Chapter 128: IF Side Story – Scarlett’s Regression

Chapter 128: IF Side Story – Scarlett’s Regression

The world is collapsing.

The hot sensation in my chest slowly faded, and a comfortable feeling enveloped my body.

I had just torn Carlson’s body to shreds.

Now, Cecil would be free.

It hurt my heart that I couldn’t be by her side,

But this was also one of the gifts I could give Cecil.

Kung, Kuung-

The mansion’s debris slowly fell to the ground.

This was truly the end.

Scarlett felt her body slowly rising.

Death, it seemed, was quieter than she thought.

She surrendered herself to the strange sensation of floating.

But.

Something was strange.

The surrounding smells began to fade.

The sensation of floating intensified, and I felt like my head was spinning.

Finally, after feeling immense pain in my chest.

“Keok, Cough..!”

Scarlett coughed violently and sat up abruptly.

“Haa, haa… Ugh..”

It was dark all around.

My chest ached terribly, and my head was dizzy.

At the same time, a headache that made it difficult to even hold onto my consciousness pierced my head.

Shiiiik-

Instinctively, I cast a healing spell on myself.

The pain soon subsided.

“Haa… Hoo..”

I survived. Scarlett, regaining her senses, stared blankly into the air.

Wait.

I survived?

“Huh..?”

She was startled and her eyes widened.

I jumped up from my seat and immediately turned on the room’s lamp.

This was my room.

The room that should have been completely destroyed by Carlson’s attack earlier.

‘What is this…’

For a moment, I felt like I had been hit on the head with a hammer and fumbled all over my body.

The first thing I touched was my chest, which had been stabbed.

But there wasn’t even a scratch there.

Scarlett’s hands trembled, and she quickly flung open the window.

Outside, the trees, which should have been lush, were completely bare.

This is impossible.

This was the first thought that crossed Scarlett’s mind.

“I, I definitely…”

She muttered, half-dazed.

Could this be hell?

Did God, reflecting on my sins and misdeeds, send me to hell in the form of the ‘past’?

No. That doesn’t make sense.

I could use magic, and the smell was familiar.

This was the mansion.

I don’t know how, but it was the mansion of the ‘past.’

Teolseok-

“This… is impossible…”

Suddenly, Scarlett’s legs gave out, and she sank to the floor.

Her body trembled at the unbelievable phenomenon.

I had heard about time magic a few times before.

But that was just a story from myths and fairy tales.

It was magic that definitely didn’t exist in reality.

How could this be happening?

She stared blankly out the window, half-dazed.

It was a night when the moon was exceptionally bright.

****

“Euston…”

“Yes? What is it, Young Lady?”

Scarlett looked at Euston, whom she had seen in the dining room, and bit her lip.

At that time.

The only one who had thrown himself to save me when I was being chased by Carlson.

Come to think of it, I was so flustered that I just ran away blankly.

I remembered him at the end, wondering if he was dead or alive.

Warak-

“Ah, aa, a.. Young Lady?!”

Scarlett, her eyes red, hugged Euston tightly.

Then Euston, flustered, waved his arms.

The other servants and Henry, watching this from the side, stared intently at the scene.

“…I’m sorry. And thank you.”

Scarlett, finally shedding tears, spoke with a choked voice.

Of course, no one, including Euston, understood what was happening.

Scarlett, shedding tears, offering an inexplicable apology?

This was clearly a bad omen.

“Ah, Young Lady… I don’t know what’s wrong, but please calm down first…”

Scarlett stopped crying when Euston calmly comforted her.

However, she still seemed unable to calm down and lowered her head, hiccuping.

Her transparent tears fell onto the white kitchen floor.

It was certain.

Although I was confused yesterday, I could now understand clearly.

I had regressed to the past.

To the past before I did terrible things to Lucy and met Cecil.

“..Young Lady seems to be having a hard time lately. Have a piece of jerky to calm down.”

As Scarlett wiped her tears, Henry quietly handed her a piece of jerky.

She bit the jerky and moved her lips.

It was a very shocking sight for a servant to see the notoriously cruel noble crying and eating jerky.

“H-Head Chef… I think I’ve gone mad…”

“Calm down. Everyone goes through things like this in life.”

Aileen, her eyes wide, chewed the jerky with a shocked expression.

Scarlett, staggering to her feet, then embraced Aileen warmly,

And left the kitchen with the words ‘I’m sorry.’

There was one more person she needed to apologize to.

‘Where is he…?’

She looked around, searching for him.

She quickly accepted the greetings of the servants she met along the way.

After searching for a long time, Scarlett finally met him in the hallway.

“…Young Lady?”

“You.. were here.”

The man looked quite flustered.

After all, Scarlett had no reason to look for him.

‘Come to think of it, I didn’t even know this person’s name.’

Scarlett thought.

She moved her lips, met his gaze,

And then lowered her head.

This was the servant Scarlett herself had beheaded.

A servant who was killed by her while trying to help Cecil.

“Do you have any business with me…?”

“…I’m sorry.”

“Yes?”

“I’m sorry. Really… I have nothing to say to you.”

Ttuk, ttuk.

Again.

As she apologized, tears were falling from her eyes.

Tears came out without her realizing it.

‘I’m not usually this tearful…’

More importantly, I should apologize instead of crying like an idiot.

How long had she been crying and hiccuping like that?

Scarlett felt a hand gently stroking her hair.

“Uh, ugh..”

Scarlett was startled and widened her eyes.

The man, on the other hand, was startled and then scratched his head with a very surprised expression.

“Ah, that… S-sorry. You looked like my sister, so I did it without thinking… I don’t know how to apologize…”

Seeing his trembling hands, he looked scared.

He also seemed unsure why he had done such a thing.

“…What’s your name?”

“Jane… it is.”

“Jane. I was sorry about what happened last time.”

“Yes..? Did I make another mistake-“

Scarlett shook her head as if it were nothing.

She added a brief ‘Thank you’ and headed back to her room.

No matter how much she thought about it, she didn’t know how or why she had regressed.

However, wasn’t this an opportunity?

An opportunity to atone to the people she had wronged.

‘Probably, around this time… I’ll meet Cecil in about a month.’

She checked the calendar hanging in the kitchen.

One month. It was a short time if short, and a long time if long.

She lay down on her bed, her face blank for a moment.

She pondered, lost in thought for a while.

Then, thirty minutes.

One hour.

Two hours.

Her eyes darted around as she calculated numerous possibilities and scenarios.

Finally, after finishing all her calculations, Scarlett blinked her tired eyes.

She still had to review it further, but the framework of the plan was somewhat established.

Scarlett thought, combining various situations in her mind.

One month.

Within that time, eliminate all threats to Cecil.

The targets were Carlson and the King.

She didn’t know if it would work, but it was a life that should have crumbled anyway.

It was worth taking a chance.

Thinking so, Scarlett.

Slowly rose from her seat.

****

“…Young Lady. Do you really mean it?”

“Yes. I mean it.”

“Even so… I don’t understand.”

Euston, having heard the entire story, wore an incredulous expression.

He fiddled with the reception room desk, his eyebrows twitching.

He sighed faintly, then scratched his head.

If it were the usual Scarlett, she would have applied subtle pressure by saying, ‘Aren’t you going to do it?’

But she was quietly waiting for Euston’s answer.

“I know you don’t understand. If it fails, I’m the one who gets blamed. Don’t worry.”

“That’s what I don’t understand. Why are you trying to assassinate the King, risking so much…”

“It’s not assassination. I’m just trying to destroy the corpse.”

The current King is obsessively attached to the Queen’s corpse.

Killing the King is too risky.

If killing the King were enough, she would gladly do so, but there was still much to do.

Euston fell into thought.

He seemed to be contemplating Scarlett’s plan.

“…It’s not impossible. However, it’s neither easy nor guaranteed that the aftermath will be clean.”

“It’s okay. I don’t care.”

“Why on earth… are you suddenly doing this?”

Euston’s expression held pure curiosity.

He wasn’t questioning her.

From the moment she decided to do it, he seemed to have made up his mind.

Scarlett wore a blank expression for a moment,

And then spoke.

“…Because of love.”

At her single word, Euston’s expression showed surprise.

But then, as if understanding, he smiled faintly.

“Understood. Let’s give it a try.”

“Thank you. I’m always grateful, Euston.”

“You’re welcome.”

‘With this, the first stage of the plan is complete.’

All that remained was to execute it and lay the groundwork to catch Carlson.

She would have to visit the kingdom often.

She used magic on the parchment, recording the overall details.

She also cast a spell that would turn the parchment to dust if an outsider tried to read it.

Whether the plan would succeed or not.

Only the God who sent her here would know.

****

Two weeks passed.

“…His Majesty is not in a state to meet anyone right now. I apologize for your long journey… but please return.”

“Is that so?”

Scarlett nodded with a composed expression.

Rain, the kingdom’s financial manager, sighed faintly.

She rubbed the back of her neck as if her head hurt.

“By the way, completely burning the Queen’s corpse… That person is quite insane.”

Then Rain muttered grumpily.

“Is the Queen’s corpse… in bad condition?”

“Don’t even mention it. They implanted a very precise flame magic into the corpse, turning only the corpse into ashes. It burned away, so it can’t be restored…”

A knowing smile flickered across Scarlett’s face as she heard that.

“That’s terrible. We need to catch the culprit as soon as possible.”

“I don’t know if we can catch them. They didn’t leave any mana traces, not even a common one? What’s funnier is, they didn’t touch the King or the sacrifice… they just took the corpse and disappeared.”

Rain seemed to be suffering from a severe headache over this matter.

Scarlett nodded silently at her words.

Then, after a formal greeting, she left the kingdom.

Euston was wiping sweat from his forehead in front of the waiting carriage.

“Why were you so nervous?”

“Let’s get in the carriage first. Hoo… I didn’t know Young Lady was so bold.”

“So what.”

Scarlett chuckled and got into the carriage with him.

Judging by his demeanor, he seemed to have been holding his breath, worried she might be caught.

The first plan was successful, but she couldn’t be entirely happy.

Because Carlson was still around.

About two days had passed since the King’s corpse burned.

Before he noticed anything strange, she had to take care of things.

Scarlett fiddled with her fingers and put on a ring.

“Euston. Did you make the reservation you mentioned?”

“Ah, yes. I made the reservation. If we drive straight by carriage, we’ll arrive right on time.”

“Good. If possible, park the carriage in front of the shop.”

“Understood.”

Euston, who seemed to have many questions, followed Scarlett’s instructions silently.

After driving in the carriage for how long,

She finally arrived in front of the shop and took a shallow breath.

“…You must go and come back safely.”

“Why? Do you think I’ll die?”

“No, it’s not that…”

“Thank you. I’ll be back safely.”

Scarlett smiled brightly and entered the shop.

The other members waiting outside looked bewildered.

Some members murmured, “She can make that kind of expression too.”

Scarlett’s change was that astonishing.

Creak-

Leaving those murmurs behind, Scarlett slowly entered the shop.

“Ah, you’re here! Welcome, Scarlett Young Lady!”

At the same time, Carlson, with a bright smile, welcomed her enthusiastically.

Scarlett smiled back and sat gently on the chair he offered.

“It’s been a while.”

“Wow, Young Lady, you’re contacting me after three whole weeks! I thought something might have happened. Have you been well?”

“Of course. I’ve been well.”

Scarlett smiled slyly at Carlson, who showed off his buck teeth and smiled broadly.

She tapped her ring for a moment,

Then stood up and stood next to him.

Carlson was preparing to serve tea to his guest.

“The aroma is lovely. What kind of tea is it?”

“As expected, someone of noble blood can recognize good things instantly! This, you see, is tea made by boiling herbs from the north…”

Carlson explained enthusiastically, but Scarlett wasn’t listening.

She looked at the teacup for a moment,

“…Can I buy a few of these?”

She asked with a faint smile.

“Oh, really? We welcome all purchases! How would you like them packed? In a bag? Or with other merchandise?”

“Please pack them in a bag.”

“Understood. Please wait a moment!”

Carlson, excited about making money, quickly opened the cupboard.

Shiik-

And in the blink of an eye, the sound of wind swept through the space,

And Carlson’s hand, reaching for the cupboard, stopped abruptly.

Tuk.

At the same time, the sound of something falling to the floor was heard.

Scarlett didn’t even check what it was.

She then activated her ring, flicked a spark of fire,

And turned the fallen object into ashes for sure.

Huiiiiiiing-

She scattered the remains in the air using wind magic.

Now, a quiet silence descended upon Carlson’s shop.

Her task was done.

Scarlett silently went outside and got into the carriage with Euston.

“Uh… How did it go?”

“I handled it. Let’s go.”

Perhaps the job was done too quickly.

Euston looked blank for a moment, then nodded.

“Hey you guys! Young Lady’s business is finished! Let’s depart!”

“Yes!!”

With a resounding answer, the carriage lurched forward.

“Uh, Young Lady…”

Now that the job was done, I was about to ask something, but

Euston’s call disappeared awkwardly.

“Keok…”

Scarlett had her head down and was snoring.

She had fallen asleep from extreme fatigue.

Euston chuckled at the sight.

No matter how thorough and cold she seemed, she was still human.

Euston took off his outer coat and draped it over Scarlett.

This was the moment her plan was completed.

****

Tterok, tterok.

The carriage swayed.

The weather was a bit cold and dry.

Scarlett was moving towards the forest with a tense expression.

“…You seem very nervous.”

“Do I look like it..?”

“Yes. Who are you going to meet that you’re so nervous?”

“There’s someone. Someone I did terrible things to…”

“Terrible things?”

“Yes.”

Euston, who was about to ask what terrible things, swallowed his words.

Her expression looked incredibly sad.

Time flowed on.

After that day, the King lost the will to live.

He showed no interest in meals, sacrifices, or anything else.

Eventually, the search for sacrifices was canceled,

And Scarlett boarded the carriage on the same date she first met Cecil.

She was about to reach the location where Cecil would be attacked.

Kung, kung.

Honestly, I desperately wanted to run away.

Who was I to go meet her?

Couldn’t I just rescue Cecil and run away?

Countless thoughts tormented Scarlett.

But time continued to flow amidst these thoughts.

“Khehehehe! A woman! A fresh woman!!”

Familiar bandit voices reached her ears.

Yes. Whatever it takes, let’s save her first.

Creak-

“Ah, Young Lady?”

Euston stared at Scarlett, who opened the running carriage door in surprise.

But she ignored him.

Wrapping herself in wind, she leaped out of the carriage.

“Young Lady!!”

Euston shouted in surprise.

The carriage stopped instantly, and he also leaped out of the carriage.

“Kyaaaaaak! S-stop! Stop the violence, you bastards!!”

At the same time, a sharp scream was heard.

The one being chased was a woman with brown hair.

Scarlett clenched her teeth and, in the blink of an eye, stood in front of the woman.

There were five bandits charging on horseback.

Taak-

And, as she snapped her fingers.

The bandits, with greedy expressions, were all torn to shreds.

Tuduk, tuk.

She didn’t forget to cover the woman’s eyes so she wouldn’t see the gruesome sight.

Kulkeok. Feeling Cecil’s gaze in her palm, Scarlett swallowed dryly.

What should I do? Should I run away now?

I could give her enough money to live comfortably for a lifetime and disappear.

“Uh, umm..”

But.

The brown-haired woman, Cecil, spoke first.

She was trembling all over.

She seemed not to understand what had happened.

Scarlett felt her warm body and bit her lip.

And then, Scarlett’s eyes turned red.

She removed her hand.

And stared intently at Cecil’s face, whom she had longed to see.

“Uh, um… Th-thank you for saving me…”

Scarlett said nothing in response to her words.

No, she couldn’t say anything.

And then her tears burst forth,

Warak-

She hugged Cecil gently and tenderly.

“Huh? What? W-wait a minute… I’m grateful for being saved, but… this is a bit sudden-“

“..I’m sorry.”

And the first words Scarlett uttered were an apology.

Hot tears fell on Cecil’s shoulder.

Cecil, with a momentarily bewildered expression,

Then, she too hugged Scarlett’s body.

“Sorry, I’m sorry…”

Scarlett cried endlessly, feeling her warmth.

Her eyes stung, and she couldn’t speak properly due to her crying.

And after that storm of tears passed,

“..I apologize. Our Young Lady seems to be a little startled. There are many bandits in this area, so wouldn’t you like to come to our mansion for a while?”

Euston tidied up the chaotic situation.

Cecil hesitated for a moment, moving her lips,

Then, looking at Scarlett, who was covered in tears, she gave a wry smile.

“Yes. Thank you for saving me.”

Thus, Cecil got into the carriage, comforting Scarlett, who was still sobbing.

Scarlett hugged Cecil dearly and thought.

Never again.

Never again would she repeat the tragedy of the past.

****

“Young Lady… P-please don’t…”

“..Come here.”

“P-please… Think again. Okay? Young Lady… It doesn’t go in…”

Cecil’s face was filled with terror.

In Scarlett’s hand was something thick and long.

She approached Cecil and offered the thick object.

Then Scarlett let out a deep sigh.

“Why on earth… won’t you eat the cucumber?”

“Ugh… I tried to eat it… but it won’t go down… The smell… it’s a bit…”

Cecil gagged, and Scarlett reluctantly put the cucumber away.

She looked quite worried.

“Ehehe… Young Lady, it’s bad to be a picky eater.”

“I’m sorry Lucy… but it really won’t go down…”

Lucy, who was small, giggled at the sight.

“Sigh… I told you to eat your vegetables… Did you go down and get snacks from Henry again?”

“Ah, I didn’t.”

“You didn’t? Do you see this?”

It was an obvious lie, so Scarlett frowned and pulled Cecil’s stomach.

Then, a slight bulge of belly fat came out.

“Hikkiyaaaaaaaak!!”

Cecil screamed, surprised by the ambush.

“From now on, snacks are forbidden for a while. If you don’t eat your vegetables, you won’t get jerky either.”

“Ah, no… Young Lady, please… Not that…”

At Scarlett’s bombshell announcement, Cecil looked like she had lost everything.

Lately, Cecil’s snacking frequency has increased.

It’s probably because Henry fed her whatever she wanted, saying she ate well.

“Puhaha… If you make that face, I can’t say no. If it’s really difficult, let’s try reducing snacks first.”

“If it’s that much, then…”

Cecil, who had been despairing moments ago, immediately brightened.

Scarlett looked at Cecil lovingly,

Then, cherry blossoms in full bloom caught her eye.

Scarlett opened her mouth as if enchanted.

“The cherry blossoms have bloomed beautifully… Shall we go for a walk outside?”

“Oh… Okay. Young Lady. Can you wear the dress you showed me before?”

“The dress I made before?”

“Yes. It was so pretty… I think it would look great in front of the cherry blossom trees.”

At the word ‘pretty,’ Scarlett’s face suddenly flushed.

Cecil, looking at her, also had a blank expression,

Then, she too blushed.

“Ah, that… that… I didn’t have any other intentions…”

“..I’ll go change, so wait here.”

Leaving Cecil babbling and waving her hands behind, Scarlett headed downstairs as if fleeing.

She felt a burning heat and smiled faintly.

About a month had passed since then.

At first, it was a little awkward, but Cecil had perfectly adapted to the mansion.

Scarlett also took meticulous care of Cecil,

Perhaps too meticulous, as she gained a little weight,

But it was a million times better than before when she couldn’t eat and vomited.

Honestly, even now, I sometimes wondered if I deserved to feel this happy.

But every time I saw Cecil’s smile, those doubts shattered.

After much deliberation, she reached a conclusion.

It would be the greatest atonement I could offer to make Cecil happy, even if it was here.

Thinking so, Scarlett headed to the dressing room.

Later, I should make an outing outfit for Cecil too.

With that thought.