NRAL | Chapter 04

Chapter 04 

Finally, I’ll Escape This Hell

The Duke of Astria, worried about unnecessary rumors spreading, banned Nora from going outside. Forget outings—Nora couldn’t take a single step out of her assigned room, nor was she allowed visitors.

Arlo criticized this harsh treatment, saying it was too much. but there wasn’t much else he could do. After all, even as the crown prince, he couldn’t interfere in the private matters of the Duke’s household.

Still, despite the Duke’s efforts, stories about Nora spread throughout the mansion in less than a day.

“Did you hear about Miss Eleanor’s favorite maid finally causing a scene?”

“They’re saying she’s gone crazy, claiming she’s the Duke’s real daughter and that Miss Eleanor’s the fake.”

“Is she out of her mind? How could the Duke let her stay? Why hasn’t she been kicked out yet?”

“Not only hasn’t she been kicked out, but she was given the best room in the west wing! Which means…”

“It means that maid might actually be the real daughter.”

Rumors, as always, grew bigger as they passed from mouth to mouth. This time was no exception.

At some point, the servants started saying that Nora might be the true missing princess of Astria, and conspiracy theories began circulating, though no one knew where they started.

“They say Miss Eleanor took Nora in as a maid on purpose—to keep her close and make sure her lies wouldn’t be exposed.”

It was laughable. Rumors always had a mysterious power, making baseless stories sound as true as undeniable facts. Because of them, Eleanor’s life became quite exhausting.

Wherever she went, prying eyes followed. Every expression she made, every breath she took, only seemed to fuel the gossip.

Still, Eleanor showed no reaction to this behavior. She simply maintained her composure, trying to anticipate what might happen next while going about her usual routine.

But, unfortunately, the world didn’t intend to leave her in peace.

“Well, well, our fake sister is enjoying her meal in peace.”

A sly voice called out, and when Eleanor looked up, she saw the shining face of Damien Astria, the Duke’s son. He had light blonde hair, similar to Nora’s, and blue eyes like their late mother’s. He had a small face, but his large mouth stood out.

“Damien. Don’t start,” Eleanor said, turning her attention back to her meal.

Her only brother, Damien, was always quick to speak and always had pointless things to say. Other nobles praised him for being sociable and aristocratic, but they didn’t mean it sincerely.

After graduating from the academy, he bounced between various social clubs, throwing around money and changing women like he was picking out clothes. How could anyone consider that noble?

‘Actually, maybe that’s the most noble thing about him.’

Eleanor thought bitterly, recalling the behavior of the nobles in the capital of Cardiff.

Damian hugged himself dramatically, as though her smirk was chilling.

“Eeek, Sister! What’s with the scary look?”

What nonsense is he about to spout now? Eleanor gave him an irritated glance. Damian smiled cheekily and bent closer to her.

“What if you’re not actually my sister?”

His voice rang with no hint of concern, almost as if he were enjoying the situation. He seemed full of anticipation.

“How dare a commoner act like the heir of Astria? Do you think you’ll get away with this?”

Oh, and since she grew up in an orphanage, she wouldn’t even count as a commoner, would she? Damian chuckled and added with a sneer.

It was both a taunt and a threat—far too cruel for someone he’d called his sister all his life.

The servants nearby gasped, while Ernst, standing by the door, clenched his fists in anger. But Eleanor didn’t flinch or seem hurt. She’d expected this.

“Well, I’m glad, then,” Eleanor said, her voice flat.

“I don’t have to deal with you anymore.”

“What?”

“I said it’s nice. No longer having to clean up after you; listen to you whining about how I’m the reason Mother died and all that nonsense. Sounds great, honestly.”

Damien had always dumped all his responsibilities on her since they were children, and his excuse was always the same:

“Because of you, Mother died!”

“Because of you, I grew up without Mother’s love!”

“This whole gloomy house is your fault!”

She had heard it so many times that it was almost burned into her mind.

Her father had once said that on the day of the accident, their mother had initially planned not to attend the wedding, but she couldn’t resist their young daughter’s plea to see her uncle’s wedding, so she went to the church and ended up meeting her tragic end.

Eleanor couldn’t remember it, but it had become the guilt she carried for her entire life.

At least, for now, she was free from that guilt.

She didn’t have to take on the responsibility of her mother’s death just because people were doubting if she was the real princess.

“How dare you speak of mother…”

“I’ve heard rumors that the young nobles have been frequenting low-class gambling houses. Damien, you wouldn’t have anything to do with that, would you?”

Damien, who had been about to shout in anger, suddenly closed his mouth tightly.

A brief silence followed. Then he smiled as though he hadn’t just gotten angry.

“Of course not. I’m the Duke’s son. I could never go to those filthy places.”

“Right, if it’s not you. But I heard that Father is really worried. I’m glad to hear it’s not you.”

“Well, of course not.”

Damien grinned as if it were impossible that he had anything to do with it and walked away.

However, his hurried steps betrayed his nervousness.

He knew all too well that if the Duke found out he had been involved in gambling houses, he would be in big trouble.

The Duke was quick-tempered, and he cared more about money than his own children.

‘Well, he shouldn’t have done all this shady stuff in the first place.’

Eleanor knew more than just this. It wasn’t hard to gather information on someone who was always causing trouble.

Damien, as expected, would keep his mouth shut for a while after she hinted that she knew However, the real issue was that Damien’s actions only fueled the rumors spreading among the servants. They were now talking about the siblings being known to be on bad terms and the newly emerged princess candidate.

‘So, where do we place our bets?’

The servants glanced at Eleanor as she ate, their minds working furiously.

Just as the burden of their stares grew unbearable and Eleanor set her spoon down, a sharp voice rang out.

“Why isn’t everyone back in their places? How dare you hover while the young lady is eating!”

Head maid Mary appeared at the end of the hall and shouted.

Her sharp voice made the servants flee without even trying to explain. The fury of the head maid was as fierce as a bear’s.

Even Eleanor flinched slightly despite having done nothing wrong.

After all the servants had hurriedly run off, Mary returned to her usual gentle expression.

“Don’t worry too much, young lady. I’m worried about you. You’ve been going through a lot, and I’m afraid it’s taking a toll on your health.”

Eleanor was naturally frail, with delicate bones and pale skin, giving her a weak impression, but despite her appearance, she was strong and healthy. Mary, knowing this, always treated her like a delicate flower.

Not that fragile to begin with, Eleanor still gave Mary a reassuring smile.

“I’m fine.”

“Fine? You haven’t even touched your favorite chicken soup!”

Mary’s gaze dropped to the barely touched bowl in front of her, and Eleanor let out an awkward laugh, realizing how little she’d eaten.

Mary’s face darkened, her concern turning into anger.

“To think that girl you’ve cared for so much would be so ungrateful! Don’t you feel betrayed, my lady? I’m furious on your behalf. But don’t worry—Master said he’d get to the bottom of this soon. The truth will come out in no time!”

“Thank you, Mary.”

Eleanor smiled brightly, trying to ease Mary’s worries. But deep down, she couldn’t agree with her.

Would it, though?

This was a plan years in the making. Someone who’d deliberately burned their own flesh for authenticity wouldn’t skimp on other preparations.

What’s more, the most troubling part was Arlo’s feelings toward Nora. As the future emperor, his influence couldn’t be ignored. Without solid evidence against her, kicking Nora out was unlikely.

Perhaps it wouldn’t even be about kicking her out at all…

Her heart raced. Eleanor placed her hand on her collarbone, trying to steady her breathing.

“…My lady. Shall I look into that woman myself?”

It must’ve been because Ernst was worried about her.

Cautiously, he approached Eleanor and offered a suggestion. Having been by her side for so long, Ernst had gradually taken on not just the role of her guard knight but also her secretary. As the eldest son of a baron, he had been well-educated and always carried out her orders flawlessly.

If she asked him to investigate Nora, he’d undoubtedly handle it just as perfectly.

But despite knowing this, Eleanor shook her head.

“Not yet.”

Yes, not yet. She was trying her best to keep her growing dark thoughts in check—at least until Nora committed an even greater offense.

***

Even after Nora was confined to her room, Eleanor kept trying to reach her.

She sent countless letters, carefully avoiding her father’s watchful eye. And the message in every one of them was always the same:

[Let’s meet. Somewhere private, where no one else can see us.]

But no reply ever came. Eleanor forced herself to stay calm and wait, convinced that an answer would come eventually.

Finally, one day, a small note appeared outside her door.

[Come to my room at midnight.]

There was no sender or recipient written on it, but Eleanor knew exactly who it was from.

The moment she received it, Eleanor felt her heart pound as she counted down the hours to midnight.

Time seemed to crawl, every minute stretching unbearably long.

It felt like an entire day lasted five times longer than usual.

At last, the appointed hour arrived.

Wrapping herself in a black shawl to avoid drawing the servants’ attention, Eleanor slipped out of her room.

The Astria mansion was quiet at this hour.

Most of the staff, except the guards, were asleep, and the hallways were dimly lit, shrouded in darkness and a chilly stillness.

Eleanor treads softly, taking the routes where no guards patrolled.

But as she approached the second floor of the west wing, something felt off.

There wasn’t a single servant in sight. Not even the guard who usually stood by the door leading to this wing was there. The quiet atmosphere seemed to be intensified by the eerie silence.

Frowning slightly, Eleanor surveyed her surroundings with narrowed eyes and continued walking.

Then, faint noises began to drift toward her. A laughing sound mixed with a strange breath, like someone moaning, and heavy breathing… As she got closer to Nora’s room, the sounds grew louder and clearer.

Eleanor came to a stop in front of the door, her face frozen in an icy expression.

From the slightly open door, familiar voices drifted out, teasing her ears.

“Oh, that tickles! Heheh! Please, Your Highness, stop it!”

“How could I stop when I worked so hard to sneak in here? No way.”

Inside the room, a man and woman lay half-dressed on the bed.

It was Nora and Arlo.

Skin pressed against the skin, exchanging whispers of love, the two didn’t notice the figure standing frozen outside. Eleanor clamped her hands over her mouth, barely stifling a sound.

Thump, thump, thump.

Her vision spun, and her heart pounded so loudly it felt as though it might burst.

Looking down, she saw her golden dress spill out from beneath her, lying on the floor.The dress that Nora had so admired. She probably wouldn’t even remember when she had stolen it.

“Ah… why are you always like this in front of me? You were so modest in front of Miss Eleanor. Haven’t we done enough already?”

“Well, it’s because you’re so beautiful. How could I compare you to that thin, hungry woman begging on the streets? You’re soft, warm, and oh-so-lovable.”

“Goodness, calling Miss Eleanor a beggar is just too much!”

Nora burst into laughter, pretending to scold him but clearly enjoying every second.

“Too much? You’re the one being too much, After just a few days, you’re already trying to send me away? And I told you to stop calling her ‘Miss.’”

“Oh! It tickles! Your Highness!”

“You’re the ‘Miss’ now, Nora. Isn’t that right?”

“Oh… Yes, that’s right.”

“So don’t hold back. Just one more time, okay?”

My beautiful Eleanor.

Arlo whispered as he reached out to touch her.

Thud!

Her heart sank to the floor.

‘It’s been taken away.’

That was the only thought that crossed her mind as her eyes met Nora’s.

From her place in Arlo’s arms, Nora turned her head and looked straight at Eleanor standing outside.

Then she smiled—a wide, radiant smile brimming with joy.

Bang!

“What—what is it?”

Eleanor slammed the door shut and immediately turned, running down the hallway. Arlo’s shouts could be heard from inside, but she didn’t care.

Everything has been taken from me.

Her breath became more ragged, her lips trembling uncontrollably.

The dress, my fiancé, the name of Astria—all of it.

She had to hold it in.

The words she had been repeating to herself for days crumbled to dust the moment she saw Nora’s smile.

She couldn’t hold it in any longer.

She didn’t have to.

She’s taken all my misfortune from me!

And with that thought, the emotions she had been suppressing finally burst forth.

“Pfft—Ahahaha!”

It was a joy.

It shook her entire body, making her feel like her heart might explode a hundred times over. A powerful, overwhelming joy filled her to the point of overflowing.

How long had she waited for this moment? How many nights had she prayed and begged for a chance like this? She had wished for it so desperately, so many times.

Thank you, Nora. Truly, thank you!

Eleanor laughed uncontrollably, gasping for breath, shouting Nora’s name as if she were in love with her, expressing her gratitude, and once again bursting into loud, manic laughter. Even then, her feet didn’t stop, and she kept running through the hallway.

She looked completely mad.

It wasn’t even wrong to call it that. She herself thought that, in this moment, she was probably halfway insane with the overwhelming joy she felt.

“Hahaha! Ahahaha!”

The laughter wouldn’t stop.

The elegant dress. The fiancé she’d been bound to for years. The prestigious name of Astria.

All of it had been nothing but a curse to Eleanor.

No, was that all? The family who shared her last name, the servants working in the mansion, the entire Astria family—it all seemed like deep-rooted despair to her. Despair so awful she hesitated even to give it up to those who had betrayed her.

But the hesitation was gone now, and all that was left was anticipation.

The thought that she could shove all that misery onto Nora and finally be free lifted her spirits sky-high.

Finally.

Caught up in the rush of exhilaration, Eleanor didn’t realize where her feet had taken her until she found herself on the terrace.

She dropped to her knees on the cold floor, gripping the white railings. When she looked up, she saw the full moon shining brightly in the night sky.

“Finally, I’ll escape this hell!”

Having laughed so much that her voice was half-hoarse, Eleanor whispered with all her heart.