Aria stared at me, a look of pure confusion on her face. 'Does she really not remember? Did Charlize never smile at her before?'
"...Oh, I don't think the Princess is a bad person. At least, not today," she said softly.
"That’s an honest assessment," I replied.
A bad person except for today. That was perfectly accurate. Everything before today was the work of the real Charlize.
"Are you crazy?" I asked, though I wasn't really expecting an answer.
"No? Why would I be angry? Honestly, getting angry is a waste of energy. Anyway, if we’re actually talking now, can I ask why you came out here to see me?"
Aria’s complexion wasn't improving. I was starting to think I should just go out and find a Lemut knight, or hope the Altsbeit magicians arrived soon.
"...Actually, Princess... I think it’s my fault you’re out here in the first place."
"Ah. You mean because you fainted when you saw me the other day?" I rubbed my arms, trying to get some warmth back into them, and shook my head. "You shouldn't think that way. Even without that, Duke Lemut would have found a reason to be angry. He hates me, after all."
Aria’s eyes went wide. She knew it was the truth, but hearing me say it so bluntly seemed to shock her.
"But this time... I think my brother is angrier because of me. You really didn't do anything this time, Princess."
"It's fine. I understand. Just because I didn't do anything *this* time doesn't mean he’s forgotten everything I did *last* time."
That was the problem with karma. It was going to be a long, hard road to becoming a wealthy, unemployed person if I had to clear Charlize’s name first.
Aria looked at me again with that same unreadable expression. She suppressed a giggle, hiding her head under the orange blanket I’d given her. She looked like a white rabbit buried in a pile of carrots. The two of them—Askin and Aria—really were a stunning pair.
"...This is the first time we’ve ever really talked," she said from under the blanket. "I don't think you're actually a bad person at heart, Princess."
'What is this girl? Is she a literal blank page?'
I was dumbfounded. Did she really think a blanket and a few nice words were enough to erase everything Charlize had done? I wanted to scream at her to be more careful, but I kept my mouth shut.
'I'm a different person now, and it’s a good thing this beauty works in my favor.'
Still, I had a conscience. "Don't just take my word for it. Think about the things I’ve actually done in the past. You shouldn't let your guard down so easily, or someone will take advantage of you."
"Well, hearing you say that... it makes you seem even better. Even if I haven't forgotten..."
Fortunately, the wind was dying down, but the rain was falling even harder now. I’d considered going out to find help myself, but the visibility was zero. I didn't mind a cold, but a full-blown illness was a different story.
"...Do you not have magic lights in the castle at night?" I asked, noticing how dark the estate was.
"Ah... that’s because... we don't have enough money..." Aria’s face turned bright red. She wasn't as naive as she looked; she knew exactly how dire their situation was. "It’s my fault. My medicine costs so much..."
It was a bad idea to go out before the rain let up. I brushed a stray hair out of my face. "I don't think your brother would want you to think that way."
In the original novel, the Duke of Lemut endured everything Charlize threw at him. But it was only when her actions led to Aria’s death that he finally broke and joined forces with the heroine to kill Charlize.
"Aren't you his only family? He treats you more like a daughter than a sister."
"..."
"I think I understand how you feel," I added softly. "My parents are gone too."
Both Charlize and my old self were orphans. Charlize had a brother who was arguably worse than none, but my own brother, Yoon Ji-hoon, had died alongside my parents.
"Having an older brother is one thing, but it’s different when both your parents are gone. My brother probably wouldn't have been able to handle both roles either."
Aria nodded slowly. "...You're right. Ah! Not that my brother is bad!"
"I know."
"I want him to be able to rely on me too..."
I looked at her thin shoulders and wondered if they were strong enough to carry that kind of weight. Her brother would probably be happy if she just kept breathing. I rubbed the back of my neck and stood up.
"If you're that worried about him, then you just have to live another day."
I sat back down next to her. "And I'm sorry, but it's too cold. I’m not giving you my blanket, but I am going to stay close to you for the warmth. Susan, you come over here too. It’s freezing."
"Yes, Princess!"
The three of us huddled together. For a moment, it was almost cozy, and a small smile touched my lips. I caught Aria staring at me.
"What is it?"
"Oh! Nothing! It’s just... your hair is so pretty, Princess."
"This?" I lifted a lock of my damp hair. Even in the humid air, Charlize’s hair didn't lose its shine. She really did take care of herself. "Your hair is a beautiful color too. Silver is very rare."
"Um... it gets tangled so easily..."
"Then why not change the style? Maybe a trim would help."
Being huddled under the blanket was finally starting to warm me up. I looked at Susan. "Susan, do you have a comb? If you brush it correctly, you can bring the shine back."
"Ah... I... I'm curious! If you don't mind, Princess..." Aria said.
The knowledge was in Charlize’s memory, not mine. The villainess had been obsessed with her own beauty and spent hours on self-care. With Aria’s permission, I began to gently brush her hair.
It was a mess. Up close, it was thin, brittle, and hopelessly tangled—likely a side effect of her long illness. The humid air was making it even frizzier.
"...Princess... should I?" Susan asked, seeing me struggle.
"Well..." I realized I might be out of my depth. I handed the brush to Susan and explained what to do. Aria nodded happily. She was so gentle and sweet; I found myself wanting to actually get to know her.
We were in the middle of this surprisingly friendly conversation when—
*THUD.*
The carriage door was thrown open with violent force.
"ARIA!"
The voice was like a thunderclap, even over the roar of the rain. Askin stood in the doorway, his massive shoulders heaving as he struggled for breath. He looked at Aria, then at me.
The rage that flashed across his face was more intense than anything I’d seen before.
'Oh no. He’s definitely misunderstood this.'
"Did you just grab my sister by the hair?!" he roared.
"No! Wait!"
I jumped up, but my body was so stiff from the cold that I stumbled.
"Miss!"
"Princess!"
Susan caught me before I could fall. Meanwhile, Askin had already scooped Aria up and was pulling her out of the carriage.
"Get out. Right now."
"Brother! Brother, wait! It’s not like that!" Aria cried.
"Stay still, Aria."
I bit my lip. How had things gone so wrong? I’d expected to explain everything, so I got out of the carriage silently. I knew how it looked, but I thought if I just explained...
"Get off my estate. Right now!"
He shoved my hand away when I tried to reach for his coat. I lost my balance and fell hard on the wet grass.
'This is officially the worst day ever.'