I was walking around our garden, filled with all kinds of flowers, each with its own beautiful scent. The weather felt mild this time, with a light breeze that cooled me whenever it touched my skin.
Today, my hair was styled in a loosely braided bun.Anna was such a skillful girl. Coming from a modern world, the thought of someone serving me felt strange. I would rather see her as a friend.
I was wearing a white dress made of thin fabric, tied at the shoulders, ending just above my legs.
Lost in thought, I wandered. Was this situation I had fallen into a great blessing for me, or no matter what I did, was death still waiting for me in the end, just like Melanie's fate?
I looked at the sky, feeling melancholic. Even if I were to die, I wanted to live this life as I wished—not by the limits others had set. Being here made me feel alive. The Count had softened his harsh attitude toward me, even if just a little. I believed he was actually a gentle person at heart. I was living in a palace full of attendants who treated me well. I didn't even have to think twice about getting what I wanted anymore.
I wanted to meet all the male characters. So far, I had only met Laoron—his beauty alone was enough for him to deserve being the second male lead. Yesterday, if I hadn't left immediately, I felt like I wouldn't have been able to keep myself away from him.
Her cheeks flush pink
The first male lead, Heilon, had short black hair and icy blue eyes. They said his cold gaze froze anyone who stood before him.
After saving the Count, I needed to make sure Heilon didn't want to kill me either. Heilon Cullen became heir by fighting among the seven male children of the family. He had to kill his brothers. Of course, not all of them—some were unfit, others fled in fear of him.
He had two true rivals: Alexander and George, twins who were their father's favorites. Their father never had hope in Heilon. His mother wasn't of noble blood, and she didn't want an "accidentally born" child to become heir. From birth, he was belittled.
Even palace servants treated him badly, not to mention his own family. His mother always blamed him for not being valued by the Duke, tormenting him many times.
But Heilon was strong. He worked harder than all his brothers, growing up fueled by revenge. At seventeen, chaos erupted in the Cullen household. He killed anyone who rebelled against him. He was indeed a character full of pain. Yet he fell in love with the innocent Lylia, the one person who made his life a little brighter. Just as he fought to become heir, he was also the one who won Lylia's heart.
I was a bit afraid of Heilon. After all, my life would be in his hands. But as a reader, the thing I had wanted the most was to talk to him, even hug him. Now I was here—but most likely, I wouldn't dare. I didn't want to die so soon.
Without realizing it, I had climbed a hill. Was our garden really this big? A huge tree stood there, and I sat in its shade. I started to doze off.
"You look so beautiful while sleeping," said a graceful voice.
I opened my eyes to find a pair of large eyes staring at me. Startled, I pulled back.
"Oh, did I scare you? You looked so peaceful, I couldn't help but look closer, Melanie~" she said with a sincere smile.
I scanned her from head to toe. Long silky blond hair, pale skin, orange eyes, and an innocent expression.This was definitely the main character—the Saintess Lylia!!!
Wasn't it too soon? I hadn't expected to run into her this early. What was she doing here?
"I didn't want to interrupt your beauty sleep, but I received important news today. I ran straight from the temple to tell you," she said.
Her face seemed downcast, and she held my hands. My voice was still hoarse from just waking up.
"You're Lylia, right?" I asked.
Her orange eyes scanned me, and she touched my forehead.
"Melanie, are you alright? Did the sun get to you?" she asked.
Alright, I needed to act natural. Time to use my flawless acting skills.
"Ahaha, I'm fine. So, what is it? What do you want to tell me?" I said.
"Melanie, you know there's going to be a war soon. The temple has gathered everyone with healing abilities, and I'm being forced to go as well. I'm not used to such things, I'm scared. While people cut each other down, I'll have to run around treating them. A battlefield full of blood—it's a terrifying sight. Do you think I should run away?"
You're the main character! If you don't go, the story won't even continue, right? What do you mean run away? Besides, the male leads will protect you from every danger.
In the war, she would experience a burst of power, and afterward, she would be declared a Saintess. Right now, she didn't hold that title yet.
"Lylia, you can't run. The temple would notice right away. It would be discovered during the roll call. The royal soldiers would issue a warrant, calling you a traitor, and then you—"
She covered my mouth with her hand. She looked very worried.
"You're right, I can't do something like that! Then… does this mean I'll die there?"
She began to cry. Her tears fell like a waterfall.
I hugged her as a friend. I had never imagined Lylia like this. She was so sweet and delicate. It was obvious why all the male leads wanted to protect her.
"It's alright, our kingdom is strong. They'll make sure nothing happens to you," I told her.
We drank tea together. I spent a long time trying to comfort her. The sky was starting to darken.
"Lylia, it's getting late. I'll tell them to prepare a carriage to take you back," I said.
"Melanie, I'm so lucky to have you as my friend. Thank you for today. I think this might be our last meeting. After the war, you must visit me—I'll host you," she said.
Her fear of death must have faded. She looked more at ease now. She hugged me tightly, and then we parted ways.
"My lady, it's a bit early for bed, you must be truly tired. I'll turn off the light now. Good night" Anna said.
But I had a secret mission to accomplish tonight.
I quickly sat up, tucked two pillows under my blanket, and put on the trousers and black cloak I had "borrowed" from the knights.
I tied together some dresses to make a long rope and threw it out the window. It was only the second floor—not too high. Still, it was scary, I'll admit.
I grabbed my pouch of gold and my ring from the desk. Holding onto the rope, I began to climb down.
When I was almost at the first floor, one of the dresses tore.
Rip
"Ahhh!!"
I landed sitting down, my leg twisting painfully. I wanted to scream again from the pain but quickly covered my mouth.
Other than that, I didn't seem to have any serious injuries. I had to hurry. I just needed to endure the pain in my leg.
Melanie often wandered outside until late at night. When the Count didn't give her permission, she used a secret passage to sneak out.
I had seen it earlier today—between the bushes, there was a small hole in the wall, just big enough for a body like mine.
I crawled through.
Every step on my injured leg made the pain worse. It was difficult to go on like this. Then I thought of using the ring.
Poof
"Test, test—transformation successful." My voice came out in a male tone, meaning it had worked.
As I expected, there was no problem in this body. Continuing like this would be much easier.
After walking a bit, I saw carriages ahead. I asked them to take me to the town square.
Just in case, I pulled the hood of my cloak over my face.
When we arrived, the square was bustling with bright decorations and lively music.
I headed toward the inn where those who wanted to join the war as mercenaries signed up.
Yes, that was my task for tonight: to officially enlist in the war.
As I entered the inn, a heavy smell of sweat and alcohol hit me. At the tables, burly men drank and chatted loudly.
Mercenaries were untrained, learning only from real battles. They were foul-mouthed and rough. You never saw girls here—except for the pretty waitresses. I felt sorry for them. This atmosphere was uncomfortable.
A huge man appeared in front of me. I had to tilt my head back to see his face.
"Here to sign up, mama's boy?" he said.
What, are you jealous because I look better than you, gentlemen?
Though my body looked male, my size was only average for a knight. My build was moderate, my face innocent. Honestly, when I looked at myself in the mirror at home, I might have fallen in love.
"Yes! Where do I handle the paperwork?" I asked.
He laughed crudely. "Paperwork? Ahaha, your entry mark will be your paperwork."
Then a short, stocky man with gold teeth appeared behind him. He approached me, smiling.
What?!
He was holding a hot iron rod.
No way—should I fight? Maybe I should just run!
"Stay back, and get that thing away from me! I said I came to sign up! Isn't there anyone in charge here?!" I shouted.
My breathing quickened. Some men stood up.
Oops. I might have angered them.
They surrounded me, blocking any escape. All of them grinned while watching me.
The huge man spoke again. "You came here to be a mercenary, but you're scared of a little burn? You dare call yourself a man?"
Even without shouting, his voice was thunderous.
I shivered. I wanted to get out of there. But if this mark was necessary to join the war, maybe I had to endure it. Sorry, Laoran, I didn't want to damage your body.
Two men grabbed my arms and dragged me forward. I struggled, but they were much stronger.
"Fine, fine, I'll sit on my own. Just get it over with!" I said, pulling free from their grip.
They all watched me like it was great entertainment.
Pouting, I sat on one of the chairs. They pulled my right arm and pressed the hot iron, engraved with the mercenaries' bull emblem, against my skin.
I groaned in pain. I had never felt anything like it in my life. Tears welled in my eyes. Those few seconds felt like an eternity.
"Alright, it's done. Stop crying, little lamb," one of them said.
I immediately looked at my arm. It was red and swollen.
Hiding my tears "That's it? Nothing else I need to do?"
The men lost interest and returned to their seats.
The huge man gave me instructions.
"Remember this. You're now working for the royal family as a mercenary, meaning you must do everything you're told—even if it's to die. Mercenaries are divided into three groups by experience. You're in the last group, the Rookies. We always cover each other's backs. If you don't show respect to your superiors, you could lose your head. So watch your behavior. Tomorrow morning, the military units will begin formation training. Be here on time."
Since he had nothing more to say, I hurried away.
I felt like a student running out after the last bell on a Friday—happy and free, even if just for a short while.
I returned the same way I came. Back in my room, everything was just as I left it. No one had noticed...