Normally, someone wouldn’t be so specific about what they wanted as a reward. But before I knew it, I had already removed one of my earrings and placed it in his hand.
“Here you go.”
“A fine emerald. Looks like it’s worth a fair bit.”
He was probably right. I didn’t buy it myself, so I wasn’t entirely sure.
Wait. That’s family property. What if they find out one half of the pair is missing? Won’t I get scolded?
What if Father or Milan noticed and accused me of being careless with our jewels?
I already lost that tiara…
Regret flashed through my mind as I stared at the earring, but the First Prince tucked it away in his coat before I could say anything.
“Regretting it?”
“Of course not. A thank-you gift is nothing to regret.”
But the reluctance must have shown on my face.
He caught my expression and smirked.
“Then I’ll return it to you.”
“…Return it?”
“Yes. But only if you come to the clock tower in Central Plaza tomorrow at noon.”
“…Ah.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow, then.”
With that, the First Prince turned and walked away.
Surely, when he said “see you tomorrow,” he didn’t mean we’d meet again at the clock tower, still masked.
I could guess his intent. I let out a hollow laugh.
“Does he really think I’ll show up?”
No matter what, nothing is more important than my own life. I gave up the earring without hesitation.
Still… what was that amazing thing my other self was looking forward to?
Even the next day, her words suddenly popped into my head again.
Could it have been some love potion?
That version of me had believed that drinking it would make the Second Prince fall in love with her. If such a thing really worked, I suppose it would be amazing.
Then again, the Second Prince’s heart never changed, so even if I hadn’t taken over this body, she wouldn’t have had much to brag about.
Maybe she just wanted to boast that her love had come true?
A reasonable guess. Unable to know the real answer, I glanced up at the wall clock.
It was nearly the time the First Prince had mentioned yesterday.
Is he really going to show up?
I had no intention of going—but I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Wasn’t it only natural? I was going to stand the First Prince up.
“Haah…”
I let out a deep sigh.
All because that incense didn’t work!
The whole mess had started when the First Prince used a special incense to identify the sorcerer. And it hadn’t reacted to me, someone who’d never even touched magic before. Was the incense defective?
That scent had made him suspicious of me, and ever since, I’d been scrambling to avoid him.
If not for that cursed incense, I wouldn’t be running for my life right now!
Because of a mess my other self caused, I was now being chased around by the First Prince. Nothing was going right.
I couldn’t just reveal my identity now and explain that the problem lay with my “past self.” It had all gone too far. And after seeing his violent side a few times, I’d lost the nerve.
How did my peaceful life turn into this?
It felt like every wave I’d never had to endure before was crashing down on me all at once.
No. I need to stay positive. Positive!
“At least I’m still alive. Well done, Vanessa!”
Just as I forced that brave little cheer out of myself, Anna entered the room.
“My lady, the Duke is calling for you.”
“Father?”
Is he going to ask if I found anything useful yesterday?
But that wasn’t it.
“There’s something you need to confirm.”
“Confirm?”
“Yes. Our knights found a location.”
“I doubt I’ll recognize anything… I don’t remember anything at all.”
“There’s no need to worry about that. Just go with the knights.”
“Alright.”
He spoke so firmly that I had no choice but to agree. I stood still for a moment longer.
“…Was there something else you wanted to say?”
With that question, I realized my father had finished what he wanted to say.
He’s not even going to mention last night.
He must not have expected anything. I did leave dressed like I was going out to play, after all. Not that I could blame him.
Either way, it was a rare task assigned by Father. I had to carry it out well.
“Shall I leave right away?”
____________.𖥔 ݁ ˖𓆰♕𓆪 ֶָ֢. _________
I quickly got ready and left with the knights.
Unfortunately, Milan came along too.
“Can’t I just go with the knights?”
“Stop whining and get in. You think I want to be here?”
Yeah, I’m sure we both hate this.
With a heavy heart, I climbed into the carriage beside him.
He didn’t speak to me at all during the ride.
Who knew a trip with one’s brother could be this silent?
I spent the time staring out the window. Thank goodness for windows.
But as I kept looking, I realized the route felt familiar.
“Aren’t we headed toward Central Plaza?”
“Yeah. It’s nearby.”
Of all places, why here?
This was the exact location where someone had said they’d wait for me today.
“What time is it now?”
There was no reason for me to feel guilty—yet my stomach churned with unease. Milan took out his pocket watch and replied flatly,
“Just past noon.”
The clock tower came into view. We were thirty minutes past the time the First Prince had mentioned.
Surely he’s not still waiting…
I scanned the area nervously. There was no sign of him near the clock tower.
Did he not show up?
Relief washed over me.
Or maybe he had come and left already. It had been thirty minutes.
Good. I was glad we hadn’t run into each other.
We got off near the plaza, and Milan led us into one of the narrow alleyways branching off from it.
Just as we stepped into the alley, a voice called out—
“Out on a sibling stroll?”
“…!”
Oh no.
I turned toward the voice in shock. It was him—the First Prince—leaning casually against a wall inside the alleyway.
“I greet the First Prince of the Empire,” Milan said at once, bowing respectfully.
I scrambled to bow as well.
He’s been watching from here?
He must have kept an eye on the tower from inside the alley.
“I heard you two didn’t get along, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. Out together like this.”
The First Prince glanced between us with interest.
“You must’ve heard a strange rumor,” Milan replied with a polite smile.
Is he pretending we’re close because there’s royalty around?
Everyone knew we weren’t. Who was he trying to fool?
“And what brings Your Highness to this place?”
“I’m hunting prey.”
“…Excuse me?”
“I’m waiting for someone.”
As he replied, he looked toward the clock tower.
“They’re a bit late.”
I lowered my gaze quietly.
Did he just say ‘prey’?
He did say it!
My heart jumped in fear.
Seeing my lips clamped shut, the First Prince turned to me.
“What would you do, Lady Vanessa? If someone arranged to meet you but then showed up late?”
You made that promise on your own, remember?!
Did he seriously think I would show up? I was dumbfounded, but chose my response carefully.
“Perhaps it would be best if Your Highness returned now.”
Just like at Laura’s tea party, I softened my voice and tone. Milan glanced sideways at me in confusion.
It was the kind of look that screamed, What are you doing?—complete with contempt.
“You think I should stop waiting and go?”
“Yes. I believe Your Highness has waited long enough… It wouldn’t do to waste your valuable time standing in the street.”
A brother pretending we’re close, and me pretending to be graceful.
I ignored Milan and offered my opinion directly.
I did feel a little bad for keeping someone waiting. But it wasn’t like I could let myself be hunted. This was a doomed promise from the start!
The First Prince looked at Milan.
“Lady Burkell is more considerate than I expected. Worrying about the time of someone she’s only met once.”
“…Indeed,” Milan replied stiffly.
To a man like him, dragged along to clean up his sister’s mess, it must’ve sounded utterly empty.
He forced a smile as he turned to me.
“You’ve grown admirable. Speaking such sweet words to His Highness.”
Was it just me, or did he seem like he was grinding his teeth?
“Well then, we’ll take our leave.”
“Yes. I should be going as well.”
Finally, the sudden encounter was over. The First Prince was leaving too, and I felt the weight in my chest lift.
Thank goodness…
As soon as I walked away from him, I felt free again.
I am never going to another masquerade.
The place Milan brought me to turned out to be a jeweler’s shop. Apparently, it was tucked away inside one of the narrow alleys.
Saying it was unnecessary to bring all the knights in, Milan led only me inside.
He walked so fast I struggled to keep up.
Can’t he slow down a little…?
Back in my original world, my brother would always match my pace. But the Milan of this world had no such courtesy.
“You don’t need to do anything here. I brought you along just to show your face.”
He finally explained why I was here, glancing back at me.
“Surely you can manage to stand still.”
“Do you think I’m an idiot? Don’t worry.”
Was that meant to be an insult? Did he think I couldn’t even stand still?
Milan turned the corner ahead. I followed.
But beyond the corner… there was no one.
“…Huh?”
I blinked.
He definitely turned here—but now he was gone?
“O-Opp—?”
He wouldn’t prank me like this… right?
I looked around.
“Milan? Where are you?!”
I raised my voice, calling out—but there was only silence. Though it was broad daylight, the alley was deserted. I was completely alone.
Something felt off.
No way… Is this happening again?
I had experienced something strange before, after all.
Being thrown into this world was bizarre enough, but even after, strange things had continued happening.
Like the old woman who’d told me about the other world.
Don’t tell me… it’s her again?
