On the surface, my day flowed according to schedule.

Today was the day I resumed studies I had temporarily paused due to the horseback riding accident.

The tutor who came to teach me was named Matela—a woman in her mid-to-late forties with a warm, comforting appearance.

Though Matela was enthusiastically lecturing, my mind was completely occupied by entirely different thoughts.

‘What happens if I exit the original story?’

If I fled to some distant, unknown place, perhaps my chances of survival would be higher…

I quickly shook my head. That wasn’t a bad idea, but Orland, head of the Brellof family, would never simply sit idle if his daughter vanished.

He’d likely comb through the entire continent, hunting me down like lice.

‘It wouldn’t be easy for me, a minor, to wander alone.’

I was currently fifteen years old.

Not only would I stand out too obviously to others, but I might also risk having all my money stolen by thugs.

It was while I was seriously contemplating survival strategies that Matela, noticing my lack of focus, spoke sternly.

“Lady Tanashia.”

“Yes?”

“Please solve the problem I just explained.”

“Oh…”

I trailed off, glancing briefly at the problem Matela had passionately explained.

It was clearly a complex mathematical formula—at least, it appeared so at first glance. Yet my mind effortlessly began solving it, as naturally as breathing.

Though I’d never seen this math problem before, my brain behaved like a calculator, instantly finding the solution—an astonishing experience.

‘What? It’s easier than I thought?’

I casually solved the problem Matela had assigned. My method differed entirely from what she’d just taught.

Matela, who had initially looked at me with admiration, gradually grew astonished.

Regardless, I wrote the formula onto a fresh sheet of paper and said,

“This method is easier than the one you taught. Please consider it.”

“My, heavens.”

Matela covered her mouth with both hands, but her awestruck expression couldn’t be hidden.

“I knew Lady Tanashia was brilliant, but this exceeds all imagination. I’ve never seen such a solution method anywhere.”

“Is… is that so?”

Was it really that impressive?

I scratched my cheek awkwardly, but Matela’s praise didn’t cease.

“Until now, I couldn’t dissuade you because Lady Tanashia’s will was too strong—but no more wasting time on magic studies or spiritology. You’re already a genius.”

Me, a genius?

I knew Tanashia had been passionate about magic and spiritology, striving to match Noxia’s water-manipulating abilities.

But magic and spirits were fields you had to be born with—you couldn’t acquire them through effort alone.

No matter how hard Tanashia tried, she could never catch up.

Each time she hit that wall of reality, Tanashia envied Noxia. I, having read the novel, understood this better than anyone.

‘Was this mentioned in the story…?’

Come to think of it, there had been a brief mention that young Tanashia was intelligent.

Seeing my surprised expression as I stared at the math formula I’d just solved, Matela handed me an advanced textbook she’d never shown before.

“You once said solving such problems was useless. But take a look at this textbook. Is there any problem here Lady Tanashia cannot solve?”

Half-doubting, I opened the textbook Matela handed me.

Quickly flipping through from beginning to end, I realized one shocking fact.

‘Every single problem—I can solve them all.’

A shiver ran through my entire body.

Reflecting, I recalled that in my dream, I instantly deciphered the ancient scripts and magical formulas etched onto Ascan’s body.

It had felt so natural I hadn’t questioned it.

But how did I know?

I turned my head absentmindedly and saw the room filled with books. Like someone entranced, I randomly pulled volumes from the shelves.

Documents written in ancient languages.

Formulas concerning magic.

Everything—I understood and could solve it all.

In that moment, I felt as if struck by lightning.

‘So this is why I alone could detect the secret human-weapon experiments conducted by the Calua Empire.’

Yes. I was a genius.

I never imagined the day would come when I’d say studying was the easiest thing for me.

Matela, seeing me frozen in shock, approached with a bright smile and took my hand.

Our eyes met naturally in midair, and Matela spoke gently, as if coaxing me.

“I knew Lady Tanashia deliberately concealed your genius from me. But showing me this solution method must have a reason, right? If you’re worrying alone, don’t hesitate anymore.”

“…”

“Summoning spirits or casting spells isn’t the only form of talent. At this rate, Lady Tanashia will become the greatest scholar—not just in the Arwen Empire, but across the entire continent. Wouldn’t Lord Orland be happiest to learn this? Why not tell him honestly, even now?”

In that brief moment, countless thoughts flashed through my mind.

I didn’t possess Noxia’s water-manipulating ability, nor did I feel envious or ashamed of that fact as the novel’s Tanashia might.

Ironically, in the original story, Tanashia envied her younger sister Noxia more than anyone else—her entire standard revolved around Noxia.

Perhaps in the original novel, Tanashia obsessed over magical talent—but I was different.

I had no intention of clinging to things that didn’t suit me, just to hide the truth from others.

“…Alright.”

As I gave a slight nod, Matela beamed with a radiant smile.

Until now, nothing had gone exactly as I wished—but in this moment, I felt as if I’d received an unexpected gift.

After Matela left to personally report this joyful news to my father Orland, I gathered my thoughts and headed toward my room.

Nothing had outwardly changed, yet somehow, my mood wasn’t bad at all.

Perhaps I could use this “genius” status to alter my future.

That thought alone gave me a flicker of hope.

“Hey! Hey! Watch out!”

My thoughts were abruptly cut off by someone’s urgent shout.

Swoooosh—

Immediately afterward, a torrent of water poured over my head.

Soaked instantly, I stared blankly toward the direction the water had come from.

“Uh, sister…?”

Standing there was a girl even more flustered than I was.

She had the same blue eyes as mine, fair and delicate skin, and long, dazzling silver hair that shimmered like sunlight—her entire aura felt noble.

Though she resembled me, her presence was entirely different.

Even without anyone telling me, I instantly recognized her.

The girl before me was Noxia, protagonist of the novel —and my twin younger sister.

For a moment, silence fell.

The maids standing beside Noxia all turned ashen-faced.

They likely feared trouble, assuming I’d be furious since Noxia had drenched me.

From what I’d experienced so far, Tanashia’s personality was far from timid—it was downright vicious. The Brellof household maids, knowing this better than anyone, were clearly tense.

Calming myself, I scanned the surroundings but saw no object capable of splashing water toward me.

Judging from the situation, Noxia must have been practicing her water manipulation. I knew from the novel that maids often begged her to demonstrate her ability, fascinated by it.

Moreover, at her current age, Noxia couldn’t yet fully control her power.

Thus, what had just occurred was purely an accident—nothing more, nothing less.

Thud… thud…

As no one dared speak first, I heard footsteps approaching me.

Turning unconsciously, I saw Ascan—when had he arrived?—holding out a white towel toward me.

“Here you go.”

“Ah, thank you.”

Coming to my senses, I used the towel Ascan handed me to roughly dry my soaked hair.

Seeing this, Noxia timidly stepped closer.

“I’m sorry, sister. It might sound like an excuse, but I didn’t do it on purpose—it was an accident.”

Her dejected expression was so adorable it reminded me of a puppy with drooping ears.

Since we were twins, did others see me as equally cute?

That thought briefly crossed my mind, but I quickly shook my head.

We might resemble each other physically, but our auras were completely different.

I lacked Noxia’s lovable charm. In fact, even in my past life, I’d often been described as “chic”—so this seemed like accurate reflection of reality.

After roughly drying myself, I replied casually,

“It’s fine.”

“Huh?”

Noxia stared at me with surprised eyes.

She clearly hadn’t expected me to accept her apology so readily.

Indeed, if this were the Tanashia from , she’d have seized this incident to tarnish Noxia’s image by any means necessary.

Tanashia’s goal had always been to be more loved by others than Noxia—she’d never let even a small incident slide.

Under normal circumstances, rumors would’ve spread by tomorrow claiming Noxia deliberately splashed water to torment Tanashia.

Though, admittedly, no one in Brellof Mansion would’ve believed such rumors.

I handed the damp towel back to Noxia and repeated,

“I said it’s fine. Since it was an accident, don’t worry about it.”

“Mm.”

Noxia accepted the damp towel I handed her, nodding with a bewildered expression.

“But practicing your ability here isn’t good. Others might pass by—what if they’re guests visiting our family? It’d be impolite.”

“Oh, right. I didn’t think of that.”

Noxia readily admitted her mistake and showed remorse, but the maids watching from the side couldn’t hold back and chimed in.

“Miss Noxia did nothing wrong—it was us who begged her!”

“Yes! We pleaded for Miss Noxia to show us her ability, so she moved water without preparation, causing this.”

I glanced at the maids trying to shield Noxia.

Receiving my gaze, they braced themselves for severe punishment, their expressions resolute.

“Then you clearly understand this is also your fault?”

“Yes.”

“From now on, don’t pester gentle-hearted Noxia to demonstrate her ability just anywhere.”

“Yes, wh—what?”

The maids all stared at me in collective shock.

I, in turn, was baffled. Did they really expect me to whip them over something like this?

“Should I repeat myself if you didn’t understand?”

“No, no! We’ll remember Lady Tanashia’s words well.”

“Good.”

Having issued my warning to the maids, I resumed walking.

As I moved ahead, Ascan naturally followed behind.

Just as I was about to pass Noxia, she—who’d been standing dazed—suddenly snapped to attention and called out to me.

“Th-thank you, sister.”

Her gratitude, for reasons unknown to me, made me respond with puzzled curiosity.

“For what?”

“For accepting my apology…”

At Noxia’s words, I couldn’t help but chuckle.

True to the novel’s title , Noxia was adored by many—and deservedly so, for she was genuinely lovable.

Knowing well how Noxia, despite countless misdeeds committed by Tanashia, still wished to maintain a harmonious relationship with her, I saw no reason to be harsh.

“Don’t mention it.”

With that brief reply, I continued forward.

Somehow, Noxia’s gaze as she watched me leave seemed unusually bright—but since I had no reason to linger, I didn’t stop.

Back in my room, I awkwardly looked at Ascan.

His expression, unchanged since day one, gave no hint of his thoughts—but today, as always, he faithfully played his role like a robot.

Then, suddenly, I noticed Ascan’s damp shoulder.

Apparently, when I’d shaken out my wet hair earlier, droplets had splashed onto him too.

I hadn’t noticed before, but his white shirt, now soaked, revealed red marks beneath.

‘Those are…’

Memories of whipping him flashed unbidden into my mind, making my shoulders tense.

These were likely—no, certainly—the wounds I’d inflicted while abusing him.

Realizing this, I frantically began rummaging through drawers in my room, searching for the first-aid kit I’d seen somewhere.

“Ascan.”

“Yes.”

“Take off your top for a moment.”

For a brief instant, Ascan seemed to hesitate—but then calmly began removing his shirt.

The way he methodically unbuttoned each button felt oddly provocative for the situation.

I shook my head, dismissing unnecessary thoughts.

This wasn’t the time for distractions. I hurriedly searched for the first-aid kit—when suddenly, a soft thud startled me.

Turning, I saw Ascan kneeling on the floor.

“What are you doing…!”

His abrupt action startled me—and simultaneously, a memory flashed through my mind.

It was the scene from my dream, where Ascan endured my beatings.

In the dream, he never resisted, kneeling silently on the floor, enduring whatever pain I inflicted. Somehow, his current posture overlapped perfectly with that memory.

“Wait, you’ve misunderstood—I…”

My words trailed off.

Ascan lowered his waist further toward the floor, as if positioning himself for easier punishment.

Even a fool would recognize what this posture meant.

In my dream, when I confirmed Ascan’s body turning to steel, he’d been shirtless. Apparently, direct observation required removing his clothes.

I hadn’t realized my request to remove his top would be interpreted as this signal.

Momentarily speechless, I heard Ascan speak in his flat, emotionless tone.

“Shall we begin?”

His words were so dry they conveyed no emotion whatsoever.

Memories of Ascan’s tragic past in the novel made my heart ache faintly.

I picked up the first-aid kit I’d just found and approached Ascan. Silently, I carefully applied ointment to his wounds.

Feeling the cool sensation, Ascan—who’d kept his head lowered—looked up at me.

Having belatedly grasped the situation, he wore an expression of utter confusion.

“I’m sorry.”

Ascan said nothing, but his eyes clearly showed he was deeply surprised.

“I promise—I’ll never hit you again.”

“As I’ve repeatedly said, I know nothing—”

“I know. I won’t ask anymore.”

At my reply, Ascan’s golden eyes grew even more confused.

“I said it before—let’s just have fun together. Let’s live like that.”

I hadn’t been the one to torture Ascan. But in my dream, I’d vividly felt the sensation of striking him—and rejoiced at seeing his body turn to steel.

Though I hadn’t committed those acts, I still felt responsible.

At the very least, I wanted to avoid being involved in triggering Ascan’s descent into darkness.

What had already happened couldn’t be undone—but I had zero intention of repeating the same mistakes.

I couldn’t be certain that treating him kindly would guarantee he’d spare me later—but I resolved to treat him as well as I possibly could.

“I want you to be happy.”

“…I don’t understand what you mean.”

It was natural that Ascan couldn’t comprehend my sudden declaration.

But it didn’t matter. I had no intention of making him understand my current feelings.

“I’m starting a project to enjoy life and live happily for a long, long time. If you want, you can join me.”

If I helped complete strangers in need, I certainly had no reason to ignore Ascan, whose entire story I already knew.

Truthfully, part of why I couldn’t put down until the end was because Ascan, the ultimate hidden villain, was so compelling.

“I can’t pinpoint it exactly… but you don’t seem like the young lady I know.”

Stung by Ascan’s sharp observation, I remained silent—but he didn’t seem to expect an answer, continuing softly,

“What’s the price?”

“Price?”

“You said you won’t hit me or ask me anything anymore. I don’t know what you mean by ‘including me’—but you must tell me what I need to pay in return.”

I finished carefully applying ointment to Ascan’s wounds and withdrew my hand.

For a moment, I considered bluntly saying, “Just let me live”—but quickly shook my head.

“No price. None at all.”

I hoped Ascan might show me mercy and spare my life in the future—but no one could truly know another’s heart.

Given how things stood, I refused to stake my survival on such uncertain possibilities.

I would devise a more visible, concrete survival plan.

“No… price at all?”

Ascan’s golden eyes—like captured moonlight—narrowed slightly, as if doubting my words.

I looked at his conflicted expression and grinned.

“No need to overthink it. Let’s just be happy together.”

Thus, treating Ascan well was purely my whim.

Of course, if our relationship improved for the better, that wouldn’t be a bad outcome—so consider it a tiny insurance policy, just in case, for an uncertain future.