It was cold. I was only wearing a light, tattered dress and a cloak, and I was very cold. I'm sure that guy was freezing too. Plus, he had wounds, which was strange.
I have three theories. Either the plot has already gone awry, although I haven't done anything directed at other families or the empire, as parallel universes are quite unusual; or the novel didn't mention certain events that occurred independently of the author's writing. Alternatively, I might have been too tired to pay attention and forgot about them.
Yes, it's not that important, but who knows what will happen next? I wanted to mess with the plot, but is it possible that the universe will collapse? All the female protagonists I've read about fall into two categories: the first group barely deviated from the original, playing their role and trying to survive, while the second group refused to accept their fate and tried to escape, leading to punishments from the "system" or the world's collapse. Which group am I in? I'm not following the plot, but I'm not trying to get out either, so does that mean I'm somewhere in between? Group three.. I don't even know how the universe will react. How complicated everything is..
As I pondered, I began to chew on my fingernail, but quickly realized that it was covered in blood and pulled my hand away.
"Fuck."
Wiping my lips with my elbow, I looked around: the house was already in sight.
'I need to go around carefully and stay unnoticed to avoid unnecessary questions.'
I quietly made my way to my window and grabbed the rope.
"It's inconvenient with books. And I'm wearing a dress."
Going down is one thing, but going up is another.
'I wonder why there was only one rope in the closet. Was it a hint, or was the Count planning to hang himself out of desperation?'
Almost reaching the top, I breathed a sigh of relief, but I fell. My agility saved me from falling - I managed to grab the rope.
- Th..
My strength was running out, and my books were on the verge of flying. As I began to believe that I would have to spend the night outside, my hope faded. But then a pale hand reached out from the window.
-...
- Grab it, mistress.
Karina.
She came by to check on me.
Cursing softly, I extended my hand in return.
The girl helped me climb up and prevented me from falling off a second time by holding me tightly around the waist.
- I'm sorry for touches.
When I felt the floor beneath my feet, I straightened up and grabbed my purchases more securely.
The maid stood in front of me, peering out of the darkness with her bright eyes.
"I feel like a child being scolded.. Mom."
There was a lot in her eyes, and it was clear that she wanted to say so much to me, but couldn't due to her position. Although we were already on equal footing with the servants, based on our finances and reputation.
- You know, lady,- she said boldly, - I don't know much about you, but running out of a window at night is risky and dangerous.
-...
- I'm sorry for being rude, but I don't think it was necessary to keep quiet about my needs, and I could have fulfilled them.- She paused, perhaps realizing that my nighttime escape might have had a different purpose.
- ...Books. I bought them.
I raised my hand to show her my purchases, and she looked at me in confusion, as if she wasn't sure if I was serious.
Karina looked down at my coat.
-You've also hurt yourself!- she came up to me, trying to understand and assess my "wounds." The excited voice was low, so as not to wake up our beautiful neighbors.
- No, Karina. It's not my blood.
She looked up at me, biting her lip.
- I'm washing it.
- I'm not a night maniac, and I haven't killed anyone.
- That's the point..
As she took my dirty coat off, the maid listened to my story.
- I was going to get some books, not to a secret meeting,- she said quietly, but I noticed her exhale. -And on the way, I met a wounded boy.
-...
- And, well, it was the Crown Prince.
A bundle of clothes fell to the floor, and I looked at the girl. She froze, thinking. Then she picked up the cloak.
- So what did you do, Miss?
- She handed it over to the imperial dogs and ran away.
Karina's eyebrows drew together.
- Have you thought about what the emperor or the crown prince might do to you if they find you? You never know what they might have in mind, and I'm sorry for being honest.
Chuckling at her jab at the imperial family, I replied:
- Are you worried?
- Sure does,- I was a little taken aback by the quick response, but it didn't last long. - I want the best for you, and I don't want to watch you get your head cut off."
- Cute.
She closed her eyes, and after mentioning that she had gone to hide the evidence, she left, saying:
- Be careful.
Left alone in a quiet, cold, and empty room, I lay down on the bed. Exhaustion consumed me, and soon my eyes closed.
[Morning.]
- Lady..
A cool hand gently touched my shoulder.
- Mhm..
A gentle voice sounded very close.
- It's time for breakfast. Your family is already at the table.
- Oh, my God..
Waking up in the morning to eat with the hard-core bastards is a lot.
I sat on the edge of the bed and rubbed my eyes.
Karina has already prepared some clothes and a basin of water.
Yes... Actually, I miss my home world a little. Just a little. Everything here is foreign. I have to live without knowing what will happen tomorrow.
It's stressful. In the past, everything was routine: home, work, arguing with my boss, and home. I knew what to expect. But now...
Although, Ilyssa and I are even similar in many ways: I don't want to remember my childhood, my present sucks, and I'm lonely. I've... I've almost never had anyone I could trust. But now...
After washing my face, I looked at the maid who was unbuttoning my future outfit.
.. Karina. She is my hope. The only person I can plan on.
***
She dressed me in a simple dress that they managed to get from the city overnight. Of course, no one was prepared for this. At first, I didn't even think about burning this damn place. It was just a dream, but then I started to wonder.
Why not?
I descended the stairs to the first floor, where the Count and his son were sitting, and looked around the table.
There weren't many dishes, but they looked quite appetizing.
Vanos didn't even greet me.
'That's good, it won't smell as bad. '
I sat down in the seat prepared for me. Geraldine's personal maid placed my portion in front of me and gave me a nasty look.
- What are you gawking at?
-...
She turned away and, as she passed Gerald, ran her hand over his shoulder and then left.
Karina, who had already come down, watched her go and entered the hall.
The Count spoke, clutching the letter in his hands.
- The Archduke is furious.
"So delicious." - I thought after tasting it.
- But Father! Why is he angry if we're not to blame? - The guy looked at me and then back at his father.
- It's the missy's fault..
'«missy».'
-.. And he's angry at everyone because he doesn't care what happened to us. His schedule is disrupted.
- That's so pity, - I said, taking a casual bite of the meat.
It was clear that the count was seething with rage, but he decided not to confront her at the table.
- We are now out of favor with the Archduke. And soon we will be out of favor with the Emperor.
'Already.'
- Our house burned down. I spent so much effort and money on it! I invested twenty years of my life, and all that's left are the ruins!
It was getting hysterical, and even Geraldine looked down. I was excited.
"Shed a tear. Come on. It might make you feel better."
- Somebody has fangs with poison, but this "somebody" is very lucky, because his face will help us.
I looked at him sideways.
- But don't get your hopes up, Ilissa. You're just like your mother: an ordinary, unremarkable courtesan,- Geraldine said, and Geraldine winced. He still cared about his mother. His father's words had deeply wounded his heart. Karina was also angry with the Count. Was she feeling hurt for me?
- You won't have a good future either. Remember, you're a nobody. If it weren't for your pretty face, we wouldn't need you. And neither would anyone else,- he took a sip of wine. - All your actions are detrimental to yourself, and your destiny is nothing but a dissolute lifestyle.
When I thought about the estate, I thought:
"You can see more from the ruins.'
- Don't try to humiliate me. Without knowing who your enemy is now,- I deliberately made a small reference to the relocation, - don't rush at him.
Without giving the old man a chance to speak, I continued:
- Who knows how much your allies are hiding from you?
Their eyes were fixed on me. The Count's eyes were fierce, and his son's eyes were puzzled and stunned. - Are they allies?
I stood up from the table and said goodbye to my companions.
- Thank you for a pleasant breakfast, my beloved father and brother.
After that, she left the hall and went to her room.
Karina followed me.
- Milady, you've... Changed a lot.- I turned to her, - This is the first time I've felt mixed emotions in all the years I've known you. It feels... Like it's not you at all.
I shivered a little.
"I got away. I knew they'd suspect me"
- But you're doing a good job. I have to admit, it was sad and disgusting to hear such things. And I'm even afraid to think about you. After all, your father...
-No, I don't care. - Karina turned her gaze to me, - I don't consider them as my family. And I want to get rid of this burden as soon as possible.
-Are you going to run away? - Karina asked this with a slight fright.
- Nah, that would be too easy. I have something better.- I smiled and opened the door, finally reaching it.
-Very interesting..- she said very softly,-..and creepy.
- Come in? I moved out of the way to let the maid in.
- No, lady. I need to clear the table, have a good rest.
That's unfortunate. I wanted to chat a little more.
- All right, then.
I smiled with one corner of my mouth and closed the door.
After exhaling, I walked over to the window. It was light, and the birds were singing their usual songs, which was comforting. The trees were quiet, with only the occasional rustling of leaves breaking the silence.
I leaned against the window frame, thinking about everything.
'The tailors are supposed to arrive tomorrow to take our measurements.'
...
"I hope the Count won't order very revealing outfits. It would be inappropriate."
Although, if he orders it, I'll burn everything. I'll say it's getting cold.
Gradually, my thoughts led me back to yesterday evening.
I don't think the Crown Prince will let this go so easily. The only question is, will he kill me, or will he just want to? He might think I'm involved, or he might just want to. And if he doesn't, what will happen? Can I rely on him? If I remember the novel, he didn't have the best intentions. Could we become friends? Why do I think he'll find me? I need to be realistic. Can't the emperor's son, the crown prince, not find a girl? Besides, he was in the forest where we live now. He'll probably send someone here first.
- Hm.. Either I'm alive, or it's game over. At least I managed to piss off those bastards.
In general, if he finds me, I'll convince him that I'm a saint who helps wounded princes in the forest out of the goodness of my heart, and then I'll run away. It's not a great idea, but what can I do?
I was interrupted by a knock on the door.
'Karina?'
I walked up to the wooden door and opened it, looking up. It was someone tall, definitely not a woman.
'Geraldine?'
- ?
- Hi.
"Hi"? Has the carbon monoxide just started affecting him?
I raised an eyebrow, looking at his face questioningly. I was even wondering what he wanted.
- I'd like to talk about... Your words, - Look at that... How modest.
- My words? What exactly?
I smirked, crossing my arms over my chest.
- You're talking in riddles. What did it all mean? That my father would lose his power, that I would be unwanted, that I should beware of an enemy I didn't know, and so on.
'Uh-h-h.. Intrigued, then.'
He wanted to go inside, but I didn't back down, making it clear that I didn't want to. Geraldine didn't insist, which was surprising. Most likely, he was just eager to understand my words.
- You have to figure it out for yourself..In time.
- Explain. You sound like you know everything, and you're confident in your knowledge.
- Pay attention, you're the one who sounds confident, you and the Count. I'm just playing along.
The guy looked into my eyes, and I saw my reflection in his golden, but dark, eyes.
- I'm noticing more and more often that things aren't going the way my father wants them to. And you're involved in this. It's as if someone has replaced you, and now you look... eerie. What are you hiding, Ilissa? Are you possessed?
I was a little taken aback and amused by this statement.
-Yes, I'm obsessed, Geraldine.
'Revenge.'
- But not an evil spirit. It's good that you notice the obvious.
He scratched the back of his head. The guy didn't seem like a hopeless member of the Vanos family anymore. Maybe he could be saved?
- I don't understand you. First you're hiding in a corner, then you're playing a silent war, and then you're saying things with hidden meanings. It's hard for me to figure out what you mean, or who you are. My father is also struggling to understand, but he won't come. But I can.
- It's a very touching outpouring, but I'm not too interested. Think for yourself, I don't want to break it down for you.
Geraldine didn't give up and tried to continue questioning me. I was already quite tired of it.
- Look, what's in there?
He turned to look where I was pointing.
Then my door slammed shut.
The guy turned back around.
-O-ops, there's a strong draft.- he heard from behind the door.
But he didn't insist, just kicked the door open and heard his footsteps retreating.
-Phew.. And damn it to hell to stick.
***
[After a while. The streets of the city.]
I went for a walk because it was getting stuffy due to the tense atmosphere.
People were walking in groups, and alone, like me. But no one recognized me, thanks to the hood and cape. Otherwise, my figure would be all over the news.
As if by magic. A postman ran by.
- Breaking news! Breaking news!
He was throwing newspapers around, so I decided to pick one up.
I flicked through the paper and read the biggest headline:
{The Crown Prince of the Empire is looking for a lady "of a woods"!}
- Oh, fuck you. It's started.
I froze, reading the letters over and over again.
'Who's the "lady of the woods"? Sounds like a "lady of a night".'
On another page, there was an equally large headline:
{The Vanos estate has been destroyed! Arson or fire?}
People who were reading the newspapers were exclaiming and talking to each other.
- Cool.