My Happy Ending, He Doesn't Love The Heroine But Me

BELLE’s P.O.V

“Good morning my lady.” May, my personal maid said as she pulled the curtain in my bedroom. A ray of sun hits my face, oh it’s morning again.

I greeted her back then walked to my mini table where a glass of water is put every morning.

I sat down and observed her, she’s now arranging the books that I’ve been reading since last night. She’s the one beside me the moment I open my eyes in this strange place. She takes good care of me and acts as if she’s my mother despite our two years age gap, she’s really mature for her age.

May’s also my personal tutor, I’ve learned a lot about this place with her help. At first it’s hard for me who came from another world to just wake up in a strange place, new people, new place, new environment and even the way they dress freaks me out. If you’re wondering what I’m saying, let’s go back to the day I first opened my eyes in this place…

Ouch… My back hurts…

“The...”

“and...”

I feel like there’s someone talking but I can hear them clearly.

“I think...”

The noise is hurting my head more, what are they talking about? I tried to open my eyes a little, they’re also aching…

“My…lady…” Someone’s talking.

I force my eyes to open, I want to see what’s happening around me. At first my vision’s blurry, all I can see is a white and gray. The next thing I saw was a woman's face…

“My lady!” Her face changes as she calls for someone. Who is she calling? Why is she looking at me?

My vision became clearer and now I can see her face, she looks worried… Who is she?

“My lady! My lady is awake!” She shouted.

I tried to roam my eyes, I can’t remember coming here. Where am I?

There’s furniture that I only see in historical dramas, is it gold? How much is it worth? They do look shabby though, like they’ve been there for a long period of time already.

I tried to move my body but it hurts a lot!

The last thing I remember is I’m on my way to my house when suddenly a truck appeared out of nowhere, a beam of light appeared then people screaming in the background. Next thing I knew, I was lying on the ground and everything went black.

It’s really confusing me, so I’m not dead right? But where the heck am I?

My eyes stopped at the woman, I wanted to ask her who she was and where I was.

“My lady, I’m glad you’re awake…” Is she referring to me?

She wipes her tears and sighs, she’s weird.

I wonder why I couldn’t talk. Does the accident affect my voice as well?

A week has passed and I can now sit and talk. I’ve learned that the woman who calls me “My Lady” is May, she is my personal maid and I’m an illegitimate daughter of a Count. My name is Belle Stefano, a 16 yearold with a weak body and an uneducated child. I’ve been living here since I was born and my personal maid is the only one who’s taking care of me, no other maids here in this mansion. Truckkun really isekai me huh, and to a worse family too.

May thought that I’ve lost my memory because of the incident, that's why I’m behaving like that. Well, I fell into a coma for almost three months because someone put poison in my food. May found the same symptoms to what her mother had and immediately searched for herbal medicines. Thanks to that I recovered little by little.

Back to the present, I had to adjust to this strange place so I asked for books. The first time I read a book May looked shocked, girl I’m shocked too! I can read the book because it’s written the way we wrote it in my past life but of course she cannot believe it ‘cause I’m an uneducated child.

Thank God I’m an honor student in my past life.

“Self study.” Is all I said to her and shrugged, should I just tell her that I’m a polyglot?

After reading some books, that’s where I realized that I’m really in a different world. Does someone pick me up from Earth and throw me here? How about my body there, Am I dead?

There’s a lot of questions but what I’m sure of is I’m now a different person.

How about my parents though? I’m not sure if they’re even thinking about me. Surely, they’re happy because of the compensation of the truck company who hit me.

Back to this world, I learned that I’ve been neglected even before I was born, my first maid was May’s mother but she died a few years ago, thankfully her daughter was the one who replaced her. May worked here even though I’m an illegitimate daughter, she doesn’t get the salary she deserves and she does all the work night and day, see what happens to illegitimate children here in this world? It sucks for real.

Another shocking revelation for me is that my socalled parents didn’t even check me even once or ask their servants to check on me or this house, that’s why this house looks more like a haunted mansion . Thankfully May takes good care of the furniture so it doesn’t look that old aside from the room where I first wake up.

That room is the only room in the attic. I don’t know why May placed me there while I’m still unconscious though, and I still remember when I asked May to bring me a mirror because I couldn’t believe what was happening. I was really shocked that time that I couldn’t talk for a few hours. That’s totally insane.

One time when we’re taking fresh air from the veranda I asked her.

“May, can you tell me more about my family?”

She paused for a minute, looking like she’s unsure if she would tell me but then spoke afterwards.

“Your father is Count Bourbone Schwarts, he is a well known businessman, your mother, Leonna is her mistress who works at a hotel in the city. She died giving birth to you, you have three siblings from your father but they don’t care about you.” Ouch… Was she always this savage? My family from Earth’s not like that, but I can’t tell that they really love me. I’m an orphan after all.

I’m an orphan until I reached eight years old. When I got adopted I did my best to look good and make them proud, I worked hard to be on top of my studies. They seem proud outside our house but cold when inside.

“Your father’s wife also doesn’t like you, that's why she asked your father to throw you away, but due to your father’s love for his reputation, he decided to buy you an old mansion and make you live there.”

“That house is this house?” I ask her.

She nodded and continued, “your father’s wife is Fionna Heidy Schwarts”

“Pft!”

She turns her head and looks at me as if asking what’s wrong with me.

“HAHAHA!”

Fionna, that’s a good name! Like Shrek’s wife!

“What’s wrong my lady?”

I can’t contain my laughter, tears start to come out my eyes and my stomach starts hurting. Oh gosh…

“NNo nothing, please continue.” I said between my laughs.

She sighs.

“As I was saying, she is your father’s wife as well as…” She looks like she’s thinking.

“As well as?” I asked, raising my eyebrows.

“as well as… your father’s wife.” She stated.

Huh.

I waited for a couple of minutes to hear her say more but she just stared at me as if she’s done.

“So she’s just there…” I stated.

Her face remains the same.

“Yes my lady.”

“She’s just… existing…”

We nodded to the fact that she’s just there, existing.

“Pft!”

“My lady please don’t”

“HAHAHA!” I burst out laughing, goodness.

What an evil person to ask her husband to throw away a baby but she’s just there,no work and purpose oh wait, right. Her purpose is to exist.

May once again sighs. She shows me some pictures of my family, they look like the one in a renaissance painting to be honest. Everything looks old fashioned, I’m not sure if it’s just me but their clothes look terrible. I bet if they wear it on Earth, millennials will find it ‘not aesthetically looking’. It makes me miss my life there.

We spent more than one hour looking at the photos. I saw their family photos and all I can say is…

“They’re good looking huh.”

Count Bourbon has red hair, he looks like an idol. No, to be exact all of them look like an idol, Fionna has long brown hair, I can’t deny the fact that she’s pretty. My siblings are all good looking and confident, do they even know they have a younger sibling?

When I think of this body’s appearance, I was really amazed. Amazed to the point that I immediately want to dress her up and put make up on her even though I don’t know how to put it on myself. She looks like a doll that heaven sent here to be a saint but because she’s malnourished, her physical appearance changes.

I should eat more, even though I’m not the owner of this body, I can’t just let this body be malnourished, right? It’s for my own good too. I don’t want to go around looking like a skeleton.

It’s a waste to let this beauty be like this forever.

Later on, I ask May to prepare my bath. It hasn’t been long since I got here, there are some things that make me want to go home like when someone wants to take a bath here, they have to get water from somewhere and they’ll pour it into the bathtub, it’s really different to Earth where we can just open the shower. The difference makes me sick, I miss Earth so much. It makes me cry thinking that I have to lift a lot of water buckets especially with this malnourished body.

TODAY is our harvest day. According to May we have to do this if we still want to live since I’m an neglected child that no one comes to visit me, even my own family rarely sends my budget for my needs. It’s like they’re purposely neglecting me so that I will die soon.

May plant vegetables for us to eat and survive. Now is the time where we’ll harvest those she planted a few months ago.

“My lady, you can just wait for me over there.” She says.

I grab the gloves and look at her.

“Don’t worry, I can do this better than you.” I smirked.

She raised her left eyebrow.

“Wanna bet?”

We just had an intense eye to eye, I know she doesn’t believe me because this body is weak but that is Carlota, not me Josefina Diaz. Ha!

After we finish what we need, she asks me to eat a little more because we’re not sure whether I lose consciousness due to hunger. After that we go straight to the little farm she does beside our house.

When we get there, little farm is really an underrated word because it is as huge as the house and it’s actually beautiful. Didn’t expect this huh.

“You’re great.”

“I know, thanks.”

We first harvest the potatoes then the carrots.

I was about to slip but she caught me.

“Please be careful my lady.”

I thanked her and continued harvesting. We rest for a few minutes then start picking herbs. She gave me information that I can use. According to her there were poisonous plants nearby and she’s afraid I might pick them.

We agreed to stop before the sun sets and meet at the table beside the gate.

Although I don’t really enjoy this kind of stuff since all my life I just sit and read a book, I just couldn’t ignore the fact that we won't have anything on our table when we don’t do this.

Should I look for a job?

I can clean, I can cook or whatever they want me to do. I’m also a little familiar with engineering stuff, but I don’t know if they’ll be interested in that since people here have magic.

I was picking some herbs when I heard something crackling far from me. I looked at it, there’s nothing here. What was that?

I ignored it and picked another herb that was a few steps away from me when I heard that noise again. Dude what’s that?

Curious, I walked towards the direction I heard the noise, there’s a bush blocking the way so I need to remove it first.

I almost jumped when a rabbit appeared.

“Oh my gosh!” I almost had a heart attack!

I felt relieved, at least it’s not someone who will harm me.

I continued what I’m doing when suddenly I heard a noise as if someone’s running. Is it May?

I looked around but to see a masked man running towards me, he’s like six meters away from me and because there’s plants everywhere I can’t see anything other than his head. All I am sure of is he is a man, a tall man rather. I think he’s wearing something old fashioned.

I focused my eyes on him to see him clearly, when he’s just a few meters away I just felt my soul leaving my body.

He’s holding a sword! A fcking sword!

For a moment I forgot that I’m in another world where there is magic and war. My feet felt numb and my hands started to feel cold. My heart started to beat fast. Why is he running towards me with that big sword!

May is not here, she’s way too far for her to see me nor this man. What should I do?!

Am I going to die again!?

I want to run but I can’t move my feet. My throat feels like it’s blocked.

I’m not ready to die! Not again! Help! Someone!

He’s getting near me but I still can't move.

He started to raise his sword, running towards me faster. Tension fills my body. He points his sword towards me and when he's a few steps away from me I can be sure that his target is really me.

He’s charging towards me!

Goodness! It’s not that long when I first got into this world and now I’m going to die again?!

BELLE’s P.O.V

“My lady!”

Someone’s calling me, I tried to move my body but my back hurt instead.

This seems familiar. I tried to open my eyes and saw Jessa’s worried face. Oh, this definitely happened before.

“My lady, you’re awake!” She looks relieved to see me open my eyes, I’m relieved too Jessa. These days I always feel relieved when I open my eyes, maybe because I’m afraid that I’ll never open it again. Okay enough with the drama! But why am I lying like the first time I came here? I feel weak.

I tried to sit but May stopped me.

“You should rest my lady.” She said as she guided me to lie comfortably on the bed.

I look around, last time I remember we’re harvesting crops and… oh my gosh!

“Jessa, someone tries to kill me!” I shouted.

“I know my lady, thankfully Mr. Hendrick’s doing his patrol that he managed to save you.”

I look at her confused, “who is Mr. Hendrick?”

She looks confused now we’re both confused.

“He’s the one who saved you, my lady.”

I can’t recall meeting another person except the one who has a sword and aims it at me.

“What are you talking about?” I asked her.

She sat beside me and said, “Mr. Hendrick is a mercenary that lives outside your land, he comes here once every week to exchange herbs for meat.”

“Oh, that’s why we have meat.” I’m always curious about where she's getting those meat. So that’s why.

“Don’t tell me you don't remember him?”

I tried to look into this body’s memory but I can’t remember this Mr.Hendrick. Who is that? Is he someone who’s important to me?

“I can’t remember him…”

She gasps.

“No way!” Wait, what’s with her reaction?

“but maybe, I’ll remember if you tell me?”

I ask her to help me sit, my body’s still hurting but I can now manage to sit. Of Course with her help. She got me a glass of water and made me drink the medicine she made.

After a while she looked at me and said, “I’ll tell you my lady, we first met him when I planted the herbs for the first time… “

LATER that day, Jessa asks for a day off. She told me she needs to go to town to get us what we need for the upcoming winter.

I stay in bed the whole time because I feel like my body’s still in shock. That was the first time that someone pointed a sword or whatever to me, in short, that is the first time someone tried to kill me. Like what did I do wrong?

Come to think of it, the owner of this body seems to be poisoned that causes her to die. Why does someone want to kill me? Goodness!

As far as I know, I’ve been living here all the time and I haven’t even met my family. I don’t even have any friends nor enemies. It’s driving me crazy!

I spent a couple of hours thinking about that but nothing comes to my mind.

MONTH has passed and everything seems fine. The incident never happens again and the preparation for winter went well. Since it’s hard to go out when snow starts to pour, we took a lot of food and preserved them to last longer.

I helped her but since this body is weak, I need to rest like three times a day.

I also helped her by replacing the curtains with the one that’s much thicker.

“This is fluffy!” I told her as I hugged the curtain.

“Mr.Hendrick gave that to us last year.” She said without looking at me.

She’s now folding the dirty curtains as well as the dirty pillow cases.

“It seems like Mr.Hendrick is a good person.”

“Well, he really is a good person.”

“Do you like him?” I tease her.

She shrugged.

“What does that mean?”

“He’s not my type.” She said casually.

I laughed hard but she just shrugged again.

“Seems like you have your own standard!” I tease her again.

She looked at me and smiled.

“Of course my lady, you too, shouldn’t lower your standards.”

“Yes mother.” These days I’m calling her mother.

This started when one night I had a nightmare, when I woke up she’s the first one I saw then I called her mother.

She teased me at first but I called her that since then, she used to look disgusted every time I called her that before though.

It’s funny how I adjusted well in this world. Imagine waking up without going to school? It’s making me excited to wake up!

They don’t have electricity here but it’s called so you really didn’t need to use an electric fan or what. The scenery is also top notch so that you can stare at it all day without getting bored.

There are a lot of things you can do here, especially relaxing. I didn’t get the chance to relax before because of the pressure I had on my shoulders but now I can feel my soul being relaxed.

After we finished replacing the curtains, I helped her prepare our dinner. She cooks so well that you will forget who you are when you taste it.

I’m preparing the table when I heard something drop.

“What’s that?”

Don’t tell me it’s another murderer!

“That’s Mr.Hendrick.” May said casually.

What?

“He can come in anytime he wants?”

She looked at me with one eyebrow raised.

“I mean, yes?” She said in a sarcastic way.

“Why?” I don’t get it. Isn’t he a mercenary?

Instead of answering my question, she pointed at the door and went out the kitchen.

I followed her and we went straight to the main door.

“Is this really okay?” I asked her again.

“Yes my lady.”

I sigh. For someone like May to trust him, I hope he’s really a good person.

We reached the main door and May opened it widely.

A man with a huge figure welcomes my eyes. I can’t see him Clearly because of the darkness.

We’re standing a few inches apart but I can feel that he is dangerous but hot!

Gosh! What am I thinking even though I can’t clearly see his face!

“Welcome, how can we help you?” May’s the first one to talk.

The man didn’t answer, instead a few people started appearing from his back.

He’s with someone! Who are they?

The man seems to see my reaction.

“Good evening my lady, good evening May.” A baritone voice echoed the whole hallway.

Goosebumps started to fill my body. What’s with that voice, does he come from the underworld or something? It feels like he can even summon a monster that has been asleep for billions of years.

“May I ask you a favor, my lady?” He asks.

MAY let the man called Mr.Hendrick in, she didn’t even get my permission! Who’s the boss here really?

Mr.Hendrick has three accompaniments, they were introduced one by one a while ago at the front gate.

Now we’re heading to the kitchen, May invited them to eat before we talk about the favor he needs. Maybe I’m mistaken, maybe May is the real owner of this house, she just decides alone!

We reached the kitchen and May let the guest sit. The bag they’re carrying looks heavy and old. They also have a lot of pockets, I bet it’s full of sharp objects.

One of them who introduced himself as Josh seems playful.

“We’re really thankful that you let us eat with you my lady.” He said.

“It’s nothing, please feel at home in this humble home.” I replied smiling.

He looks kind.

“Please bear with the food.” I added.

“No, this is more than enough my lady!” He said happily as he started eating the curry stew May made. Of course I tell her how it should be made.

Josh seems to like the food. He keeps on talking about how he’s able to eat such delicious food he’s never eaten for almost a year. Well…

While Josh seems kind, the other two seem intimidating. The other guy named Bora never talked to us other than the man named Hendrick.

When you look at them, they’re all handsome. It’s just that they look dirty but if you clean them they’ll pass as the king's guard. Especially Mr.Hendrick, he looks like one of those idol rookies!

I was admiring his beauty when suddenly he raised his gaze and our eyes met. I automatically look in another direction. Gosh, it’s embarrassing!

DINNER went well, Josh and Bora helped clean the dishes while we went to the meeting room to talk about Mr.Hendrick’s request.

“What would you ask for a favor Mr.Hendrick?” May asks as soon as we sit down.

Mr.Hendrick looked at her.

“Our party is on their way to the capital but bandits appear near this village so we had to take care of them first.” He then looked straight into my eyes. Oh man… look at those beautiful eyes.

“I wonder if you’ll let us stay here“

“Of course.” May said she didn’t even let Mr.Hendrick finish.

She decides herself again! Seriously? It makes me smile though. She’s really different, but why do I feel relieved that she agreed?

“Thank you lady May, but may I know my lady’s say about this?” He said, still looking intently at me.

How will I reject this beauty?

“SSure, why not.” I said then looked away.

Mr.Hendrick said thanks and gave us some meat they hunt in return.

Now that it’s settled that they’ll stay here, May gave them the guest room. It’s a little small and old but they’ll fit in it right? We don’t have another room to offer though, so they don;t have a choice if they don’t want to sleep on the sofa or outside.

The guest room is on the first floor while our room is on the second floor.

While on our way to our room, I ask May.

“Why did you accept them so easily? What if they do bad things to us when we’re sleeping?”

“My lady, I have known Mr.Hendrick ever since I took care of you.” That’s all that she said.

Is that enough to let a man stay here? It’s just the two of us here and we don’t really know them. Well, I hope Mr.Hendrick is really a good person.

I’VE BEEN awake ever since I entered my room.

I don’t know why but I can’t sleep tonight. There’s nothing to do so I decided to open the veranda and sightsee for a couple of minutes.

May advises that I should never open any doors or windows during night time because it’s really cold these nights and I might catch a cold, but I’ll just open it for a short time, it should be okay.

I wore my nightgown before coming to the veranda.

I look at the sky, this scene never disappoints me. It is calming, I remember that even before I was transmigrated here the night sky always makes me at ease, together with the stars.

My family from Earth suddenly enters my mind. How are they? Do they miss me? No, the question should be, do they still remember me?

After a few minutes, I decided to close the veranda door because it’s getting colder. I was about to close the door when I saw a figure of a man in the garden.

“Who’s that?”

I closed the door and grabbed my personal knife. Who is it this time?

I walked fast to catch that person. When I got to the garden, I saw the figure walking in a certain direction.

I followed him, and he went straight to the fountain. I knew a shortcut so I went there to catch that person in the easiest way.

I tried my best to make my movements silent, the figure I was following turned right, I had to walk faster to catch him so I did. I ready my knife but when I get to where he turns, he’s no longer there. I can’t see him anymore.

“Where did he go?!”

Dmnit. I’ve got a bad feeling about this, my instincts are telling me to turn around right now. I turned around to go back to my room but suddenly a hand covered my mouth. A second before, I was unable to move.

BELLE’s P.O.V

“What are you doing here?” I was panicking until I heard his voice.

“Are you calmed down now?” He asks again.

I nodded.

He slowly loosen his grip around me as well as his hand covering my mouth.

“Why are you out here at this hour?” He asks again.

Woah, he’s talking a lot huh? What happens to the man with a few words?

When I didn’t answer, he looked at me with his intense eyes.

I looked away. “II thought you’re a bad guy…” I said, embarrassed by my actions.

I didn’t know it was him! If I knew from the start I wouldn’t come this far…

He’s wearing a different clothes he used when they first got here. He’s also holding a glass with a red liquor inside. Is that a wine? Where did he get that?

“You can’t drink this.” He said.

What?

“Oh…” Hit by embarrassment, he saw me looking at his wine. I’m tempted though, I didn’t reach adulthood in my past life so I didn’t get the chance to drink alcohol.

“Why are you here?” I ask him.

He just shrugged and looked at the fountain. What’s with his attitude?

He reminded me of May! They’ll pass as sister and brother!

He doesn’t talk to me, he just stares at the fountain the whole time.

It’s a little awkward for me because we’re not really close.

I don’t know what to say or what to do. Should I go now?

“I’ll go now…” I didn’t look at him. I just walked without looking back at him.

While walking through the hallway, I can still feel his gaze. This hallway kind of looks like something you see in horror movies, it’s giving me an eerie feeling. I started to walk faster.

When I got to my room, I let out a heavy sigh.

“Goodness…” I’m not sure as to why my heart is pounding so fast.

Is it because I thought he’s a bad guy or because we had an encounter and converse?

I don’t know if I am just hallucinating but I think I saw Mr. Hendrick somewhere.

Well, whatever the reason is, I should just move on. I should sleep!

I end my day by sleeping with a fast pounding heartbeat.

“WHAT happened to your face my lady?”

I wasn’t able to sleep last night . I keep thinking about Mr.Hendrick, even though I didn’t want to admit it, I sure thought of him last night.

“Argh!” I shouted.

May look at me with disbelief.

“Are you in love my lady?”

I gasped.

I look at her with wide eyes, how does she…!

“I think I know who“ I didn’t let her finish. I cover her mouth with my two hands. Her eyes remain the same.

“Shut up May!”

“mmhp.”

“You’re not going to tell anyone right!?” I need to make sure that she won’t open her mouth.

We had an eye to eye battle before I slowly uncovered her mouth.

“Don’t tell anyone…!”

She just stayed silently while waiting for my hands.

I hope she doesn’t open her mouth! When I removed my hands from her mouth, I stared at her. This girl stared back!

We stayed like that until she said something.

“Oh, it’s Mr.Hendrick!”

Oh Gosh!

MAY prepare our lunch, we’ll eat it here at the garden. It’s just the both of us because the tree man already departed, telling us that they have to arrive at the capital before night.

We are thankful to them because they helped us hunt cockroaches and rats before they go. They also help us to move the other furniture.

I am still embarrassed because of what May did a while ago, Mr Hendrick looked at us. Every time me and Mr Hendrick pass by each other I always see me looking at us with a straight face, I know she’s just showing a straight face but I can see in her eyes that she is teasing me and she wants to say something.

Should I just punch her one time? Or let her sleep outside since I am the lady of this house. I’m thinking of punishing her but I can’t do that, she’s the only one I have and she helps me every time I need her. She’s also like my sister and my mother sometimes. She doesn’t nag at me but I can see it in her eyes! She can’t fool me!

This is my first time eating outside after I came here and even before I came here. I never experienced eating outside because I didn't have any friends back then.

I also tried to avoid anything that will anger my parents because they don’t want to see me with someone else even though they are just my friends, they want me to just focus on my studies and to be on top of my class.

I don’t even experience going on a vacation with my classmates or going on a field trip with them, how ironic that I do my best for my parents to be proud of me but they still didn't see me as a person, they just see me as someone who will give them accomplishments and medals. Someone who will make their family name well known for having achievements.

Right now that I am experiencing this kind of thing, I’m really happy.

I just hope that these feelings will last forever but I know that it’s impossible. First of all, this is not my body and I am just someone who trespassed into this world. I Still don’t know where this body’s owner is.

Looking back I was just someone who would just sit at the corner of the room, scribble on my notes and read the comics that I bought. Back then I could spend my weekends just by reading a comic in my room because my adopted family we’ll go outside and eat outside but they'd never let me join them. I also have a sibling but we didn’t get along well.

I remembered that the day before I died on the earth I was reading a comic that has a tragic ending for the antagonist and a happy ending for the protagonist.

Suddenly, I had this feeling that I should remember something.

What is it?

I tilt my head to remember clearly what my mind wants me to remember, the first who comes to my mind is Mr Hendrick. What’s with him? How is he related to that memory of mine?

I definitely saw him somewhere, I have a good memory but because of this world it always makes me confused. I also forgot some things that I do or know before on Earth.

I looked at the flowers that May planted, they look beautiful and the sun helps them to shine more.

I tap my fingers through the table because I no that I am getting near to that memory, somehow I remember something…

I remembered the last comic that I have read that was entitled the villain should rest forever, I was shocked by the fact that there was Mr.Hendrick in that comic.

As if I was struck by lightning, my body wasn’t able to move.

I now remember where I saw Mr.Hendrick! He is in that comic!

“Oh my gosh…”

He is that male lead! The one that I love the most! Oh my gosh!

I gasped at the thought.

May appear holding the tray that contains our lunch.

“My lady?”

I shake my head. She prepared our table and sat down on the chair across from mine.

What should I do? I didn’t expect to be transmigrated to a world inside a comic!

I’m the antagonist! My gosh! Does this mean I’m Going to die in this world as well?

I can't accept that! Why would I be transmigrated to another world just to die? Where’s the justice in that?

My mind is somewhere else while we're having lunch, I feel like may want to ask me something but kept her mouth shut. That’s the one thing I like about her, everywhere she can clearly read the mood all the time.

After we had our lunch I went straight to my room and found a pen and paper that listed the things that I still remembered in that comic.

“Alright let’s get started.”

I first listed the names of the protagonist and antagonist. Fortunately I am one of the antagonists and Mr Hendrick is the male lead. Her female lead will be Jamaica flowers.

Jamaica is someone who sells flowers, her mother was a slave but thankfully someone helped her that's why she didn't meet the end like her mother.

She wasn’t orphaned at the age of six, then she was kept by her uncle but her uncle treated her badly and wanted to sell her off so she decided to run away from home, where she met a lady who sells flowers.

Thankfully that Lady it's so kind that she took care of Jamaica, she taught Jamaica how to read and how to write as well as how to count. She treated Jamaica as her own child but she fell ill and died due to a serious illness.

She sold flowers for almost two years until she met Mr.Hendrick. They fall in love with each other at first sight but then this antagonist can't accept that fact because she is deeply in love with Mr Hendrick.

That is how the antagonist meets her end. I don’t want that! I will do everything just to stay alive! Even living as invisible!

I spent the night listing everything from the time where they will meet and the time that things will start to happen. Right now I don’t have anyone in my BACK except maybe, I haven’t even met my family so for sure they will never help me with anything. I am not also close with the male lead so I’m not sure if he will not punish me in the future.

I have to plan wisely. Maybe I wouldn’t meet my end if I didn’t meet the female lead or the male lead, right? Maybe I would not be killed if I didn’t get in their way. Of course I wouldn’t try everything to make the male lead suffer because I don’t care about her!

I have to list all the places that I can build a house. I have to find a place that is quiet to make sure that I will never meet the female lead. I don’t care about them though! They can live happily ever after or whatever. I just want to live a happy life and a quiet one to relax and have a piece of mind. I can just sell my assets and find a place to live.

Oh my gosh!

What am I saying? I feel like I’ve been saying the same thing all this time! Okay I need to calm down but this is making me nervous! I can’t even remember the whole story so I’m not sure if I can avoid all the things that’ll make me meet the female lead!

I want to shout, why should I experience this kind of thing and why am I destined to die?! I just want to live!

BELLE’s P.O.V

AGAIN. I didn’t get any sleep.

“My lady…” May approached me while holding a vase in her hand.

I look at her with my tired eyes. “What?”

She sat across my chair and looked at me intently.

“Don’t tell me, you’re doing drugs?”

What!

“What are you talking about?”

She sighed.

“I just noticed this past few days that you’re always out of yourself, so I thought you’re actually doing”

I cut her. “Of course not May!”

“Are you sure?” She asks again.

“Yes! I promise!” I even raised my left hand to strengthen my promise to her.

“Okay…” She agreed but her eyes’ telling me otherwise.

She got back to what she’s doing a while ago. She gets the flowers that she picked from her garden and puts them in the vase before going out of my room.

“Sigh…”

I spent the whole night thinking about what I should do but in the end, I couldn’t even think of any possible way to avoid my death.

First, the male lead and I are now acquaintances and it’s hard for me to avoid him because he’s not a stranger in this house anymore. It’ll be weird if I suddenly acted like that after I accepted them, especially him last night.

“Oh…”

I have another reason to stop thinking of avoiding him–May. If I avoid him, May will surely think about something and I’m sure I wouldn’t like it.

“Oh gosh… What should I do?”

Oh wait.

Come to think of it. Is it possible to just root for them?

“That’s right!” I’m so stupid!

Why did I think of this just now?

“I can just root for them and voila! I’m safe!”

All I have to do is not to meddle with them and let them have their happily ever after love story, right?

As if all of my problems were gone, I let out a contented sigh.

“That’s right. I will just do that since those two are not my business.”

I sit on the corner of my bed and open a book that May brought for me.

It’s title is My Unbending Deal With The Alpha by xxJabami. It’s really interesting since the story is quite similar to what happened to me, the protagonist was accidentally transported to a different world, what’s shocking is that she is actually a werewolf! A Royal werewolf to be exact!

I spent my afternoon leisurely, now all I have to do is to strengthen this body and of course think of a way to stop my parents’ assassination of me.

I’m sure right now they’re thinking of a way to kill me, especially my step mother. That evil step mother of mine!

Come to think of it. There is something called mana here where it is some kind of magic that can either grow and help your body or bring damage to your body when you do it incorrectly.

I searched for that book and read it again for the second time. The book looks old but its contents are actually good. You can see how detailed the information is here and there’s actually pictures attached.

“Okay, it says here that I need to gather this mana building stone…”

The page where I can improve my mana says that there’s a stone called mana building stone that was needed when I did my mana test.

It says that you can find it somewhere in the North. Wait…

“If I’m not wrong, I’m in the South right?”

What a lucky place…

I calculated my expenses in case I go to the North.

“I can’t afford it…” Ugh…

I lay down on my bed.

“How can I get those mana building stones if they’re too far and I’m broke?”

Is this a sign to stop looking for it?

Someone knocked on my door. Who’s that? May wouldn’t even bother knocking. I alert myself, I stand beside the door while holding the book.

“Who is it?”

A couple of seconds had passed but no one’s answering. My heart’s starting to beat fast.

“Who is it?” I repeat.

After a while, someone answered.

“My lady, this is May.”

What the…

I walked towards the door and opened it slowly, peeking if it’s really her. When I saw her unfazed face, I opened the door widely.

“What’s happening to you My Lady?” She asked.

“No, what’s happening to you? Why are you suddenly knocking?” I walked back to my bed and sat on it.

“Who knows…” She has a tray of food on her hand and is now arranging it on the table.

What does she mean by that?

“What do you mean?” I can’t quite understand what she’s talking about.

“Who knows… If you’re doing something while thinking of Mr.Henrick…”

“...” What? I looked at her with a questioning eye. I've been staring at her for a while before I realized what she meant.

“Oh my gosh May!” I was embarrassed by what she said.

“How dare you say that to me! I will never do that!” I exclaimed.

She just shrugged.

“Who knows, you’re in love with him anyways.”

“Oh please! That’s disgusting!”

Where did she know that kind of joke?! Isn’t she embarrassed by what she said?!

For God’s sake, May!

"You didn't deny that you're in love with him."

"..."

We looked at each other for a second then she smiled maliciously.

I just shrugged. I can't deny it though.

I, who can’t forget her disgusting thoughts, picked up the small pillow and threw it to her while laughing.

May just casually catch it in the air, like someone who's a master of martial arts.

Then, she invited me to dinner, so the food she brought is for our dinner.

Today's dinner is beef stew and bread.

"Where did you get the beef?"

"Mr.Hendrick gave it to us."

oh…

She smirks at me again.

Oh please!

I just rolled my eyes.

While eating, I remembered something.

“May, do you have some extra cash there?”

She was chewing her meat when she answered.

“None My Lady.”

“Oh…” I’m doomed. Is this the second sign?

“Why?” she asks.

“Uhm, well. You know that I’m physically weak right?”

She nodded.

“I read in a book that by improving my mana, it can help me strengthen my body.”

“So you want to…?”

“According to the book, I need a mana stone and I can find it in the North only.”

She arched her eyebrows and acted like she’s thinking of something.

“I think I know someone who can help you with that.”

My face was lightened by what she said.

“Really?”

She nodded again.

“Who is it? Tell me!”

She looked at me, slowly, a smile was showing on her lips.

“What?”

What is she thinking that made her smile?

“It is…” She said, incidentally stopping midway.

I waited patiently.

“It is… Mr.Hendrick.”

Wait.

“Tell me you’re joking.”

She shook her head. “I’m not.”

I was dumbfounded.

“Don’t you have”

“I don’t.” She said, cutting me off.

I slap myself, can someone remind me to change her?

I was thinking hard while we’re eating. I hate this situation I’m in right now, it’s making me use my head a lot.

Why do I feel like one problem comes after another, like can’t I just rest even just for a day?

Really, what is my purpose for coming here in this world? To gather the problems and solve them till I die?

I was thinking the whole night. Should I consider Mr.Henrick or not? I was thinking of avoiding things that are related to him but I don’t know anyone here that can help me except him!

Another decision that puts me awake all night!

“ARE YOU SURE ABOUT THIS?”

May asks me while tying my hair up.

“I need to do this.”

She sighs.

“You can just tell me what to do and I’ll gladly accept it.”

I looked at her.

“Really?”

“Of course not.” I knew it.

I rolled my eyes.

“Whatever.”

She helped me wear my coat and get my pouch.

“Take care my lady.”

May cannot accompany me because she needs to go to her grandmother’s house to give her the herbs that she produced.

That grandma isn’t May’s relative, but according to her, that grandma helped May when her mother died.

I think May mentioned that she’s out of herself that time and that grandma helped her to move forward. That’s so kind of that grandma.

That’s why even though I need May right now, I cannot risk that grandma’s life, she needs to get her medicine and that is why I decided to go alone.

I walked towards the old gate of the mansion. Thankfully, my father didn’t want to save much money on me, that's why he only bought a small mansion.

Yup, this is considered a small mansion because I saw a bigger mansion that other nobles have. Even my parents’ mansion is way bigger than what they bought me.

When I finally got out of the mansion, I thought to myself.

“This is it… There’s no turning back.”

I exhale twice. The only thing that I bought with me is a couple of extra change that May gave me and a few gold from the house that I can use in case of emergency.

“Okay, let’s go!”

I walked for about thirty minutes before I finally got to the nearest small village. According to May, people that live in this village are all good so I don’t have to worry if I don’t know anyone here.

I was catching my breath so I stopped for a while. This is what I hate, I barely walk and here I am, catching my breath.

When I finally calmed myself, I entered the village. There’s no guard on the outside, it looks like this isn’t a village where nobles will reside.

I looked around and saw people wearing almost the same clothes. Is it some kind of fashion trend here? But their clothes don't look that great though.

While looking around the place, I noticed that each of the houses almost looks the same also, that’s weird. Is it some kind of tradition?

Since I plan to stay here for a couple of days, I looked for an inn that’ll be my shelter for a while. Luckily, May knows about this village and she gave me some tips and direction that will help me while I’m staying here.

“Hello lady, how can we help you?” A young man at the reception area said.

“I need a room for three days.”

He looked at his ledger and gave me a room.

“The only available room is room 65 on the third floor, is it okay to you?”

I nodded. It’s better to stay under a roof than on the outside.

While he’s guiding me to the room, I saw someone at the end of the room on the third floor.

There are two people there, they look like they are arguing.

“I told you to give me the information beforehand!” The guy on the right side shouted.

“I know! I’m sorry!” The other guy said. They’re wearing a black coat that’s why I can’t see them properly.

They’re really arguing.

I was about to ignore them when I heard something

“Then, does Hendrick know about what you did?” the guy on the right side asks.

I automatically turn my head to them. Did I hear it right?

Is that the Hendrick I know?

My thoughts were cut off when the receptionist guy talked to me.

“Here’s your room lady Belle.”

I thanked him and decided to ignore the guys before.

I went inside the room and locked the door.

“At last!” I can now rest!

I placed my belongings beside the single bed and laid my body into it. This is so nice!

I wanted to rest just for a little bit but because this body is weak, I can now feel the fatigue because of the walk that I did earlier.

I organized my plans.

"First, I need to see that man and ask for his help."

In the comic, there's a man who will learn about a herb's true purpose. That herb will help many people that could've died from a not that severe illness.

That man will become an official doctor of the palace and will eventually become an important person to the empire.

I, in order to gain everyone's approval, will help that man to discover it a little earlier. I need to do everything to gain support because there's nothing sure in this world.

I am destined to die here and even though I am not the original villain in the comic, I'm not sure if I wouldn't meet the same end as the original villain.

I am thinking of what approach I should take when I don't realize that I'm falling asleep.

“HELP!”

Cough!

I was woken up because I had a hard time breathing. I opened but I cannot see my surroundings clearly because of the smoke that's filling the room.

"Wha" I couldn't open my mouth because of the smoke coming in.

What is happening!?

I immediately stood up and looked around.

There's smoke everywhere! It feels like something's burning somewhere!

I run towards the door, everything's in chaos.

Everyone's holding their luggage, running towards the stairs.

"There's fire!" Someone shouted.

People keep on running everywhere, everyone’s in panic. They keep on pointing into the corner of the hallway, I tried to look at what it is. There, a man is standing near this place and it’s body is full of fire.

What’s that?! Is he burning alive?!

I was busy thinking what it is when someone bumped into me that caused me to fall into the ground.

"Ouch!" I shouted but no one seemed to hear me.

People keep on running and shouting.

I tried to get up but someone kept on bumping into me. I tried to stand up again but I kept on falling, the smoke's filling my eyes and nose.

I was already catching my breath. I need to get out of here!

BELLE’s P.O.V

“What are you doing?!”

The world seems to stop for a minute, even the people that’s running to escape stopped.

I was just looking at Hendrick the whole time.

Hendrick ran towards the door while holding me.

Everyone seems surprised, I don’t know which part of the events they’re surprised about, it’s either because I almost died or it’s because of Hendrick, or because no one tried to save me?

He kept running while I’m still in his arms.

Did he just save me?

I looked around, each corner of the place was in chaos.

We were about to reach the door when a big piece of wood fell from the roof.

“Watch out!”

Hendrick immediately changed direction and ran towards the window instead.

It’s so fast, the body seems accustomed to such situations.

But why is he here? What is he doing here?

It continued to run, regardless of the falling pieces of wood from the roof of the area.

Now I just also noticed that the whole place shovel is made of wood, just added accessories to the place to make it look nice.

Looks like I was fooled.

"Hold on tight!" he says.

My grip on him tightened as we got out. What I expected to be noisy and chaotic outside was different.

The outside of the building is quiet, people walk casually and there is no trace of chaos. What does that mean?

I looked back at the building where we had come from and I was surprised at what I saw. The appearance of the building when I entered is still the same right now.

What does that mean? Is it some kind of magic?

I looked at Hendrick, looking for an answer but it would only be directed at his pace which was now a bit slow.

Am I just imagining everything?

Hendrick later puts me to a bench near the fountain. It was opposite the building where I was staying.

"Stay here."

Then it ran back to the building.

I would have liked to ask here but it turned out right away.

Suddenly my knee softened. It seemed like I was just there to realize what had happened, I was about to die!

Even sitting I could feel the weakness of my knees. It just seemed to cross my mind that I was about to die a while ago. I never thought I would experience something like this today, why do I always seem to almost die in this world?

Is it because I tried to change my destiny?

But I just don't want to die! I just want to live, so why does it have to happen to me?

My hand clung to my heart, it’s beating fast and I could not calm down.

Again, I looked back at the building I had just left, it still looked the same. What happened to the people who took the lead in going out? To people scrambling just to escape the chaos inside?

It looks so peaceful, you don’t know that there is a commotion going on inside, even noise from those shouting inside is not heard. Isn't there a fire inside ?!

I looked around me, people were just passing the building.

I tried to calm myself down, my body was weak so I shouldn't send in like this, maybe I'll just get worse.

I'm really grateful to Hendrick and he came, otherwise I might have been double killed. It never crossed my mind that I would die for the second time in this place because from the moment I realized that I was destined to die, I forced myself to run away and avoid that death.

That's why I'm working on a way not to die, then this death is the one that tries to approach me ?!

Oh please, give me justice!

“Am I that bad in my past life?" Wait, whose past life am I talking about again?

To me from Earth or to Belle's body? I'm confused.

Hendrick came to my mind, I don't know if I will wait for him to come back here or I will leave, because he didn't tell me to wait here or leave.

He left suddenly.

But I wonder why I have to wait for him, maybe not anymore. Another thing is that he might not come back here because he is busy fighting or whatever.

I thought for a few more minutes before I decided to just leave, I still have something to do and I don't need his help with that. Maybe I’ll just thank him next time when we meet again.

Even though I was still a little weak, I had to find a new place to stay. I took what I was carrying by my side

Wait.

I turned to my side, the pouch containing my money and some I had brought was no longer there.

Oh my

I left it inside! Goodness gracious!

I get back to sitting. I let out a sigh, it looked like I really had to wait for Henrdick, even though there was no guarantee that he would return.

I'm really unlucky. What a thing to start my day.

“ARE YOU ALRIGHT?”

Hendrick later returned.

He handed me the bottle he was carrying. I looked at its contents, it was water.

I nodded here before glancing at his whole being.

As I often see him he is wearing his black cloak, because his cloak was opened a little, I can see the inside of it. On his right side, there are small pouches hanging and to his left side, there is a thing that looks like a small knife.

I look down at his shoes, they are wearing what is typically worn by men in this area, I look back at his face, there is a scar on his cheek but instead of being ugly it seems to have added even more to his appeal.

It took what was on his side, when it was taken out I realized it was a bottle, like the one he gave me but bigger, it gnawed the flesh.

I stared at his adams apple, man look at those, he can be a commercial model… yummy…

I opened the bottle and drank from it while still looking at his face but I almost spit my drink when our eyes met.

cough

“What’s wrong?” His eyebrows met.

I shook my head.

I can't tell him what I'm thinking!

I turned my gaze to my hand. Embarrassing!

Later someone else came dressed like him. Do they have a uniform?

They talked. I wanted to ask what was going on inside and why no noise was heard from there, or why it didn’t seem true that I had seen earlier that there were people coming out but I was embarrassed.

They were inches away from me so I couldn't hear them. I had to wait a few more minutes before Hendrick returned.

When he returned, he brought a loaf of bread and handed it to me.

"Thank you."

Only now do I remember that I haven't had breakfast yet, at the same time I took my first bite and my stomach started to growl.

Hendrick and his companions suddenly turned to me, embarrassed, I just smiled at them and continued eating the bread.

A few moments away Hendrick left again and said that I will wait for him wherever I am now, bored Man I am still waiting because i don't know anyone here in this place and i also don't have money that i could have used to find a new to forever or I could have used it to find a new place to stay or to find a horse to go home to rent a chariot to go home.

Not long after, Hendrick came again, this time with his two friends, Bora and Josh.

"Hello my lady!" said Josh before bowing to pay his respects.

I almost forgot that I am a noble here in this place.

"Hi mister Josh, how are you?"

“I’m good, my lady! You look good today! ”

I smiled at what it said. He's good at flattery.

"Anyway, why are you here?" I ask him.

"We're on a mission." Josh couldn't answer because Henrick spoke instead.

"Oh…" Come to think of it, are they the ones I saw last night?

"Where are you going?"

I looked up at Hendrick, is he talking to me?

Why is he calling me like that when he’s so kind when we first met at our house that night?

I have a name though.

"I'm looking for someone." I answered.

"Alone?"

“Well, yeah…” I was hesitant to tell the truth because the tone of the question was different.

“My lady, why are you going out alone? What if something happens to you? ” Josh asked worriedly.

I thought about that too, but I had nothing else to look forward to, and another thing, if I didn't do it I would feel like I was accepting my fate as well.

I just shrugged instead.

As I looked at Josh I seemed to hear someone sigh.

“Do you want us to accompany you, my lady?”

My gaze landed on Bora, this is the first time he talked since we first met a while ago. I scanned his face and he looked serious.

“If that’s alright?” I don’t have anything on me right now so I badly need their help.

“I’ll just take you home.” Hendrick interrupted.

“No!” I immediately said.

He can’t! I can’t go home empty handed!

Hendrick moved his eyebrows, as if he had something to say.

“I mean… I can’t go home yet, I don’t want to come back again because I have a weak body.” I lied.

I need to lie because this is a matter of life and death! This is my first step to my goal and I can’t keep this waiting. Especially now that I don’t have a single penny left, who knows when I can ask May for another penny I can use.

Hendrick looked unamused. He must be doubting every single word I said.

“Oh, you’re right my lady.” Thankfully, Josh took the bait.

“I know, right?” I looked at Hendrick. Please help me!

After a moment, he let out a heavy sigh.

“Only in one condition.” He looked straight into my eyes.

I felt a little awkward but of course I need to do anything. Knowing Hendrick, he will do everything to send me home.

I waited for his next words.

“Only if one of us will accompany you when you go out.”

Oh.

I couldn’t answer for a moment but well, I think there’s nothing wrong with them accompanying me when I go to that place.

“Sure.” I told him.

Hendrick looked suspicious for a moment but when he started to pack his things, I knew he accepted my lies.

Hendrick and his friends let me tag along with them, while walking, I told them what happened to my money and they all looked shocked.

“First, you almost died and now you’re telling us that you don’t have anything other than yourself?” Josh freaks out.

Hendrick scoffs. What’s wrong with him?

“Well, yeah.” I shrugged. I can’t do anything about it now.

“Unbelievable.” Josh said.

“YOU WILL STAY HERE WHILE YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO DO IN THIS PLACE.” Hendrick said as soon as we get to the place they’re staying.

“Yes, thank you.” I looked around, this place looks like a barracks.

Everyone greeted Hendrick and the other two as soon as they entered the door. They must be someone important here.

Hendrick lent me a chair beside him and gave me food. It looks like a stew.

“Thank you.” I thanked him again.

He just nodded and asked the man serving a meal for him. Josh sat beside him while Bora went straight to his room.

“Enjoy your food my lady oops, Belle!” Josh shouted.

While we’re walking, I told them that they can just call me Belle when we’re outside because it’s a little uncomfortable with me. In the first place, I’m not the lady that they served and whenever they call me that I feel like there’s a wall between us.

“Just eat.” Hendrick said. What’s with his attitude, really?

We were eating when someone sat beside me.

“Hello beautiful.”

I looked at him and saw a teenage looking man with brown hair. His face is pretty but isn’t my type. My Hendrick is way prettier than him. Oh forget it.

“Uhm, hi?”

He smiled widely.

“Do you mind if”

“Yes, I mind.”

The man couldn’t finish what he was about to say when Hendrick butted in.

We automatically turned our heads towards his direction and gave him a questioning look.

BELLE’s P.O.V

Hendrick and I met each other’s eyes.

He looked at me seriously before moving his gaze to the man next to me.

"Yo, bro!" He said to Hendriick.

Do they know each other? The man seems to know him.

But Hendrick seemed dissatisfied, his gaze sharpened.

Hendrick didn’t utter any more words but the man seems to have realized something.

"Okay okay!" He seems reluctant to say so.

He left the seat but turned his gaze to me and smiled.

"Let's meet again, miss beautiful." He said before leaving.

I followed him with my gaze until he was seated at one of the tables who gathers in this place, that table looked crowded. They look happy though.

I looked back at Hendrick, why did he show such an attitude to the man even though he was not doing anything wrong.

I would have liked to ask it but he’s now focused on his food.

I looked around, it wasn't awkward and the atmosphere around was just okay but it didn't seem like people were comfortable approaching Hendrick. Why is it?

Instead of asking too many questions, I continued eating.

After dinner, Hendrick looked for a room I could use even just for temporarily.

"Oh My Hendrick, there's no vacant room right now." Said by the man who gave us food.

Again, Hendrick's eyebrows met.

“What do you mean there’s no vacant room when we have a lot of rooms here? ”

Hendrick's conversation was very scratchy. He’s giving a notsopleasedbywhat’shappening vibes.

"Yes, the case is that many of our colleagues came because their clients withdrew from the mission."

I stared at Hendrick, it looks like I can't be here.

"Is there no other place to stay?" His gaze turned to me.

“What do you plan to do when you don’t have anything other than yourself?” Ouch.

“I mean, I can cook, clean, do the laundry…”

"In exchange on the roof to sleep?"

"Yeah."

Hendrick looked unamazed.

I just wanted not to be a burden, he helped me enough and we can’t do anything regarding the current situation.

Hendrick looked stressed.

Later on he said, "You can stay in my room."

What?

“No, I’m okay anywhere!” I said. Shooking my head.

I couldn’t imagine staying in his room, his room will surely smell like him!

I was getting embarrassed thinking that we will share a room. I’ve never shared a room with a man even before in my past life! Oh goodness.

"Eehem, I mean, you don't have to do that."

He didn’t answer me.

We just stared at each other for a couple of minutes before he stood up and said, “Let’s go, I’ll take you there.”

You don’t really have to do it!

Was what I wanted to say but I couldn’t bring myself to, instead of arguing with him, I followed him and we went to the second floor. At the end of the hallway was a door with his name on it.

The door was made of wood, as well as the whole place.

Hendrick opened the door and gestured to me to come in.

I slowly stepped in. As soon as I went inside, I roamed my eyes to his room.

Everything looks plain, from his bed to the interior of his room. There’s just a small table near his bed, a pair of chairs and a cabinet. On the corner of the room was a door, I bet that’s the bathroom. Anything else, oh, there’s nothing else. That’s it.

"You have a nice room."

Our eyes met. He stared at me. I don’t know if he’s offended or something but for sure he doesn’t like what I said.

I laughed.

"I'm telling the truth though."

"Yeah sure."

I roamed around, there’s a window in front of the bed. I looked over the window and was amazed by what I saw.

“Wow! You can see the whole place here ?! ” I exclaimed, totally amazed.

He didn’t answer.

From where I am, I can see the place where I stayed last night and the center of the village. I can also see the road that I take when I get here. I’ve never seen something like this, even before I came to this world. My room was located underground so neither sunlight nor a good scene could be seen, but it wasn't that bad. I still remembered when I roleplayed that I was a vampire but I was scolded because I used too much ketchup.

“Wow. This is cool.” My eyes feel like they are shining by the scenery.

"Cool?" Hendrick asked.

I turned my head and saw him still standing near the door.

"I mean, it's amazing." Then I smiled.

Hendrick sat on the chair beside the bed while I sat on the bed. His bed was a bit soft for a mercenary but not as soft as mine.

Come to think of it, I was just left in a room with a man.

I glanced at Hendrick, he was sitting there as if thinking.

"Why?" It's a question.

I shook my head in response.

When you look from a distance, Hendrick was handsome, but he was even more handsome when you’re near him. At first sight, he looks rude, I can't deny that I also feel like he’s really rude when we first met.

Especially that night, I couldn't see his face very well, first of all, why is it that there is no electricity here, there is magic in this world, but they can't make electricity, but it's really good that there isn’t mosquitoes here, so even without an electric fan you won't be bitten by it, the air around is also cold so you don't even need aircon.

The trees and plants that May planted in the yard added a huge amount to the cold weather. Thanks to May.

Let’s go back to Hendrick, from face to body he surely looked manly. The types that I like. Kidding. Seriously, where did I get this courage?

He really can be a commercial model, if he was just born on Earth and entered showbiz it’s sure that many people will support him, especially the young people, after all, there is no need to change his face, actors who undergo surgery will still look inferior to him.

I'm also sure that he will have a lot of relationships if he enters showbiz, maybe women will be the first to flirt and court him. Come to think of it, how many people like him here?

It's impossible not to, I mean, look at his face, he has thin lips, a sharp nose, long eyelashes and is very macho.

"It's rude." Suddenly he says.

"What?" What does he mean?

He stared at me and later moved his face slightly closer to my direction before speaking.

"It's rude to stare at someone." Oh!

I don't know but I laughed at what he said, I didn't notice that I was staring at him too much.

"I'm just admiring the beauty."

His eyebrows met. Apparently, he doesn't believe what I said.

"I'm telling the truth." I said smiling.

He just shrugged but he’s still looking at me.

I thought my answer to him was not good but just a few minutes later I saw the small lift of a part of his lip.

Got him.

"You're handsome."

"Stop it."

I don't know where I got the courage to say that but to think that Hendrick smiled was funny and even more so the man's handsomeness rose as he smiled. I'm so insecure with him! From any angle, you will not see the weakness of the man, even if it is only visual in a band and there is nothing else he will do, he will definitely become famous, maybe he will become even more famous among his groupmates.

No one next to or close to the man can really avoid being insecure to him . I'm also beautiful though, I mean, the owner of this body Belle, if I become an actress my role will suit those who become angels in the movie. The good and kind hearted figure, those kinds of faces but Hendrick was different.

Eventually the man stood up, and approached the seemingly cabinet on the side. He grabbed a large bag before starting to fold the clothes.

"Why are you packing your clothes?" I asked him, is he leaving?

I thought he’s staying here?

Hendrick looked confused.

"You probably didn't think we would sleep next to each other in the same room, did you?"

I was stunned. For a moment my mind seems to stop working.

“Don’t tell me, you actually do?”

“Ii didn’t!”

Embarrassed, I bowed.

"You're blushing."

I glanced at him, only to see his amused face. Stop teasing me!

"Wwhatever."

I turned my gaze to the other things. Why’s he making fun of me!

I decided to look at the window again.

Let’s forget what happened!

I was calming myself when I saw a familiar face outside.

His hair is the color green, he had a bag with him and he’s wearing a green dress.

“Is that…” I looked closely, I narrowed my eyes thinking that I could see what I was looking at better.

He’s walking towards the forest near the border of the village. I wasn’t certain if it’s really him until he pulled something outside his bag.

"That's him!" I shouted as soon as I saw what he pulled from his bag.

I immediately turned around and ran towards the door.

"Where are you going?"

Oops

I almost forgot about Hendrick!

"I saw the person that I need to talk to here in this village." Is all I said before running to meet that man.

"Wait!" I heard him shout.

"I'll come back later!"

"Hey!"

I ran towards the door, I also didn't hesitate to run up the stairs.

"My lady?" I met Joseph when I got to the lounge of the place.

"Hi!" I waved my hand but I’m still running.

When I got outside, I looked for the direction I saw that man.

“What’s with this dress!” Disgusted, I lifted a small part of my dress to lighten it and not be a hindrance to my running. Then I quickly ran to the place where the man I was looking for was.

"I need to talk to him."

The people around me had a look of astonishment on their faces but I just ran straight.

I was close to the place where I had seen him before but I could no longer look at him.

“Where did he go?” When I got to the place I stopped chasing my breath.

I rolled my eyes around but there was no trace of anything related to him.

“Did I lose him?” I frustratedly sigh.

I straighten my body, still catching my breath.

I rubbed my forehead, it was full of sweat.

"I ran hard just to catch up with you, just to lose you."

I let out a deep sigh.

Unfortunately, it would have been my chance to talk to him.

I looked around again. "He really isn't."

It looks like I just need to go to his store, I have no choice since I didn't reach him here.

"It's a pity I ran." It’s really disappointing.

Since I didn't see him either, I decided to go back.

While back I saw for myself how simple this place is. If I were on Earth, I would compare this place to the countryside. Things are so simple around, kids are playing seemingly traditional games in this area.

The surroundings are full of shopping stalls, whether food or furniture. People were smiling, as if it was fun to live here.

Suddenly the trouble that happened earlier in the place where I was staying came to my mind, until now I still can't forget it, I can't ask Hendrick because it looks like he won't answer me.

"Sorry!" I was surprised when someone ran into my side. When I looked at it, it turned out to be a child holding a loaf of bread.

"All right." I answer here.

The child's appearance is not the same as those in this area. From the clothes and the shape of his face, it looks like his ethnicity is different.

"Where is your parent?" I ask him.

It did not speak but it pointed to a man. My eyes widened at what I saw, what the boy pointed out was none other than Hendrick.

He already has a child ?!

BELLE's P.O.V

I just stand where I am while looking at Hendrick. Shock was written all over my face. He was talking to some men not far away from me.

I just lost sight of him when the boy next to me touched me.

"You're pretty." He says.

"Aah, thank you." I answered with a glint of awkwardness. I don’t know how to properly approach the child!

I stared at the child beside me, him and Hendrick don't have the same look. The boy's facial features are different and so are Hendrick's. Maybe he inherited it from his mother…

I don’t know why my chest suddenly seemed to tighten. The child’s now a grown up, it just means that Hendrick and the mother of the child have been in a relationship for a long time.

I looked at Hendrick again, I was shocked to see him looking at me.

His face is serious and his eyebrows meet slightly.

I looked back at the child as it suddenly ran in Hendrick's direction while I was just standing and unable to move my body.

Hendrick stepped forward, maybe to meet his son…

I looked at him sadly, I couldn’t describe the feeling I’m having right now, I seemed disappointed or whatever. I couldn't think of what would happen next so I just decided to leave that place, and why May didn’t tell me about it? She said that she knew Hendrick for a long time so it’s impossible that she doesn’t know about his son.

Is his wife pretty? I suddenly felt insecure, how is it to be liked by Hendrick?

It suddenly occurred to me that I was staying in his room, but if he already had a child, why did he let me stay in his room?

Now that I know she has a child, it is difficult for me to stay there anymore. I'd better just find a new place to stay or I'd better just go home to the mansion. I can’t stand staying in his room when I know that he has a lover and they even had a son. It seems like nothing good has happened to me ever since I came to this place.

I decided to leave but when I took a step I was surprised to see that the boy did not go to Hendrick.

Hendrick just kept walking in my direction. The boy ran straight after Hendrick, my forehead furrowed.

I peeked where the child had gone and saw that he went to another person.

Wait…

I thought he’s Hendrick’s child?

Why did he go there and who’re those people?

I didn't realize that Hendrick was close to me.

“Where did you go?” He asked with his forehead still furrowed.

I looked at him, surprised.

Why did the boy pass him?

I turned my gaze back to the child, now he was smiling and holding the hand of the woman and the man.

Don’t tell me…

I looked at Hendrick, his face looks like he’s wondering, when realization hits me, I laughed hard.

"What's wrong with you?"

I couldn't answer his question, I still couldn't help but to laugh.

As I laughed, Hendrick was just there, staring at me, confused.

It seems that a thorn in my chest wasn’t there anymore. All my fears suddenly disappeared.

"Silly me!" I exclaimed.

The man's face was even more confused, when he still didn't get an answer from me, he sighed.

"Sorry!" I said between my laughs. I couldn’t stop laughing, but at the same time, what happened just made me realize something. I’m falling for this man.

I stared at his face, I couldn’t help but smile at him. One of his eyebrows rose.

"Where are you going?" I asked with a smile.

"I asked you first." He sounded a little irritated.

I explained to him what happened and why I hurried earlier to leave. He understood this but told me that next time I need to go with him or just tell him beforehand.

"Okay, sorry again."

Later on, he invited me to a restaurant just near us. When I entered the place my eyes roamed around, I was amazed by the atmosphere . The things here are really amazing, it’s also my first time seeing them since there’s nothing like that on Earth.

“Why are we eating here? It looks expensive. ” I whispered to him as we sat down.

"You may not be comfortable if we eat at other places." Hendrick says.

At first I didn’t understand but I remembered who Belle really was. Although Belle is not really considered noble, there’s still some who view her as one. Poor her.

I tried to think if Belle had already eaten in this place but I didn't remember anything, it just meant that I was the one who had the first experience and not Belle, who was the original owner of this body.

Don't worry Belle, I’ll eat for you.

Later on, a man served our meal. There's a beef steak, just a sight and it will make you very hungry, then it was followed by a few plates of dessert. A piece of cake and a variety of fruits.

“Wow! So many!" I couldn’t help but admire the food.

Ever since I came here, there’s just one meal available every time and even when I was still on Earth. Seriously, I get to experience many things here.

We started eating, it was so delicious! I almost forgot who I am.

The food tastes great but isn't it very expensive?

What's Hendrick's job again, isn't he a mercenary?

Are mercenaries paid well?

What has happened since we met here came to my mind, don't people know what Hendrick's job really is? I mean, he seems welcomed here and a lot of people came to talk to him. He seemed friendly to be honest.

I really don’t know much more about Hendrick.

We ate peacefully and decided to leave afterwards as well. According to Hendrick, it's easy to pinpoint the place I'm looking for because this village is not that big.

After I told him all the details I knew, he led me to the place where I was looking.

We made many detours and passed houses before we found what I was looking for.

I looked at the place, the green exterior design and some plants outside helped me distinguish this place.

This is it.

I confronted Hendrick.

"Just wait for me here."

He didn't complain and just nodded.

I went up and opened the door. The quiet surroundings opened up to me.

"Hi!" On the side smiling came out the person I was looking for.

It’s him.

According to the comic, he will become the most famous artist in this world.

Looking at him, he sure has the exact appearance from the comic. Since this year isn't really the start of the comic then that just means that I still have time to gather my party, that's why I'm risking my life coming here.

If I'm not mistaken, the comic will start its story two years from now. Thanks to that, I still have time to secure my life so from the time that the comic starts going, I can just go somewhere where I can live peacefully.

"How may I help you?" The man said.

"Hi! I have something to offer." I said straightforwardly.

The man in front of me looks confused.

"What do you mean?"

I looked around, there was a small wooden table at the corner of the room.

"Should we sit there?" I pointed to the table.

"Oh yeah! Sure! Have a seat dear customer."

We sat down, facing each other.

"May I know what you meant to say?" He asked as soon as we settled down.

I smiled at him.

"I'd like to be your benefactor."

Hansel Craig was the first one to have the title of "The Greatest Artist" because of his works. He isn't your typical artist, he sure draws greater than anyone but what picked the interest of the people in this world was his incredible talent of doing realistic drawings. To the point that you will doubt yourself if you're looking on a canvas or not.

Hansel was smart so I'm sure he will understand what I'm saying.

His eyebrows met.

"I'm sorry young lady but, you will be my benefactor?" He slowly asked.

I nodded.

"That's what I said."

He shook his head.

"Bbut why? Why would you support someone like me?"

"I just saw a potential in you." I lied.

I couldn't tell him that I knew he would become famous one day because of his art.

"No…like…"

Looks like he couldn't understand why I suddenly told him that I'll be his benefactor. Looks like I will have a hard time pursuing him. Then I don't have another choice.

"Hansel." I called him.

He looked shocked.

"You know me?"

I nodded. The confusion in his eyes strengthened.

"I knew you like painting."

Hansel's confused face became darker.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

This is one of the reasons why Hansel bloomed later in the novel. He always avoids what he wants because he thinks that painting will not benefit him anything, well, I can’t blame him since this world doesn’t give much opportunities to those in the field of arts.

That’s why they don’t pay much but Hansel will one day be famous because of his art. If I remember correctly, he drew a canvas for the princess that immediately took a liking to his work, the princess even promoted his work, and that made him famous.

That event opened a lot of opportunities to him and to other artists.

“I’ll buy everything you need, you just have to paint one time.”

Hansel didn’t answer, he just continued looking at me seriously.

“Once is enough for me.”

“I’ll stay away from you if you want, but that’s after you finish the painting.”

“Why do you want me to paint so much? Have you seen me paint before?”

I shook my head.

“Then why do you want to be a benefactor of someone you haven’t even seen its work?”

“I know you can do the work better than anyone.”

He didn’t answer.

He’s been staring at me since earlier.

“I’ll give you time to think about it, I’ll come back again.”

It looks like I have to do a different approach to let him agree. This is driving me crazy, I don’t know what to say, I never had this conversation with anyone even in my past life, it’s so hard to be an introvert!

I stood up, I was about to open the door when Hendrick came in.

“What’s taking you so long?”

“Ah, I’m done.” I said as I turned my gaze to Hansel.

He’s still sitting in that exact position when we talked.

“Let’s go.”

Hendrick held the door and let’s me pass first, but we stopped when Hansel spoke.

“Wait.”

Hendrick and I both looked at him. He’s now at our back standing with his head down.

“Ii…just have to paint one time rright?” He met my gaze after he said that.

I nodded. “Yes.”

It took him a while to answer.

“Then, what will I get if I agree?”

My face remained the same but my soul was rejoicing. Yes! He finally agreed!

“We can talk about that while we’re discussing the contract.” I smiled at him.

Hansel and I talked again for the second time, he closed his store so that we could talk peacefully.

Hendrick didn’t agree when I asked him to wait for me outside this time and Hansel gave him permission to roam around so that’s what he did. Hendrick was looking at the plants while Hansel and I were talking about the contract.

Hansel looked hesitant at first, he thinks that the contract is purely beneficial to him only. I just lied about wanting to see him grow and achieved what he deserved. I also told him my name that I forgot to do earlier because I just remembered that it's proper etiquette here to introduce yourself first. I’m so dumb.

After a long talk with Hansel, he finally signed the contract that I made earlier before we decided to come here.

“So, I’ll see you soon?”

Hansel nodded.

He thanked me once again before we left the place.

Hendrick looked curious the whole time but didn’t ask about it. One point for him!

We decided to go where we’re staying, Hendrick thought that I might’ve been tired. It’s true though.

We ate first at the lounge. Hendrick told me that he had something to do and that he will stay in another room so I went to his room first to rest. I immediately lay on his bed. It's really nice to have met Hendrick here, I feel like a lot has happened since I came here. Who would’ve thought that I almost died again?

But the most important part is that Hansel agreed to my proposal. I felt relieved.

My plans started to move. I sigh. I closed my eyes.

That night, I slept really well.

BELLE’s P.O.V

“May, I’m tired…”

May looked at me with disgusto.

“You’re the reason for that.”

I couldn’t move my body. Is this some kind of side effect?

The next morning after we met Hansel, I thanked Hendrick for his help and told him that I needed to go home. He didn’t ask for more instead, he helped me to get a carriage that will bring me home. Thanks to him I didn’t have to walk for about half an hour anymore like last time. I arrived home safely but I couldn’t move my body.

“It’s coming now…” I mumbled, referring to body pain.

May just continued brushing my hair while I’m laying down the bed.

“What happened to you there that caused you so much pain right now?”

I sigh.

Thinking about what happened while I’m still at that village reminds me not to do it again. If only I had someone who could help me when something bad happened in the near future, I wouldn’t do it.

Looking back in the comic, there’s no one who helped Belle when she was sentenced and punished by the male lead, and because of that her death came faster.

I shook my head. I don’t want that to happen to me.

I told May the whole story, I expected her to be mad because I almost died but this is what she said.

“At least you made it back alive.”

Hay… She’s making my blood boil to be honest.

If only I didn’t need her, I would throw her away, let her be eaten by some wild animals

“Stop thinking of torturing me.” She said,

“Okay, okay.” I laughed. I was just kidding. I couldn't afford to lose her.

“Anyways, what happened to that grandma?” I suddenly remembered the reason why she couldn’t accompany me.

“She’s okay, she’s getting healthier because of the medicine I gave her.”

“That’s good to hear.”

We stayed like that for a couple of hours.

When it’s time for snacks, May have to go to the kitchen so I took that time to plan my next move. I got a paper and a pen, sat down on my small table and took a deep breath. I was ready to plan when I realized something.

“I don’t have money to buy what he needs!”

I went back to lying down. I’m really hopeless.

“Argh!” What should I do?

If only that accident didn’t happen then I would have enough money to support Hansel.

“Oh my gosh.” Another problem again! Should I just kill myself?

What if I didn’t die because of the male lead but died because of the problems? Do I have this kind of life back on Earth? I don’t think so. I only experience these things here…

“I really want to just rest…”

“Do you know that she cheated on the exam to be the top 1?”

“Oh my, really?”

“Yes! She even tells stories that Kurt likes her.”

“What?! How delusional must she be?!”

“I know right?”

I was walking in the hallway, everyone seemed to be talking about me.

I didn’t do such a thing! I wouldn’t do that!

“Here’s what’s worse, everyone was saying that she used her body to get the cheat sheet that’s why she passed the university exam!”

Everyone gasped.

What are they saying? I didn’t do that!

Where do they even get those stories? Why don’t they ask me directly?

I looked at them but that was the worst decision I’ve ever made.

Everyone was looking at me as if I was a criminal, they were laughing while giving me a suspicious look. What did I do to them?

Suddenly, a black smoke appeared.

I felt like I was being eaten by it.

When I opened my eyes, I was in a dark place. Where am I?

“Hello? Where Am I!?”

There’s no one answering.

I tried to walk, but I didn’t know if I was really walking. I can’t feel the ground. Looks like I was floating, but where?

Why am I here?

“Is anybody there?!”

Still, no one’s answering.

Slowly, the place felt cold. I hugged myself. Where Am I…

“You should just die the moment you were born.” A voice from a man echoed.

I searched where the voice was coming from. Who’s that?!

“Just give her what she needs to survive, but you can just let her die if you want.” It’s coming from a woman this time.

“Who are you!?”

I started running. Their voices came from different directions. Where are they?

“She’s a disgrace to our family.”

“Should we just kill her?”

What?

“Who are you!? Why do you want to kill me?!”

No one’s answering. I kept on running. This place is so dark that even my own body’s hard to see.

What’s happening here…

I was running when my head suddenly started spinning.

“Ouch!” I touched where it’s hurting.

It started to hurt everywhere!

Stop… please…

I used my two hands to stop the pain but I couldn’t, as time went on the pain intensified…

I want to cry, but why can’t I cry?!

“Please… stop…”

It hurts so bad I want to collapse…

“Let’s just kill her.”

“She’s of no use to us.”

“This girl is bad luck, let’s kill her.”

“Let’s kill her.”

“Please…”

My ears started to ring.

I couldn’t take this anymore…

I want to die… Please just kill me!

“MY LADY?”

Gasped!

“What’s wrong my lady?”

I looked around. I’m alive?

“May?” I called the woman in front of me.

“Yes my lady, this is me, May. Did something happen?” She asks.

So it’s just a dream.

“My lady, you’re sweating.”

I touched my forehead, what’s with this sweat.

May gave me a towel and helped me wipe my sweat.

“Nightmare?”

I nodded.

What’s my dream about again?

I forgot…

I was still breathing heavily, May stayed beside me and helped me calm down.

Since I couldn’t move my body freely, I just stayed on my bed until I’m fully okay.

I tried to remember what my dream was about but I couldn’t get even a small hint other than I knew it was terrifying.

When I finally calmed down, May told me that she had to go back to the kitchen. As I lay on my bed, I kept thinking about my dream, what was that to cause me this much sweat?

“MY LADY, HERE’S YOUR SNACKS.”

I opened my eyes because someone’s calling for me.

Oh, I didn’t realize that I fell asleep again. I tried to move my body, thankfully the pain’s gone a little.

“What did you make this time?” I sat on the bed.

May brought food on the bed.

“You can eat here since you’re not feeling well.” She said as she prepared the small table.

“Wow, that’s actually touching. Should I cry now?” I ask sarcastically.

May rolled her eyes, it made me laugh.

“Thank you for the food.”

She made pudding for our snacks.

“This is delicious.”

“Thanks.”

Come think of it… May cooks delicious foods, what if we use her talent to make money?

“May?”

She paid a glance at me.

“Have you ever thought of selling foods, like the desserts that you made?”

“What do you mean?”

I ate the last piece after I answered.

“I mean, we can sell foods that you’re making to earn money, right?”

She stopped eating. Looks like she’s thinking.

“I think it’ll be difficult to earn by that.”

“Why?”

“My lady, who will buy the food that I make here? Do you think there’s a sane person who will buy it?”

What does she mean?

“Why not?”

“Don’t tell me you even forgot what outsiders call this place?”

I stared at her. This place mean our house?

When I didn’t answer, May shook her head in disbelief.

“This place was called “The Cursed Land” by the outsiders.”

What?!

My eyebrows met.

“Why would they call this land that? This isn’t a cursed land!” I exclaimed.

“For you, my lady.”

May explained the reason for that title.

“So, you’re saying that people couldn’t come near this house because of some belief that if you come here, you will be cursed with eternal misfortune?”

She nodded.

“That’s insane…” I couldn’t believe what I just discovered.

“Why would people spread such rumors?”

May just shrugged and started eating again.

“But why do you need money?” She asked.

I explained to her what my plan was since I trust her. From how I will support Hansel and its benefit to me. May listened carefully while eating, then told me she couldn’t give me money. I know…

It’s really hard to be poor. If only my parents would support me!

After we ate, I told her that I’ll rest at the veranda.

“Hayyy…”

What should I do? I couldn’t delay Hansel’s painting materials, who knows if someone would support him instead of me. I couldn’t afford to lose him, he’s the one whom I can reach right now. If I lose him, I’ll have a hard time looking for someone else that’s still reachable.

“Let’s think…What can I do right now?”

I still couldn’t get the mana stone, I still have to wait for Hansel’s painting to sell for a massive amount of money, then I’ll use that money to prepare for my departure here, that’s the only way for me to reach the North.

I visualize the things that’s near me.

There is furniture that I can sell…

“No. That’s the last thing I will do.” I still believe in the saying that selling your house furniture will bring you bad luck so we should choose another option.

Let’s think of another possible way.

Selling our home made foods will not be the best option either. I can’t work either because of this weak body.

I spent my afternoon thinking of a way to earn money.

I listed some things that I can try such as selling information to invent something that wasn’t here in this world or sell the herbs that May grows herself.

“Or should I just sell May?”

“I heard that.” Oops…

“I’m just kidding.” I laughed at her reaction.

I didn’t know she was here.

May entered while holding a brown pouch.

“What’s that?”

She didn’t answer, instead, she put it on the table.

I heard something clattered from the pouch.

I looked at May, she’s just staring at me.

“Dude what’s that?” I asked her.

Stop staring at me and tell me already!

May opened the pouch and I was dazzled by what’s inside.

“Money!?”

She nodded.

“Where did you get this?”

She didn’t answer.

“May?” I asked again.

Still, she didn’t answer.

My eyes widened.

“Don’t tell me you stole this!”

She shook her head.

“Of course not.” Her eyebrows met.

“Then why don’t you tell me already where’d you get this huge amount of money?”

She puffed her cheeks.

“Hendrick.”

Hendrick?

“He gave you money?”

“Yes.”

“But why?”

Why would Hendrick give May this much money?

Oh!

“Hendrick has a debt to you and this is his payment, right?” I smiled at her.

She’s really a genius, who would’ve thought that she would lend someone money and will get it in times like this, when I badly need it.

“I’m touched, May…” I pretend to cry.

You’re so kind!

“Then, will you lend me this money?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“No, I mean, Hendrick doesn’t have debt with me.”

My eyebrows met once again.

Then why does Hendrick give her this much money?

“Could you please explain before I get mad?”

Jesus, just tell me already, May! My head’s hurting!

“He lent me that.”

Oh. Then that’s it.

“Hendrick lent you this money, am I correct?”

She nodded.

“Oh, okay, but how do we pay this?”

This isn’t just a small amount of money and we don’t have anything right now, even a job, so how are we going to pay this?

“It’s not us.”

Huh?

I looked at her. What is she saying all of a sudden?

“It’s not us.” she repeated.

“What the heck are you talking about, May?”

“It’s not us who will pay.”

“What, then who?” We will not pay for this? How is that possible when she’s the one who borrowed this money?

“It’s you.”

“...”

“I lent it, under your name…my lady…”

BELLE’s P.O.V

“Are you out of your mind?!”

As soon as I said that, May started running towards the door.

“I’m sorry my lady!”

I couldn’t move. Did she just?!

I was left there with my mouth wide open.

“May!”

Oh gosh. My head feels like it wants to explode.

“What have you done, May.”

How the hell do I pay this huge amount of money?! I don’t even have the money to buy my skin care product! Oh, my bad. I forgot that I don’t use such things here.

Anyways, what should I do?!

I shut my eyes, should I just return this?

I glanced at the pouch with money in front of me, it’s full of gold coins! I want to cry!

It's shining, shimmering, splendid! How could I return this?

Should I just sleep again? Please someone wake me when the male lead and the female lead live happily ever after!

I was thinking of what I should do with this when I saw someone familiar to me enter the mansion.

"Is that Hendrick?"

Someone who's wearing a cloak appeared in my sight. I immediately know that it's Hendrick.

I was admiring his physique when our eyes met.

"Gosh!"

I looked away, Did he see me?

Please no!

I started to panic, what should I do if he sees me?!

What's with this embarrassment I'm feeling right now?

I decided not to look again on his side until I heard May announcing his arrival.

I know already!

"What should I do?" I was walking back and forth in the room when I realized something.

I went to the table in the veranda and got the pouch filled with gold coins.

"What should I do with you?"

"My lady?"

I heard May's voice outside.

"Why?"

She opened the door a little, peeking from outside. She must've been scared that I'll scold her. As she should!

"Hendrick's looking for you."

Wwhat.

"Why's he looking for me?"

She shrugged.

"I don't know my lady, maybe because of your debt?" Then she smiled.

You little!

She's teasing me while she's the one responsible for this!

"What did you tell him?" I need to make sure.

Knowing May, she must've said something to Hendrick. She's so cruel to me!

"I didn't tell him anything, my lady."

I stared at her.

"Are you sure?"

She just nodded and gestured her hand, zipping her lips.

I sigh.

"Okay, I'll go in a minute, where is he?"

"He's in the garden."

"Got it."

I looked at my reflection in the mirror in front of me. Do I look okay?

Hmm…

If we're talking about Belle's appearance, then I'm above okay.

sigh…

Why am I nervous? We're okay when we're still in the village. The only problem right now is the money he lent May without my knowledge and May even puts it under my name!

"Argh! It's really embarrassing!"

Why do I have to experience this? I've never borrowed someone's money ever since I was born!

Oh, except May. She lent me some when I went to the village.

"It's alright, I can do this!"

Inhale, exhale.

"Okay! Let's face him!"

I didn't do anything wrong so there's nothing to be afraid of! Right!

Is what I said but here I am now, hiding like a coward while looking at him from afar.

"What should I tell him?"

Oh, hi Hendrick brother! Thank you for the money, you're the best!

Fcking no.

Hendrick was looking in the opposite direction where I was hiding so I couldn't see his face.

I don't know what he's thinking.

I was in that position for a few minutes when I decided to go to where Hendrick was.

He seemed to hear me because the man immediately turned around and stood up and bowed.

"Hi." I said.

I don’t know what to tell him.

"Good day, my lady." He says while paying his respect. It’s so awkward.

"Good day to you too, are you looking for me?"

I told him he can now sit. He made me sit down first before him.

He sneezes. Hesitant to tell me.

"Actually, yes my lady."

My eyebrows met.

"Why, what is it? How can I help you?" I ask him.

He nodded.

"I just wanted to ask what happened there in the area where the fire happened."

Ah!

"Is that so, what do you want to know?"

Hendrick asked me what I had noticed that was strange.

"hmm… Nothing in particular, when I went there, the surroundings were okay and there was no trouble,actually, it’s so peaceful that’s why I chose to stay there that night.."

Hendrick even asked me a few questions before it was over.

"Thank you, my lady."

"You're welcome, actually I also want to know what really happened in that place."

Hendrick told me why the fire happened. He said that a missing underground prisoner made that fire.

According to him, that prisoner was a mage who was blinded by money and position. He did bad things so he was sent to jail.

Hendrick and I also talked for a few hours and he said goodbye.

"I'll go now my lady, thank you for cooperating with me." He says.

I looked around, it was already dark.

"It's late, are you going home to the village?"

He nodded.

"That's where I'm staying right now."

I peeked at the place where he was going.

"The road is dark, don't you have a place to stay nearby?"

He also looked around.

"No, my lady."

Nothing? Wherever you look, all I can see was a dark place, there’s no street lights here that made it more dangerous.

"How about, you sleep here tonight?" I ask him.

The man seemed surprised at what I said. He did not speak immediately.

"Is it okay with you, my lady?"

I raised both of my eyebrows.

"Of course!"

“Let’s just say that I’m just returning the favor when you let me stay at your place when we’re still in the village." I said with a smile.

At first Hendrick didn't want to agree but because of my nagging, he finally agreed.

As I entered the mansion I told him about what May had borrowed.

He knew that I didn't know about that and he agreed because he said we needed the money, one more thing, we didn't need to pay right away. According to him, we can take our time. Hendrick is so kind and handsome! Oh, kidding.

I was even more ashamed of him.

"You can stay in the room you slept in last time." I said while we’re walking.

"Thank you, my lady."

I smiled at him before saying goodbye. I went straight up and saw May standing on the veranda of my room.

She greeted me and gave me a coat.

"How is it my lady?"

I rolled my eyes.

"Stop the act, I know you enjoyed it while thinking I'm ashamed of Hendrick."

She smiled.

"Of course my lady."

We laughed together. I'm already infected with May's antics.

"Do you need anything my lady?"

I'm already in bed and ready to go to sleep.

"No more May, thank you."

May bowed before leaving.

What time is it? It was dark outside but I couldn’t estimate what time it was. There is no such thing as a clock here, people just base it on what they see in the sky. I don't know how to do that.

But according to May, there seems to be a clock in the capital. It is said to be very large and really attracts attention. It's just a long way from here.

I washed first before I fell asleep, I sat for a while at my small table and wrote down what I would do the next day.

"So, now that I have a budget for Hansel, I can start buying the things he will need."

I have listed the possible buys and how much it is. As Hendrick and I walked to the restaurant we were eating at I saw a small store of Hansel’s necessities. I just hope it's complete there so that we won't have a hard time finding others.

I have to buy Hansel the equipment because I still have to pay Hendrick. One more thing, I will still plan how to show the princess that canvas that contains her face.

"Maybe I’ll plan when the canvas is ready, since it's a bit late now."

I must go to sleep first.

I got ready to go to sleep. I closed my eyes and calmed my mind, okay, it’s time to sleep!

It's been TWO hours but here I am and still wide awake.

"Why can't I sleep?!"

I rolled over on the other side of the bed but I still couldn’t sleep.

"What is this!"

Annoyed, I got up.

Instead of getting even angrier I took the water that was placed on my table and stared outside.

"Why can't I sleep, I still have a lot to do tomorrow." This is frustrating.

What can I do to help me sleep? Exercise?

"No, of course no." My body may weaken, I won't be able to leave tomorrow.

Just hang out on the veranda again.

I opened the veranda door and put on a robe before exiting.

"Wow, the air’s freezing"

I'm glad to feel the fresh air, it's very different from the air I’m used to.

I looked around at the entire land.

“This place is really big…”

I didn't expect to have a house like this, although it wasn't really mine. But now I am in charge of it.

The place is nice but the equipment is ugly, other places are also a bit old so it's not good to look at, what a pity.

"I'll tell May to clean them tomorrow."

Incidentally, I looked at the garden, I can also see it from my bedroom, I did not expect to see Hendrick there.

"What is he doing there?"

Wasn't he there before also?

When did I see him there in the exact same place?

What's in that place?

I looked at Hendrick, soon he seemed nauseous to stand up.

"What happened to him?" I stared at him.

He's holding a cup again, he's drinking again?

In a few moments, he seemed to fall.

"Gosh, he's going to drink and then he can't control himself."

Spontaneously, my feet moved in his direction. I walked down the dark hallway, when I reached the garden I immediately saw him.

I'm facing his back.

Wait, what can I say?

I suddenly thought, why did I come here?

I thought for a while but I could see no reason, so I decided to just leave that place. I didn't say anything, I might disturb him.

I looked at Hendrick again, he's not falling down anymore, maybe he's okay.

I decided to go back to my room.

"My lady?" I stopped.

I slowly turned to the man, he saw me, when I met his eyes, I smiled.

"Hi?" I feel awkward.

"What are you doing here, my lady?"

“Uhm…” I shook my head.

I also don’t know why I’m here. Don't ask me because I can't answer either.

“Would you like to join me?” He suddenly asked.

I didn't refuse, and at least I have a reason to stay here. I laughed a little.

I approached him.

“Why are you here?” I asked him.

"Just, chilling."

I looked at him, his face was slightly blushing.

“You’re already drunk…” I said, stating the obvious.

He laughed a little.

"Just a little."

A little! He's already red!

I never spoke again. I turned my gaze to my front, I can see where I am now, the place where May's planting her herbal plants.

"My lady?"

I turned to Hendrick as he suddenly spoke.

"What is it?"

He was looking at his glass.

“What”

What does he want to say that he's putting an intense effect on?

"Hmm?"

He took a deep breath.

“What’s your type in a man?”

Huh?

It's truly intense!

I could not answer right away. Why is he asking?

I just stared at him, I couldn’t find what to say.

“Do you like… uhm manly and uhm… mature?”

"..."