Completed ― The Villainess Who Died with a Grudge Against Everything Seems to Have Regressed, and Now She Will Live to Make the Butler Who Saved Her Happy

Chapter 1/27│Read translated stories and daily updates at: Awebstories.com

“Evelina! I heard you were envious of Camilia and bullied her without my knowledge. I can’t have such a woman as my queen! I’m breaking off this engagement!”

At a royal palace party, Prince Jared said, “With a scary face” while hugging the saint Camilia’s waist in front of me.

He intended to end my engagement and begin a new one with Saint Camilia.

It was exactly as I had predicted.

Or, more precisely, exactly as I remembered it.

I’m not as upset this time around as I was the last. I just stare at Prince Jared and Camilia, who is clinging to him with tears in her eyes.

“Camilia burst into tears as she told me—she told me that you pushed her down the stairs and insulted her while surrounded by your followers—that such a heinous offense against Camilia, a saint, was unforgivable. Never come close to Camilia again!”

The prince rambled on and on, not giving me a chance to interject.

My response has already been determined.

“I understand. I respectfully accept your termination of the engagement and will stay away from Camilia-sama. I wish you both the best.”

When I smiled and said this, the prince, Camilia, and everyone else around me looked at me blankly. I bowed to them and exited the hall quickly.

This is not the time to linger. I have someone I have to see.

I dash down the palace’s corridors. It irritates me that I can’t run fast because of my outfit.

I need to move faster. Will I be able to see him? Is he really going to be here? My heart is racing.

“Ojo-sama!”

From across the corridor, a dark-brown-haired man in a butler’s uniform called out to me. I almost burst out laughing at the nostalgic appearance.

He’s the man I’ve always wished to meet.

“Sylas!!”

I ran up to him and jumped into his chest with all my might, regardless of whether my legs were about to get tangled.

“O-Ojo-sama? What happened all of a sudden?”

“Aah, Sylas…Sylas…I’ve been missing you so much.”

Regardless of his agitation, I hugged him with all my might. I’ve been missing him so much. My eyes are starting to burn.

“What’s the problem, Ojo-sama? You shouldn’t be hugging me.”

“It’s all right. It’s been a while.”

“It’s been a while—? Didn’t we meet this morning at the house?”

I looked up at Sylas, who I was still clutching onto, and he had a troubled expression on his face—my cheek relaxed without saying anything.

“Evelina Ojo-sama, I’m sure you’re confused and shocked that your engagement has been broken off… It is unforgivable that Prince Jared publicly accused the innocent Ojo-sama and ended the engagement…!”

In frustration, Sylas bit his lower lip. I smile as I shake my head.

“No. I’m not bothered about breaking off my engagement. I’m not going to make another blunder.”

“But—.”

“But now that I’ve been given a second chance, I don’t care if my fiancé dumped me or if I was falsely accused. I’ll repay you in this life!”

“What?”

Sylas is taken aback, his eyes blinking. I just smiled at him because I was so happy to see his expression.

Chapter 2/27│Read translated stories and daily updates at: Awebstories.com

My first life ended in disaster.

It all started when my fiancé, Prince Jared, called it quits on our engagement. In front of everyone, he accused me of bullying Saint Camilia.

The fact that the prince had broken off the engagement and Evelina had harmed the saint will put the duchess in a difficult position, regardless of her wealth.

I was pushed to the margins of society, cursed at home like a plague, and quickly fell out of favor.

I cursed my fate numerous times.

Even though my parents chose my fiancé, I had feelings for Prince Jared.

I’ve always tried to be worthy of being his fiancée, suppressing myself, never being selfish, and repressing everything I wanted to do and everything I wanted.

Despite this, Prince Jared chose the free-spirited and self-centered Camilia.

Camilia, who was discovered to have special magical powers and who transformed from a commoner into a saint living in the royal palace, drew the attention of royalty and nobility on a regular basis.

Her sweet and innocent smile drew not only Prince Jared, but also the second prince, Milius-sama, the Prime Minister’s son and the royal court’s chief mage.

I was dropped to the point where I could no longer crawl after inciting resentment from those in power by harming their beloved Camilia.

At the time, all I could do was cry aloud in the Duke’s room, alone, hating Prince Jared and, above all, Camilia.

After what they had done to me, I couldn’t let them be happy.

So I resolved to exact my vengeance.

Camilia, a saint, travels from the royal palace to the temple every day. I hired a man to stab her when she was alone on her way to the temple.

I had no idea where to look for an assassin, but a man who sympathized with my predicament offered me an introduction.

However, the assassination attempt failed. Camilia’s arm was only slightly injured by the assassin.

It turns out the prince had a hidden bodyguard to guard Camilia at all times, and the assassin I hired escaped briefly but was quickly apprehended.

Now that I think about it, I think the man who offered to introduce me to the assassin was deceiving me. because it was overly simplistic.

I felt like an idiot for getting involved in such a shady story, but I was so broken at the time that I couldn’t think rationally.

I was imprisoned for my role in the attempted assassination of Camilia.

I was sentenced to death for attempting to murder Camilia, a saint and the Crown Prince’s fiancee.

I spent my days locked up in a dark cell, cursing everything that had happened to me. All I could see as I waited until they cut off my head was the view of that dark prison. It makes me depressed just thinking about it.

However, I was easily released the next day.

I was informed that the true perpetrator had been identified.

That can’t be right. I was the true offender.

After I was released from prison, I spent several months in bed recovering from a debilitating illness.

When I was finally able to stand, I realized why I’d been released.

The butler, Sylas, surrendered with a bloody knife. According to investigations, Camilia’s blood was found on the knife.

Sylas, who is only a year older than me, is a butler who has worked for the Duke’s family since he was a child.

He comes from a merchant family and is the second son. My father admired his wit and brought him here because he wanted someone who could serve the Duke from childhood and become a loyal servant.

My father liked Sylas even more after seeing how he worked and made him my personal butler. As a result, I’ve been under his constant supervision since I was a child.

But why is that?

He should not be forced to atone for his master’s daughter’s sins simply because he is her personal butler.

Was it ordered by my father? That’s not possible. My father cut me off as soon as he discovered that I had ordered Camilia’s assassination. He would never have prepared a substitute for me now.

So, why is Sylas protecting me?

I’m having trouble getting my foggy brain to work.

Sylas, my memory tells me, was the only person who was always kind to me as I was losing my place in society. He was the only person who never gave up on me, no matter what happened.

While I was hiding in my room, terrified, Sylas kept coming to me with my favorite sweets.

Despite being chastised by my father and mother, who had cut me off after the prince called off our engagement, he insisted that “Ojo-sama had done nothing wrong.”

But I paid no attention to it.

I run out of the house and head to the jail, where Sylas is imprisoned. But, of course, they’re not going to let me in.

I stand at the gate and yell for them to let me in, but the gatekeeper turns me away.

“Your sentence is fixed, so please give up,” the gatekeeper said angrily as he grabbed my arm.

I was released, and the trial had progressed to the point where it could no longer be reversed while I lay powerlessly in bed.

As a result, unable to intervene, the innocent Sylas was executed in place of the foolish woman.

I was in a daze for days, unable to think of anything else.

Why Sylas? Why not me? These were the only words that stayed with me and wouldn’t leave.

My resentment was focused on the prince, Camilia, and the people who had abandoned me, so I didn’t notice Sylas, the only person who still cared about me.

He attempted to cheer me up.

He was convinced of my innocence.

I let Sylas die without even saying thank you.

Even after I returned home, the people around me remained as cold as ever. But it no longer mattered. I was unconcerned about my family, the nobles around me, or even Prince Jared and Camilia.

Only the fact that I allowed Sylas to die suffocates me like a piece of lead in my chest.

My despair grows stronger by the day.

I couldn’t see how I could go on living like this. Because I had lost the only hope that I had.

After a few months of living like this, I finally gave up the life that Sylas had risked his life for.

I repented with a knife to my chest.

God, forgive me.

I kept hoping for what I couldn’t have while ignoring the salvation that was right in front of me.

Please consider my one request if you have mercy on me.

I don’t care what happens to me, but I hope Sylas has a happy afterlife.

Chapter 3/27│Read translated stories and daily updates at: Awebstories.com

I was curious if it was because I had wished for it on my deathbed.

I awoke once more.

It reminded me of an antechamber in a royal palace. Marietta, the maid of honor, was doing my hair as I sat in front of the mirror.

Marietta said, with shining eyes, as she looked at herself in the mirror.

“Ojo-sama, you’re stunning! I’m afraid Jared-sama will fall for you!”

“What?”

I’d heard that phrase before—Marietta said the same words to me in the same situation the day Prince Jared called off the engagement.

It wasn’t just the words either. Everything I saw was familiar to me, including the dress I was wearing and the waiting room.

I opened my mouth with trepidation.

“Hey, Marietta, is today Jared-sama’s nineteenth birthday?”

“Ara? What are you talking about, Ojo-sama? Of course it is. We came to the palace today to celebrate Jared-sama’s birthday.”

Marietta said this with a curious look, then asked me with concern if I wasn’t feeling well. I smiled, puzzled, but assured her that I was fine.

What exactly do you mean? Is she trying to tell me that I’ve gone back in time a few months?

The palace staff urges me to go to the party after I have done my hair and dressed, despite the fact that I have no idea what is going on. Everything that happened there felt familiar.

Gradually, I realize that I’ve returned to the past.

Does this imply that Sylas is here as well?

My heart is racing… Sylas had to have been in the palace with me that day. He didn’t go to the banquet hall, but instead worked in another room with the other servants.

I’m curious about what happened, but I can’t seem to get out of the hall now that I’m here.

As soon as I thought about leaving the venue, even if the soldiers guarding the entrance were going to chase me, the engagement commotion began.

Prince Jared’s words, which had shocked me so much the previous time, didn’t hit home with me this time. I don’t care what he said, just let me find Sylas as soon as possible—was all I could think.

When I finally found the time to leave, I dashed out of the venue.

When I finally found Sylas, he gave me a worried look.

“What’s the real problem, Ojo-sama?” I thought you’d gone insane as a result of the shock.

“No, I’m not, I say. It’s all right. All I want is for the prince and Camilia to be happy.”

“I can’t forgive him for allowing Ojo-sama to suffer so much and then re-engaging himself with the saint…”

“That’s exactly what you’ve always said to me. What a fool I was not to listen to you.”

Sylas tilted his head as I said this sincerely. For heaven’s sake, he might think I’d really gone insane.

“Sylas. Let’s get home quickly. I have a lot of things I can do for you.”

“…? Ojo-sama—What’s going on—”

“Just come on, come on!”

I grab Sylas’ hand and begin to run. My heart is racing, and I feel like I can accomplish anything.

This mysterious rewind was interpreted by me as God saying, “If you want to make Sylas happy, do it with your own hands.”

I’ve had a miraculous opportunity.

I’m grateful to God, and I’m determined. I will not be guided by resentment in this life. I’m only going to live to make Sylas happy.

Chapter 4/27│Read translated stories and daily updates at: Awebstories.com

“Ojo-sama…what does this mean…”

The table is piled high with food. Roast chicken, veal steak, cream soup, salad, quiche, and risotto are all available. Desserts include apple pudding and pear tart.

As soon as I returned home, I had the chef prepare them.

“What does Sylas enjoy? Because I didn’t know what you liked, I asked the chef to make as many as he could.”

I forced Sylas to sit in his chair, where he had been standing blankly next to the table.

“No way, Ojo-sama. This is simply…”

“Eat as much as you want. Please let me know if you have any special requests.”

“No, Ojo-sama! I’m not going to be able to get such a nice thing. After all, I’m on duty in the first place…”

Sylas is pressed up against my shoulder, looking perplexed, as if he can’t shake me off.

“Are you on duty? Not a problem. You are not required to work beginning today.”

“Eh? What do you mean?”

“I’ll find another person to do your job. You are no longer required to do anything.”

“What?! Does that mean I’m fired?”

Sylas pales as I say this with a smile. My mouth twitches in response to this unexpected reaction.

“No! All you have to do is stay here.”

“That’s something I can’t do. I have a job as a butler.”

“I’ll inform Father that I don’t want Sylas to do anything from now on.”

“What’s the matter with you, Ojo-sama?!”

I smiled and suggested it, but Sylas said no.

He didn’t seem willing to budge after a few questions and answers, so I decided to give up. I guess I’ll have to entertain Sylas while he works as a butler.

But I’m hoping he’ll at least try the dish I had the chef make for him.

I use a spoon to scoop up the soup and place it in his mouth.

“Sylas. Ahhh—.”

“Please don’t do that, Ojo-sama. I’m not going to let you do this.”

“It was prepared by the chef for you. Come on, eat up.”

As I bring the spoon closer to Sylas’ mouth, he blushes and looks away. Then he opened his mouth and swallowed the soup, as if he had given up.

“—It’s very tasty.”

“Really? That’s great! I’ll prepare Sylas’ portion for the evening as well, so we can eat together in the dining room rather than the servants’ mess hall.”

“That’s enough, Ojo-sama! Please do not allow me to go any further…!”

Sylas appeared so troubled that I had to abandon the idea of eating together in the dining room. It is difficult to make people happy.

“Then, let’s get started on getting your new room ready!”

As I half-heartedly finished feeding Sylas, I said cheerfully. Sylas cocked his head once more.

“Room? If it’s a room, we already have one set aside for servants.”

“A servant’s room is insufficient. I’ll find you a more suitable room.”

Sylas was screaming behind me, “Ojo-sama, please don’t!” but I didn’t care.

I was extremely ecstatic. From now on, I could repay Sylas in any way I saw fit.

because both Sylas and I are still alive.

Chapter 5/27│Read translated stories and daily updates at: Awebstories.com

“What are your thoughts on this room? This room was used by my second brother, who had moved out! In my opinion, it could use a makeover.

“I’ve never heard of a servant occupying a master’s room!”

“Sylas is more than a servant; he saved my life. He is deserving of such treatment. Rather, it’s not even close.”

“Can you explain what you mean by “saved my life?” I didn’t do anything for Ojo-sama that warranted saving lives!”

Sylas says, with a puzzled look on his face.

I can’t think of anything to say. Sylas had helped me in my previous life, but he would never understand me in this world.

I must, however, repay him at all costs.

“I really don’t need anything, Ojo-sama. The treatment I am currently receiving is adequate. Only your kindness will be accepted.”

Sylas leaned in close to look into my eyes, as if he were comforting a child. It seemed that I had no choice but to abandon the plan to give him the room.

After that, I contacted a few prominent city store owners to see if there was anything he needed or if he wanted to display jewelry or artwork in his room, but he declined.

I offered him gold coins and asked if cash was preferable to goods, but he refused.

“Why won’t you accept anything from me?!”

With tears in my eyes, I cried out. I was eager to pay him back as soon as possible. Nothing comes to mind that would make him happy.

“Ojo-sama…I am in a position to serve. Ojo-sama does not have to give anything.”

“Despite the fact that I want to give it to you?”

I pout when I’m told to admonish.

“So, what is acceptable to you? I want Sylas to be happy.”

“Many thanks for your consideration…”

Silas appears troubled once more. Then, hesitantly, he said as he swam his eyes.

“Then may I request one thing? I’ve been dreaming of doing this for a long time.”

“!! Of course! What is it?”

Leaning forward, I inquire. He finally said what I was hoping for. I’m finally able to repay him!

“I’d like Ojo-sama to accompany me to the city. Will you accompany me?”

Sylas says hesitantly. I was taken aback because it was such a simple request.

“Naturally, I would. But are you certain you only want this?”

“Yes. That would make me very happy.”

“If Sylas is okay with it, I guess that’s fine…”

I agreed, but I do not quite understand. I wish he’d asked for something more extravagant.

Sylas is overly generous, even though I’m wealthy enough to do him a favor.

“I appreciate it very much. It’s something I’m looking forward to.”

When he said this, Sylas smiled with delight. It’s the most joyful smile I’ve seen since the regression.

I thought it was fine after seeing his face, even though I didn’t understand it.

Chapter 6/27│Read translated stories and daily updates at: Awebstories.com

The next day, Sylas and I arrived in town.

Instead of his usual butler’s uniform, Sylas was dressed simply in a shirt and vest.

I, for one, had decided to wear a one-piece dress with a shawl over it instead of my usual sparkling gown, believing that it would look out of place in the town.

“Thank you, Ojo-sama, for putting up with my selfishness.”

“No, this isn’t at all selfish. Is there anywhere you’d like to go?”

“I don’t have a specific location in mind, but I’d like to browse the stores.”

“Okay, so Then let me know if there’s any particular store you’d like to visit. I’ll buy you whatever you want.”

“I appreciate it very much.”

I was a little disappointed by how simple the request was, but after giving it some thought, I think a walk around the town might be a good idea.

This allowed me to visit Sylas’ favorite stores and buy him numerous souvenirs. It would be much better than forcing him to take what I want to give him.

“Ojo-sama! Let’s get in here!”

Sylas yelled in front of one of the stores.

“Okay, fine. Shall we come in?”

“Yes! Let’s get going, Ojo-sama.”

Silas smiles and waves. The store in question was clearly a women’s accessories store.

Perhaps he has something he’d like to give to someone. A sister, or perhaps a lover? I wanted to give Sylas something useful, but I persuaded myself that it was fine.

“What do you think of this hair ornament? Ojo-sama looks good in it.”

“Well, it’s lovely, but it’s not for me! Why don’t you look for what you’re looking for?”

“Hahaha, they don’t sell anything I’d need.”

“Eh? Then why did we come here?”

Sylas only laughed and didn’t respond to my question.

He forced me to try them all one after the other, saying, “How about this one?” “This one also looks good on you…”

The accessories in the store were all reasonably priced and of a different quality than what I normally wear, but that’s what drew me in.

They were bright and colorful, a little cheap, and extremely adorable.

To be honest, I had always admired ordinary girls who wore such hair ornaments and bracelets. I couldn’t say anything because my father would scold me.

I was completely absorbed in looking at the accessories by the time I entered the store.

“Oh, that was a lot of fun!”

After seeing so many adorable accessories, I leave the store completely satisfied. Sylas was happily smiling next to me, mumbling something excitedly.

“Ojo-sama always wanted to go into a store like this.”

“Eh? Have you noticed?”

“Ojo-sama is simple to grasp.”

Sylas burst out laughing. I was a little embarrassed that he knew I was interested in them, despite my best efforts to keep it hidden from him.

I’ll have to be more cautious not to show it. No, but since I’m no longer the prince’s fiancée, perhaps I don’t need to hide my feelings? Sylas approached me with a small paper bag as I was contemplating this.

“Please excuse me, Ojo-sama. Please accept this—if you don’t mind.”

“Eh? What exactly is this?”

When I took it and opened it, I discovered a hair ornament with a red rose and a purple ribbon inside. It was the one that piqued my interest the most when I saw it at the store earlier. I’m curious when he bought it.

“It is…”

“It’s not something Ojo-sama would wear, but since you were staring at it so intently—well, you don’t have to wear it.”

Sylas appears flustered.

I’m also getting a little flustered.

“No, I’m very happy. Thank you very much.”

In a good mood, I took out my hair ornament and put it on my hair right away.

“Do you think it looks good on me?”

I inquired. Syla’s eyes widen in surprise, and he appears to be about to cry.

Then, in a calm voice, he says,

“Yes, it suits you very well.”

Chapter 7/27│Read translated stories and daily updates at: Awebstories.com

Following that, we continued to browse the stores.

When I suggested going into a men’s clothing store and a general store, Sylas entered but left after a short time without saying what he wanted.

As a result, he only took me to stores that I liked.

“I told you, I’m not here to shop on my own.”

“I’m sorry.”

Sylas apologized but refused to look at the stores that were more appropriate for him.

On top of that, Sylas was carrying a lot of weight in his arms. They were all things he had purchased for me.

I told him I could at least carry my own luggage, but he refused, so I was disappointed that I couldn’t return the favor in any way.

Despite the fact that Sylas is not accompanying me as a butler today .

“Thank you very much, Ojo-sama. Today is the most wonderful day of my life.”

Despite this, Sylas is cheerfully carrying an armful of luggage.

“Are you having fun?”

“Yes, I’ve always envied Ojo-sama and Prince Jared’s outings together. My wish was granted thanks to Ojo-sama.”

He sounded so happy, I’m not sure if that’s okay.

I still can’t believe Sylas wanted to go out with me. It’s kind of endearing. In my previous life, I should have taken him for a walk around town.

“I’m available to go out with you at any time.”

“Is…Is that all right? No, I can’t have Ojo-sama spending so much time with me!”

Sylas looked at me with wide eyes and a happy voice, then shook his head sideways as if in panic. You don’t have to be so reserved.

“Hey, by any chance…”

“Is that not Duchess Evelina-sama? Why is she dressed in the garb of a commoner on the street?”

“Who’s the man she’s with? He doesn’t appear to be a nobleman.”

I was surprised to hear voices behind me.

When I turned around, a group of ladies in dresses and parasols were staring at me and whispering. A carriage was parked nearby.

They must be the daughters of a noble family who have arrived in the town. When I looked at them, they immediately looked away.

“Is something wrong, Ojo-sama?”

“No, it’s nothing.”

With a smile, I say. It doesn’t seem to reach Silas’ ears, and I’m not about to expose him to anything boring. At his urging, I walked through the store door.

“I think Evelina-sama has gone insane since Prince Jared called off their engagement.”

Such words came from behind me. I entered the store without looking back.

—○█○—

“Thank you so much for today, Ojo-sama. It’s something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”

Silas said with a big smile as the sun began to set. I’m glad he enjoyed it, but I wasn’t convinced.

“Wait a second. I was supposed to buy you presents today, but all you did was go shopping for me.”

“I didn’t have anything specific in mind, so I was content to shop with Ojo-sama.”

“I’m dissatisfied! Wait a second. I’ll summon a carriage right now.”

With that, I activated the pendant’s communications machine and summoned the duke’s carriage.

“Where are we going, Ojo-sama?”

“I can’t finish it this way. I’ll still take you out on a date.”

Sylas was perplexed, but I didn’t explain and pushed him into the carriage when it arrived.

We arrived at a clothing store that catered to nobility. I push Sylas, who is still standing at the door, his face perplexed by the situation.

“Let’s go inside and get some clothes for Sylas. I’ll assist you in selecting something that is appropriate for you.”

“…Ojo-sama, I’m afraid shopping in such an upscale store is a little too expensive for me…”

“Of course I’m going to pay for it! Come on, let’s go!”

I drag a perplexed Sylas into the store. I select a few outfits that look good on him and hand them to the salesperson.

I ask the salesperson to assist Sylas in getting dressed, and she readily agrees.

“Well, Sylas! It looks great on you!”

When I saw Sylas return from the fitting room, I exclaimed cheerfully.

To match Sylas’ red eyes, I chose a burgundy vest, a long black coat with red embroidery, and black pants, and it looks better on him than I expected.

Sylas has a handsome face and is tall, so even in a slightly more ornate outfit, he didn’t look out of place.

“…Ojo-sama—these clothes are a little too good for me.”

Sylas appears uneasy, despite the fact that he looks good in it.

“No it’s not. Let’s buy you these clothes.”

“I can’t accept something like this…”

“No, because you can’t go to the place we’re going to next in your former clothes.”

“Which store are we going to?”

Sylas is perplexed, but I’m not going to explain it to him. I don’t want him to hesitate when he realizes where we are going.

“I’m also going to change my clothes as well, so please be patient for a moment.”

“O-Ojo-sama!”

Silas held me back from behind, but I began running anyway.

Chapter 8/27│Read translated stories and daily updates at: Awebstories.com

“This is Ojo-sama…”

“Have you visited here before, Sylas? My brother once took me here and highly recommended it to me. It’s a popular hangout for nobility.”

“Such a pricey establishment—”

Sylas is frozen at the gate, but I take his hand in mine and lead him inside.

As we walked into the store, I noticed that everyone’s attention was drawn to us. Young ladies in particular were looking at me sideways, as if they couldn’t help but be perplexed.

At first, I thought I was getting attention because the prince had broken my engagement, but after careful listening, I realized this was not the case.

“Who’s that black suit?”

“What a dashing figure!”

I can’t help but feel my mouth loose.

Right?

Wasn’t my butler a gentleman? I had a strong desire to tell the ladies.

“Is something wrong, Ojo-sama?”

“Nothing, it’s nothing.”

I kept smiling at Sylas, despite the fact that he sounded concerned.

We were led by a waiter to a table by the window. Silas sat down and said impatiently that we couldn’t go any further, but I smiled and remained silent.

Sylas, perhaps sensing that I’m not going to back down, holds his tongue as if surrendering and begins to eat the food that has been brought to him.

“Is it good, Sylas?”

“Yes, thank you very much.”

Sylas’ expression was tense at first, but as time passed, I could see it gradually relax. He seemed to enjoy the seafood soup the most, and his eyes lit up as soon as he put it in his mouth.

I look at his face, pleased that I’ve finally given him something.

“Ara, Miss Evelina. I assumed you were depressed after my brother called off the engagement, but have you found a new man?”

I was in a good mood when an unwelcome voice came down from above me. When I looked up, I saw the second prince, Milius, with two of his followers.

“Milius-sama, you’ve arrived. What can I do to assist you?”

I asked, trying not to make a face. I’m not great with this guy. To be honest, I despise him.

After all, it was Prince Milius who insisted on my being executed rather than imprisoned or exiled.

Milius, like Prince Jared, adores Saint Camilia, and he would never forgive me if I tried to harm her.

He “kindly” approached me in front of the jail a few days before my execution and told me how ugly I was for bullying Camilia and attempting to assassinate her, and how unworthy I was to be alive.

It makes me sick just thinking about it, but I can’t afford to be disrespectful to the second prince.

I shake my head at Sylas, who is sitting across from me, and stare at Milius, waiting for him to speak.

“I was having dinner with a friend when I noticed that vulgar pink-beige hair that I’d seen somewhere else.””

“So, does that have anything to do with me? It’s an honor for Milius-sama to have found me.”

“I was curious about who you were with and was surprised to see you with a man. Doesn’t your new man seem a little too… folksy? Even though the engagement was broken off, did he think having a duke’s daughter would benefit him?”

Milius glanced at Sylas with a grin on his face. At that moment, blood rushed to my head. How rude of him!

I was willing to forgive him if he was rude to me, but not if he insulted Sylas.

I clenched my fists and looked at Milius, but this time I noticed Sylas shaking his head, as if he was trying desperately to stop me.

I take a deep breath to calm myself down.

I’m not here to fight today, but to make Sylas happy.

“He’s my butler. Isn’t he very cool?”

When I said that with a smile, Milius looked bewildered. He must have lost his temper, because I kept smiling, when I would normally have been angry by now.

Chapter 9/27│Read translated stories and daily updates at: Awebstories.com

His surprise, however, is short-lived, and Milius continues.

“Yes, I see. She’s bringing the butler to spite the prince for canceling the engagement.”

“With all due respect, Your Highness Milius, I only requested Evelina Ojo-sama accompany me…”

Sylas tries to intervene, but I cut him off.

“It’s all right, Sylas. I can’t deny that I’m following you around, but it’s not because I’m upset about the failed engagement. I don’t care if Prince Jared ended the engagement in the first place.”

Milius’ mocking look doesn’t bother me, and I return his smile. I’m hoping he’ll leave soon.

“So you don’t mind your ex-fiancé as long as you’ve got a new man in your life—that’s an unusually carefree demeanor for a duchess. Why don’t you follow Camilia’s example—Camilia was devoted to my older brother despite the fact that she was courted by many noblemen.”

I tried to keep a smile on my face, but it twitched.

In my previous life, this man did not give up his love for the saint after Prince Jared broke off our engagement—”You have been rejected, so you should gracefully step aside. Vindictive women are the worst.”—But he said something along those lines. After all, he was just venting his annoyances to me.

Does he really think Camilia is single-minded?

Camilia, I believe, had been flirting with Prince Milius and other nobles before she became engaged to Prince Jared.

After her engagement to the prince, she just hid them in the shadows, but that didn’t change. It’s likely to be the same this time as well.

But I swallow my words, deciding it isn’t worth mentioning here.

If I keep talking, Sylas, who is sitting across from me, shaking his shoulders as if he wants to say something, may lose patience. I believe we should end this here.

“This is a positive development. I am confident that Prince Jared and Camilia-sama will continue to get along well. Milius-sama used to be very close to Camilia-sama, and now that they are engaged, I hope that Camilia-sama will remain wholeheartedly loyal to her relationship with Prince Jared.”

I say this in a calm voice.

But I think I made a mistake in trying to “flatter” Milius and get him to leave quickly… Milius’ face became increasingly distorted.

It was already too late. Milius picked up the glass on the table and splashed me with water without hesitation.

“Are you making fun of me?! Camilia and I are not that close! She never takes advantage of me!”

“Milius-sama! What are you doing?! That was never said by Ojo-sama!”

Sylas rises and is about to grab Milius’ arm. Milius’ two followers are impatient, with one stopping Milius and the other stopping Sylas, who is about to grab Milius.

My cheeks are dripping with water.

Did I make a mistake that would have resulted in water being poured over my head?”

“Heh. Evelina, you’re quite unattractive. Everyone refers to you as a poor woman whose engagement was broken by the prince. You appear to be pretending not to respond, but how long do you expect this to last?”

“Your Highness Milius! If you continue to be disrespectful to Ojo-sama, the dukes will file a complaint with the royal family!”

“The duke filing a complaint?” Is that even possible? When the duke learned that Evelina’s engagement was broken, he came to apologize for her rudeness to Saint Camilia without defending her in any way, saying that if the royal family so desired, he would disown his own daughter.”

Milius looks down at me, his eyes cold.

“What a poor woman she is, abandoned by the prince and her parents.”

I had a hunch as to what he was on about.

Oh, is Milius intending to damage me? Did he want me to be the poor woman who had her engagement broken off, whose social standing had deteriorated, and whose parents had abandoned her?

It’s probably because Milius is shocked by Prince Jared and Camilia’s engagement; otherwise, my casual remark wouldn’t irritate him so much.

Except for Prince Jared, Camilia was especially close to Milius.

I once saw Camilia walking around the royal garden with her hands around Milius’ arms. They didn’t appear to be just mere friends.

It was unexpectedly heard publicly announcing Prince Jared and Camilia’s engagement.

I suppose he was angry, but he couldn’t vent his rage on his brother or his beloved Camilia, so he tried to vent his rage on me, who was in a more pitiful position than he was after the prince called off the engagement.

“Your Highness Milius, please apologize to Ojo-sama. Don’t drag Ojo-sama into your rage just because things haven’t gone your way!”

“What exactly do you mean?! You seem to think I’m being unreasonable!”

Milius’ cheeks twitch as a result of Sylas’ words. At this rate, he’s going to get even more out of hand.

Chapter 10/27│Read translated stories and daily updates at: Awebstories.com

“It’s all right, Sylas. It’s only water.”

“But…!”

“It’s true. Listen, Milius-sama.”

I control Sylas and turn to Milius.

“What?”

“I, too, felt sorry for myself. I despised everyone and everything, couldn’t understand why I had to go through this, and wanted to scream.”

I did in my previous life. I repeatedly protested to the prince and even attempted to assassinate Camilia. I thought it was the right thing to do.

I was wallowing in self-pity. I despised Prince Jared for abandoning me and Camilia for bringing me down.

“However, I gained nothing by doing so. In my struggle, I lost sight of what was truly important to me. I regretted it so much.”

As a result, I let Sylas die because I couldn’t get over my feelings for the prince and Camilia. I didn’t notice his kindness while he was still alive.

It wasn’t until that point that I realized the things I was attached to were worthless. There was something else I needed to treasure.

“As a result, I decided not to care any longer. I stopped wallowing in self-pity. Despite the fact that the dukes have abandoned me, I have enough food, clothing, and shelter, and my life is not in danger. And, despite the fact that many people have abandoned me since the engagement was broken off—I can’t help but distance myself from the “woman” who has made an enemy of the Prince. Instead, I will treasure those who treat me with kindness.”

It doesn’t matter that the engagement was shattered or that I was labeled as a jealous woman who bullied the saint. I don’t care if it causes people to abandon me.

Because what matters most is what’s left.

Sylas and Milius, as well as his followers, were staring at me in awe.

“Are you really Evelina?”

In hushed tones, Milius said.

“Who am I if I’m not Evelina?”

“No, I’m referring to…”

Milius’ earlier bravado has faded, and he is now very reserved. When Milius’ followers notice that he has lost his momentum, they rush to pull him away from the table. One of the followers makes a bow in our direction.

“Please forgive our impoliteness, Evelina-sama! I’ll return later to apologize!”

“We’re leaving, Milius-sama!”

“H-Hey, let me go!”

His followers drag Milius across the room. Sylas exhaled a sigh of relief and charged up to me.

“Are you okay, Ojo-sama? You must be freezing. Even though I was with you, I’m sorry!”

“Ah, that’s all right. It isn’t Sylas’ fault.”

“Let’s make a quick change. You’re going to catch a cold.”

“Yeah, you’re right. Fortunately, I still had the clothes I was wearing before.”

I said I was fine, but he appeared to be in tears. His face didn’t relax no matter how many times I told him everything was fine.

Silas appeared depressed, but he quickly requested a room and brought the extra clothes from the carriage.

It would have been awkward to return to the restaurant, so after changing, we went straight into the carriage.

Sylas wore a sad expression the entire time while in the carriage.

“I’m sorry. It had been a great day, but it was ruined in the end.”

“Ojo-sama did nothing wrong! It was all the fault of that stupid and short-tempered Prince Milius!”

I apologize, and Sylas immediately denies it. His face darkened, and he murmured in a fading voice.

“—I’m sorry I couldn’t help.”

“Why would Sylas apologize? There was no need to be depressed because he couldn’t have dealt with the prince’s tyranny. First and foremost, Sylas was there to stop the prince.”

“But.”

“I don’t care, so don’t worry about it any longer.”

I laughed, and Sylas opened his mouth as if to speak, but then nodded silently.

“…Hey, Sylas. Do you want to know why I don’t care?”

“…I’m not sure…I believe Ojo-sama should be more enraged.”

Silas says this matter-of-factly.

“Because Sylas is on my side in that regard. I don’t give a damn what other people think.”

When I said that, Sylas’ eyes widened.

“—I’m always on the side of Ojo-sama.”

“I know, Ufufu.”

Despite the fact that Milius had messed with me and splashed me with water, I began to have fun again.

He looked worried, but I kept smiling at him until we got to the house.

Chapter 11/27│Read translated stories and daily updates at: Awebstories.com

After that, I took Sylas on holiday to various locations, gave him various gifts, and had a good time with him.

When I realized that Sylas would refuse my gifts if they were too expensive, I began to give him gifts that were not too expensive and that I thought he would enjoy.

Sylas appeared to be in trouble at first, but recently he appeared to be having a good time, which made me very happy.

People still whisper when I go to a party, and the number of people approaching me has decreased significantly compared to before, but this is insignificant.

I’m free to move around, and Sylas is alive and well. What else do I wish for?

Oh, right. At the other day’s evening party, I overheard an intriguing rumor.

There appears to be a rumor circulating among the nobles that “Miss Evelina of the Duke’s family is in shock after her engagement to the Prince was broken off, and she is forcing a handsome butler to live with her.”

I suppose a story like that must have spread because I took Sylas around without fear of being seen. When I thought it was true, I had to laugh. It appears that I imprisoned him.

On the contrary, I was humbled when I apologized to Sylas for the strange rumor.

I asked him if he didn’t want the rumor about us to spread, and he denied it as best he could, so I decided it was fine.

The days following the regression have been a lot of fun.

Every day, I am so happy that I even smile at the sarcastic ladies at the party.

I forgive the servants who have clearly changed their attitude since the engagement was broken.

I’m not sure if it was because of how I spent my time, but people’s perceptions of me began to shift after that.

Whenever I went to a party, or walked around the city, or in the house, everyone looked at me with a calm expression, as if they were watching over me.

I was perplexed.

Then, it happened at a party when I went out on the balcony to rest for a while. Countess Enora approached me. She was one of the few friends whose attitude had not changed since the engagement had ended.

“Do you know what people are saying about Evelina-sama right now?”

“The poor girl who has kept a butler in her house because her engagement to the prince was broken off?”

“Absolutely not! No, I can’t deny that people said that rude thing not long ago—but no one believes it now.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes! Everyone says Evelina-sama adored the butler, Sylas-sama, but she couldn’t do anything about it because she was engaged to the prince and felt an unrequited love. And now that the engagement is over, she can finally do what she wants…!”

“Eh? Is that what they’re talking about?”

“Actually, Evelina-sama, what do you think? Everyone is gushing about how exciting it is to fall in love with someone from a different background!”

Enora inquires, a twinkle in her eye. I apologize for not living up to your expectations, but that is not the reason. I simply want to repay Sylas.

“That is not the case. I just want Sylas to be happy.”

“You don’t have to be shy. Evelina-sama appears to be in a good mood when she is with Sylas-sama.”

“I’m not trying to be shy, but…”

“Well, it’s difficult to say that the duke’s daughter loves her butler, even though her fiance is no longer with her.”

She nods her head, persuaded by herself.

“But, Evelina-sama aside, I believe Sylas-sama adores Evelina-sama. For a very long time.”

“Eh? What exactly did you say?”

“You can see Sylas-sama’s love for Evelina-sama in his eyes because of the way he looks at her. Please keep me updated on any developments!”

Enora left in good spirits when she said so.

She’s a good girl, but isn’t she full of assumptions?

I took a deep breath and returned to the hall.

But for some reason, I’m feeling strangely unsettled, and my face is hot from what Enora says.

Chapter 12/27│Read translated stories and daily updates at: Awebstories.com

It seems Enora was telling the truth, because I’ve been getting smiles everywhere I go with Sylas since then.

This is supposed to be preferable to being malicious, but it makes me uneasy. Ladies, in particular, seem to be very interested in me. They often approach me in a friendly way.

When I went to the Marquise’s tea party today, I was surrounded by all the ladies.

“Good morning, Evelina-sama.”

“Are you not with Sylas-sama today, Evelina-sama?”

“Today, Sylas has work at the mansion.”

The girls all look disappointed when I say that.

“Well, that’s a pity. I wish I could have seen you two together.”

“Hey, Evelina-sama, haven’t you been with Sylas-sama since you were a child? When did you first notice that you liked him?”

“No, Sylas is a nice man, but I don’t—”

“Well, you can be honest. You’re no longer the prince’s fiancée!”

“No, I’m referring to—”

I tried to softly deny it, but the ladies wouldn’t listen.

“But now that I think about it, Prince Jared’s claim that Evelina-sama bullied Camilia-sama is impossible, isn’t it?

“Prince Jared claimed he bullied Camilia-sama out of jealousy, but Evelina-sama, who adores Sylas-sama, can’t possibly be jealous of Prince Jared, can she?”

“That’s correct. I was skeptical from the start… Camilia-sama, you know…supposed to be a saint in the eyes of the public…but she’s been making a pass at Prince Jared when he was still engaged to Evelina-sama…It’s been weird.”

“She definitely wanted to get rid of Evelina-sama. It must have been difficult, Evelina-sama.”

The ladies seemed genuinely sorry for me. I was surprised.

They did not believe me in my first life, no matter how much I insisted that I had not bullied Camilia. It’s ironic that they thought I was more innocent this time because I didn’t expose the prince and Camilia’s lies.

“We’re rooting for you, Evelina-sama! Sylas-sama must adore Evelina-sama!”

“Good luck, Evelina-sama.”

When the ladies said so, they stormed away, merrily conversing.

I couldn’t help but stare at their backs.

—○█○—

People’s eyes were all warm or lukewarm, but I was antsy.

When I found out that there was a rumor going around that I was keeping Silas around, I couldn’t help but laugh, but I began to think that it might not be a good idea to let the rumors spread this far.

Everyone believes Sylas and I are in love of different statuses and that now that the prince has broken off our engagement, we can finally act freely.

I don’t care because I don’t want a good match any longer, but Sylas is the issue.

If such rumors about the Duchess spread, Sylas’ search for a spouse may be hampered.

Sylas is attractive and charming, but it would be a problem if a lovely young lady shied away from him because of the Duchess.

Silas, who is one year older than me, is now nineteen years old. He’s not in a hurry to marry, but if the rumors continue, it could have consequences.

When I deny the rumors, however, everyone assumes I’m embarrassed and doesn’t believe me.

“…That’s right! I can get Sylas a potential bride!”

That appears to be the best option.

www.awebstories.com (LOL)

If Sylas had someone else, the rumor that Sylas likes me would be debunked. People may speculate that I was dumped not only by my fiancée, but also by my butler, but I don’t care.

I’ve decided to live this life solely for the purpose of making Sylas happy.

Once I’ve made my decision, I must act quickly.

What kind of woman does Sylas prefer?

I couldn’t think of any, so I asked him.

Chapter 13/27│Read translated stories and daily updates at: Awebstories.com

“Did you want to see me, Ojo-sama?”

I ring the bell, and Sylas rushes over. I can’t help but smile when I see Sylas. Sylas narrows his eyes as he notices my expression.

“Ojo-sama looks happy. Did you come up with another idea?”

“Yes. I’m thinking about what I can do for you. I think you’ll enjoy it.

“I’m excited about it. Will you be taking me somewhere again?”

Sylas chuckles, as he has grown accustomed to being led around by me.

“Listen, Sylas, I’m going to look for a suitable bride for you. What is Sylas’s ideal woman? I can bring you whoever you want!”

Sylas’s eyes widened. After that, he shakes his head.

“A bride-to-be?” No, I’m not interested!”

“Don’t be afraid to ask. I can find any attractive lady or a lady from a well-established family. Sylas is both attractive and hardworking. I’m sure she’ll fall head over heels for you right away.

“I don’t think I need one.”

I confidently proposed the idea, but Sylas flatly rejected it.

“Why? You haven’t considered getting married yet?”

“No, I don’t particularly want to marry.”

Sylas said, his voice a little colder than usual. I was completely perplexed. Sylas’s getting a fiancée or a girlfriend would be the best way to put an end to the rumors.

Sylas softens his expression as he realizes my face has darkened and says,

“Thank you for taking the time to express your concern. But for the time being, I’d rather serve Ojo-sama than marry.”

“You don’t have to be concerned about me. Please prioritize your own happiness.”

“It brings me happiness to serve Ojo-sama.”

He stated it so emphatically that I couldn’t bring myself to recommend him any further that day.

—○█○—

But I wasn’t going to give up just because he refused once.

I tried many times after that to find the right moment to suggest a potential marriage partner to Sylas.

Since Sylas hasn’t told me who he’d like to marry, I look for a suitable lady, taking into account her age, family background, and reputation. My room is decorated with paintings of ladies that my maid secretly acquires for me.

Despite the fact that all of the girls are beautiful and well-known, Sylas is uninterested.

On the contrary, the mere mention of his marriage partner causes his face to cloud. Even when we’re out and about, he’s a little listless, which makes me sad.

I’m wondering if I was a little too assertive. As I reflected on this, one thought occurred to me.

Sylas is drawn away from me because I say something overly dramatic, such as “marriage partner.” I should set up a place where he can begin as a casual friend.

I decided to summon Sylas to my room.

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“Did you want to see me, Ojo-sama?”

“Thank you for coming, Sylas. I’ve been considering it. I’ve gone a little too far in my search for your fiancée.

“No, I appreciate Ojo-sama’s concern. It’s just that I’m not thinking about getting married.”

Sylas smiled as he heard my words. I smiled and went on.

“Right. You would not want to get married right away. So let’s do this! I’ll prepare you for the possibility of meeting someone who isn’t a marriage partner or a grandiose one. Tell me who’s your ideal woman and I’ll find someone for Sylas!”

When I made this suggestion, Sylas’s happy face twisted into a sad one. This unexpected reaction surprised me.

Sylas says, a forced smile on his face.

“Ojo-sama can’t find my ideal woman.”

“W-Why? I’m a duchess, I can find—”

Sylas grabs my arm and looks at me with a mixture of sadness and irritation in his eyes as I’m about to say something.

I couldn’t help but flinch, because Sylas had always given me a gentle look. Even though he said it was fine, I may have been too insistent.

“U-Um, Sylas, I apologize—I didn’t mean to be pushy.

“…If anyone is OK, will Ojo-sama marry me?”

Sylas looked me in the eye and said in a testy tone. I was almost out of breath.

“Everyone except Ojo-sama is the same. It has no significance. Please stop saying such cruel things…”

Sylas exhaled sharply.

I was so taken aback that I couldn’t respond, so after a brief silence, I finally opened my mouth.

“—do you mean you’d like to marry the Duchess? Is Sylas interested in becoming the Duke’s son-in-law?”

“That’s not the case!!! It makes no difference how beautiful she is or how good her family is if it is not Ojo-sama.”

Sylas responds immediately.

“Right. I apologize. I understand.”

I know it’s not a lie because Sylas sacrificed not only his position but also his life for me in my previous life. Those words could not have been calculated.

“Do you know that…”

I’m pretty sure Sylas likes me. He would not have put his life in danger for me if he had not.

But I assumed, because he’d been with me since I was young, that I was about to be executed, and that he’d taken my place out of brotherly compassion.

When Enora and the other daughters asked if I liked Sylas, I flatly denied it from the bottom of my heart.

Sylas had always respected and cared for me as if it were second nature, so it never occurred to me that there was more to it than “Ojo-sama.”

Sylas returned to himself after seeing my struggle with words and said.

“I apologize, Ojo-sama. I’m a butler, and I’ve embarrassed you…!! I’m going to take a breather.

“W-Wait!! Is Sylas interested in me?

Sylas is about to turn around and walk away when I grab his arm and pull him back.

He’s trembling, and his eyes are swimming.

Then he says, as he musters his courage,

“I’ve been in love with you since I was a child.”

I could feel my face warming up.

I couldn’t believe it, but I was gradually overcome with joy.

I’m not sure why. I was happy.

much happier than when I was the prince’s fiancée and he spoke sweet words to me on the spur of the moment.

“I realize it’s a selfish feeling. I don’t want Ojo-sama to take any action. I just don’t want her to tell me she’s looking for a wife for me.”

Sylas laments.

“You don’t want to become the Duke’s son-in-law, do you? When I lose my status, I’m just a regular person with a touch of beauty and elegance. Is that all right? I don’t have the ability to live, so I believe I’ll have to rely on Sylas at first, but I’ll try to adjust.”

“O-Ojo-sama? What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Marry me! I’m going to consult with my father! There’s a chance he’ll say no, but then I’ll be a commoner! Then there won’t be a problem, will there?”

Sylas’ eyes widened as I smiled and said this.

“N-No way! What exactly do you mean?! I don’t think Ojo-sama will marry me!”

“Because I want to grant all of Sylas’ wishes!”

“That’s not what I meant at all! Even if Ojo-sama can’t marry that idiot prince, Ojo-sama can still have many good matches. It can’t possibly be me!”

Sylas is so shaken that he says the most obnoxious things.

“Well, it doesn’t really matter.”

In the original world, I was imprisoned for attempted assassination. There is no such thing as a successful marriage.

Besides, I’ve never thought about it before, but the more I think about it, the more I feel it’s ideal to marry Sylas.

I can be with someone who would risk his life to save me, and I’m not sure why Sylas chooses me over all those lovely ladies.

Most importantly, I’d have a great time with Sylas. The most enjoyable weeks of my life since regressing.

“I want to make you happy. And I feel like I can be happy with you. Is that wrong?”

“Ojo-sama…”

Sylas looks at me hesitantly, then clutches me tightly.

“It’s as if I’m dreaming. Ojo-sama.”

I was overjoyed when he said this in a tearful tone.

Chapter 15/27│Read translated stories and daily updates at: Awebstories.com

The next day, I made the decision to start working on marrying Sylas.

First and foremost, I need to discuss it with my father. He probably won’t allow it, but since he’s already given up on me, he might tell me to do whatever I want. I won’t know unless I speak with him.

Otherwise, I’ll have to prepare to become a commoner.

I wonder if I will be able to do that since I grew up as the daughter of a duke without any laborious hardship. I’m a little nervous, but I’ve spent my entire life in a prison-like environment. Whatever my life entails, I believe I am capable of doing it.

Which city will I call home?

What kind of house will I live in?

Will I be able to find employment?

Since I won’t be a nobleman anymore, I’ll have to learn to cook and clean.

It makes me happy just thinking about it.

Knock, knock

There was a knock at my door just as I was smiling at the prospect of my new life. I answer it, and Sylas enters.

“Ara, Sylas! Hey, what kind of city do you want to live in? I was considering Riffel City in the…”

“I’m sorry about yesterday, Ojo-sama!”

Sylas bowed his head before I could finish. With blinking eyes, I looked at him.

“…what’s the matter?”

“Yesterday, I lost my cool. I took advantage of Ojo-sama’s generosity in finding me a marriage partner and demanded that she marry me! Please forgive me!”

With his head bowed, Sylas says. For a brief moment, I didn’t understand what he was saying, and when I did, I was furious.

“What exactly do you mean?! You said it yesterday, and now you want to retract it?!”

“N-No. It’s not that I’m taking it back… In the first place, there was no chance of marrying Ojo-sama. I was so happy to hear from Ojo-sama yesterday that I took advantage of it and even hugged her…”

Sylas raises his head, trembling.

“You mean you want to take it back? That’s awful. I was overjoyed!”

Sylas’ face flushes slightly as I say this. Then he shakes his head, takes a deep breath, and says.

“I’m not the right person for Ojo-sama. You deserve better.”

“What exactly is better?! Didn’t I tell you yesterday? I’d like to make you happy! I want to make whatever you want come true!”

“Don’t make a mistake with my wishes in your life, Ojo-sama!”

“I’m not making a mistake!”

The only mistake in my life is my last life. I was stupid enough to send an assassin to Camilia and was imprisoned as a result.

On the other hand, what’s the harm in cohabiting with Sylas?

“…even Sylas is calling it quits on the engagement…”

I was clearly shaken when I asked him so sadly.

Sylas thinks I was very hurt when Prince Jared broke off the engagement. When asked if he would do the same in a roundabout way, he was at a loss for words.

“I’d be happy to. I believe I would be happy with Sylas. Am I Wrong?”

“Ojo-sama, I…”

Sylas looks at me as if he’s about to say something.

Knock, knock

Then there was another knock on the door.

I invite her in, wondering who it is, and a maid-of-honor walks in. Then she opened her mouth as if she couldn’t think of anything to say.

“The master wishes to see you, Ojo-sama…”

“What about my father? What on earth does he want?

“That…, actually, Saint Camilia-sama was on her way to the temple and was the victim of an assassination attempt…”

“Assassination attempt?”

Sylas rolled her eyes in surprise as I stared blankly at the maid-of-honor.

Of course, I did not request Camilia’s assassination in this life. But what in the world is going on?

Chapter 16/27│Read translated stories and daily updates at: Awebstories.com

I dashed into my father’s office.

Sylas offered to accompany me, but I asked him to wait outside because I had no idea what was going on.

When I arrived at the office, my glum father informed me of what had occurred.

He told me that Camilia had been slashed with a knife on her way to the temple by a suspicious man. Fortunately, the guards took action quickly, and no one was seriously hurt. However, Camilia got a cut on her arm.

The assailant fled but was spotted by one of the guards, who pursued him and apprehended him quickly. He was said to be a young commoner with no ties to Camilia or the royal family.

When Prince Jared learned of Camilia’s injury, he became enraged and ordered to look into whether the criminal was just a single person. Upon questioning, the man confessed that he had been “sent by Evelina-sama of the ducal family.

“What! That was not something I requested!”

I immediately deny it, but my father’s expression remains solemn.

I’m not joking. This time, I didn’t really do anything. So, why is the same thing happening as it did the last time?

“Is that correct? You haven’t done it, have you?”

“Yes, I swear to God, I didn’t do it.”

“Then testify in front of Prince Jared.”

My father stated this with a solemn expression on his face. You should be more concerned about the possibility of your daughter being falsely accused. But, he did it the last time.

I nodded, but my heart was still pounding.

I’m not sure why. I had not resented the prince or Camilia this time, but had only tried to make Sylas happy.

Will my fate remain the same?

“Ojo-sama!”

I left the room and found Sylas waiting for me with a worried look on his face.

“You don’t appear well. What’s the problem? What were you saying just now?”

“Actually, Sylas…”

Sylas’ eyes widen as I explain the situation. Then, frustrated, he said.

“How much longer must the prince and that saint torment Ojo-sama?!”

“I’m going to the royal palace, Sylas. I have to convince them that I didn’t do it.”

When I said that, Sylas looked me in the eyes and said.

“Please let me accompany you…I can’t let Ojo-sama go by herself…”

—○█○—

The atmosphere in the palace was tense.

When I walked in, all of the servants looked at me. They all have a puzzled expression on their faces.

I’m uneasy, but the maid leads me to the room with Prince Jared and the others.

“Evelina?”

As I walked down the corridor, I came across Milius, the second prince. He had a haughty look on his face as he looked at me.

“What in the world are you doing here? After my brother called off the engagement, I assumed you were barred from the palace.”

“Your brother summoned me. Look, haven’t I been guided by the royal maid? Don’t worry, I didn’t sneak in.”

Milius frowns as I say this with a fake smile.

I’ve been falsely accused of murder, and I don’t have time to be concerned about Milius.

Sylas is standing next to me, staring at Milius, who isn’t moving.

Milius seemed a little flustered, possibly sensing the tense atmosphere.

“I’m not accusing you of anything. You may go if my brother summons you.”

“That’s exactly what I’m going to do.”

“It’s only that…”

Milius remains silent and refuses to speak further. The time the prince summoned me is almost up, but I’m at a loss for what to do.

“Milius-sama, if you want to talk to me, please let me hear it slowly later. We’re going to leave.”

“E-Evelina, wait!”

I could hear Milius calling from behind me, but I pretended not to hear him and urged the royal maid to continue.

Chapter 17/27│Read translated stories and daily updates at: Awebstories.com

“Please, this way.”

Milius interrupted us on the way, but we arrived on time. When the maid opened the door, Prince Jared and Camilia, among others, were present.

With a clear mind, I reasoned that the prince had probably invited them to be the audience for his punishment play.

“You’ve arrived, you villain.”

Prince Jared looks at me coldly.

People come to a halt, and I make my way over to him.

“I apologize for keeping you waiting. As you requested, I am present.”

I smiled, but Prince Jared’s face remained expressionless. Saint Camilia stands next to him, entwined with him as she was when the engagement was broken off, her eyes moist with anxiety.

Among the crowds gathered around the prince, a man with platinum blond hair stands out.

I almost burst out in shock. He was the duke’s eldest son and a friend of my eldest brother.

He was also the one who introduced me to the assassin who inspired me to assassinate Camilia in my first life after the breakup of our engagement.

It was strange to see his calm expression as people stared at me with confusion and tension in their eyes.

“Heh…you almost killed Camilia and you come to me with a smile?”

After my distraction, Prince Jared says, Bringing me back to reality.

“In that regard, I believe your highness is misunderstood. I’m not planning to assassinate Camilia-sama.”

“The perpetrator, who was apprehended in the act, testified that you asked him to do it. How does one explain that?!”

“I’m not sure what’s going on, but isn’t there no proof that the criminal’s words are true?”

As I said this with a raised eyebrow, Prince Jared’s face contorted in rage.

I was simply being truthful. Why do these brothers get so worked up over the smallest words, as Milius did the other day? I don’t want to offend them, but I’m perplexed.

“Clever C*nt! There is no doubt about it as long as the criminal testified clearly. And you have a reason!!! You sought my love unworthily and were envious of Camilia! You’re a terrible woman to resort to assassination!”

Prince Jared looks at me as if he were looking at something foul.

“Your Highness, please stop. Ojo-sama would never do something like that.”

Sylas approaches the prince and says.

“Who are you—oh, Evelina’s butler?”

When Prince Jared looks at Sylas, his mouth twists into a grin.

“I’ve heard rumors, Evelina, that you were so shocked when I broke off your engagement that you became involved with your butler. It’s pitiful that a duchess would seek solace from a servant!”

“Jared-sama, it’s pathetic to talk like that~”

Camilia chastised Prince Jared with a face that appeared to be trying not to laugh.

Nothing but the sound of the two unpleasant people laughing filled the room.

“Your Highness, Ojo-sama is—!”

“Hey, Evelina.”

Prince Jared faces me, ignoring Sylas.

“Do you like having a commoner as a partner like him? A worthless man with no social standing and no money?! If you admit your guilt and crawl on your knees to apologize, I’ll even make you my concubine.”

Slap!

My blood rushed to my head the moment he said this, and I found myself slapping Prince Jared’s cheek as hard as I could.

The room fell silent after there was a dry cracking sound.

Camilia, Sylas, and the rest of the people in the hall. Everyone was staring at me and the prince with their eyes wide open.

“What are you doing!!”

“…your Highness is talking nonsense.”

“What nonsense?! I was simply telling the truth!”

I cast a sidelong glance at the screaming prince and grab Sylas’ arm, who is staring at me with a surprised expression on his face.

“Sylas is excellent, kind, and cool, and he’s been watching me for a long time. You called him a worthless man? Sylas is the most wonderful man in the world, unlike you, whose only merit is your position!”

I told the prince so clearly.

Sylas, who I was still clutching his arm, was red and his mouth was open, as if he wanted to say something.

“You…!”

The prince’s face was flushed with rage as he placed his right hand on his hit cheek.

Then he gave the order to the soldiers who were waiting.

“Capture Evelina for attempting to assassinate Camilia and endangering the royal family! Throw her in the lowest level of the prison!”

I clench my fists in response to the prince’s words.

I could have made a mistake. No, I’m sure I made a mistake. I had planned to live this life without holding grudges, focusing solely on Sylas’ happiness.

But as soon as someone said something negative about Sylas, I couldn’t think of anything else.

When I looked up, I saw Sylas standing in front of me, as if he was guarding me. Despite the situation, I felt relieved when I looked at his broad back.

Oh, I’ve had enough. Even though I didn’t do it in this life, I once tried to assassinate Camilia. Maybe I deserve to be punished.

But I can’t let Sylas take my place this time.

That’s the only thing I need to do.

Chapter 18/27│Read translated stories and daily updates at: Awebstories.com

…something isn’t right.

The prince had just given them the order to capture me, but there was no sign of any soldiers approaching.

The hall is simply deafeningly quiet.

I could see Prince Jared’s confused expression as he gave the order with authority.

“What are you doing? I instructed you to apprehend Evelina. Catch her right away!”

“No, but…”

“Evelina-sama is…”

The prince commands once more, but the soldiers only look at each other with a troubled look.

“Brother, may I speak with you?”

A voice rang out from the back of the hall. He approached us after passing through a path that had been cleared by others.

“…what do you want, Milius?”

Prince Jared was startled by Milius’ sudden appearance. He looks at Milius, unsure when he arrived.

“Brother, it is unjust to condemn Miss Evelina for harming the royal family. You started by insulting her and her butler.”

“No! I told the truth! That woman attempted to assassinate Camilia!”

“And yet, as she said, there’s no evidence.”

Milius meets Jared’s gaze squarely in the eyes. I was totally taken aback. I’m curious about what kind of wind Milius had when he was supposed to be hostile to me.

Camilia, who had been quietly listening, looked up at Milius with teary eyes and said sadly.

“Milius-sama, but Evelina-sama has been cruel to me on numerous occasions~ When I was cut off this time, I saw her face right away. She despised me and wished to murder me because I was engaged to Prince Jared…”

Camilia’s eyes seemed to be looking for protection. Milius, on the other hand, casts a glance away and then back to Prince Jared.

“I don’t believe so. Miss Evelina no longer appears to be interested in older brother or Camilia.”

“That’s not possible! Evelina is…”

“I met Evelina and her butler in a restaurant the other day.”

The prince was interrupted by Milius, who looked at him suspiciously.

“At the time, when I mentioned Brother and Camilia, Miss Evelina said she didn’t care and that it was great that you two got along so well. To be honest, I was taken aback. I assumed she had a grudge against Brother.”

“Heh, she’s free to say whatever you want with her mouth!”

“I was rude that day and splattered water on her.” Milius clarifies.

The eyes of Prince Jared were wide open. The hall began to vibrate.

“…What, what are you talking about?”

“Evelina, on the other hand, kept smiling. She gave me a smile and said she’d stopped feeling sorry for herself. She stated that she cared more for those who treated her consistently than those who abandoned her. Brother, Do you believe all of these words were uttered in order to be glossed over?”

Milius looked Prince Jared in the eyes and then turned his gaze to us, leaving him speechless.

Then he uttered an apology.

“I’m sorry about the other day, Miss Evelina. That’s exactly what I intended to say.”

The hall had become even noisier. At times, people’s conversations could be heard.

“Yes, Evelina-sama, she’s been having a lot of fun with Sylas-sama lately.”

“Everyone was excited that it was Sylas-sama whom Evelina-sama adored.”

“I don’t know if the story about her bullying Camilia-sama when they broke off the engagement is true or not…”

Prince Jared must have overheard what was being said. His face is flushed, and his mouth is contorted in anger.

Camilia, who has been smiling like a goddess the entire time, looks around and clicks her tongue. I was a little taken aback.

And I see the platinum blonde man from earlier as the room heats up in disbelief.

He was the man who introduced me to the assassin in my previous life. He appears to be irritated by the situation and is looking around the hall.

I’m sure he’s the one who’s suspicious…

He never contacted me in this life, but he was the one who inspired me in the previous one. Because the attempted assassination occurred in the same manner as the previous attempt, it is reasonable to assume that he requested the assassin directly rather than through me.

I believe so, but I don’t want to raise suspicions about why I know such a thing by mentioning what happened the last time. I’m frustrated as I look at the Duke’s son.

“Miss Evelina.”

Milius approached me as I was looking at the Duke and biting my lower lip.

“I’m sorry for what happened to my brother. You can leave now because I know you don’t like the noise here. I’ll handle the rest.”

“Milius-sama, I thought you despised me.”

“Your words have jolted me awake. I also stopped wallowing in self-pity. I, on the other hand, have just had my heart broken.”

Milius smiled a broad grin as he said this.

“Let’s go, Ojo-sama.”

“Yeah. Thank you, Milius-sama.”

“Have a safe journey home.”

At Silas’s urging, I make my way to the exit.

“Wait a minute, Evelina! We’re not done yet!”

I hear Prince Jared yelling behind me, but Milius appears to have stopped him. Sylas and I exited the noisy hall.

Chapter 19/27│Read translated stories and daily updates at: Awebstories.com

We made it safely back from the palace, but the hardest part was yet to come.

“How are you, Evelina? Why don’t we talk over a cup of tea every now and then? I have some excellent tea leaves.”

“Well, Father, I’m supposed to have tea with Sylas today, so I’ll abstain.”

“Well, that’s unfortunate. However, it is also critical to improve your interactions with your servants. Please keep up the good work.”

“Y-Yeah…”

My father’s attitude had changed a lot since the day I was called to the royal palace.

Apparently, the people had received me very favorably because of what Milius had said during the unrest at the palace.

In their eyes, I am “the lady who was wrongfully accused but faithful to her love.”

The uproar accelerated the widespread support for me and Sylas that had been building up until that point, particularly among the ladies. We are now being stared at everywhere we go.

My father’s attitude has likely shifted as a result of Prince Milius’s visiting our home more frequently.

Milius’ attitude has shifted; he now frequently visits our home and leaves letters and gifts.

I’m glad he’s become friendlier, but I’m even more perplexed.

When Milius came and didn’t want to leave, Sylas always stayed behind me. Perhaps he is afraid that he will hurt me again because of his previous behavior.

I told him he didn’t have to be concerned about me now that Milius didn’t despise me so much. “I can’t leave you two alone,” Sylas said firmly, looking at me as if he wanted to say something.

When I asked him why, he didn’t say anything.

Yes, and I heard that the king severely reprimanded Prince Jared and Camilia after that.

While the King was away on a trip, it appears that Prince Jared made the call on his own.

When the king learned of the incident, he was furious and summoned Prince Jared and Camilia to re-examine the assassination attempt as well as the accusations that I had bullied Camilia in the past.

When it became clear that I had done nothing wrong, the king decided to dethrone Prince Jared and send him to the border, accompanied by Camilia.

Both the prince and Camilia appear to have put up a lot of resistance, but the king is said to have refused to listen.

It was amusing to picture the prince and Camilia in a frenzy.

By the way, I was summoned to the royal palace, and the king personally apologized for this incident.

As for the mastermind behind the assassination attempt on Camilia, it was, as expected, the duke’s son. The perpetrators plotted the assassination on his orders and named me as the culprit.

My brother and he were both friends and rivals (both are next Dukes), so his competitive spirit must have gone awry.

It looks like he wanted to make me, the sister, a sinner in order to weaken the family’s authority. Now that the duke’s son has been caught, I don’t think he will try to mess with me again.

I am relieved, but I am not too happy about it.

“I received a letter from your friend, Ojo-sama.”

“Oh, thank you so much. It’s just in time. I had something I wanted to tell you.”

I had finally found some time in my hectic schedule and was taking a break in my room when Sylas entered with a letter, and I ran to him with a smile. Sylas squinted and tilted his head.

“What is it? Ojo-sama.”

“Listen, I think I was able to obtain my father’s approval for our marriage!”

When I tell him this, the normally cheerful Sylas becomes troubled.

“Ojo-sama, I told you that you didn’t have to do that!”

“But now my father is thinking about it, you know? He was initially opposed, but when I told him that if he didn’t approve, I would leave home and become a commoner, he became very concerned.

Lately, I’ve been remarking that it might be a good idea for “one of your children to marry out of the ordinary.”

“Don’t do that, Ojo-sama! You shouldn’t annoy the Master by saying such a thing!”

I told him that it was fine and that I, too, wanted to marry Sylas, but Sylas just looked puzzled and upset.

Looking at that face makes me feel a little lonely.

“Am I bothering you?”

“…eh?”

“Did I overdo it? I assumed Sylas would be pleased with me.”

Looking at Silas’ perplexed expression, I began to worry that I was doing something wrong.

Sylas had said he liked me, but perhaps he didn’t want to go through the trouble of marrying a duchess just to be with me.

If that’s the case, I feel like a fool for being so happy by myself.

Just as I’m about to break down, I hastily shake my head.

It makes no difference.

I’ve decided to live this life for Sylas, not for myself. Any future will suffice as long as Sylas is happy.

I manage to smile in order to get rid of my sadness.

Suddenly, he grabs my arm and hugs me.

“Sylas…?”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to give that look to Ojo-sama.”

Sylas hugs me tightly and says,

“I’m sorry. I was simply concerned that my selfish desire would limit your future.”

“What are you talki…”

“However, every time Ojo-sama received a new marriage proposal, I felt uneasy…I didn’t want to give Ojo-sama to anyone.”

Is Sylas attempting to answer yes? I can feel his heartbeat quickening in his chest, which is so close to mine.

Sylas pulls away and grabs my shoulders, as if he’s made up his mind.

“Ojo-sama, will you marry me?!”

I’ve heard these words before. But it didn’t sound like a test this time. Sylas just stared at me, serious and unwavering.

Without hesitation, I nodded.

“Yes! Of course! With pleasure!”

Sylas’ face, which had been fixed on me, relaxed as I replied.

“Ojo-sama, I…”

“I will definitely make you happy, Sylas!”

“…thank you, but isn’t it usually the other way around? I want to make Ojo-sama happy.”

“Really? Then let’s make each other happy! I’ll be counting on you.”

When I said that, Silas laughed funnyly.

“Ojo-sama, leave it to me!”

I felt a tingle in my chest and a smile spread across my face.

I’m not sure why I’m so much happier now than I was when my engagement to Prince Jared was announced.

It wasn’t until that point that I realized what I really desired was a future like this.

~The End~

There are still 7 chapters left, but they are from Sylas’ point of view

Chapter 20/27│Read translated stories and daily updates at: Awebstories.com

One day, Ojo-sama gave me a start.

Ojo-sama, who had been so preoccupied with Prince Jared that she didn’t seem to notice other people.

When I heard at the palace that the prince had broken off Ojo-sama’s engagement, I was concerned about what would happen to her.

She had to be in a lot of pain and depression. I dashed to find her, but all I saw was Ojo-sama with a big smile on her face.

“I’m going to spend this life repaying you!”

Ojo-sama stated this with a clear face.

Ojo-sama kept talking about “repaying”, how strange it was, and how she was going to “repay” me?

In my opinion, she doesn’t owe me anything.

On the other hand, I owe Ojo-sama a debt.

I couldn’t quite understand what was going on, but Ojo-sama has always been kind to me since then. She prepared sumptuous meals, tried to provide me with a nice room, and was always willing to give me whatever I desired.

I was perplexed because I had no reason to ask Ojo-sama to do such a thing.

Ojo-sama, who had never before looked at me, was always by my side, trying to please me.

Many times, I suspected that I was dreaming a convenient dream.

At the same time, I worried that she was becoming desperate as a result of the prince’s arrogance.

However, Ojo-sama was completely unclouded.

The second prince, who was arrogant, made a lot of unjustified accusations, but her smile stayed the same.

She didn’t appear to be pushing herself too hard…For some reason, Ojo-sama appears to be in a good mood afterward.

“Sylas. I’d like to make you happy.”

Ojo-sama laughed and looked brighter than usual. It’s tempting to cling to Ojo-sama’s words and fantasize about convenience.

Ojo-sama, the duke’s daughter, and I, a commoner, would never be a match.

The first time I had a strange feeling about Ojo-sama was when I was only nine years old. I had recently been hired by the duke’s family and was sitting depressed in a garden corner because I was being chastised for not doing my job properly.

My family ran a relatively large clothing store.

My brother was two years older than me, and all of my parents’ expectations were aimed at him.

Despite the fact that we were brothers, my parents were only interested in what my brother did and not in me.

One day, the head of a ducal family came to see our products.

Our shop also sells rare antiques and is frequently visited by nobles. Still, it’s not every day that a duke visits our shop, and my parents greeted him with a mix of nervousness and excitement.

Of course, he was taken to a special room and treated with the utmost respect.

My brother and I were invited into the special room of the shop to entertain the Duke. My parents were on either side of my brother the entire time, proudly introducing him.

All they gave me was a heads-up to be polite and not be rude to the Duke.

I carried out my responsibilities quietly, trying to conceal my sadness.

The Duke, on the other hand, saw me as a useful child, despite the fact that I was only pouring tea and introducing products as I had been taught.

On the way home, the duke turned to my parents and asked if the dark-brown-haired boy, me, could work as an apprentice for the dukes.

My parents were clearly dissatisfied that I had been chosen over their favorite first-born son.

However, they must have weighed the benefits of being associated with the ducal family more heavily.

Their expressions immediately relaxed, and they agreed.

Meanwhile, I was never asked for my opinion.

I was only nine years old at the time, and I was terrified of leaving home to work in a foreign environment, in a world far away from home.

My parents, on the other hand, paid no attention to my feelings.

I stayed at the house for a while before moving in and working for the Dukes.

Chapter 21/27│Read translated stories and daily updates at: Awebstories.com

The days at the Duke’s house, which I was not used to, were perplexing.

Of course, as a child, I was not given such difficult tasks, but it was difficult to do my job in a nobleman’s house without being rude, and I was frequently reprimanded by the head butler.

I never received a response from my parents when I sent them a letter, who greeted me with a smile on the day I left home, so I eventually stopped writing to them.

My parents abandoned me, and the adults at the Duke’s house scolded me.

This is an exaggeration, but I felt at the time that I was useless.

“You’re our new butler. What are you doing here?”

“Are you Evelina Ojo-sama?”

Evelina-sama, the young lady of the family, appeared in front of me as I was crouching in the corner of the garden.

Ojo-sama shook her long pink-beige hair and looked down at me.

“Is there something wrong? Is that why you’re so depressed?”

“N-No. That is not the case…”

“Then I’ll sing you a song to make you feel better! It was taught to me by my teacher!”

When Ojo-sama said this, she started singing in a cheerful and childish tone. She wasn’t particularly good at singing.

Ojo-sama smiled proudly at me after she finished singing.

“What do you think? Do you feel better now? Isn’t it a lovely song?”

“Y-Yes. It made me feel a lot better. Thank you.”

I couldn’t help but be grateful to Ojo-sama for singing for me. But Ojo-sama was unconvinced.

“You still appear depressed. Yes, I’ll tell you a story I enjoy! It’s about a princess who escapes from a castle and travels through different countries. I’m sure hearing it will make you feel better.”

Ojo-sama said this solemnly, sat down next to me, and began to speak. With all due respect, she was also a little sloppy in her singing, and her speech frequently went back and forth, so I couldn’t understand much of what she was saying.

But when Ojo-sama spoke, her face was filled with joy, and it made me happy as well.

“Oh, you’re finally laughing! Isn’t this a fascinating story?”

“Yes, thank you very much.”

“Unfortunately, I haven’t read the rest of the story yet, so I don’t know what will happen next. I’ll tell you more after I finish reading the rest of the book today.”

Ojo-sama said with a smile. Her smile was so endearing that I forgot to respond and just stared at her.

“Hey, are you listening to me?”

“Y-Yes! I’m listening.”

“Promise me. Come back here tomorrow, okay?”

Ojo-sama said this, then waved her hand in the air and walked away. I just stood there staring blankly in the direction Ojo-sama had gone.

With the sudden appearance of Ojo-sama, the melancholy feeling I had felt earlier had completely vanished.

My first conversation with Ojo-sama left an indelible impression on me.

The next day, Ojo-sama returned to the same location and told me the story again in her faltering speech.

She looked at me intently after she finished. Then, in a cheerful tone, she said, “You’re looking better!” She then waved goodbye and walked away.

Following that, the kind-hearted Ojo-sama, who may have been concerned that the “boy so close to her age appeared depressed,” approached him every time they passed each other in the house.

When our gazes met, Ojo-sama would smile and approach me. Then she’d grab my sleeve and drag me into the garden or the hall.

Ojo-sama would tell me songs and stories wherever she took me.

Of course, the good times necessitated a great deal of work. So I had to work late that day, but I was so happy to see Ojo-sama that I didn’t mind.

Ojo-sama is sweet, lovable, and always cheerful.

The mere smile of Ojo-sama makes my tiredness fly away in no time.

As I looked forward to seeing Ojo-sama every day, I gradually became accustomed to the Duke’s work and became less perplexed.

The duke’s house, which should have been a source of worry, has become a haven of peace and tranquility.

Chapter 22/27│Read translated stories and daily updates at: Awebstories.com

“I’m sorry Evelina frequently interferes with your work. You’re not obligated to accompany her every time just because she’s your master’s daughter.”

When I brought the documents to the master’s room one day, he said to me as he took them.

My head shook.

“I don’t believe Ojo-sama is meddling. Ojo-sama is always concerned about me, for which I am grateful.”

“Really? I’m hoping so.”

The master thinks for a moment before saying this.

“Are you thinking about becoming Evelina’s personal butler, Sylas? She appears to like you a lot and she listens to you.”

“Me? Ojo- sama’s… But I’m a child, I’m not from a noble family, and I’m not worthy of being Ojo-personal sama’s butler.”

“No, I’m not going to leave you in charge of everything. Of course, I would require another servant if needed. Keep an eye on Evelina. A noblewoman who is too daring will not make a good pawn in the future.”

Simply put, the master says. The word “pawn” caught me off guard, but the unexpected implication made my heart race faster.

“Yes Sir. I will do everything in my power to meet your expectations.”

The Master quietly nodded. I bowed and exited the room, feeling restless.

I went into Ojo-sama’s room and informed her that I had become her personal butler and that she could now ask me anything she wanted.

“So I’ll be able to spend a lot of time with Sylas from now on!”

Ojo-sama appears to be very happy.

I corrected her, saying that I would look after her rather than play with her, but Ojo-sama just smiled at me, whether she was listening or not.

I couldn’t bring myself to say anything else because she smiled so sweetly.

Ojo-sama is a naturally good-natured person.

She is carefree, mischievous, and innocent.

However, when she became the crown prince’s fiancée at the age of ten, Ojo-sama began to change gradually.

When Ojo-sama first met Jared-sama, the kingdom’s first prince, she returned to the house with a sparkle in her eyes.

“Listen, Sylas! Today I met with the Crown Prince. He has golden hair and blue eyes, just like the prince from fairy tales! He stated that he intends to marry me in the future!”

Ojo-sama smiles and puts her hands on her cheeks. She seemed to enjoy her first meeting with the prince.

Daughters of noble families, in general, are not free to choose their marriage partners.

I should be grateful that Ojo-sama has had the good fortune to be content with her parents’ choice of a partner.

Nonetheless, my heart aches.

“Well, that’s good…Ojo-sama.”

At first, Ojo-sama was blushing and happy, but then she looked at me and became concern.

“Sylas, what’s wrong? Have you had a bad day? You don’t appear well.”

“No, that’s not the case…”

“I’m sorry. I’m so excited when Sylas is down. Oh, I’ll tell you another amusing story. I’ll ask the chief butler to give you a break, okay?”

Ojo-sama, who is oblivious to my ugly thoughts, raises her eyebrows at me and expresses concern for me.

I felt guilty when I saw her face. I only want Ojo-sama to be happy.

I can only wish Ojo-sama happiness and hope that he and Prince Jared get along well.

Chapter 23/27│Read translated stories and daily updates at: Awebstories.com

But…since her engagement to Prince Jared, Ojo-sama has gradually stopped smiling.

Her soft smile had been replaced by a stern expression that seemed to have no room for anything else, and her lovely lips, which had always spun songs and stories, had been replaced by exemplary topics such as politics and the kingdom’s history.

In those days, Ojo-sama seemed to be on edge all the time.

She made certain that she was worthy of being the Crown Prince’s fiancée and that she never acted inappropriately.

Ojo-sama no longer expresses her desires. Even when she looked at the girls dressed up walking around the city with interest, she quickly turned her gaze away and tried to get to other things to do.

She no longer tries to avoid her teacher’s lessons.

Ojo-sama, who used to try to sneak out of her room to play, doesn’t complain anymore, despite the fact that her schedule is almost always full.

“Ojo-sama, aren’t you pushing yourself too hard? You’re always working so hard, you could use a little rest.”

“I’m the Crown Prince’s fiancée. I don’t have time to take a break.”

Ojo-sama’s face was tense as she said this.

I couldn’t say anything else because she said she didn’t want to take a break.

I leave Ojo-sama’s room with a heavy heart.

But…despite Ojo-sama’s efforts to be a suitable fiancée for the Crown Prince, Prince Jared disliked her.

He is unaware of the high nobility’s pressure on Ojo-sama, and he is unconcerned when he learns that the Queen’s education is crammed into an unreasonable schedule.

Even when Ojo-sama was being talked about behind her back by the mean noble ladies who were always giving her a hard time and saying that she was not pretty, the prince only listened and laughed along with them.

The problem is that when the prince is in a good mood, he walks with Ojo-sama and compliments her on her beauty, despite the fact that he is completely uninterested in her.

“Sylas, today Jared-sama complimented me on how lovely my peachy hair is.”

As she looks in the mirror in her room, Ojo-sama says with a smile. However, her smile looks somewhat distorted.

“That’s encouraging.”

“Yes, You wouldn’t call a girl “lovely” if you didn’t think she was lovely, would you? Jared-sama seems to like me a lot, doesn’t he?”

“…I’m certain he does, because His Highness Jared is Ojo-sama’s fiancée.”

Ojo-sama exhaled a sigh of relief when I replied.

“Right, I’m Jared-sama’s fiancee…she can’t possibly think of Camilia…”

As she looks into the mirror, Ojo-sama mumbles to herself.

Prince Jared was concerned about Camilia, a young lady who had been invited to the palace as a saint.

The prince follows Camilia wherever she goes, and at parties, he stands next to her and extols her wonderful qualities to those around him.

It’s not surprising that those who didn’t know what was going on thought the saint was the prince’s fiancée.

Ojo-sama’s mouth tightened whenever she saw them, as if she was trying to endure.

I was frustrated because I couldn’t do anything. I wished the prince had been someone who had considered Ojo-sama first. Then she wouldn’t have had to go through as much pain.

No matter how badly Prince Jared treated her, Ojo-sama would never give up on him.

“I-I’m Jared-sama’s fiancee…”

When she saw Prince Jared and Camilia together, Ojo-sama used to mutter something similar. She appeared to be on the verge of crying and struggled mightily to keep it together.

“I’m sure you’re tired, Ojo-sama.” Why don’t we go into town today and get Ojo-sama’s favorite cake?”

I said to Ojo-sama, who was looking down, hoping to make her feel better.

“No, I’m not going to. If I have time to visit the town, I’d rather get back to work on my studies.”

Ojo-sama said this casually, reminding me that what Ojo-sama needs is not my encouragement, but Prince Jared’s attention.

Chapter 24/27│Read translated stories and daily updates at: Awebstories.com

But Prince Jared’s treatment of Ojo-sama, who was still in love with him, was cruel.

He accused Ojo-sama of harassing Saint Camilia at a party attended by many nobles and ended the engagement.

At the time, I was in the palace but did not enter the hall. I was cleaning Ojo-personal sama’s belongings in another room with other servants.

Then a panicked lady-in-waiting came in and told me that Prince Jared had broken off his engagement to Evelina-sama and had begun a new relationship with Camilia.

I felt as if my mind was going blank.

Ojo-sama had put in a lot of effort to become the Crown Prince’s fiancée. She had been willing to go through anything for Prince Jared.

Is this the response to that?

I couldn’t take it anymore and stormed out of the room.

Is she crying?

Is she driven by despair?

She’s gotten so good at hiding her emotions that she’s in danger of being crushed by them.

My mind races as I walk faster through the palace.

Then I noticed Ojo-sama ahead of me.

She must have been so frustrated by being at the party that she bolted.

She was almost stumbling and running with all her strength.

“Ojo-sama—!”

“Sylas!!”

Ojo-sama says my name as she vigorously embraces me. I abruptly stopped thinking.

“O-Ojo-sama? What happened all of a sudden?”

“Aah, Sylas…Sylas…I’ve been missing you so much.”

Ojo-sama wrapped her arms around me and wouldn’t let go. I hadn’t felt such close contact since I was a child, and I was completely overwhelmed at the moment.

She’s no longer a child, but now that she’s grown into a lady, she shouldn’t have embraced a male servant so easily. I wondered if Ojo-sama was so shocked that she was so confused.

But Ojo-sama was glowing.

And she said she was going to “pay me back.”

—○█○—

At first, I thought she was pretending to be happy in order to get through the pain of the broken engagement after being treated so badly by the prince she loved.

But, as she put it, Ojo-sama didn’t seem to care about the prince or Camilia.

“I’d like to go horseback riding tomorrow, Sylas! Would you like to accompany me?”

“Of course, But are you certain you want to spend so much time with me on a regular basis?

“Of course! I’m going to make Sylas happy.”

Ojo-sama says with a smile.

Ojo-sama appears to have reverted to her childlike innocence these days.

In the past, I asked Ojo-sama to go with me to the town. Since then, she has taken me to different places on a regular basis.

It was supposed to be a one-time memory, but Ojo-sama has since invited me to various places.

It’s difficult not to be happy that Ojo-sama takes such good care of me. Also, I was nervous and thought about whether or not I should be treated this way.

—○█○—

One day, Ojo-sama was invited to an evening party hosted by a Marquise. As his personal butler, I accompanied her.

I noticed something unsavory there.

Prince Jared and Camilia were flirting with each other in public.

Ojo-sama has been barred from entering the royal palace since her engagement was broken off, so she has had few opportunities to see them.

It was unexpected to run into them in such a place. On the other hand, Ojo-sama was unconcerned when she saw Prince Jared lovingly caressing Camilia’s cheek or Camilia giving him a passionate look as the prince wrapped his arms around her waist.

“Ojo-sama, shall we go outside for a moment?”

I’m afraid she’s pushing herself too hard, so I ask quietly, but Ojo-sama’s expression remains unchanged.

“No, we just walked in and are now in the hall. It would be rude.”

“But His Highness and Camilia-sama…”

“Those two, Ara? If they want to flirt, they should do so in a more appropriate setting.”

In disgust, Ojo-sama put her hand on her cheek and said, Her voice was devoid of sadness or irritation.

Later, when the ladies of the invited guests approached her, Ojo-sama seemed to enjoy conversing with them.

I was curious and asked Ojo-sama on the way home.

“Are you sure you don’t care about Prince Jared, Ojo-sama? You don’t have to push yourself too hard.”

If Ojo-sama truly does not want to see them, we need to find out before the party so we don’t bump into each other like we did today.

However, Ojo-sama is unconcerned.

“Don’t worry about it. I’ve told you before, haven’t I? I don’t care about Prince Jared, and I want them to be happy”.

“But…”

“To be honest, I don’t remember why I liked Prince Jared. Isn’t he a bit childish? He just looked good for a prince.”

With a chuckle, Ojo-sama said.

I was taken aback by her words, which I could not have predicted from the Ojo-sama I had previously known.

“But I’d like Sylas to accompany me again! I’d like to go to the theater this time. Can you come?”

“Y-Yes. Of course.”

I nodded reflexively when Ojo-sama asked with a bright smile. To Ojo-sama’s invitation, there is only one possible response: “yes.”

“I’ve recently found that I have the most fun when I’m with Sylas.”

With a carefree smile, Ojo-sama says.

All my unnecessary thoughts flew away as I looked at her face.

Chapter 25/27│Read translated stories and daily updates at: Awebstories.com

Since her engagement was broken, Ojo-sama has always been by my side, inviting me to many places and even saying that being with me is the most enjoyable thing.

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t suspect Ojo-sama harbored romantic feelings for me.

But one day…my hopes were quickly dashed when Ojo-sama summoned me to her room and announced that she was going to find me a marriage partner.

She looks at me as if she expects me to be pleased, and I’m guessing she has no idea how cruel she is saying.

I managed to calm down and tell her that I don’t want anything like that and that I’m not interested in marriage in particular.

But Ojo-sama’s expression remained dissatisfied.

Despite the fact that I was able to persuade her that day, Ojo-sama began to make frequent marriage proposals to me the following day.

I felt like crying every time Ojo-sama told me about it.

Ojo-sama’s unwavering concern for me was pure kindness.

It was arrogant to believe that Ojo-sama felt the same way about me.

“Sylas, you don’t seem to be in good spirits. Are you all right?”

When Ojo-sama notices my disappointment, she looks at my face with concern. I look at her, remembering how this happened to me when I was younger.

“N-No, I’m fine. I apologize for causing you concern.”

“Really? Don’t overwork yourself.”

I look at Ojo-sama, who says this solemnly, and remind myself of my folly. I knew she was out of my reach from the start.

I should be grateful that Ojo-sama is concerned about me, even if she doesn’t think much (romantically) of me.

But, just as I was about to think about it, Ojo-sama said something else cruel to me.

Ojo-sama, who summoned me back to the room, appeared serious, her eyebrows raised.

“Sylas, I’m sorry. I’ve been too aggressive in trying to find you a fiancée.”

At first, I was relieved. Now, Ojo-sama would not be able to recommend a marriage candidate. I smile and reply.

“No, I appreciate Ojo-sama’s concern. It’s just that I’m not thinking about getting married.”

“Right. You would not want to get married right away. So let’s do this! I’ll prepare you for the possibility of meeting someone who isn’t a marriage partner or a grandiose one. Tell me who’s your ideal woman and I’ll find someone for Sylas!”

Ojo-sama said in a cheerful tone.

How many more times can she break my heart? I just want to be near Ojo-sama, even if I can’t reach her. Why is it that she can’t see that?

The emotions I’ve been repressing are about to burst.

I found myself clutching Ojo-sama’s frail arm.

Ojo-sama blinks open his eyes in surprise.

But I can’t bring myself to let go of her.

“…If anyone is OK, will Ojo-sama marry me?”

Emotions boiled over, and I couldn’t stop myself from saying those words.

Ojo-sama was staring at me, dumbfounded.

It’s no surprise. When you’re told something like that by someone you think is just a butler, it’s understandably perplexing.

Ojo-sama asked me hesitantly if I wanted to be the duke’s son-in-law.

Saddened that she took it that way, I replied that it was not so and that I preferred Ojo-sama, whereupon she looked away restlessly.

My mind gradually calmed down after a lengthy conversation.

What on earth am I doing? Ojo-sama is just trying to be nice by assisting me in finding a marriage partner. Ojo-sama appeared to be troubled and at a loss for words.

I can’t believe I became so agitated and said such rash things.

“I apologize, Ojo-sama. I’m a butler, and I’ve embarrassed you…!! I’m going to take a breather.

Ojo-sama grabbed my hand and held me back when I said this in a fit of self-loathing. She then asked if I liked her.

I couldn’t deceive myself by saying “no,” so I just nodded.

But Ojo-sama, who I expected to be perplexed, said something unexpected.

“Marry me! I’m going to consult with my father! There’s a chance he’ll say no, but then I’ll be a commoner! Then there won’t be a problem, will there?”

In awe, I look at Ojo-sama.

She was merrily spinning her words.

“I want to make you happy. And I feel like I can be happy with you. Is that wrong?”

I found myself hugging Ojo-sama after she said it with such clear eyes.

Chapter 26/27│Read translated stories and daily updates at: Awebstories.com

I was feverish when I fell asleep that day.

But the next day, I realized I had done something outrageous.

It was beyond absurd for a commoner butler to propose marriage to Ojo-sama, the duke’s daughter.

As Ojo-sama said, the Master probably would not allow such a thing. Ojo-sama said she’s willing to become a commoner if he refuses.

Ojo-sama was raised in a ducal household and should be able to live a peaceful and comfortable life. It is unforgivable that she should be reduced to the status of a commoner as a result of my selfishness.

I dashed into Ojo-sama’s room to apologize for the previous day’s incident.

Ojo-sama raised her brows in rage when she heard my apology. But I couldn’t just take her word for it for the sake of Ojo-sama’s future.

Ojo-sama’s sad expression shook me to my core, but I desperately tried to gather myself and persuade her.

Before reaching a conclusion, an unexpected incident occurred—a maid reported an assassination attempt on Camilia.

The perpetrator’s words, “Evelina-sama asked me to do it.” were taken at face value by Prince Jared, who summoned Ojo-sama to the palace.

Prince Jared’s arrogance is grating—first he abruptly breaks off the engagement, and now he suspects Ojo-sama of assassination? But I’m powerless to do anything.

I request Ojo-sama to accompany her to the palace.

—○█○—

At the palace, Prince Jared was even more arrogant than usual. Even though he had no solid evidence, he went to the trouble of gathering a large crowd and accusing Ojo-sama of being behind the assassination.

I was sickened by both the prince’s contemptuous stare at Ojo-sama and Camilia’s entanglement of her arms, as if she had been spoiled by him.

I couldn’t take the prince’s abuse of Ojo-sama any longer, so I interrupted him without thinking, and he looked at me with contempt.

“Who are you—oh, Evelina’s butler?”

Not caring that I tried to deny it, Prince Jared looked at Ojo-sama and continued.

“Do you like having a commoner as a partner like him? A worthless man with no social standing and no money?! If you admit your guilt and crawl on your knees to apologize, I’ll even make you my concubine.”

The words were extremely insulting. No person with normal nerves could have said, “If you apologize after I abandoned you unilaterally, I will make you my concubine.”

But I couldn’t argue with what he said. In frustration, I bit my lower lip.

If only Ojo-sama had been accompanied by someone more powerful instead of me, she would not have been trampled down like…

Slap!

This..

My thoughts were interrupted by the sight in front of me.

Ojo-sama slapped Prince Jared as hard as she could on the cheek

The hall was silent, and Ojo-sama surprised me by taking my speechless arm.

“Sylas is excellent, kind, and cool, and he’s been watching me for a long time. You called him a worthless man? Sylas is the most wonderful man in the world, unlike you, whose only merit is your position!”

Ojo-sama’s eyes shone brightly.

Ojo-sama has no hesitation in stringing together a string of words that are far too good for me. Even in these trying times, my heart is full.

However, this is not the time to be silently emotional.

The Prince was angry that Ojo-sama had not obeyed him calmly, and he directed his soldiers to seize her.

I dashed in front of Ojo-sama, hiding her behind my back.

What am I supposed to do? I don’t think I’ll be able to beat a few soldiers or flee.

I’m willing to kneel and do anything if he lets Ojo-sama go, but the bloodthirsty prince isn’t going to listen to any excuses.

I frantically rack my brain as I stare at the soldiers, who aren’t moving for some reason.

The uproar is short-lived when His Royal Highness Milius, the second prince, arrives and contradicts Prince Jared.

His words altered the mood of the room, and neither the prince nor Camilia appeared to be able to change the situation.

His Majesty Milius assured Ojo-sama that he would handle the rest and urged her to leave.

Ojo-sama and I exited the noisy hall.

To be honest, I despised Prince Milius, who had been extremely rude to Ojo-sama, but I couldn’t help but be grateful to him for today.

At the same time, I feel helpless, wondering how unreliable I am, as Prince Milius quickly resolved the problem that I couldn’t solve.

I wish I could do more to protect Ojo-sama.

Chapter 27/27│Read translated stories and daily updates at: Awebstories.com

For a while after that, life was very noisy.

The Duke’s family was frequently questioned about the palace disturbances, and Ojo-sama was invited to tea parties more frequently than ever before.

Perhaps they admire Ojo-sama’s tenacity in the face of false accusations and want to get to know her.

To make matters worse, Prince Milius began to pay frequent visits to the duke’s residence.

Every time he visits, he brings flowers, letters, and gifts to Ojo-sama. I was surprised by the change because he despised Ojo-sama so much.

I’m grateful to him for resolving the issue…I’m certain he’s the perfect match for Ojo-sama.

I’m still not convinced about his previous verbal abuse of Ojo-sama and the water splashing, and I’ve always kept a close eye on him to make sure he doesn’t get any closer to Ojo-sama than necessary.

I couldn’t deny that I was envious of him.

When I brought a letter from a friend to Ojo-sama’s room one day, she ran toward me, smiling happily. My cheeks relaxed from the cute gesture.

“Listen, I think I was able to obtain my father’s approval for our marriage!”

I couldn’t say anything because I was so taken aback.

Obviously, I hadn’t forgotten. But I had been so busy with my daily routine that I had missed the chance to talk about it again.

Ojo-sama smiles and reports that The Master is considering it favorably, but I abruptly stop her to force her to reconsider.

Even so, Ojo-sama, who had repeatedly assured me that everything would be fine, suddenly said with a sad expression.

“Am I bothering you?”

“…eh?”

“Did I overdo it? I assumed Sylas would be pleased with me.”

Ojo-sama mournfully turns her head.

Then the corners of her mouth twist and she forcesfully smiles.

My heart throbbed at the sight of her expression.

What was I so concerned about?!

being powerless and unsuitable for Ojo-sama in comparison to Prince Milius?

In fact, I was running away because I was afraid of disappointing Ojo-sama one day.

Despite the fact that Ojo-sama has been looking at me.

As if to shake off my doubts, I pulled Ojo-sama’s hand and hugged her. Ojo-sama looked surprised, but I was prepared and said.

“Ojo-sama, will you marry me?!”

I could hear Ojo-sama exhale. Then she immediately responded in a cheerful tone.

“Yes! Of course! With pleasure!”

She had a carefree smile on her face and was overjoyed. It’s a cloudless smile that makes me feel stupid for not responding sooner.

Ojo-sama said to me, “I will surely make you happy.”

Suddenly, a strange sensation spreads through my head all of a sudden. I imagined a clear image as if I’d seen it before, despite the fact that I’d never seen one before.

Ojo-sama, who is heartbroken, and the people around her, who are as cold as ice when they look at her.

I desperately reach out to Ojo-sama, who has been apprehended by soldiers and taken to prison.

As she entered the pitch-dark, cold space, the memory that had been floating around in my head was abruptly cut off.

What in the world makes me think of such a scene?

Was Ojo-sama’s suspicion of an assassination attempt so vivid in my mind that it created a false memory?

“Sylas? What’s the problem?”

I was distracted when Ojo-sama inquired in wonder.

The person in front of me, unlike Ojo-sama in that scene that came to mind, was completely unshaded.

“It’s nothing. I’m just too happy.

“Well, I’m very happy, too.”

Ojo-sama took my hand in hers and smiled brightly.

My heart sank when I saw Ojo-sama’s smile.

“I don’t want to lose you again.”

For some reason, the words came to mind.

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