‘He’ll finish me off at this rate!’
I raised my hands restlessly as the two presented a pressing atmosphere.
“W-wait! Really? Are you serious?!”
There was no answer. I whirled my head, nervously glancing at the approaching attendant’s way. His steps had yet to settle, his face grim.
“Are you really going to kill me? Me? Here? While in Latni’s mansion?”
Smirk. The man resting opposite me raised the corners of his mouth whimsically.
“If you kill me here, you’ll become a murderer! No, I don’t want to die!”
Nevertheless, despite my screams, the attendant’s steps only neared.
“Argh! Fine! I got it! Let’s do what you want!”
I lifted my hands in surrender as the man’s henchman reached my position.
His large hand reached past me, heading towards the teacup placed on the table.
…What? A teapot?
“Pfft.”
It wasn’t long before I could discern laughter from the man sitting opposite me. He covered his mouth using his fist to hold back his amusement.
“I merely ordered for your teacup to be refilled. It seemed to be empty.”
As he claimed, the assistant simply poured tea into my empty cup before retreating politely.
‘Damn it. He got me.’
As I lowered my head in shame and held my forehead, a contract flapped over my knees.
On the first line existed the name Serrine. She seemed to have written it herself. As for the second… Huh? The second…
“Attend this ball hosted by the Crown Prince as my partner. That is my first request.”
What the man voiced could not properly adjust into my earlobes. My vision filled with shock as I scrutinized the paper. I rubbed my eyes to ascertain I wasn’t hallucinating. Nothing on the paper changed.
Trembling, I questioned the man before me.
“N-name…”
“…?”
“What’s written here, is that your name?”
The man nodded calmly in response.
‘C-crazy.’
The name of the person in question was none other than Lennox Vifletto.
In the novel, he falls in love with the female protagonist and eventually kills Serrine as a result.
He was the sub male lead, the person I was required to avoid at all costs.
***
A sigh escaped my lips throughout preparation for the ball.
My conception of him was a simple second male protagonist, cool and pure-hearted. That was the description of his original character.
Turns out he was involved in unauthorized information guilds while undercover.
‘He was somehow too handsome.’
I recall his depiction in the novel, clearly stating himself to be the ‘most handsome man in the Empire’.
Those who witnessed his face were instantly blinded by his seductive appearance. It was even said that some ended up rolling down the stairs in awe of him.
I didn’t realize just how serious it was as I read the novel, but witnessing the man in real life caused the reality of the matter to strike me.
‘The author cast his soul into him.’
Everything about him was perfect.
Excluding his dirty personality.
‘His nature is filthy.’
I lamented exasperatedly as I observed my reflection against the mirror. The person inside the mirror was so beautiful that they denoted no different from the Serrine I knew.
It would feel nice to dress up like this, if not for the devastating event I was to attend in a few hours.
“You will be the most beautiful in today’s ball!”
“You’re so pretty, my lady!”
I stared into the mirror as the maids continued their fuss. Enhanced like this, I realized once again that my appearance was identical to Serrine’s.
“Sister Serrine!”
Diletsha jumped inside cheerfully as I finished adjusting my earrings.
“I’m ready… Uwah. Sister Serrine, you’re so pretty!”
I didn’t want to be Lennox’s partner for the ball. The one I am about to attend.
‘Why would he attend the ball with me?’
There must be a lot of people who would die to have Lennox as their partner, so he could’ve just asked them! Why me? He didn’t even explain why!
As I ground my teeth, Diletsha stood beside me and wriggled her fingers.
“Sis-sister. Thank you so much for taking me to the ball. I really wanted to go.”
It was a ball I was to attend, so I suggested Diletsha accompany me. The child was so delighted, tears formed her eyes.
‘Well, it’s a relief Diletsha is happy about this.’
I noticed Diletsha’s hair as she jumped in joy.
“You’re pretty too, Diletsha.”
Her blonde hair was plaited gracefully, presenting a beautiful image charming for her age.
It was obvious she was thrilled for today’s promenade. Her face heated a bright red in regards to my sincere words.
‘So cute.’
I stroked Diletsha’s head and stood from my seat.
As my dress broadened splendidly, the maids squealed internally and commenced their fandom.
While Diletsha and I descended the stairs, employees stood to see us off. Besides them were the Count and Countess.
“Goodness, how beautiful. My two daughters.”
Count Latni held my hand and admired the both of us alternately. Diletsha lowered her head bashfully, holding both her cheeks.
“Baby.”
The Countess approached worriedly as she patted my shoulders. My joints flinched unconsciously.
“Are you sure you don’t mind? Your body hasn’t fully recovered.”
“It’s alright.”
“Don’t overdo it. If it’s because Diletsha wants to attend the ball…”
Mother’s worried gaze headed for Diletsha as if reproaching her. Diletsha hurriedly shifted her gaze in surprise. She was a mother who cared very much for her, but it seemed she was too anxious concerning my poor physical condition.
Diletsha blushed in shame.
“No, it wasn’t Diletsha who caused me to change my mind. It was fully my decision to attend the event. I merely offered Diletsha to accompany me.”
“That’s a relief…”
My mother continued patting my shoulder, still unable to entirely leave me be.
The innocent Diletsha concealed her tearful face, embarrassed.
“It’s alright. I’ll be back.”
Feeling remorse, I quickly sorted the situation and hurried Diletsha inside the carriage.
As I proceeded to enter the wagon, the butler placed forth his hand.
‘Hold hands gracefully.’
I recalled the education I received from Serrine. Such discipline was deemed helpful for moments similar to this.
I accepted the butler’s hand and elegantly entered the wagon. The moment I sat down, Diletsha began speaking nervously.
“Sister Serrine, didn’t you say you were going to be Duke Vifletto’s partner?”
“That’s right.”
“Then shouldn’t you go with his Excellency?”
Her face was timid.
“It’s alright, we planned to meet in front of the Imperial Palace. I’m more comfortable with you.”
Diletsha, whom I’ve observed the past few days, was a cute and dear child. However, she strived to be loved by her family at every given moment. She was intimidated whenever someone reprimanded her, like today, and often couldn’t express her opinions properly.
“Because I asked to come with you…”
“It’s not like that.”
I couldn’t help but notice she was just like me when I was suddenly compelled to adjust to life as a slave.
“I wanted to go with you, so you don’t have to worry, Diletsha. Let’s have fun together.”
Diletsha’s expression brightened once more as I held her small, lonely hands.
“Aside from that, why did you wish to come to this ball?”
Diletsha’s face blushed shyly in response to my question. W-why are you suddenly so red?
“Th-there’s someone I want to see…”
My heart sank. Seeing this shy act, there must be someone she liked.
‘Who dares do that to my sister?!’
Well, she wasn’t my biological sister. However, there were times we bonded like true siblings. Perhaps that was due to how we grew so close in a short period.
‘I’ll be sure to check his face as soon as we arrive.’
I must make sure he’s the right guy… If the kid’s a weirdo, I won’t allow it!
By the time we arrived at the Imperial Palace while chatting contentedly, the ball had long begun.
“You’re late.”
As I left the wagon, a familiar, mellow voice rang slowly.
I turned my head to find Lennox dressed in a full black uniform. He was leaning crookedly, his arms folded.
Although he was the sub-male lead I needed to avoid at all costs, his appearance was so beautiful that I couldn’t bring myself to ignore him. The young ladies and gentleman gazed his way as they passed by.
“Here.”
As if this were a common phenomenon, he lightly ignored his surroundings and reached to me. It was as he intended to seduce me.
“Let’s go.”
I sincerely wondered if he was playing with my sanity.
When I absent-mindedly stared into his hand, Diletsha clutched my sleeve and said hello.
“I-I’ll see you later.”
If it weren’t for Diletsha, I would probably continue staring at his hand for a good amount of time.
“What are you doing? Won’t you accept my hand?”
Despite Dilestha’s bashful greeting, Lennox did not turn his eyes from me. It was as if I were the only existing person here.
‘How dare you ignore my sister’s greeting?’
Now that I’m here regardless of my will, I’ll do whatever I want! I held Diletsha’s hand and placed it over Lennox’s palm.
“What are you doing?”
“S-sister.”
I then overlapped my hands over theirs and shook them up and down.
“What do you mean? People shake hands when saying goodbye.”
How dare you ignore my sister’s greeting before me? As an older sister, I must never see anything like that. I will force you to reply.
“…Ha.”
Lennox pulled his hand and sighed ridiculously.
Diletsha was also unable to hide her embarrassed face.
“S-sister. I-I don’t have a partner, so I’ll go to the ballroom first! You two can talk to each other!”
Before I could stop her, Diletsha rushed inside.
No! I need to see who the guy Diletsha likes is!
‘This is all because of you!’
When I turned to condemn Lennox, he abruptly grabbed me by the wrist.
“W-what!”
The sudden contact hardened my body to the core. Goosebumps crawled over my skin and devastating memories arose from deep down.
‘No, it’s okay.’
I’m not what I used to be. I am not a slave anymore. I’m fine.
As I comforted myself, Lennox gently placed my hand over his and leaned to stare at me.
***
Hmm, I don’t know but I’m getting weird vibes from the mother and Diletsha… idk might just be me but we’ll see…