Scumbag Prince

The morning greeted me with pleasantness, as the melodious chirping of birds accompanied the gentle caress of a cool breeze filtering through the open window. Standing up from my seat, I couldn't help but feel the weight of the long dress I was wearing—a burden for someone like me who preferred modern attire, such as shorts and pants. Nevertheless, I made my way toward the large closed window, its curtains drawn apart to allow the sunlight to playfully peek inside, much like an innocent child.

With a determined hand, I opened the window, and a rush of refreshing cool air embraced me. It felt like a mother's loving pampering. As I leaned closer, my eyes were captivated by the sight of lush green plants and beautiful flowers, creating a scene that seemed straight out of paradise. Dewdrops delicately rested on freshly bloomed flowers, while rose buds swayed gracefully in response to the gentle breeze, their leaves providing them shelter from the sun's rays.

Just then, a loud grumble erupted from my empty stomach, causing me to blush with embarrassment. "Thank goodness no one is here," I thought, quickly realizing my hunger. "I should hurry and eat something. Being in the Duke's manor, I'm certain there will be a myriad of delicious dishes prepared."

Eagerly, I made my way to the dining hall, only to find that the Duke had already left for his work. It was Jannat, the resident chef, who had prepared breakfast. As I approached the table, my excitement waned a bit. The spread consisted mostly of vegetables, with just one dish containing a small portion of meat. The salads appeared rather bland, lacking the spiciness and flavor I had become accustomed to as someone who enjoyed a non-vegetarian diet.

Inwardly, I chuckled at the notion that the real Helen must have eaten mostly vegetables to maintain her figure. "Oh, dear," I mused, "she was just a teenage girl in love. Why should a girl feel the need to lose weight in order to be loved? True love should be given without any differentiation based on weight, complexion, or personal style."

Lost in my thoughts, I contemplated why people so willingly adhered to the beauty standards set by others. "I can't simply ask them to bring more meat," I pondered silently. "Even if I were to mention my memory loss, it's unlikely that anyone would change their culinary preferences."

Despite my reservations, hunger got the better of me, and I reluctantly began to eat the salads prepared by the manor's chef. While they were undoubtedly well-prepared, considering their origin from a noble house, they lacked the spice and flavor my taste buds craved as a modern Asian.

Having finished my breakfast, I expressed my desire to visit the library. "Yes, young miss," Jannat responded politely. "This way, please," she added, guiding me toward the grand library of the manor.

As we walked, I couldn't help but find it peculiar that I comprehended the foreign language spoken around me. "As long as I regain the original owner's memories," I mused, "I'll be able to uncover many answers."

Deep in thought, I turned to Jannat and posed my question with a puzzled expression. "Jannat, could you detail me as to why I have fainted for the past two days?"

"Miss... that... Jannat stuttered," I glared at her, growing tired of her inability to speak fluently. It was evident that Jannat was nervous, likely aware that something was amiss. "Stop stuttering at every word," I demanded, my gaze unwavering.

"I apologize, my lady," Jannat stammered, "you fainted because... because... when you attempted to push young Lady Silgae into the water... His Highness, the crown prince, witnessed it... and... and... he slapped you... In the confusion, you ended up falling into the water instead of Lady Silage."

"Hmm," I scoffed, my disdain for the prince apparent. "So that scumbag not only ignored his fiancée but also resorted to violence."

"Please, young miss," Jannat pleaded, her fear evident, "you shouldn't speak about the imperial family in such a manner."

"Oh, I see," I replied with a hint of amusement, noting her scared expression. "So you do fear the imperial family..."

Jannat quickly changed the topic, realizing our location. "Young miss, this is the library," she informed me, opening the grand doors before us.

The library doors were imposingly huge, and the lighting inside was dim near the entrance. However, as my gaze wandered further, I noticed that the library was bathed in bright sunlight, streaming through the two massive windows at the far end.

"I understand. You may wait outside," I commanded Jannat, who seemed to contemplate staying with me. But I made it clear that I would call her if I required any assistance. She hesitated momentarily, likely conflicted by my strict order, before ultimately retreating.

"I will call for you once I am finished," I assured her, and with that, I entered the library, eager to immerse myself in this new world I found myself in.