“……are you okay?”
“Huh?”
“You came face to face with someone who tried to kill you.”
“It’s all right. On the contrary, I’m relieved because I learned what I needed to know. Thank you for your concern.”
I didn’t mean to laugh, but I burst out laughing as I spoke. I continued, folding my arms to Caleb.
“Should we return now?”
⇺⇺⇺⇼⇻⇻⇻
The next day, I went to see the Archduke and his wife. It wasn’t difficult to meet them because I promised to do so yesterday.
After a brief greeting and Caleb’s departure, the Archduchess inquired carefully.
“I heard you met that lady the other day…… Are you all right?”
“Yes, I’m fine.”
“Did that lady ever hurt you or say anything harsh to you?”
“She was tightly bound when we met. She couldn’t possibly have intended to harm me. I’ve also not heard anything particularly harsh.”
“I’m relieved if that’s the case. So, did you hear everything you wanted to hear?”
“Yes, thank you for doing me a favor.”
“It’s nothing,” the Archduke and his wife said, shaking their heads.
“Uhm, by the way.”
The Archduke and his wife, who had been speaking to me without hesitation, turned to look at my expression.
I could tell they were interested in the conversation I had with Vivian the day before.
When I decided it was time to speak, I set the cup I was holding down. I said it in front of the Archduke and his wife.
“I have something to tell you two. Regarding yesterday’s occasion.”
