Chapter 1.1

“How you shine so brightly, my daughter! The day dawned early today, but of course, it was our early-rising angel lighting up the world. Isn’t that right, my dear? Isn’t it?”

“Honey, be careful what you say. Eloe shines brightly even at night, like the moon. Look, what other family has a daughter with hair pulled from moonlight? And what about that radiant smile that just makes you happy to see? Have you ever seen a child as lovely as Eloe?”

“No, never! Eloe, I misspoke. Please forgive me.”

“Haha…”

As usual, my parents’ over-the-top gushing began again. All I could do was offer a weak laugh as their relentless praise poured out.

I thought that as a very adaptive creature, I had adjusted and could endure it, but I was mistaken.

Their gushing knew no limits. Just when I thought they must have reached their peak, they would come back the next day with an even more powerful display, as if mocking me. It felt like they were measuring my battle power each day and then launching an attack to match. Since it was impossible for me to measure their battle power, all I could do was play defense.

“Did you sleep well last night? Was there anything that made you uncomfortable? How are you feeling? Is your body okay?”

The Grand Duke, his silver hair neatly combed back, asked with kind, worried eyes. The excessive praise I’d never heard in my life was naturally embarrassing, but there was another reason for my strange discomfort. The relentless gushing was filled with genuine sincerity.

Every time I saw the desperate, earnest look in their eyes, my heart ached.

I don’t know how to describe the mix of feelings—the pangs of conscience, the jealousy of what I don’t have, the envy, and the strange sense of relief—all jumbled together.

“Eloe? Are you sick?”

“Oh, no. I’m just a little groggy from waking up early. I slept soundly and nothing hurts. I feel great and nothing is wrong.”

I gently held the Grand Duchess’s hand as her expression quickly turned dark. She still didn’t seem to be at ease, her elegant face slightly furrowed. With her other hand, she caressed the back of mine. Her white hand was soft, and her touch was even softer and warmer.

“You’re not hiding it because you’re worried about us, are you? You haven’t been awake for long, so you shouldn’t overexert yourself. If you feel even the slightest bit off, tell us right away.”

“That’s right, that’s right. Eloe, you are the most important person to your mother and me. We found you again after a great struggle… and we don’t want to lose you again. Don’t worry about us; just think about yourself. You’re allowed to. You are our most precious daughter in the world.”

The Grand Duke came closer and wrapped his arms around both me and the Grand Duchess. I could feel both of their hearts beating fast and hard.

They’re acting strong, like everything is fine, but they must be worried. After all, it hasn’t even been a week since ‘Eloered Shu Le Kilmaria’ returned from the brink of death.

But, to be precise, ‘Eloered’ didn’t come back to life. It just seems that way because a regular college student, ‘Han Seha’—in other words, my soul—transmigrated into Eloered’s body.

I was a normal college student. A week ago, on my way home, I saw a child walking across a crosswalk while looking at their phone. A car from the opposite direction was speeding toward them, ignoring the traffic light.

I succeeded in pushing the child out of the way, but I couldn’t avoid the car myself, and I was hit and killed. The pain was momentary, and my consciousness quickly faded.

“Eloe!”

When I opened my eyes again, the first thing I saw was a face so perfectly handsome it didn’t seem to belong to this world. Looking at the light pinkish-silver hair and green eyes, a name suddenly came to mind.

‘Sion Shu Ben Kilmaria.’

My dazed mind, as if waking from a deep dream, couldn’t make sense of the situation.

I blinked slowly, like a cow, and then I remembered the moment I was hit by the car and immediately understood the situation. They say your life flashes before your eyes right before you die. Instead of my mundane, ordinary life, it seems I’m seeing a character from my favorite novel.

‘Sion oppa, you’re so handsome in person. The descriptions in the book were spot-on. I can die a happy woman after seeing your face before the coffin lid closes.’

Now I understand how ghosts who fulfill their last wishes feel before they pass on. But I was sad to think I wouldn’t be able to see Sion anymore. I’m dead anyway, and the Sion in front of me is just an illusion created by my fan-girl brain.

So!

“Oppa…”

Oh, I’m crying. The day has come when I can call Sion “oppa.” It’s so moving and so touching. This must be what true happiness is.

To others, Sion might just be a supporting character in a novel, but not to me. Without parents or siblings, I always wished I had an older brother like Sion. It wasn’t just because he was handsome and successful, but because he cherished his little sister more than his own life.

“Yes, Eloe. Oppa is here. Thank you. Thank you so much for being alive.”

Right, Eloe. That’s the name of the younger sister Sion dotes on. Unfortunately, due to her sickly body, she doesn’t live past her twenty-first birthday.

Is that why? Sion’s voice sounded desperate, and the end of his words trembled slightly as if he was holding back tears. There were also tears welling up in his light green eyes as he looked down at me.

Looking at his eyes, which made me feel so sad, I felt a strange sense of unease.

Then, warm drops of water fell on my cheek with a thud. They were Sion’s tears.

‘What is this? This sense of reality?’

Is a “life flashing before your eyes” moment this vivid? And why isn’t this ending? It’s good, but still…

I raised my hand and touched my face. I felt something. A soft, squishy cheek and chapped lips.

What is this? What’s going on? I was clearly hit by a car and died…

As if to intentionally make my jumbled mind a maze, Sion suddenly hugged me. The moment I was wrapped in his gentle warmth, tears streamed from my eyes too.

“My Lord, thank you for giving us a chance. Thank you for saving my precious sister. Thank you for giving us a miracle.”

Listening to Sion’s prayer of thanks, I realized. This unrealistic situation wasn’t a “life flashing before my eyes” moment or a dream. I, Han Seha, had died and transmigrated into my favorite novel.

And of all people, I’d transmigrated into my favorite character’s little sister.

‘What is this? What is going on? Transmigrating into a book… that’s ridiculous…’

I couldn’t understand it, but there was no other way to explain my current reality. Sion’s hands patting my back as he held me were too real to be an illusion.

Apart from accepting the situation, I felt overwhelmed with sadness, grief, and fear. I never imagined something I only saw in novels, like transmigrating into a book, would happen to me.

I was just a normal college student.

Unable to contain my complicated feelings, I cried my eyes out. I probably got snot all over Sion’s shoulder. Ugh, I should have held back. How dare I soil Sion.

 

***

 

“Eloe.”

It was Sion’s voice. I snapped out of my memories and turned my head toward the door where the sound came from. Sion, in casual clothes, opened the door and then stopped, putting a hand over his eyes as if the light was too bright.

There he goes again. I told him not to do that!

“Would you mind turning your head just a little? It’s so bright I can’t see well.”

“Oh, Oppa! Please!”

“No, I’ll just come in. I shouldn’t bother you. You just need to breathe, Eloe.”

“It’s not a bother; it’s embarrassing…”

“Sion, you rascal… Eloe, do you know what the greatest achievement your father has ever accomplished is? It’s bringing you into this world. Thanks to you, your father has been hailed as the most outstanding leader in the history of the Grand Duchy.”

 

***

 

“Why is that your achievement? It’s mine. I’m the one who gave birth to Eloe. Right, Eloe? Oh my, where did my daughter go? Is there an angel sitting there? Did I give birth to an angel?”

The three of them surrounded my bed, putting on a big show of cheesy affection. I had learned the hard way over the past few days that no words or actions work on them when they’re like this.

I just sat on the bed and rubbed my arms, which were covered in goosebumps. Still, I didn’t completely dislike this noisy morning time. How could I dislike it when it’s all because they love me?

“Oh, Eloe! You are the treasure and goddess of our Grand Duchy! I must call a sculptor immediately. I must have a statue of you made and put it on the street!”

No, I hate that. I really hate that. I wish this family would realize that too much love can be poisonous.

 

***

 

The day for Young Princess Eloered begins with washing up in lukewarm water. After washing her face with the faintly floral-scented water, the maids help her change. She expected them to try to put her in a corset that would squeeze her guts out, but they didn’t.

Eloe’s body, from her long time spent in bed, was as thin as a twig. The maids also seemed to know well that putting a corset on her would surely break her ribs.

The dress she wore today was a light sky-blue dress, decorated with ribbons and frills, giving it a cute and fresh feel. Eloe, reflected in the full-length mirror, was the epitome of a beautiful girl who naturally brought a smile to one’s face.

The Grand Duke and Grand Duchess, who were in their middle years, still boasted a radiant beauty, but Sion and Eloe were on a whole other level of insane beauty.

‘This is what I look like now… I’m surprised every time I see it.’

“Eloe, are you ready?”

A light knock sounded on the door. I quickly put on a wide-brimmed hat and opened the door to see Sion, dressed in his going-out clothes.

The dark turquoise coat, which fit him perfectly, accentuated his tall, handsome physique. His mysterious silver hair shimmered brightly in the sunlight.

If he didn’t act so goofy, he would be so incredibly cool. No, I like goofy Sion too. Because he’s Sion.

I linked my arm in his before he could even offer his hand.

It was the third day of us going for a walk together. Sion seemed surprised at first by my bold action, but he soon struggled to hold back the corners of his mouth from twitching up. Just like now.

“Are we going to the garden again today?”

“It’s dangerous outside the castle.”

“Can’t I go with you, Oppa? You can protect me.”

“I appreciate that you trust me, but not yet. It’s dangerous.”

Sion smiled gently at me. My heart melted at his wonderful smile, which looked great from the side, from above, and from below.

To refuse me with such a beautiful smile is cheating.

‘What sin could Sion possibly have? It’s just that I love him too much.’

“I’ll show you around once you get more stamina. Bear with it for a little while, even if it’s frustrating. Okay?”

“Yes, Oppa!”

Ah, he’s so kind. This is why I can’t hate Sion, no matter how much I try.

We walked slowly in the garden as always. Sion matched my small steps and walked very slowly.

He isn’t very talkative, except when he’s being goofy, so when I fell silent, a quiet silence would fall between us. It was a comfortable, gentle silence, not awkward at all. Just like the time I spent with Sion.

How long had we been walking? My legs were starting to hurt. I looked around and found a chair under the shade of a tree. As soon as I scurried over and sat down, my calves ached. Ugh, this terrible stamina. I need to start exercising and build up my strength quickly.

As I took out a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from my forehead, Sion called out to me.

“Eloe.”

“Yes?”

“The Second Prince will be visiting soon. I thought you should know.”

The Second Prince?

The moment I heard those words, my mind snapped to attention. Sion… my favorite character, will die soon.

As soon as I thought of Sion’s death, the air around us instantly froze.

I shouldn’t have been smiling like an idiot, lost in thought. Feeling a sense of urgency, I quickly went back over the original novel’s plot.

The female lead transmigrated into the novel after graduating from college and working as an intern. The character she transmigrated into was the extra of extra characters, Siliya, who was used by the villain and met a miserable death at the hands of the male lead.

Why did she die at the hands of the male lead? Because she was found out to have given the male lead cursed wine.

It would have been better if it had been a love potion, but unfortunately, the wine was cursed to cause hallucinations, making humans appear as demons or monsters.

The female lead, who transmigrated into Siliya a few days after she gave the male lead the wine, approached the male lead to survive. In the end, they fall in love, save the world, and end the novel with a happy ending.

That wine. The very wine that Siliya gave to the male lead is what causes Sion’s death.

The scene in question begins when the male lead, the Second Prince Jeras, drinks the wine at a ball.

Sion, who was staying at the Imperial Palace due to his friendship with Jeras, sensed a foul energy. Where the energy was strongest, Jeras was standing with his sword. Jeras’s eyes were unfocused, his sword was already stained with blood, and a person was lying at his feet.

Sion was a skilled swordsman, but he couldn’t match Jeras, who was called the greatest swordsman in the Empire. Sion himself knew that fact best.

However, Sion didn’t fear and stood in front of Jeras. Because if he didn’t, there would be no one to stop Jeras. Perhaps it was only possible because it happened right after he had lost his younger sister, whom he valued more than anything.

The two men’s swords drew pure white arcs, clashing without an inch of retreat. The fierce struggle ended… when Jeras’s sword pierced Sion’s chest.

Sion tightly held his friend’s hand, which was wet with his own blood, and said, “Come back, Jeras. You can do it.”

After going through this series of events, Jeras regained his senses, but Sion was already a cold corpse. A faint smile hung on Sion’s lips.

It was the end of a hero who saved his friend and countless people of the Empire.

As someone who always wished for an older brother like Sion and became overly immersed in the story, envying Eloe, who didn’t even appear often, I felt like the sky was falling when I read that scene.

It was so heartbreaking and empty that I put down my phone and just sat there blankly for a long time. Then I went back to the part where Sion first appeared and reread every single sentence.

Sion, who picked flowers and made a flower crown for Eloe, who was bedridden and couldn’t move; Sion, who stayed up all night to care for Eloe when she was feverish and in pain; Sion, who sent her a letter every day to check on her when he had to stay in the Imperial Capital for unavoidable reasons…

The kind older brother, Sion, was cool and tragic until the very end. Before I knew it, I was leaving comments on every chapter featuring Sion.

I looked at Sion sitting next to me. He was sitting with perfect posture, lost in thought.

He couldn’t possibly imagine that he would die soon. I didn’t know at all when I first read the novel. That’s why Sion’s death was so shocking.

‘When you think about it, the Second Prince… It’s all because of him.’

Thanks to Sion, Jeras barely survived, then he met the female lead, fell in love, and lived happily ever after. I knew it was natural for him as the main character, but I couldn’t bring myself to like him.

I only read to the end because I was curious about how Sion’s death would turn out. The novel ended well, but my heart felt empty.

What about Sion? My favorite character? Who would compensate for my favorite character’s life?

‘…Wait a minute. Can’t I save Sion?’

It’s a very common plot for a female lead who transmigrates into a novel to change the future. It’s only natural to want to undo a wrong choice.

I’m not the female lead, and I have no intention of becoming one. But I must, absolutely, save Sion. Sacrificing oneself for others is a noble act and deserves praise, but…

‘What’s the point of being dead? It’s all over then.’

Now that I’ve been through it myself, I know. Do I regret that choice? Of course, I do. I’m human, after all.

But even if I could go back, I would save that child. Because there was no one else who could save that child besides me.

But Sion is different. If that darn Jeras just doesn’t drink that wine, Sion won’t have to sacrifice himself. Besides, I, who know the original story, have transmigrated into none other than Sion’s sister! This must be a sign from God, telling me to save my favorite character. What’s wrong with a sister trying to save her brother?

‘I can save him.’

Sion will follow Jeras, who will soon visit the Grand Duchy, to the Empire and never return. It’s a huge relief that I transmigrated before he left.

However, I couldn’t rule out the possibility that the story might have changed now that Eloe, who should have died, is alive. I need to dig for some information before I act.

“Why is the Second Prince coming?”

“To rest, after finishing the demonic subjugation. He likes hot springs.”

“Hot springs… are you talking about the Vebers Hot Springs south of Moniasha?”

“That’s right. He’ll stay at the royal palace for a bit and then go to Vebers. I’ll be accompanying him.”

It’s the same as the original story. Is it because the timing is before the female lead transmigrated, so there have been no changes yet? Either way, this is good news for me.

I decided to ask a few more questions while I was at it.

“When exactly is he coming? Is he coming alone? How long will he stay at the royal palace? And in Vebers?”

“…Eloe, are you perchance…”

Sion’s expression became quite serious as I peppered him with questions. His eyes shone sharply and fiercely. Although he is endlessly gentle and kind to his sick younger sister, Sion is originally a stoic and sharp person, befitting a swordsman.

Ah, what should I do? I like the kind older brother, but I like the strict older brother too.

“…Interested in the Second Prince?”

“Are you insane? Showing interest in him would be worse than showing interest in this rock! A hundred, a thousand times worse! Don’t ever say that again. I hate the thought of it even in a dream.”

“…Okay. But why do you dislike him so much? You’ve never even met the Prince.”

Oops. I got too excited, worried that Sion might misunderstand. I gently put down the stone I had picked up and sent a pair of twinkling eyes toward Sion. Pretty face, pretty face.

“I like you the best in the whole world, Oppa. I mean it, it’s not just empty words. Of course, I like Mom and Dad too.”

The longing for family that was latent within me must have been very strong and deep. I felt guilty for taking Eloe’s body, but every time I received the love of the Grand Duke, the Grand Duchess, and Sion, I was so happy and joyous.

I think I’m starting to understand what unconditional, absolute love is. Eloe, who grew up with a family like this, must have been truly happy, even if her body was sick.

‘What happened to the real Eloe…’

I don’t know much about souls or gods, but logically, it would be impossible for two souls to exist in one body.

The atmosphere in the house was also a bit strange when I first opened my eyes. Many people were standing around the bed I was lying in, all wearing dark-colored clothes without elaborate decorations.

‘She probably… died.’

The real Eloe probably died then, and for reasons I can’t understand, I transmigrated into her empty body. Like a squatter living in an empty house with no owner.

‘This feels wrong.’

Even though she’s a character from a novel, I feel guilty now that it’s my reality. Even though it was a natural death that was already predetermined, not one I caused. It feels like the timing was a result of me.

“That’s a relief.”

I snapped my head up at Sion’s voice. Sion was smiling gently at me. With his eyes only, of course.

He was desperately holding back the corners of his mouth, which were about to ascend to heaven, and his cheeks were already halfway up.

He’s so cute. My gloomy mood slowly lifted.

Right, even though beautiful people are said to live short lives, it would be a great loss to humanity for the perfect Sion, who possesses beauty, intelligence, background, and a good personality, to die so early. I have to save him no matter what, of course.

“Oppa, you have to stay healthy. Please stay by my side for a very long time. Understood?”

“I feel like I should be the one saying that to you.”

Sion chuckled lightly, as if sighing. His smiling face shone as bright as the sun. It was a kind and warm smile, enough to make me smile along with him.

I grinned and held Sion’s large hand with both of mine. Sion caressed the back of my hand with his other hand.

“I’m glad you’re getting your strength back. Thank you, Eloe.”

His voice was calm, but the desperate sincerity contained within it was conveyed to me. My heart ached, and my conscience pricked at me.

Because I’m not the real Eloe. The real Eloe’s soul has already left this body.

I also wondered if there was a way to return to my original world, but what would be different if I went back?

‘There’s no place to go back to, and no one would welcome me back.’

Suddenly, I recalled the dark, damp air of my cramped, unlit apartment room—where no one would welcome me back. I kept looking at Sion’s face to chase away my melancholic mood.

 

***

 

After my walk, I took a bath with the help of the maids and now, lying in bed, I feel like I’m in heaven. My body was languid, my heart refreshed.

My walk with Sion was, once again, out of this world. My mood had also greatly improved. There were many good things about being the daughter of a successful duchy, but nothing could compare to the therapy of being with my favorite character.

I lifted my body, which was buried in the soft, fluffy blanket. I had skipped breakfast, and there was still a good amount of time until lunch. I wanted to use that time to figure out how to save Sion.

Dragging my drowsy body to the desk, I took up a blank sheet of paper and wrote one large sentence across it.

How to save Sion.

Folding my arms, I stared at the page, turning over the details of the original story in my mind—details I had memorized nearly by heart thanks to Sion himself.

The reason Sion followed Jeras to the Empire was not simply because of their friendship. The Kilmaria Duchy, where I now lived, was technically under the Borrestian Empire, but in truth it was geographically, economically, and culturally separate.

The Imperial Family, wary of this, enacted a law: among the direct children of every ducal house, at least one must live in the Imperial capital, Rivai, for no less than four years. Outwardly, the law was presented as a means of strengthening ties between the Empire and its duchies. In reality, it was a strategy to hold a child hostage, ensuring the duchies could not rebel.

Of course, the duchies were not blind to such intentions. Thus, rather than sending the heir, they usually sent a younger sibling instead.

But Sion, unwilling to send the sickly Eloe, had volunteered to go in her place. He spent two years in the Empire before returning—and during that time, he grew close to Jeras.

“Well… even if Eloe had been healthy, Sion would have gone in her stead anyway.”

At any rate, Sion was meant to return now and complete the remaining two years of his obligation by following Jeras back to the capital.

Was there no way to stop him from going?

 

***

 

I’ve been agonizing for days, but I still couldn’t come up with a way to save Sion. I can’t just repeal an imperial law overnight, nor can I run away with him.

What am I going to do? Jeras will be here soon.

‘Sigh… This is giving me a headache.’

Whether they knew how I felt or not, the Grand Duke and Duchess and Sion were busy showering Eloe with an unbelievable amount of affection. Their love and obsession were beyond my imagination, utterly misguided, and like a blind car speeding down the road, ignoring every red light.

My current situation was proof of that.

“My lady, could you please turn your head just a little to the left?”

“Like this?”

“Nixon, did you see that just now? Did you see it?”

“Pardon? See what, Your Grace…?”

“The statue that looks exactly like Eloe answered me and turned its head! No, it wasn’t a statue at all. It was my angelic daughter. You really surprised me. I thought you had already finished the statue, Nixon.”

‘There’s no flattery more cringeworthy than this. Ugh.’

The Grand Duke lightly placed a hand on the shoulder of the sculptor, Nixon, who was sitting in front of his easel. Nixon forced a smile on his face, which was as stiff as a plaster cast.

I heard he was the most talented sculptor in the entire Duchy and Empire, so how did he end up with such a terrible job? Nixon must be regretting taking on the Grand Duke’s commission right about now, right? Since his client is the Grand Duke, he can’t just throw up his hands and quit. What a pitiful soul…

“Father, how could you mistake the real Eloe for a statue? The real Eloe is right here… Eloe? You were here just a moment ago. My Goddess, I apologize for my impertinence, but have you seen my little sister?”

Sion, who was standing next to the Grand Duke, knelt on one knee in front of me and asked. I’ve noticed over the past few days that when this family gets together, their cringey antics multiply exponentially. Even Sion, who’s just a kind and gentle older brother when we’re alone, completely changes when the family gathers, spewing out every bit of cheesy flattery as if he’d gone mad.

It’s one thing to love and cherish me, but not in front of other people! What is Nixon, who just met me today, going to think?!

My face felt like it was about to explode from embarrassment. I bowed my head and mumbled in a voice as tiny as a mosquito’s.

“Please get up. It’s really hard for me when you do this too, Oppa…”

“Don’t believe him, Eloe. He may act this way now, but he’s the kind of man who won’t look back once he finds a woman he likes. But your father will never do that. Isn’t your father the most trustworthy man in the world? Hmm?”

The Grand Duke and Sion, who had been glaring at each other, stared at me intently. Their eyes were full of the intention for me to choose who was more trustworthy.

‘This is so much pressure, it’s driving me crazy.’

If I chose the Grand Duke, Sion would spend the whole day sulking and kicking at the ground. But if I chose Sion, the Grand Duke would surely turn this place into a tear-filled mess.

Last time I chose Sion, the Grand Duke went on a hunger strike and took to his bed. What a nightmare that was.

When he saw my face, he would start crying sorrowfully, and there was absolutely no hint of the charisma or dignity you’d expect from him. No, he was more like a father who, after drinking too much, came home carrying fried chicken only to find all his children already asleep—so he curled up in a corner and cried himself to sleep. I’d never actually seen such a thing, but that was exactly how it felt.

‘Would I feel more comfortable if he were my real father?’

The discomfort born from my guilt pricked at a corner of my heart like a needle. The reason I couldn’t happily accept their over-the-top affection was because I wasn’t Eloe.

Anyway, it’s too awkward for Nixon, so I need to get the Grand Duke and Sion out of here. I sighed inwardly and posed a question to the Grand Duke.

 

“Father, who do you like more? Me or Mother?”

 

“Ugh? That’s, obviously…”

“Obviously me, right? Right?”

“Y-yes, yes, of course. Our Eloe is the dearest daughter a man could ask for, so precious I could just squeeze her.”

Yes! He took the bait.

“I knew Father would say that. Oh, when will Mother be back? It feels like it’s time for her to return soon…”

I trailed off, looking away, and the Grand Duke’s face turned white.

The Grand Duke loved the Grand Duchess even more than he loved his daughter, and he was completely wrapped around her finger. You could tell just by the fact that he hadn’t taken another wife despite pressure from the Empire.

They might bicker over my affection in front of me, but when nothing was going on, they were always together. I heard he was completely whipped by her since he was young.

“If you and Oppa leave, I’ll pretend I never heard that just now.”

If I left them in here, there’s no telling when the sketching would ever be finished.

The Grand Duke and Sion’s eyes widened in surprise. In contrast, a faint smile flickered across Nixon’s face.

“Eloe, I can’t leave you alone. I’m staying here.”

“You two are just getting in the way. Father? Should I tell Mother?”

“Let’s go, Sion. Shouldn’t we give Nixon some quiet time?”

“Father, just a moment…”

The Grand Duke looked back and forth between me and Sion, then grabbed Sion by the back of his neck. He had made his calculation. The Grand Duchess is indeed the true power in this family.

Sion shot me a pitiful glance and was helplessly dragged out like a kitten grabbed by the scruff of its mother’s neck.

The door closed, and Nixon and I’s eyes met. Without a word, a tired smile passed between us. Nixon immediately grabbed his pencil and began to sketch. It was the first time he’d done so in over an hour since he entered the room. How pitiful, truly. I hope Nixon is getting paid a lot for this.

“Mr. Nixon, I have a question.”

“Yes, my lady.”

“What is the statue you’re making of me for?”

“Ah… you didn’t know? I thought you did…”

Nixon’s expression was strange. I had a bad feeling.

“It’s not just a statue for display in the mansion, is it?”

“He did order one of those as well.”

‘As well’? It seems there’s something more. I unconsciously furrowed my brows, and Nixon flinched and hunched his shoulders. He bowed so deeply that it made me feel embarrassed. I quickly waved my hands.

“I’m not mad at you, Mr. Nixon. I’m sorry.”

“No, no, you have nothing to apologize for. The Grand Duke actually…”

Nixon’s next words were something I hadn’t even imagined.

“He has commissioned a massive statue to be placed in the central plaza, one that can be seen from anywhere in the capital.”

Not just a statue, but a massive one. If it’s big enough to be seen from anywhere in the capital… it must be the size of the Statue of Liberty.

A colossal statue of a beautiful girl in a dress. The image automatically came to my mind. I smiled at Nixon.

“M-My lady! Where are you going, my lady! No…! Please, just let me do my work!”

Are you crazy?! I’m not going to sit still while he makes that!

Nixon sensed my intentions and blocked the door. I know he has a tough job, but I can’t be considerate of his situation either.

‘I don’t want to die of humiliation after just coming back from the dead. The real Eloe would hate this too!’

I steeled my resolve. I took a charging stance, leading with my delicate shoulders like a bull whose eyes have turned red at the sight of a red flag.

Jumping out the window would be best, but we were on the second floor, and Eloe’s body was frail. If I jumped, it wouldn’t end with just a bone or two breaking.

“My ladyyyy…!”

“Open the door and step aside! I don’t know what might happen if you don’t!”

Nixon, who had been on the verge of tears, finally decided he couldn’t lay a hand on my body and, wiping his eyes, opened the door. A wise choice. It’s better to admit he can’t complete the sculpture than to get in my way.

However, I ran out of the room with great momentum only to be blocked by something warm and solid the moment I crossed the threshold. I lifted my head slightly and met Sion’s eyes.

“Where are you going in such a hurry? Should we go together?”

“Is the sketch finished?”

Sion on my left, and the Grand Duke on my right, were smiling down at me.

These people… they must have been guarding the door. They are truly relentless.

This isn’t love; it’s an obsession. I mean, they’re having a giant statue made of me. I shuddered, looking at the two smiling men.

 

***

 

“I’ve told you before, I don’t want it.”

“It seems Nixon upset you. I’ll take care of that man right now…”

“Don’t torment poor Sir Nixon.”

“Eloe… Then why don’t you want it? Hmm? You have to tell me the reason so Dad can understand.”

I have to tell you? Can’t you figure it out? I let out a small sigh.

“First of all, the size is way too much. I’d be okay with a normal-sized one for the house.”

“To let everyone in the Duchy know how lovely you are, it has to be that big.”

See? I knew this would happen. What’s the point of talking when you’re not listening? At least pretend to! I folded my arms and tilted my head.

“Second, statues are usually erected to honor great and distinguished people. Especially one as big as the one you’re planning, Father. It’s more than I deserve.”

“That’s not true.”

Sion, who had been silent, denied it with a powerful, emphatic tone. When I cast my gaze on him, he nodded with a serious face.

“Eloe, your very existence is a noble achievement.”

“I agree. This is the first time you and I have seen eye to eye, Sion.”

The two men exchanged fervent glances. Excuse me, are you listening to me?

It feels like I’m talking to a wall, and it’s exhausting.

“What are you all talking about so excitedly?”

The Grand Duchess, who hadn’t been seen all morning, entered. Following behind her were maids with their hands full of things.

The Grand Duchess gave a signal, and the maids put together a long table and placed plates at regular intervals.

“Mother, where did you go?”

“You’ll find out soon enough. Eloe, my dear, have you been well? Are the sketches done?”

So my family was secretly plotting behind my back… The traitors. Saying I’m the prettiest, yet leaving me out.

“They are finished, My Lady.”

“You’ve worked hard. You may go now. Now, everyone, come over here. You too, Eloe.”

The Grand Duchess took my hand and gently pulled me along. On the table, plates were beautifully arranged with bread, cookies, macarons, and pudding. They were all different in type and shape, but they had one thing in common: a combination of a very faint pinkish silver and blue.

Wait, hold on a second.

“Mother, are these…?”

“Oh, did you notice already? Our Eloe has such a good eye. This is Eloe Bread, this is Eloe Cookies, this is Eloe Macarons, and this is Eloe Pudding. We couldn’t bring the Eloe Tea yet, as it’s still being developed.”

The Grand Duchess, excited, began her explanation. The Grand Duke was in charge of the statue, and the Grand Duchess was in charge of developing desserts named after me. The items she brought were prototypes commissioned from famous patissiers and would undergo improvements before being mass-produced.

The Grand Duchess added that if I had any other ideas, I should let her know.

I was shocked once by the preposterous plan, and twice by the two of them actually going through with it.

And I mustn’t forget. There are four people in our family.

I looked at the side of Sion’s face as he meticulously inspected the pudding. He must have a mission of his own, too.

“Brother.”

“Yes?”

“What were you put in charge of?”

“The Eloe School of Swordsmanship…”

“No! Absolutely not! All three of you, stop it right now!”

Aaaargh! That’s enough! How much further are you going to push me?!

I yelled at the three of them with all my might and ran to my room, locking the door. “Eloe! Eloe!” they cried, banging on the door from the outside. They were like a horde of zombies.

I sat under the covers and furiously hit a pillow. The Eloe School of Swordsmanship? They must be out of their minds!

‘Eloe… What kind of life have you been living with these three?’

Just hitting a pillow tired me out quickly. I collapsed on the bed and let out a sigh that could have cracked the floor.

Can I really adapt to life with this family?