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(athanasiafrost)
Thus, I became Eloise Renoir, the sole sister of Viscount Zion Renoir, and we promptly journeyed to the South. Zion had taken care of all the necessary paperwork in advance, ensuring that the documents stated Eloise Renoir had resided in the South since the age of seven.
“The South… It is quite nice.”
I had to admit, living in the South was quite pleasant. The South was good enough to live in, so it’s no wonder Southerners are a bit conceited.
The region boasted a delightful year-round climate, a sparkling blue sea, and daily tea parties with amiable neighbors. No malevolent spirits made an appearance, allowing people to revel and engage in merriment until late into the night. Even the midnight sun, believed to be a blessing from the divine, made frequent appearances.
Using the jewels obtained from the demons I had dealt with in the capital, we purchased two large and luxurious mansions in the South. And, of course, we still had a considerable amount of money left.
Once he had successfully settled in the South, Zion found himself attending parties every day. I, too, attempted to join a few after hastily learning the necessary etiquette, but I grew tired of it quickly as it didn’t align with my personality.
“Eloise, won’t you come with me? Everyone wants to get closer to you.”
“Too many people pretend to know me, asking if you are my brother whenever I pass by. We have guests every day. Even that alone is exhausting, so why would I want to attend a tea party?”
Naturally, Zion and I were not particularly compatible. Zion was far too gregarious, and the Southerners were even more sociable, accepting his liveliness with open arms.
“Well, isn’t that nice? It means you’re popular.”
“People are meeting me for the first time, so how can I be popular?”
“You mean you’ve never met them before?”
“…Exactly. I didn’t realize I was acting like I was childhood friends with everyone here. Regardless, I’m done. Vincent doesn’t want to go either.”
Vincent didn’t live with us, but he spent his time leisurely collecting books on weaponry. He resided in the neighboring house that I had provided for him, pursuing his own interests.
Not long after settling in the South, I made a sudden announcement that I would be packing up and returning to the capital.
“Capital? All of a sudden?”
“Yah.”
I bid my farewell unilaterally as I loaded my modest luggage onto a small wagon. Both Zion and Vincent gazed at me with bewildered eyes.
“Why? Is that all you are taking with you?”
“Ah.”
They may have felt that we hadn’t spent much time together, but in truth, we had lived together for ten months. And as a result, I had concluded that they were trustworthy enough.
Thus, instead of departing in silence, I revealed the truth to them.
“To get married.”
Both Vincent and Zion were shocked by the bombshell-like words and asked, shouting,
“… What?”
“To whom?”
I replied with a grin after putting the last big teddy bear into the wagon.
“Johannes Novak.”
After my regression, my plan was simple.
Johannes would search for a spouse under conditions that no one could fulfill. The condition was to reside in the northern region, where Leo had been recognized as the successor but would possessed no authority.
While this condition would deter anyone from marrying Johannes, I saw it from a different perspective.
Do nothing! Assume no rights or responsibilities whatsoever! Merely be confined to the northern duchy! Moreover, there would be no encounter with Johannes Novak, who would be in pursuit of the ‘Blue Ruby’ in the Capital!
Ironically, it was the ideal condition for me, as it would enable me to infiltrate Novak Castle in the North.
A few years prior, I had to distance myself from the ‘Ace’ training grounds for about a year to address my weaknesses. During that time, Johannes Novak never returned to the North.
Therefore, if he remained in the capital for a few months, Johannes would not go back to the North.
In fact, even when Leo was gravely injured, Johannes never made his way to the North.
‘He didn’t budge even after receiving news of his son’s severe injury? Moreover, another attack occurred, and Leo passed away.’
Thus, marrying Johannes and relocating to the North paradoxically became the best way to avoid encountering him. Northerners were known for their territorial nature, making it challenging to secure a position as a maid.
Of course, Vincent and Zion regarded me as if I were a madwoman.
“…Eloise? Are you crazy?”
Vincent asked seriously, and Zion also tilted his head and thought for a while before grabbing my hand.
“Eloise, if you are considering assassinating Johannes Noavik… I implore you to reconsider. Shooting holy power and firing bullets are two entirely different matters. The rupture will be very loud, and you probably won’t be able to escape easily…”
“I’m not crazy, and I’m not going to assassinate him.”
I answered sternly, withdrawing my hand from Zion’s grip. Our little charade was now over.
Assuming the role of his sister had become quite tiresome. Numerous women in the South constantly inquired about Zion. Now that I realized I could escape the incessant barrage of questions, I felt a sense of relief.
“But… In order to prolong my life, there are matters I must attend to in the Duchy of Noavik.”
I hadn’t forgotten that it was Johannes who had shielded me from the demon at the last moment. His attack on the demon had allowed me to retrieve the gun hidden within my crutches.
Hence, I resolved to turn back time and accomplish what he had intended to do: save Leo Noavik.
“I hate it when my calculations aren’t clear.”
Johannes himself remained unaware, but nevertheless, he had not acted contrary to his preferences. Since Leo Noavik had been slain by a demon, it was up to me to rid that demon.
While protecting Leo Noavik, I would also explore the secrets of the ‘Treasure Room’.
One plan was to find a way to infiltrate the room while residing in the castle and steal the ‘Time Stone’ that Johannes Noavik had obtained at the age of eight.
And if that plan failed…
‘I’ll get to know Leo Noavik and try to negotiate. Since he’s a Noavik, he might possess knowledge of the treasure room. If I reveal that I have protected him all this time, he may be moved! So, let us establish a harmonious relationship first.’
In any case, restlessness plagued me as I never knew when my life would come to an end. So, when I get over twenty-five, there’s a high possibility that I would ask Leo as a judge.[1]
Even amidst these thoughts, negotiating with Johannes was not even a consideration. He was my most formidable pursuer, and there was a good chance he would immediately hand me over to the temple.
“Anyway… Even if it’s a bit reckless, I have to do something.”
My limited time left me feeling brave. After all, I still suffered from frequent heartaches.
“Are you that surprised?”
Observing Zion and Vincent, who still gazed at me blankly upon hearing my decision to marry Johannes, I spoke earnestly.
“But I’m sure I’ll be the most surprised.”
That was also true, so Vincent and Zion couldn’t say anything.
I smiled and expressed my gratitude.
“Thank you so much, everyone.”
They may have been somewhat eccentric, but I fondly remembered the 25th birthday celebration they had arranged for me. While we pursued our own endeavors, the ten months we spent together were tranquil.
Their decision to remain with me in the capital rather than join me in the South stemmed from their consideration that I should not face my final days alone. I hadn’t forgotten any of that.
“Really… Thank you. My thanks go beyond words.”
“Hmm… Are you so thankful that we came to the South together?”
Zion questioned uncertainly, his eyes filled with uncertainty. However, I embraced Zion and Vincent tightly one last time.
“See you again. Be healthy.”
And with that, I immediately got on my wagon, leaving behind Vincent, who was burning red from the tips of his ears, and Zion, who muttered to himself, “This isn’t how siblings should be.”
“Then I’ll go!”
That is how I embarked on my journey back to the capital. Shortly after, when Johannes, having attended a banquet, presented an outrageous condition for a prospective spouse, I promptly paid him a visit. Love at first sight served as a convenient pretext, especially considering Johannes’ unquestionable handsomeness.
(athanasiafrost)
Johannes married me without hiding a hint of distrust. I didn’t care as our marriage was nothing more than a mutually beneficial arrangement.
‘If so, they will investigate whether I have any connection to the prince’s side. Yet, even with a thorough investigation, they will find nothing.’
On paper, Eloise Renoir had been raised in the South since the age of seven. The distance between the capital and the South was considerable, and the South was filled with numerous individuals concealing their true identities, making it difficult to trace their origins one by one.
Furthermore, Zion had informed those around him, “My younger sister was frail, so she resided across the country under the care of a governess during her youth.” The Southerners in our vicinity all nodded in agreement, considering my pale and petite appearance.
Thus, there was no way for my true identity to be exposed. I had no intention of engaging in anything suspicious of that nature.
‘For I shall remain inconspicuous.’
I knew little about politics or society, and frankly, I had little interest. I was unaware of why Prince Diego grew restless due to his inability to conquer the North. I also don’t know the political problems in the North at all. Nevertheless, I was confident in my ability to remain inconspicuous.
‘He’s the one who didn’t come to the North even when Leo was attacked. So even if he does get hurt, he’ll never come.’
Following our brief wedding, the sole solace I found was the fact that I no longer had to elude Johannes. Nonetheless, as we signed our marriage certificate side by side, a faint of anxiety still lingered within me.
After all, they were the first true family I had ever had, setting aside the fabricated ones. No matter how much Zion and I became siblings on paper, our time spent together was far too short. Thus, I could never truly consider him my genuine brother based solely on forged documents.
Ironically, Johannes Noavik and Leo Noavik became the first legitimate family recognized by others without any deceit. As a former orphan, I found it exciting to legally have a husband and a son.
(athanasiafrost)
[1] Meaning Leo will choose whether he should give the Time Stone to Eloise or let her die.