Chapter 1: Living in hiding

"A song of this caliber would surely be a big hit, Sir. Can't you give me a better price?" Serena asked after hearing the man's offer of a measly 250.

The man being addressed looked at the paper containing the notes and lyrics of the song and back to the person selling said song again. He could already guess that the masked person was a woman pretending to be a man even though she was covered from head to toe and making her voice sound scruffy. 

"Please reconsider kind sir, I have someone who suffered because of the war at home …"

The man sighed. Well, if she's doing this, she must really be in a tight spot. Was she a woman whose husband got handicapped during the war, though how brief? The man shook his head as he sighed.

"Listen here, even though the song is truly good, with the current situation, no matter what, it won't sell that well. I'm not trying to downgrade your song, but the economy is just this bad. My offer is already the current fair price and cannot go any higher, if not, I would be called doing charity. So, 250. take it or leave it." The man said with finality.

Serena lowered her head as if pondering. This was her third time selling a song and the price just got lower. The first she got was 1000 from a different buyer, the next to another was 500 and now… Well, 250 is not really a bad price, it would be a normal family's living expense for at least three months or so. Also, it's not like she really wrote the song from sweat and blood.

As usual, she just plagiarized it from the singers from her world, or should it be referenced as the future? Whatever. In any case she has more songs in mind and it's not like she has a lot of potential buyers… after a few seconds, she nodded her head.

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Serena pressed her clothes to ensure that the money was safe in its confines. Mindful of her conscious action, she laughed at herself. Really, from someone who spends money like dirt to someone haggling over a mere 250. Ha. What has her life become. If people knew… she shook her head. No use lamenting over such matters.

Serena felt stuffy. Her outfit was a bit too hot, but then again, what can she do? She can't possibly just walk around in public wearing normal clothes or show her true face. It's not that she's being overly conscious, but she was so famous that her picture has been plastered all over the kingdom.

Yes, it's already been over a year since she lost her title but come on. People can't possibly forget the face of their crown princess who has also been a very famous songwriter and singer… well, if not for that, surely, no one will ever forget the crown princess who was so infamous because of her love affair. Oh… the trip down memory lane. If she goes on, surely, she could just stand there all day, even then, there won't be enough time.

After pressing her clothes again to double check the cash, Serena stepped out of the building.

Walking on the cobbled sidewalk, she received some stares because of her clothes. She's used to it by now since she always walked out of her home like that, and though it was embarrassing, it's all good. At least no one was stopping her here and there. Besides, it's not like they can recognize who she was this way. Anyhow, as she neared her neighborhood, the stares became less.

"Hey John! How are you today? Want some apples? I'll give you a special discount!" one merchant shouted.

Recognizing the name, Serena looked to her left. She has been living with an alias, and she chose the most common name she can think of, which was 'John', just to sound inconspicuous.

Conscious of the money in her clothes she wanted to say no. Again, 250 may not sound much but at this time, especially since inflation has not hit the world too bad YET, it was truly a lot especially to normal people. Then again, at the same time, the income, though how little it was in her head, reminded her that it was earned with the help of her brother, so she must at least bring him something good home.

Yes, she was not lying earlier. She truly had a handicapped person at home. Her brother, Leonard Maxwell, failing to sit on the empty title of Duke of Cornwell but was still a marquis in name, have been handicapped during the war. He was still normal on other aspects, but… he has been paralyzed from waist down. Truly, what a tragedy for such a good and handsome man.

Thankfully, his girlfriend, Baroness Emily Evans, once the Female lead of this novel she transmigrated to, was very loyal and understanding of her brother. Her Brother, who, by the way, at this time, has taken the role of some kind of a tragic male character, pushing away the female lead because he has turned into nothing but a burden.

Even now in their self-imposed hiding, Emily always visits him every day, taking care of him. Really, if her brother was not grateful, she definitely was. Serena can't imagine doing everything all by herself.

Serena looked to her left then to her right for passing cars, though how rare in their neighborhood, before finally crossing the street. Arriving at the stall selling apples, she fumbled for loose change in her clothes. Lowering her voice, she asked, "How much for three?"

"That would be a dime." The boy answered, then as he was putting the apples in the paper bag, he asked in concern, "It's a bit warm today, are you feeling alright under all those?"

"I'm alright. Thank you." Serena answered as she gave the money to the boy and received the apples. Living in this neighborhood, it was inevitable to get asked about why she was wearing such clothes. Her answer was easy, she said she got into a horrible accident, and has burns all over her body. She can't have direct sunlight on her body as it gets aggravated.

Living with a fake identity, she has become adept at lying. As for lying about her gender… well, living in a lower middle-class neighborhood, being a boy just makes everything more convenient.

Anyhow, after the purchase, she continued her way home.

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TBC