Chapter 6: The Original Heroine, Lilia

That ordinary woman’s daughter inherited only the best traits from both parents, growing more beautiful with each passing year.

But her father barely witnessed it.

He was too busy chasing after the next fleeting attraction.

Lilia, who had hardly seen her philandering father’s face, was only brought into this household due to the Marchioness of Berium’s “generosity.”

To be precise—generosity wrapped around selfishness.

She wanted the title of the magnanimous wife who even took in her husband’s illegitimate child. To be the epitome of noblewoman virtue.

A trophy bastard, brought home for show.

Naturally, Lilia became the target of Lise’s scorn and ridicule.

“Big sister…”

No wonder she was terrified of Lise.

As Lise watched the pale-faced girl tremble before her, she recalled the original novel.

[Lise held Lilia’s face underwater in a filled basin, only pulling her up at the last second before she drowned.]

Thank god I transmigrated before doing something that insane. Really, really thankful.

“Big sister…”

Lilia misinterpreted Lise’s relieved expression, nervously wringing her hands.

Well, of course she’d be scared. After years of venomous glares and cruel words—and now, hearing about Lise’s two failed marriage meetings—she must think Lise was in a foul mood.

Instead of reassuring her, Lise turned to Cain.

“Cain, shouldn’t you be attending to your mistress first? That’s a servant’s duty.”

She couldn’t think of a better response.

Leaving behind a silent Cain and a trembling Lilia, Lise descended the stairs.

Her legs didn’t buckle this time.

Reaching the garden, she sat under a willow tree, letting the cool breeze wash over her as she reflected on the pair.

Are they still not together?

She wished they’d hurry up and fall in love already—get all lovey-dovey and leave this estate. But judging by their awkwardness, it might take a while.

Still, it’ll happen. Love (or whatever this is) deepens with time.

I should’ve done this sooner. What was I thinking, obsessing like an idiot?

Remembering her past self—blindly throwing herself at the male lead—made her cringe so hard she couldn’t stand it.

Thud!

She smacked her own head.

---

“Here’s your water.”

Cain handed Lilia a glass.

“Thank you. And… sorry for making you do this.”

Lilia blushed.

“It’s my duty as a servant.”

“…”

“Anything else you need?”

“Um…”

While Lilia pondered, Cain’s gaze drifted out the window.

Lise sat under the willow, absently scuffing the grass with her toes.

A habit when deep in thought—one Cain knew well.

What’s on her mind?

Just as he wondered—

Thud! Thud!

His aquamarine eyes widened as Lise started smacking her own head. Repeatedly.

“If there’s nothing else, would you like to have tea with me? I realized I’ve never even offered you a cup, even though you’re my personal attendant now—”

“If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.”

Cain walked out mid-sentence.

Left alone, Lilia stared blankly. She wasn’t offended, just… disappointed.

She’d wanted to get closer.

Sighing, she glanced out the window—and froze.

Cain, who’d rushed off without hearing her out, was now heading straight for Lise!

He even scooped her up in his arms. Was it because of her legs? To carry her back to her room?

Well… that made sense. He had been Lise’s attendant first.

So why did it bother her so much? This feeling of something being taken? Had she already started thinking of Cain as hers?

Lilia was confused. And suddenly, she hated Lise. It felt like she’d deliberately sat where Lilia could see, just to lure Cain away.

She shook her head violently, trying to dispel such disrespectful thoughts.

No, I can’t hate her. I’m not someone who hates people. That’s what she does.

Lilia was genuinely shocked at her own capacity for hatred.

‘You’re so kind, Lilia. Always listen to Madam and be good, okay?’

‘Lady Lilia is like an angel. I bet she’s never hated anyone in her life. If she ever does, it’s only because they truly deserved it.’

She quickly regained her composure.

There was a reason for her hatred.

This is all big sister’s fault.

---

“I said I’m fine!”

Lise finally snapped as Cain carried her back to her room despite her protests.

“You were not fine earlier—”

“Earlier?”

He almost said when you were hitting yourself, but stopped. She’d only get more annoyed if she knew he’d been watching.

“Never mind. Do you need anything?”

“No. And even if I did, I’d ask Mirabel. Not you.”

She pouted like a petulant child.

“Understood.”

Cain accepted it without complaint.

Just as she thought he’d leave—

“Are you still planning to meet suitors?”

Lise tilted her head. Why do you care?

“Just curious,” he added with a smile.

She sighed.

“Not for a while.”

“Why?”

“Just… tired.”

“…I see.”

Was it her imagination, or did he look relieved?

“Then I won’t bother you further. Rest well, my lady.”

He turned to leave, practically glowing—

“Wait.”

Lise stopped him.

“Yes? What do you need?”

His eyes sparkled, as if begging for a task.

But she hadn’t called him for that.

She just… wanted to look at his face.

His real face.

What do you really look like? Behind that platinum hair and aquamarine eyes—what does the crown prince truly look like?

But she couldn’t say that. So she said what her old self would have:

“Just… you’re handsome.”

---

[Cain periodically took a mystical drug to conceal his appearance. It allowed him to hide his identity for ten years.]

Alone in her room, Lise muttered the novel’s words.

“A mystical drug… huh.”

So novels really do have everything. Even face-changing potions.

Wait—no. It didn’t change his face, just made others unable to recognize him. She couldn’t remember clearly.

I kinda want to try it. Sounds fun.

Had she known the agony it caused, she wouldn’t have said that.

“Ugh…”

Every ten days, the drug wracked Cain’s body with pain so severe it felt like his organs were being shredded. At times, he wondered if revealing his identity would be better. No—dying would be better.

Once the pain passed, he lay exhausted on the cold floor, staring blankly at the ceiling.

Dust particles floated in a sunbeam, appearing and disappearing as the light shifted.

Watching them, Cain revisited Lise’s words.

Not meeting suitors for a while.

The relief he’d felt wasn’t just because of her decision—but because he wouldn’t have to resort to underhanded tactics anymore.

He felt no guilt.

Bringing Rubent’s mistress to ruin the first meeting, blackmailing Baron Valroze with his secrets—it had all been necessary. Otherwise, Lise would already be in a wedding dress.

He’d even considered traumatizing her to prevent further meetings.

He didn’t regret any of it.

But he was disgusted with himself.

Why am I going this far? What is Lise to me?

He wished it was just stubborn pride over a woman who no longer loved him.

He’d even tried recalling her most annoying traits to detach himself.

But…

Had she really been that unbearable?

Now, looking back, even her obsessive moments seemed… endearing.

Or maybe his feelings had changed.

No—maybe they hadn’t.

Like dust only visible in sunlight, perhaps he’d always felt this way.

If he’d truly hated her, he would’ve left long ago. Or killed her.

The fact that he hadn’t meant only one thing.

I never really minded it.

Ding-dong.

The servant’s break was over.

Cain stood, checking himself in the mirror.

No trace of pain remained. Even the bloodshot whites of his eyes were clear again. His expression, free of doubt, radiated something beyond peace—happiness.

As he straightened his clothes, Lise’s words echoed in his mind.

Just… you’re handsome.

Handsome, huh?

He chuckled, amused.

“As if that’s all.”