It's You The Boy Who Smiled

My life up until now has been a survival to the finest; even back in Korea, I was doing all I could for everyone and not for myself. For the first time, I thought about myself and not what others wanted. But, I have no choice if I can escape this. But will everything be the same? If I had just tried to die, maybe everyone would also be hurt. So they could realize that it was their fault, not mine. But won't that also make me selfish?

Liselotte's father and I have been sitting across from each other, not making eye contact throughout this carriage ride. Since yesterday, he has been ashamed to talk to me. He wouldn't even make eye contact, and I messed up with the constant attempts. But I shouldn't dwell on our relationship; he isn't my father. I'm just a girl who has taken over his daughter's body.

"We're here!"

My whole body burns when I look out the window to see the palace. It's like my entire blood is going backwards. I see Liselotte's father go out of the carriage first, holding out his hand so he could help me down. My hand is gripping my chest. I must remain poised for the entire ball so I don't mess up more of my relationship with Liselotte's father. 

It has already been an hour. Thankfully, I have been enjoying myself, and the pain in my chest is worsening. But I can't start relaxing yet. Crown Prince Kaiserin is here—I know it. I don't know what he looks like, and nobody here is head to toe with jewellery. So, as long as I make small conversations with the other noble ladies, I'll be fine.

But it all started to change when I became the subject of their gossip.

"Did you hear? Lady Liselotte Von Halhestine tried to kill herself?"

"Poor girl! Her father is an imbecile for making his daughter unworthy!"

"How so?"

"Who would want a wife who has been, how do I put this? Damaged."

I rubbed my forehead, and I went out to the garden. These ladies are so dense. How can they even gossip about a girl when she's right in front of them? They're probably doing it to rub it in my face.

"Hey! You!"

I turn around to see two guards coming at me.

"This is not a place for you to be here! You're coming with me."

I started panicking when they grabbed my wrist, pulling me.

"Let go! I am Liselotte Von Halhenstine! How dare you put your hands on me-"

But I heard another voice, and I turned my head around to see a tall man, with black hair, and blue diamond eyes. I scanned his attire; he looked slightly underdressed and like a pirate but smiled throughout.

"Guards, she's not doing anything, eh? She lost her sense of direction and went the wrong way. Allow me to assist her back to the main event."

I look back at the guards. I was ready to run when they would let go of my wrist. The guards weren't entirely convinced, and they kept gripping my wrist.

"If you don't trust us, you should follow us so you can see that we'll be on our way to the event. After all, who would miss the ball of the season?"

The man had a point. They let go of my wrist and pushed me in the direction of the man.

"Tch, we don't have time for this. If we see you again in this garden, I'll take you both for questioning."

They left! I was thrilled and could relax.

"Liselotte, how did you come out here? Are you here again to ask for my hand in marriage?"

Wait a minute. I looked back and met the man's gaze to see that he still had the smug smile. It made me a bit pissed off, but I brushed it off.

"How do you know my name?"

"Are you acting dull-witted to make you more attractive?"

He was laughing as if he didn't have a care for the world.

"It's me, Kaiserin."