Chapter 32
“Miss!”
Loti burst into the room, breathing heavily and calling for me.
It’s here! The moment I was waiting for!
I put on my secret smile and asked confidently,
“Why? Are we moving out? Do we have to evacuate away from the sea?”
Loti looked pale, like she’d just seen a ghost.
Now she should finally realize who I really am.
I was so sure that in just a moment, Loti would gasp in admiration, fall to her knees, and clutch the hem of my dress.
Then, I would declare that I’m the real [Materia] and make her write her apology with her butt in the town square. And after that…
“How did you know? Did you overhear the maids whispering?”
“…Huh?”
“They say Young Master Yubel gave a prophecy! He’s just a newborn… [Materia] really is special!”
Wait… She still doesn’t get it?
I was speechless, just opening and closing my mouth like a fish.
Something felt off. In romance fantasy novels, the allies usually understood right away. Even if you explained things terribly, they would catch on quickly.
‘This is so frustrating…’
Once again, I wasn’t confident about Loti.
At that moment, she leaned closer and whispered,
“But seriously, how did that baby prick his own finger and make a prophecy all by himself? Miss, did you see anything strange when you went into his room?”
You… you fool!
I lost my temper and shouted,
“Hey! Shouldn’t you be asking me what I did in Yubel’s room first? I’m the one who―”
I was about to blurt out, “I’m the one who’s [Materia]!” but I quickly bit my tongue.
Because just then, I made eye contact with someone standing outside the door—someone Loti had carelessly left it open for.
It was an old man, standing with his hands behind his back, staring curiously at us.
‘Crap…’
It was Pereth, the royal doctor sent by the emperor.
I recognized him right away.
Last night, just after sneaking out of Yubel’s room, I bumped into that wrinkly old man in the hallway.
***
—Who is this little lady wandering around so late?
—My name is Izana Rohia…
—Hmm? Never heard of you. Anyway, what are you doing here?
—I heard my baby brother was born, so I came to see him… but I thought maybe I shouldn’t have, so I was just about to leave…
—Brother? You mean [Materia]? Hmm… why would you come at this hour?
—If my mother finds out… I’ll get scolded… So I came secretly…
—You rascal!
What?! Why are you yelling?
—Wandering around late at night will get this grandpa scolded too. Children should be in bed at this hour, don’t you think?
—Yaaawn… I’m sleepy. Goodnight!
***
After I got away from him, I couldn’t stop feeling nervous.
Why was he there at that time of night? Was he heading to Yubel’s room?
If he had entered Yubel’s room after me, it would’ve been a disaster.
Especially since the nanny, Molly, had fallen into a deep sleep. If Pereth noticed something odd, I was done for.
So I had hidden around the corner, pressing against the wall to spy on him quietly.
But…
—You rascal!
—Eek! Are you crazy?!
—Such colorful language from a child! Hahaha.
Unfortunately, he was sharp.
As soon as I peeked around the corner, his face popped out too.
He must have sensed something off and followed me silently right after I ran off.
—Kids these days never listen. Is it because you’re the daughter of Yudis Rohia?
He scared me half to death and just casually stroked his beard and chuckled.
To escape suspicion, I quickly made up a lie.
—
—I-I got hurt… Could you maybe look at it? I heard you’re a doctor…
—Oh? You’re hurt?
For a second, his expression softened.
Seeing an opportunity, I pulled down my sleeve a bit to show the bruise Boris had left.
It had faded a little but still looked painful.
He stared at it for a moment, then said flatly,
—
—Tsk. But it’s bedtime for me. Hahaha, that’ll heal with some spit. Sleep is the best medicine. Go to bed!
***
Then he coldly closed his door and disappeared inside.
I was shocked that a doctor could be so heartless to a bruised child… but at least he hadn’t gone into Yubel’s room.
And now, the next morning, we faced each other again.
‘I knew it. He’s suspicious of me.’
I was sure he was watching me closely after the first prophecy from [Materia].
He stood with a friendly face and hands behind his back.
I walked confidently past Loti and stood in front of the door.
He smiled gently.
“Did you sleep well last night?”
“Yes, but I woke up early because it was noisy. I’m still sleepy, so I’m going back to bed. Goodnight!”
SLAM!
I shut the door in his face and turned back to Loti.
Then, through gritted teeth, I reminded her,
“I told you Yubel isn’t the real [Materia].”
“Huh? Oh, you did say that… But after today’s prophecy… Wait, don’t tell me…”
Loti’s eyes widened like a startled rabbit.
“You… you’re saying you’re the [Materia]?”
Now she gets it?
I sighed and nodded slowly, clutching my chest in frustration.
Loti still looked doubtful but whispered,
“That can’t be. You’re not related to [Materia]’s star. And you’re not even really a Rohia.”
“I’ve changed, haven’t I? Don’t you think something shifted the day the star appeared?”
Ugh. I can’t believe I have to say such cringey lines myself. Come on, Loti…
I grabbed her face and smiled gently.
“Think about it. ‘[Materia] was born’—maybe it doesn’t mean a literal birth. What if it means the moment someone gains the power of prophecy? That’s when they truly awaken as [Materia].”
Loti’s eyes trembled.
“So [Materia] isn’t about being born—it’s about gaining the ability? And maybe I’m not really unrelated to the star…”
“But [Materia] was supposed to be born of Rohia’s blood…”
I just smiled at her as she trailed off.
Suddenly, her face turned pale as realization hit her.
I had just subtly implied that the Duchess’s story about my origins might be a lie.
No one truly knows who the real illegitimate child is.
Loti slowly sank to her knees in front of me.
I could feel the cold sweat on her face through my palm.
“If you tell anyone what I said, they’ll just call you crazy. So listen. The Duchess will grow more hostile toward me, but if she thinks we’re close, she’ll keep you alive—just in case you know something useful.”
Loti still looked confused, but her color was returning.
“Miss… do you really know the future?”
“Yes. I’m going to be the future ruler of the continent, a rich and beautiful girl blessed by fate. I don’t ask for much. Just help me out while I’m stuck in this mansion, and I’ll make sure you get your share later.”
Loti nodded slowly.
Her eyes no longer wavered. I could finally trust her.
“In that case… Miss, can I ask for a favor?”
“Go ahead.”
Money? A title?
Eventually, I’ll be able to give her anything.
I straightened my back proudly.
Then Loti whispered shyly,
“Could you maybe check if I’ll end up with Alfred? Like… when I should confess?”
“Did I reincarnate to save the world or to give you love advice?!”
I yelled, and Loti pouted like a child.
But she also smiled bashfully, and I could tell—
I had won her over.
She was now fully on my side.
And honestly, that was all I needed.
‘Everything’s going according to plan. But if news of [Materia]’s prophecy somehow reaches Winter Orsus…’
