episode_0014

Joyful.

Whether it’s just a walk on foot, sharing a sweet dessert together, enjoying light entertainment on the streets, or a world that is unmatched in its freeness compared to modern times, painted in the colors of starlight, it’s a feeling of pure bliss.

Lian. The child of a discarded puppet, even his roughly fabricated alias felt endearing. Though he may differ from the original memories I had imagined, he didn’t bring an ounce of disappointment. Rather, his chubby and lively demeanor was more charming than the mechanical doll-like thinking and clinginess to a woman from the original.

I used to tease Lian relentlessly. Despite his unwillingness, he always seemed to give in once I pushed a little. Stepping slightly away from the image I had pitied in the original work was satisfying.

“Lian.”

“Yes. Did you call me?”

“I just called you because I was bored.”

“…I apologize. I don’t really know how to make others happy.”

“This person is saying such nonsense.”

Just walking beside you is fun. It’s not the mask-covered face that’s amusing, but your very presence. In a life that has been rigid like a rusty gear, now is the time when I feel the best.

Even though teasing is rare, it’s as fun as it gets.

“I burst with excitement at the thought of unmasking you.”

“I wonder if this is how it feels to be mocked as a woman.”

Lian took on an ambiguous posture, as if crossing his arms but not really. It was clear that he was subconsciously taking a defensive stance.

“Mocking…mocking. If it’s with Lian…that’s fine, right? Will you allow it?”

“Why are you saying such vulgar things…”

“Oh, is it vulgar? Come here quickly and let me embrace you, our little kitten.”

“I would appreciate it if you could refrain from using that term ‘little kitten.’”

“Hehe…”

In the world of romance novels, men are generally dominant, but it feels convenient at times like this. Isn’t there a prevalent culture that denies the premise of women mocking men? The motivation for me to boldly approach Lian comes from here.

“I really want to take a bite.”

“What? What did you just say…”

Lian asked, as if doubting his ears. This time, I was slightly embarrassed and could only respond awkwardly.

“Did I say that out loud?”

“Yes, you did.”

Even so, this seems more like a concrete mockery than a metaphorical expression…

It seems like the dam holding back my desires has weakened on this last day.

So, the stance I should take here is…

“I can’t help it. Since it’s come to this, can I take a bite?”

Boldly laying the groundwork for cheekiness.

“Is that some form of punishment?”

“It’s a reward.”

A reward for me.

I want to leave marks from my fingers to my collarbone and clavicle. I have now realized that there is such a hidden desire within me.

“I’m sometimes curious about what goes on in Serin’s mind.”

“If you’re curious, touch it.”

“It’s okay. It won’t be revealed anyway.”

“Try it and see for yourself.”

“Serin…? Ugh.”

I boldly pulled his hand towards me. Then, I lowered my posture and gently guided Lian’s hand to rest on top of my head. A warm temperature traveled from the top of my head, through my face and neck, down to my chest.

“It’s warmer than I thought.”

…

I guided Lian’s palm down to my forehead, then made contact with his cheek, leaning into his shoulder. Lian didn’t utter a word until that moment.

“Has your curiosity been somewhat satisfied?”

“I feel like I’m becoming more clueless.”

“Well, that’s fine as it is.”

It’s funny how tangled riddles bother me more than solved problems. If I can become such a presence in Lian’s consciousness, it would be a good achievement. At least I won’t be easily forgotten.

The desire to be remembered for a long time was natural to me.

To think that I would come across him through a tremendous coincidence when I thought I had completely lost the bond of fate. Honestly, I was convinced it was destiny. I even entertained the delusion that it was a special reward given to me in this reincarnated world.

Because through past lives and present life, he had become my most special subject.

Even though we had never met face to face or heard each other’s voices, it continued unchanged.

“Lian.”

“…Yes.”

“Are you sulking? Feeling a bit teased? Surely not?”

“I wouldn’t do that.”

Lian denied it outright, but it was hard for me to dispel my doubts.

“Well, it’s hard to recognize you with the mask on.”

“I won’t take it off.”

“Who said anything about that?”

“Who said that?”

“Oh, I see. I must have said something all along.”

It was my mistake to let my guard down for a moment.

But he knew how to retaliate, and he had changed a lot in a short period of time. Until now, I had only received thoughtless counterattacks like being called vulgar for doing squats.

I bought a flower from a girl selling flowers around me, paying an exorbitant amount for it. Lian looked at me with surprise at my unexpected actions. It must have been strange to see me smiling at him.

“It’s quaint. It doesn’t seem to have a specific breed, just a wildflower.”

“I guess they gathered flowers blooming here and there in a basket.”

“Still, isn’t it pretty?”

I asked for his opinion, knowing he wouldn’t understand.

Since meeting Lian, I had gotten used to paying attention to things that didn’t stand out. Sometimes I would ask Lian what he thought about something, even though I knew he wouldn’t understand.

Each time, Lian would carefully consider and give a vague answer. He probably didn’t understand. He probably couldn’t find another value apart from the material meaning.

Yet, I wanted to tell him. From the stories I observed in my past life, I wanted to tell him that even in his monochromatic world, he could see a variety of colors. But Lian couldn’t easily give an answer, so I smiled bitterly at him.

“After all, if you’re the only one seeing the most beautiful thing in the world, it’s inevitable not to be impressed.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Ahaha.”

Your face.

Asking that question because I really didn’t know was a fantasy. Well, it makes sense in the romance fantasy world.

Even though his face was covered, his distinct features always captivated my gaze.

His golden hair swaying in the wind and his occasionally trembling blue eyes.

It was like a yellow twilight and a blue lake that embraced the sky. It was like a precious gem that exuded awe. It was an aquamarine reflecting the elegant hues of the lighting. The very fragment of him that was difficult to conceal held a beauty that was hard to resist.

“I guess not knowing this is a weakness.”

“It’s irrational that I don’t know something related to me.”

“Well, that’s how it is.”

I lightly agreed.

I remembered the early evening at the Viscount’s estate. It was the first time I had the chance to observe Lian’s face, but it was ruined by his emotional outburst, leaving a memorable impression.

It was a time when it was confirmed that there was plenty of room for Lian to clearly separate from the original work. Perhaps he was unaware, but it flashed through my mind that the monochrome world was gradually being painted with various colors.

So it was even more regrettable.

“The shadows are getting longer.”

The cruel sky painted a faint crimson on Lian’s hair. The setting sun was preparing to embrace the pitch-black darkness, igniting its final strength. The moment to put a period on the brief journey of joy was rapidly approaching.

“We have to go, Serin.”

“Yes, we do.”

I replied briefly and held Lian’s hand. His pale hand, glistening in the yellow sun, did not show any signs of lingering or letting go. So a hint of jealousy crept up. Even if I felt regretful alone, to Lian, it was just an act of escorting a common woman.

I should be satisfied here.

I confirmed that he was doing well, so that was enough. I believe that when the dispute is settled, there will be an opportunity to officially call him back. For now, I can only rely on the fate of Lian, which I have slightly messed up…

“If I get a cold from the original female lead after making such an impression, I will really cry.”

If that happens, there will be no need for a tired dispute. I will immediately hand over the title to my younger brother and be kicked out of the palace.

Lost in such impure thoughts, the shadows deepened, and eventually, the night sky, which we had to rely on to walk, enveloped our heads. I wonder if I was not uncomfortable walking silently, lost in reverie. It was only now that a sense of guilt towards Lian slowly rose within me.

Whether he knew it or not, Lian simply informed me.

“We have arrived, Serin.”

“Yes… we have arrived.”

The palace was in sight.

I didn’t say anything.

Instead, I stared directly into Lian’s blue eyes, waiting for him to speak first. But even after a long staring contest, it didn’t seem like he would be the first to speak. So I was the one who gave up first.

“You knew?”

“I knew.”

“Haha…”

No matter how dull I am, I can’t help but know.

He brought me all the way to the palace, even though I kept my whereabouts a secret. Lian must have… no, perhaps he realized from the beginning that I was a princess.

“It’s embarrassing to be like this.”

“I suspected you didn’t want to reveal it.”

“Well, we do look quite alike.”

You probably didn’t want to reveal that you were also a child of the fallen dynasty. That’s why you protected your disguise like your life.

“Was I uncomfortable for you?”

“Not at all.”

“Good. I’ve been observing, and Lian doesn’t lie.”

“…”

“Instead, you hold back your words.”

“I am aware that it is shameful to seek understanding.”

“There’s no need to seek it. I haven’t felt bad at all.”

“Is that so. Then I’m glad.”

After Lian’s reassurance, we stood in silence for a long time. Whether he was choosing a plausible farewell or trying to come up with a feeble excuse. Even I was confused and couldn’t make a hasty assertion.

“…”

“…”

Step.

He took a step closer.

I looked up at Lian and tilted my head in confusion.

In this moment, Lian’s mask gradually came closer to me. In the moment of confusion when I was taken aback by his unexpected actions, a smooth sensation briefly lingered on my forehead.

If my intuition is correct – it was undoubtedly the touch of his lips.

“Please don’t kidnap me again.”

Lian whispered in my ear and covered my eyes with her palm, darkening my vision. When I blinked a moment later, the hand that had obscured my sight had disappeared, as had Lian’s figure. It was as if she had melted into the darkness.

I gazed blankly at the spot where Lian had been felt moments ago.

As a cool breeze brushed past me and I regained consciousness, I found myself clutching my head, unable to do anything but silently scream.

Kneeling on the cold pavement.

“…… Ah… Aah… Aaahhhhhhhhh!!!”

My ultimate bias, the one I had been dreaming of for over a decade, had kissed me for a fleeting moment with lips that had been hidden beneath a mask.

On my forehead, without anyone’s permission, without any plans to allow it.

My mind became hazy in the heat that surged like an eruption.

“He… He’s so… bold like a… monster…”

I had firmly believed that I would be etched into his memory…

But instead, I found myself succumbing to his retaliation, unable to resist.

A soft lingering feeling teased me.

Surely, I had been stamped with a memory that had been deeply engraved.