episode_0042

After the bewildering departure of Weijeni, Eleanor sat there blankly, gazing at the spot where she had been left behind.

Weijeni’s recent attitude was exceptionally peculiar.

Honestly, Eleanor’s question wasn’t even that strange.

It was just a simple inquiry about what she thought of a man named Yulian.

Even though Eleanor might claim to be oblivious to the ways of women, she knew very well that the question she had just posed wasn’t really a big deal.

Both Weijeni’s response to that ordinary question and her nonchalant demeanor seemed quite suspicious.

“Sigh… What was the problem?”

Lounging on the sofa, Eleanor let out a soft sigh, pondering to herself.

It had been almost two weeks since Weijeni had come up to the capital.

Of course, two weeks was by no means a long time. However, within that short period, Weijeni and Eleanor had clung to each other like newly enamored lovers.

For Eleanor, who was not accustomed to the distance between women, she was gradually getting used to it now.

So Eleanor believed that she had become quite friendly with Weijeni by now, having observed various aspects of her.

However, the sight Weijeni had just shown felt incredibly unfamiliar to Eleanor.

Although she was smiling outwardly.

Her stiff smile felt like looking at an NPC in a game.

Was that why?

Since she had left Eleanor’s side at her mother’s call, Eleanor found herself absentmindedly brushing off the deeply indented seat on the sofa where Weijeni had been sitting and occasionally letting out a sigh.

Seeing the worried look on the young lady, Sophie, who had been politely keeping watch from behind, cautiously approached Eleanor.

“Um… Miss, it seems like the tea has gone cold. Shall I bring you a fresh one?”

Eleanor’s sky-blue eyes, which had been somewhat clouded, regained their original clarity at Sophie’s voice filled with concern.

“Oh, sure. Would you mind?”

“Yes! Just wait a moment, please!”

At the lady’s words, Sophie grinned and hurriedly carried the cooled teapot as she briskly walked out of the living room.

Alone now, Eleanor turned her head and gazed pensively through the glass window at the sunny spring garden outside.

“Ugh… Something feels unsettling.”

Beyond her moist pink lips, her voice sounded as if something were tightly blocked.

Why did Weijeni act that way?

Did Weijeni not like Yulian?

Considering the first words the girl had uttered, it didn’t seem so…

If this world were an ordinary one.

If Weijeni weren’t a character from a novel, it would have been easier to overlook…

No, if only I knew a bit more about the original work…

“Sigh. Now is not the time to worry about such things.”

Muttering softly, Eleanor reached for the teacup on the table. Unlike before, where steam gently rose from the bluish cup, it was now calm. The lukewarm and slightly bitter tea flowed down into her frustrated heart.

Dmitri Verbritz, the Grand Duke. And Yulian Vallatier.

In reality, the immediate issue facing Eleanor was these two men.

One was the protagonist of the novel. Well, the other might be considered a supporting male lead.

Despite her strong aversion to sharing affection with a man and feeling happiness by becoming his possession, Eleanor’s delicate shoulders trembled at the mere thought of it.

However, contrary to those thoughts, whenever faced with the two men, Eleanor’s body exhibited strong reactions.

When facing Dmitri, at least he was a nobleman.

He didn’t fit the title of a duke, but thanks to his modest and relaxed demeanor, meeting him felt like encountering a long-time friend, instantly easing my heart and melting away my guard.

Then, by chance, even just brushing past the tips of his firm fingers.

Realizing that the relationship between Dmitry and me was not merely friendship, but that of a man and a woman.

From then on, my lips felt dry, my heart pounded. My pale face flushed red as if touched by fire.

Facing Yulian brought about even more dramatic bodily changes.

Merely locking eyes made my heart race as if it would leap out of my chest. My breath quickened, my whole body heated up inexplicably.

Reluctantly admitting, my physical state…

It aligned with what I had seen in a short video during the summer festival, matching the contents of a video titled “[Proof that Your Crush Fell in Love].” If only the two men hadn’t shown interest in me, things might have been easier.

I should have just suffered alone like a girl with an unrequited crush until it faded away.

In Dmitry’s case, matters became entangled within the household due to issues related to the northern region.

Once the north and west began substantial interactions, it was evident that things would become even more intertwined.

Moreover, my parents almost considered Dmitry as their son-in-law.

Especially my father, Ovairt, who seemed particularly keen on Dmitry, likely already teaching his grandson swordsmanship or affectionately patting the head of a granddaughter with platinum hair.

Whenever Eleanor stood next to Dmitry, it was clear from his odd smile.

Furthermore, each time our eyes met, Dmitry seemed to harbor some feelings towards me.

Well, I must be somewhat attractive. Hm.

Just the thought made Eleanor uneasy, prompting her to absentmindedly brush her nose with her finger.

And Yulian.

Yulian de la Vallière was somewhat different from Dmitry.

Regardless, following the flow of events, he would be the man connected to me.

However, looking back at his actions…

Until possessing Eleanor’s body, Yulian seemed disinterested in her.

According to rumors, Eleanor was always the one making advances towards him.

Even writing letters to Yulian personally during wartime was Eleanor’s doing.

If she were a girl in love, she would surely have treasured every letter from her beloved.

Despite searching Eleanor’s room thoroughly, there was no sign of any received letters from him. The only letter found was the one offering to escort her debutante ball.

Ultimately, Eleanor’s love was one-sided.

That is, until Serjuha entered Eleanor’s body.

Why did his attitude change so suddenly?

Was it because, in the original novel, this was the moment when Yulian approached Eleanor?

Was his altered behavior merely a ploy to gain control over the west?

Suddenly, Eleanor had a thought.

“Could there be something I don’t know… Something vital for Yulian in our family-”

“Yes, miss? Something vital?”

She blurted out absentmindedly, but upon receiving a response, Eleanor jumped in surprise, spilling the crimson tea she held onto her hand and blouse sleeve.

“Oh! Hot!”

“Oh, miss, are you alright? Do you need a cloth?”

“It’s okay, Sophie. It wasn’t that hot anyway.”

As surprised as Sophie was, she pulled out a handkerchief from her apron and wiped her wet hands while Eleanor continued her thoughts, watching her.

Yes, something must have made him move.

Despite the reputation of those around like Albriss or Domi, he was still different.

Soon, a suspicious smile crept onto his lips. Contrasting with Sophie’s confusion, the smile seemed even more enigmatic.

If there’s a plot twist in the novel, it won’t just be one thing.

Would there be some kind of trouble if I write one in place of the original protagonist?

#.

Unfortunately, Eleanor’s search for hidden plots in the original novel didn’t start right away.

The moment of parting was approaching quickly.

The Changbaek couple decided to leave the capital on a Saturday afternoon after cleverly filling their time.

For a little over a month, living with the Changbaek couple in the townhouse, those two became new parents in Eleanor’s heart.

The Changbaek couple cherished and loved the daughter who had returned from the brink of death and the precious treasure of the parents who had lost their memories, fearing they might break if mishandled.

Even if what was inside was an emotionally dull common man.

Their affection, coupled with the innocent gaze and the female hormones flowing from the lower abdomen, broke down his emotional barriers.

Now, the titles of father and mother naturally flowed, and sometimes, as if truly becoming their daughter, Eleanor would playfully act cute.

Among them, Etie held a special place deep in Eleanor’s heart.

Since living with her parents, Eleanor always spent her nights with her mother.

Before she came to the mansion, nights were filled with haunting and lonely memories attacking her slowly.

However, being embraced by her mother’s affection turned those distressing and lonely times into warm and comforting moments.

Thanks to this, as the day of parting on Saturday approached little by little,

And as the moment of separation drew nearer bit by bit towards Eleanor,

Her mind grew increasingly troubled whenever she faced her busy mother moving around.

‘Should I confess the truth before you both descend to the realm?’

Wearing a pure white night dress, Eleanor sat in front of the vanity, surrendering herself to Sophie’s brushing as she gently combed through her damp hair.

“I’m sorry for taking your precious daughter’s body.”

Each time she referred to herself as their precious daughter, a sense of guilt rose softly amidst the warm emotions blossoming in Eleanor’s heart.

Lately, however, the guilt had transcended warm feelings.

“Miss. Madam said she’ll be a little late tonight and asked you to sleep first,” a maid’s voice from behind informed Eleanor.

“I understand. Thank you for letting me know.”