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00:00My maid is the Chosen One, beautiful and talented.
00:02Everyone in Jorland calls her Delicate, and me, the Fat One.
00:05In my past lives, she stole my dresses and saw Prince Adrian behind my back.
00:09Jealous, I framed her repeatedly.
00:11In the end, my family and I died miserably.
00:14I'm back at the Engagement Banquet from the Third Reborn Life.
00:16I firmly declare that.
00:17I won't marry Prince Adrian.
00:19I'll marry Eric Pierce, the city's most infamous playboy.
00:22I want to see if he can handle the Chosen One.
00:24April 7th, a lovely spring day.
00:26Everything is in full bloom.
00:27Lydia Tucker rushes into my room at the Marlowe residence.
00:30Miss Marlowe, I saw Clara wearing your dress.
00:33Lydia's face is flushed with rage.
00:35The moment I wake up, I realize I am back at this moment.
00:37Lydia is fuming again and ready to face Clara.
00:40In the past, I would smash my cup, have Clara beaten, and ensure she's suffered in this house forever.
00:45But now, my hand shakes as I hold it.
00:48Damn it!
00:48I never thought I'd fear a maid.
00:50She must be some story's heroine.
00:52I only realized this after dying twice.
00:54She's born to win and destined for the top, returning stronger every time.
00:58In just a few minutes, dad arrives with Prince Adrian.
01:01Cold sweat beads on my forehead.
01:03I call for Lilywood at once.
01:04Hurry, bring Clara here now!
01:06If we cross her again, the Marlowe family is finished once she and Adrian take the throne.
01:10By now, Clara and Julian have met and fallen in love at first sight.
01:13In my previous life, I cannot control my temper.
01:16I have Clara beaten in public.
01:17It makes Adrian despise me.
01:18Though he still pretends to care, he secretly makes promises to Clara.
01:22No wonder my schemes failed in my past lives.
01:24Everything backfired on me.
01:26My reputation was ruined, and everyone hated me.
01:28In the end, I lost everything, and died miserably.
01:31Forget it.
01:32It's my own fault.
01:33I was blinded by Adrian's looks.
01:34I lacked talent and beauty, and I offended Clara.
01:37The sun is blazing.
01:39The Marlowe residence is buzzing.
01:40Dad holds this banquet for my debut to secure the marriage.
01:43He bought me a gown from Somara.
01:44They say it flows with every step, as if floating on a breeze.
01:47But in both past lives, I never get to wear it.
01:49Back then, when Dad brought Adrian, I was busy humiliating Clara.
01:53Looking back, I was so wrong.
01:55Thankfully, it's not too late.
01:56Clara is dragged in and forced to kneel.
01:58This is my third life.
01:59I finally learned my lesson.
02:00I don't have Clara punished.
02:02I simply listen as she explains that it was not intentional.
02:04The tea slowly cools.
02:06Sunlight slants across the dial.
02:07Time slips away.
02:08Clara really is beautiful.
02:09She has a stubborn look in her eyes.
02:11Lydia asks her why she wore it.
02:12Yet Clara refuses to beg for mercy.
02:14She stands like a fragile blossom, glowing in the spring light, young, and longing for love.
02:18I've read enough novels to know this.
02:20It is my own reckless ignorance that keeps me from ever asking why Adrian would love someone like me.
02:24I foolishly think that without Clara, he'll finally choose me.
02:27I'm stupid.
02:28So stupid.
02:29Lydia waits for my order to strike.
02:31But to everyone's shock, I help Clara to her feet.
02:34I even hand her the emerald gown.
02:36Clara is so thoughtful.
02:37She knew it would not fit me, so she tried it on to check.
02:40Just then, a staff informs me that Adrian and Dad have arrived.
02:43I timed this perfectly.
02:44So Adrian sees me being kind to her.
02:46Dad looks stunned.
02:47His spoiled, headstrong daughter is suddenly being kind to a maid.
02:51He looks completely thrown off.
02:52Clearly not expecting this.
02:53Out of the corner of my eye, I catch a flicker of disappointment on Adrian's face.
02:57But he is careful.
02:58It vanishes in an instant.
03:00Adrian hates me.
03:01Yet he still fakes it.
03:02He whispers,
03:03Eleanor, you are always so kind.
03:05Even so, his eyes drift back to Clara.
03:07In my last life, I begged Dad to make sure Adrian saw me in my gown first.
03:11I wanted to surprise him.
03:12I wanted him to see my joy and excitement.
03:14So Dad brought him to the parlor and left us alone.
03:17But now, the banquet is starting.
03:19And Clara is wearing my gown.
03:21Fate is already shifting.
03:22None of it was ever mine.
03:23It was decided from the start.
03:25Since Clara has the gown, I have Lydia bring a simple dress.
03:28I look in the mirror.
03:29I look plump.
03:29My makeup's too bold.
03:31Rich living has filled me out.
03:33The compliments I once believed now sound like poison wrapped in sugar.
03:36I can't help glancing at Clara.
03:38Do you think I'm pretty?
03:39I ask.
03:40She gives a faint smile.
03:41There's restraint in her eyes.
03:43True beauty comes from within.
03:44You're kind.
03:45That makes you beautiful.
03:46She pauses.
03:47Then adds firmly,
03:48I did wear your dress.
03:49I won't make excuses.
03:50Thank you for your kindness.
03:51Clara's answer is flawless.
03:53She flatters me sincerely.
03:55Yet also puts me down.
03:56Compared to her,
03:57I am ignorant and spoiled.
03:58I'm always barking orders at her.
04:00If I'm honest,
04:00it's jealousy.
04:01I'm jealous of how slim and pretty she is.
04:03Even in a maid's uniform,
04:04she still outshines me whenever she stands by my side.
04:07Every time I see her,
04:08I forget my mom's advice about grace and poise.
04:11Instead, I chase after fancy dresses and glittering jewels.
04:13Today, I finally take her hand and speak to her softly.
04:16Clara, that dress really suits you.
04:18A breeze drifts through the yard.
04:20The air feels alive.
04:21Clara's beautiful eyes shine,
04:23but with a calculating glint.
04:25At the banquet,
04:26everyone knows this birthday is just a cover for the engagement.
04:29King Edward Pierce smiles at me.
04:31Eleanor, forget that I'm king today.
04:33I'm just your uncle.
04:33You've liked Adrian since childhood.
04:35So, why don't I make it official and have you engage to him?
04:38No one expects me to turn him down firmly and decisively without a moment's hesitation.
04:41It feels like I never loved him at all.
04:43Mom thinks I am refusing out of spite,
04:45so she rushes in to smooth things over.
04:47Eleanor is just shy.
04:48But I shake my head and refuse firmly.
04:51Your majesty, it isn't Adrian I've loved all along.
04:53It's Eric.
04:54Please let me marry him.
04:56Dad's knees almost give out when he hears what I say.
04:58Eric Pierce is the most infamous playboy in Jorland.
05:01He takes nothing seriously.
05:02He only cares about having fun.
05:03He's the cautionary tale parents tell their kids.
05:05Most families want nothing to do with him.
05:07Eric's marriage is a headache for the king.
05:09It's true.
05:09If Eric marries a powerful heiress, her family may resent the king for it.
05:13But if he marries a foreign princess, it could spark a rebellion.
05:16I don't actually want to marry Eric.
05:18But he's the one choice the king can't easily refuse.
05:20And he's the one man who can keep my family safe.
05:23The king has two sons.
05:24Adrian, the consort's son, is heir.
05:26While Eric, the queen's son, is spoiled.
05:28Plenty of women fight to marry Adrian,
05:30but no one would ever choose to marry a playboy like Eric.
05:33After I speak, all eyes turn to Eric.
05:35He is busy sipping his drink.
05:36When he hears I want to marry him, he practically jumps up.
05:39What?
05:39You want to marry a playboy like me?
05:41I shoot him a look that says,
05:42Do you think I have a choice?
05:44Then I smile sweetly.
05:45I do.
05:46I want to marry you.
05:47I really do.
05:48Eric's surprisingly easy to fluster.
05:50He stares at me with wide eyes and blinks a few times.
05:52He even stumbles over his words.
05:54Then I'll marry you.
05:56Queen Melissa Langley's voice trembles.
05:58Your majesty.
05:58Your majesty.
05:59You must consider Eric's marriage.
06:01I ignore Adrian the entire time.
06:02As the sun sets and the guests drift away,
06:04Adrian finally approaches me.
06:06I used to blush with joy just by looking at him.
06:08But today, before he can speak,
06:10I turn and walk away.
06:12He grabs my sleeve.
06:13His cold voice hints at panic.
06:14Eleanor, you gave me that wallet and said we'd be together forever.
06:17Was that all a lie?
06:18I look at his icy face and remember how he looks at Clara.
06:21It is a tenderness and devotion he has never shown me.
06:24My first life was naive.
06:26My second was bitter.
06:28That is why Adrian never loved me.
06:30The second I see him, I see soldiers storming my home.
06:32I don't know if my parents blame me,
06:34but even at the very end,
06:36they surely wondered if I was scared when I drank that poison.
06:40Now, I cannot even look at him, much less cling to him.
06:44Adrian feels like death itself.
06:46I run away from him, as if trying to outrun fate.
06:48Prince Adrian, someone better is waiting for you.
06:51I remember how Clara turned on me after my last engagement to him.
06:54At every poetry event, I stole her work as my own,
06:57just to get noticed and impress Adrian.
06:59But once the engagement was set, Clara exposed me in public.
07:03She knelt, clutching her wounds.
07:05I'm not afraid to die.
07:06You may be a noble lady, but you cannot humiliate me.
07:09Today, I will end it all here.
07:11I hope God sees my talent and knows my suffering.
07:14I hope Eleanor is punished.
07:15May she never have a happy ending in all her three lifetimes.
07:18Of course it came true.
07:20Adrian defends Clara and says the wedding is near.
07:22He tells me to avoid scandal and treat her well.
07:24As the Marlow heiress, I am a disgrace.
07:26If even a maid sees me as plain and unworthy of Adrian.
07:29But who could compete with Clara?
07:31She's been an orphan since childhood.
07:32But she's smart and gifted in literature and medicine.
07:35Her rise began by saving a duchess.
07:36People romanticize her love story with Adrian.
07:38She endured my bullying in silence.
07:40I thought I drove her out, but Adrian hid her in a villa,
07:43where she became his secret advisor.
07:45In their story, I'm the foolish, vicious villain everyone despises.
07:49Even my death would seem deserved.
07:51Forget it.
07:52This time, I'll prepare for the poetry event.
07:54I'll do everything I can for my family.
07:56I have Lydia hire three tutors.
07:57Mom thinks I've lost my mind and tries to drag me to church.
08:00I quit sweets and meat and tell the kitchen to keep the meals light and plain.
08:04Dad thinks something's wrong with me, so he summons the royal doctor.
08:08They try to talk me out of it.
08:09Sweetheart, if you are possessed, blink twice.
08:13I'm speechless.
08:14I never cared for my studies before.
08:15Choosing Eric must seem out of character.
08:17I can't blame them for thinking this is just spite over Adrian.
08:20After all, Eric and I have barely spoken.
08:22I used to look down on him and thought he wasn't as handsome as Adrian,
08:25but he's the only man who never falls for Clara.
08:28I remember Adrian kept making excuses to hide Clara away in that villa.
08:31I pushed her until she wanted to die.
08:34She was like a fading flower, fragile and broken.
08:36Eventually, she gained her freedom and began traveling as a healer.
08:39On the road, she saved a young man.
08:41That young man isn't some nobody.
08:42He's Paul Holden, a formidable general and the Marquess's heir.
08:45He once routed the enemy in victory.
08:47But he isn't the biggest name who falls for Clara.
08:49Dylan Jones, the Duke's only son, falls for her at first sight.
08:53And the King's Well Veil heir protects her secretly.
08:55I never imagined a maid like Clara could hold such power in Yorland.
08:58In my past lives, I was arrogant enough to believe a single word from me could have her killed.
09:03Indeed, even after Adrian makes her consort, I still see her as beneath me.
09:07Nowhere near Miley.
09:08I naively believe that without her, Adrian will return to me.
09:11So I provoke her openly and frame her.
09:13Jealousy nearly drives me mad.
09:14Yet she remains calm and composed.
09:16As if nothing can shake her, she's poised and elegant.
09:19Like snow resting on the eaves.
09:21No matter my insults or my schemes, she remains unscathed and untouchable.
09:25Everyone loves her and hates me.
09:26Adrian leaves me to rot in a deserted wing.
09:28Dylan accuses my family of crimes.
09:30Hall has my parents executed in public.
09:32And the King's Well Veil heir personally prepares my poison.
09:35It burns bitter down my throat, keeping me conscious as I fade.
09:38In the end, I bled out and died.
09:40I remember my blood draining away.
09:41In the end, I finally understand I can never beat Clara because I am the villain here.
09:46When I see her, I can't help but feel jealous.
09:48All I want is to destroy her.
09:50I won't let a maid outshine me.
09:52Every decent man loves her and hates me.
09:54In my first life, I was too foolish.
09:55In my second, I fought out of spite.
09:57We clash again and again.
09:59No matter what I try, it always ends the same way.
10:01In the end, I die from poison.
10:03On the day I die, Clara wears the coronation gown.
10:06She looks down at me and says,
10:07Eleanor, I was never competing with you.
10:09Yes, I wore your dress.
10:10But people love pretty things.
10:12I even knelt and begged you.
10:14You were just too cruel to listen.
10:16You kept coming after me and you're still ugly, no matter what you wear.
10:20As a woman, I almost pity you.
10:22Eleanor, be less vicious in your next life.
10:24In every life, it comes down to the same thing.
10:27I hate that she wore my dress.
10:29It's late spring.
10:30The sky is bright and the lake is clear.
10:32The perfect season for meeting.
10:34Mom loves poetry gatherings.
10:35She was once one of Jorland's top talents.
10:38Then, she married Dad, who is lazy and useless.
10:41Dad picked the right side.
10:42He is loyal to the king and stays out of political factions.
10:45When he was young, he was the heir to a count.
10:47Everyone spoiled him.
10:48One day, he lost a cricket bet to the king
10:50and decided the king was the real deal.
10:53Mom once asked him what kind of test that was.
10:55Dad opened the cricket cage.
10:57Mom took one look and saw three dead crickets
10:59and the fourth was barely hanging on.
11:01If the king kept crickets strong, he would care about his people too.
11:04If he could win with crickets, he could win with people.
11:06After the king took the throne, the country stabilized and the economy recovered.
11:09Dad was appointed chancellor, but he never cared for the title.
11:11He skipped meetings, stayed out of politics, went fishing, and enjoyed himself.
11:15It wasn't some clever strategy to avoid suspicion.
11:17He once tried reading a military strategy book.
11:19He fell asleep by page 13.
11:20He is just lazy.
11:21The king understands that anyone might turn on him, but Dad never would.
11:25Dad genuinely believes that an extra second at work is a waste of his life.
11:28It doesn't matter.
11:29I take after him.
11:30In my past lives, I was the same kind of loafer.
11:32A month passes in a blur.
11:33I bury myself in books.
11:35Every day, I study and push myself to lose weight.
11:37Mom says I look slimmer, and my skin looks better.
11:40I barely leave the house.
11:41The gossip in Jorland never stops.
11:43Some say Eric is back to partying.
11:45Others say I only chose him to spite Adrian, and that I'll crawl back to him.
11:49Mom tutors me herself every single day.
11:51When she sees me overworking, her eyes fill with tears.
11:55Eleanor, I'm glad you see beauty as more than just looks, but we want you healthy and happy.
12:02You get to choose.
12:04Whoever you love or marry will support you.
12:08Don't hurt yourself over Adrian.
12:11Don't push yourself too hard.
12:12I remember dragging Mom into my schemes against Clara.
12:16I deserved to die from poison.
12:18I hold Mom's hand to calm her.
12:20Mom always says a woman's best ornament is her character, and her foundation is independence.
12:25Mom, I finally understand what you meant.
12:28It's not about who I like or who I marry.
12:31Knowledge gives me strength.
12:33No one really knows who wins until the very end.
12:35I recall the poetry event on May 10th.
12:37The Duke's Banquet in mid-May.
12:38Clara, as Adrian's mistress, and becoming a healer.
12:41This time, I won't ruin myself for Adrian.
12:43Once the carriage is ready, Clara walks in.
12:45She looks cold and distant, dressed in dark green.
12:48She sees me and looks surprised.
12:49Ms. Marlowe, you've changed a lot.
12:51Oh, right.
12:52Do you still need poems?
12:53I wrote a few.
12:54They're enough for today's event.
12:55You'll take first place for sure.
12:57It's been a month.
12:58I keep sending her to work in the garden.
13:00I have Lydia watch her every day.
13:01The laws here are strict.
13:03If an indentured servant is killed, there are consequences.
13:06Officials protect their own, but they care about appearances.
13:09In the past, I never feared Clara.
13:11Now, I see my life unraveled the moment she stole my dress.
13:15Lydia says Clara handles supplies, so she goes out every day.
13:18Lydia followed her, but lost her every time.
13:21I'm still too late.
13:22If I can stop her and have the dress altered in time, she won't steal it.
13:25Then, she won't run into Adrian, and they won't fall in love.
13:29Maybe then I won't need Eric to save my family.
13:31Clara, you don't need to come today.
13:33You've lost weight lately, so get some rest.
13:35But Ms. Marlowe, don't you want to see Prince Adrian?
13:37I don't mind being tired.
13:39Clara, we both know you're prettier than I am.
13:41I fear you will steal his gaze.
13:43Clara smiles and hands me a sheet of paper.
13:45Then, I'll wait here for you.
13:47If you want to win, just memorize these poems.
13:49She walks away with total confidence.
13:51In the carriage, I unfold the paper and start laughing.
13:54Lydia has no idea what's going on.
13:56She urges the driver to hurry, then asks,
13:59Ms. Marlowe, what's so funny?
14:01Look, it's an acrostic.
14:02The last word of each line spells it.
14:04Adrian is meeting Clara at three o'clock.
14:06That little bitch.
14:08Lydia is furious.
14:09Ms. Marlowe, I can't stand this.
14:11She's using her looks to seduce Prince Adrian.
14:13Why don't we sell her off or have her beaten?
14:15We can't let her outshine you.
14:16I let out a sigh and say,
14:18Don't be silly.
14:19I wish I'd listened to her and sold Clara off.
14:21But I was so certain she was just a lowly maid.
14:24I thought I could keep her and play.
14:26Now, it's too late.
14:28Adrian likely meets her in secret.
14:30He has probably made many promises and assigned guards to protect her.
14:33Fine.
14:33I'll go along with it.
14:34I tear the paper to pieces and smile.
14:36Do you remember my instructions?
14:37Lydia flashes a sly grin.
14:39Of course.
14:39Don't worry.
14:40I hired smooth-talking maids to shower Clara with praise.
14:43She won't even have to lift a finger.
14:44The carriage keeps moving.
14:46Jorlin looks the same as always.
14:48My thoughts drift elsewhere.
14:49People say those meant for greatness have to endure hardship first.
14:53I wonder if the chosen one can still stay true to herself when everyone starts flattering her.
14:57Scholars gather at Windmere Estate.
14:59Each year, the king scouts for talent at these poetry events.
15:02Anyone can attend, regardless of their background.
15:04I used to attend these just to impress Adrian.
15:06I would recite Clara's poems and bask in the praise.
15:09But today, all anyone notices is that I've lost weight.
15:12People love noble gossip.
15:14Everyone's whispering about my engagement to Eric.
15:16The king has a queen, but everyone knows his true beloved is Adrian's mother, a consort.
15:22The king married Melissa only to keep the kingdom stable.
15:25Melissa looks plain.
15:26Without her jewels and fine gowns, she would vanish in a crowd.
15:30Adrian's mother, however, grew up with the king.
15:32She is his childhood sweetheart.
15:34Her family lacks power, but she is beautiful and gifted.
15:37Adrian takes after her.
15:38He has been favored since birth, rising all the way to crown prince.
15:41Eric was born of politics.
15:43He looks ordinary and lacks a talent for ruling.
15:45It feels like he exists only to make Adrian shine brighter.
15:48I was so obsessed with Adrian that marrying anyone else felt like misery.
15:51In my last life, I ignored Eric.
15:53He always stood in the shadows.
15:54I only remembered he existed when he appeared beside Adrian.
15:57Now, because of me, everyone is watching Eric for once.
16:00Lost in thought, I don't see him standing beside me.
16:02Eyes wide, Eric stares at me for a while before poking at my dimple.
16:06Missed Adrian so much that you lost weight?
16:09Even he has heard of those rumors.
16:10Clearly the king thinks the same, so he still hasn't confirmed our engagement.
16:14Since losing weight, I only put on minimal makeup.
16:16I didn't want the attention.
16:18Even the dress I'm wearing is out of fashion.
16:20This is my chance to clear up the rumors.
16:22Taking Eric's hand, I press closer to him.
16:25Actually, Eric, I've always loved you.
16:27I just felt a little insecure because I'm neither pretty nor smart.
16:30I lost weight for you.
16:32I say evenly, giving him a warm smile.
16:34Eric's ears turn red.
16:35No one has ever told him that they liked him and wanted to marry him.
16:40Blushing, he stammers in disagreement.
16:41Nonsense.
16:42Who says you're not smart?
16:43You're just chubby.
16:44That's cute.
16:45Don't listen to any of them.
16:46In response, I hand him a handkerchief, which has an embroidery of swans on one side and
16:51a pea on the other.
16:52The pea is crooked.
16:54Awkwardly, I say.
16:55My mother just started teaching me embroidery.
16:57I wanted to embroider your full name, but there are too many letters and I'm not skilled
17:01enough for that.
17:02That's why there's only a pea.
17:03Once I get better at sewing, I'll make you a new one.
17:06Eric holds it like a precious treasure.
17:08His eyes are bright.
17:09It's very nice.
17:10Affection fills the air as we talk.
17:12This is the jarring scene that Adrian sees upon his arrival.
17:15Eric and I sit at the head of the table, happily watching the guests exchange poems.
17:18In the past, if I knew Adrian would come, I would be in the middle of that crowd.
17:22But today, I am unusually quiet.
17:25I turn away when Adrian sits beside me and tries to talk to me.
17:28He says softly,
17:29Ellie, you've changed.
17:30You seem different.
17:31His head is lowered.
17:32He is startlingly handsome, like an earthbound angel.
17:36After taking a sip of his tea, he continues.
17:39You're a good poet.
17:40Why don't you share your poems?
17:41That reminds me.
17:42Clara's written him a lot of poems, and I know what to do with them.
17:46For once, I look at him.
17:47He hasn't seen me in ages.
17:49Surprise flashes in his eyes, then quickly fades.
17:52He reaches out to take my hand and leads me over to the crowd.
17:54But I slip away before he can reach me.
17:56In the crowd, I read out Clara's poem loudly.
17:58It is a rather nice poem, every word meaningful and sufficiently poignant.
18:02The last verse, where she describes hope even during the bleakest sunset, is the guest's favorite.
18:08They are just praising my talent when I suddenly announce the truth.
18:11I am not educated enough to compose such a beautiful poem.
18:14This poem was written by my maid, Clara.
18:16She's the one you should be praising.
18:17Many accomplished poets have gathered at Windmere today.
18:20Murmurs ripples through the crowd.
18:21Then, I tell Lydia to bring out the other written poems.
18:24These are all Clara's best poems that I had memorized in my last life.
18:27Now, I realize that only those with true wisdom can see through the essence of human nature.
18:31All these praise and flattery are nothing but meaningless words.
18:34Everyone is talking about Clara.
18:36Some say she is Yorlin's best poet.
18:38At the high table, Adrian looks grim.
18:41He surely knows what the poems imply.
18:43The discussion grows in fervor.
18:44Those who have come from afar declare their trip worthwhile.
18:47Having savored such fine poetry, my plan is working.
18:50I slip into a corner and jot a short poem on paper.
18:53I hand it to Eric.
18:54I hope you don't mind it's not great.
18:56You're the only one who can see this.
18:57He reads it slowly, then smiles at me.
18:59Everyone says you're foolish, clumsy, and overly ambitious.
19:02But today, I see the real you.
19:04I am no poet.
19:05But if you ask me, your poems are great.
19:07In the light, I look at him.
19:09I feel a sense of mutual understanding.
19:11I know the feeling of being eclipsed.
19:13Of being nothing but an afterthought.
19:15Without me, he would still be lost, ignored, unnoticed, and invisible.
19:20I lightly touch his shoulder in comfort.
19:22No one says we must be superheroes to be happy.
19:25Small weeds and giant trees have their own version of happiness.
19:28Eric, you can be your own hero just by being yourself.
19:31Clara is torn over the poetry event.
19:33She is shocked I didn't steal her work, and thrilled by the praise.
19:37Nobles are already lining up to have her teach them poetry.
19:40No one is gossiping about my drama with Adrian anymore.
19:43While at Windmere, I keep my distance from Adrian, avoiding him like the plague.
19:47Everyone finally believes that I actually want Eric.
19:49Everywhere I go, Clara's name is all I hear.
19:53Even my own servants flock to her.
19:54I order them to treat her well.
19:56I support her studies and clubs, so she can make her own friends.
19:59However, I remain cautious.
20:01The king hasn't approved my wedding, so I may still be stuck with Adrian.
20:05I must stay vigilant.
20:07I never thought I would regret the foolish things I did out of my obsession with Adrian.
20:11I must keep going until the truth is undeniable.
20:14Especially to the king.
20:15Afternoon arrives.
20:17The spies Lydia set on Clara have vanished.
20:19Just as I expected.
20:21Hidden guards protect Clara in my home.
20:22In my last life, I only found them when I tried to kill her.
20:26I was devastated.
20:27I didn't get why Adrian would protect her.
20:29I believed his excuses about keeping Clara safe, because I couldn't admit he loved her,
20:34and not me.
20:35It is late afternoon when Clara returns from her errands.
20:37She looks troubled.
20:38Her eyes wet with tears.
20:40Lydia is perplexed.
20:41Miss Eleanor, why does she look so sad?
20:43Everyone is praising her now, saying her talent rivals the nobles.
20:46She should be happy.
20:47If I were her, I'd be overjoyed.
20:49You're so silly.
20:50I pinch Lydia's cheek, taking in her innocent expression.
20:54I remember how in my past life, she took the fall for my crimes.
20:57I won't let her risk herself again.
20:59I make up an excuse.
21:00She probably has other troubles.
21:02Right now, Adrian needs the Marlowe's prestige to gain the support of the nobles.
21:06He is not born of the queen, thus illegitimate.
21:08He is only the crown prince because the king loves his mother.
21:11Should that change, he fears he will lose everything.
21:14He needs dad's support.
21:15Dad is no longer active in politics, but the king still trusts him deeply.
21:19When troubled, the king plays chess with dad, or goes fishing with him in the countryside.
21:24My disdain, combined with those poems, is flusteringly obvious.
21:28I wonder if Clara has the power to oppose royalty.
21:30Then again, her tears are enough.
21:32May 15th is the duke's birthday.
21:34We are invited to the banquet.
21:36In my past life, the duchess nearly drowned then.
21:39Clara saved her, and in return, asked for her freedom from me.
21:44I had to let her go, which made things easier for Adrian.
21:47For two weeks, I pester dad to teach me to swim.
21:50He builds me a pool at great cost, and hires a teacher, despite his confusion.
21:54Sweetheart, why do you want to learn how to swim?
21:57Since your debut, you have been studying non-stop.
22:01Before this, your laziness saved me from your mom's scolding.
22:05She can barely hide her disdain from me now.
22:09Mischievously, I tease him.
22:10Yeah, she's been drifting off.
22:12Could she be thinking of a childhood crush?
22:14If you don't start working out, dad, mom might really fall for someone else.
22:19This scares dad into working out for the next fortnight.
22:22Mom is pleased as she watches our family thrive, free of its old gloom.
22:26She returns to her old hobby and takes up dance classes.
22:28I write to Eric every day.
22:30The queen takes a special interest to me, sending gifts to my house every other day.
22:34Even teaching Eric how to win my favor.
22:37She fears that if Adrian takes the throne, Eric will lose everything.
22:40But if he marries me, dad's political connections will ensure his safety.
22:44In my past life, my recklessness got my parents executed.
22:47Dad had to plead with the king for my life, and mom had been implicated in my actions.
22:51This time around, I won't repeat my mistakes.
22:54I want dad, mom, Lily, and the rest of my family to live a happy life.
22:57Lydia tries every excuse to keep Clara at home, but she insists on attending the banquet with me.
23:02She kneels before me despite her pride.
23:04Don't worry, I just want an answer, Miss Eleanor.
23:06I won't steal your spotlight.
23:08Clara says that she hasn't left the house since that day.
23:10What she seeks is simply whether Adrian loves her.
23:12My plan is working as intended.
23:14I look at Clara's beautiful, flawless face and laugh.
23:17Sure, you can wear that dress that I gave you.
23:20I have rarely faced Clara directly since my rebirth.
23:23To be honest, I am afraid of her.
23:24I avoid her and everything around her.
23:27Yet I gave her glory and built her cage, turning every twist of fate into my favor.
23:31I didn't berate her for wearing my dresses.
23:33I didn't steal her poems.
23:35But now, I cannot avoid this.
23:36I will not know peace until the king announces the betrothal.
23:39Many are invited to the banquet.
23:40My parents have prepared gifts for the event, even though my reputation is terrible.
23:44My parents are well-liked in the upper crust.
23:46Ever since I teased dad, he stopped his idol hobbies and turned to active ones instead.
23:51Adrian tries to gift him some rare parrots, but dad just set them aside after a look and turned to
23:55Eric.
24:04Ever since I admitted that I love Eric, he is no longer invisible.
24:08Gradually, people began saying that even though he isn't studious and isn't king material, he is good at fighting.
24:14He could protect the nation.
24:15Dad's smile widens when he sees the handkerchief in Eric's pocket.
24:18You even got my spoiled daughter to embroider something for you.
24:22Eric, I have much to learn from you.
24:24Dad is always the star of the show at every banquet.
24:27I check out where the Duchess would fall and get Lydia to keep watch there.
24:30To calm myself, I drink some wine.
24:32I want to ask Clara to get me more, but when I turn, she is gone.
24:36Just then, Lydia rushes over.
24:38Miss Eleanor, the Duchess is heading to the lakeside.
24:40Dammit, I need more wine.
24:42But the stage is set.
24:43Though it is already spring, there is still a chill in the air.
24:46I glanced over at Mom, who is chatting with the other ladies, covering her mouth in amusement at some gossip.
24:51Warmth spreads through my heart.
24:52There is nothing to fear.
24:54The narrow path is winding.
24:55I see the Duchess walking from afar.
24:57I follow closely behind.
24:58When she falls into the lake, I am pushed in as well.
25:01I choke on some water, but still grab tightly onto her hand.
25:04Ma'am, calm down.
25:05I will save you.
25:06Thankfully, Lydia's scream is very loud.
25:09Everyone rushes over to the lakeside.
25:10My parents nearly leap into the lake themselves.
25:13Mom is beside herself.
25:14Ellie!
25:14Hold on.
25:15It's May.
25:16But the water is cold.
25:17My strength faded with the warmth.
25:19The Duchess clings to me, weeping bitterly.
25:21And I keep comforting her.
25:23Eric is the first to jump in.
25:24He wraps his coat around my soaked dress.
25:26Hands the Duchess to the guards.
25:27And takes me to safety.
25:29Choking on water.
25:30I cannot speak.
25:31But my heart is as full as the warm sunlight that filters through the lush branches.
25:35Ordinary, unremarkable Eric makes my heart race.
25:38He isn't cold like Adrian.
25:40Nor arrogant like Paul.
25:42He is just a quiet wallflower.
25:43Never bothering anyone.
25:44The world falls silent.
25:47All I can hear is his voice.
25:48Eleanor?
25:49You'd better be okay.
25:50It's the first time he calls me by name.
25:52The Duchess arranges a room for me to change out of my wet clothes.
25:54At last, I can speak with her alone.
25:57Hurriedly, I voice my suspicions.
25:58Ma'am, you didn't slip and fall.
26:00Someone pushed you.
26:01I remember it clearly.
26:02I tried to grab her before she fell.
26:04But someone pushed me from behind.
26:06The shove was quite light.
26:07Understanding dawns.
26:09The Duchess frowns.
26:10Her face grave.
26:11Thank you for saving me, Ellie.
26:13I will look into this matter.
26:14She leaves to speak to her staff and looks worried when she returns.
26:17My parents are badly shaken.
26:19When I come out, they refuse to let go of me.
26:21The banquet continues.
26:22My heart calms.
26:24And I focus on eating my salad.
26:25I cannot break my diet.
26:27Not after all my effort.
26:28I don't see Clara for the rest of the day.
26:30If the Duchess didn't tell me personally that they have found the culprit,
26:33I might have never known the truth.
26:35I should laugh.
26:36Even the main character cannot escape the follies of love and desire.
26:39She cannot escape from suffering.
26:40The Duchess is from a military family.
26:42She grew up in the army and has seen her fair share of murder and schemes.
26:46When I told her we were pushed, she grew suspicious.
26:48The staff in her household are vetted, so it can't be them.
26:51It must be an outsider.
26:52She checked the guest list and questioned the attendants.
26:54Only my maid, Clara, is absent.
26:56If Clara were ordinary, she wouldn't stand out.
26:58But she was too beautiful.
27:00With the dress I gave her, she was too conspicuous.
27:03When they find her, the Duchess orders her shoes examined.
27:05There is mud on the soles.
27:06Just like that, Clara is apprehended.
27:09She doesn't confess, stubborn to the end.
27:11But her coldness and defiance wins no pity from the Dutchness.
27:14The branding iron burns away the fabric of her dress and scorches her skin.
27:18She is tortured, yet she stares at the doorway as if waiting for someone.
27:21I remain dazed even after the banquet ends.
27:24Clara had saved the Duchess in my previous life.
27:26I wondered if she and Adrienne had set this up as well in that life.
27:29Had they used the Duchess to make me free, Clara?
27:32Then what about Paul?
27:33I write to Eric, asking him to keep watch at the city gates.
27:36Maybe he would be able to save Paul.
27:38Even though I hate him for killing my family,
27:40he is still the general who protects the country and its people.
27:42If Eric could save him in this life, it would be perfect.
27:45Five days pass.
27:46The Duchess says that Clara still refuses to speak.
27:48Adrienne acts like he doesn't know her.
27:49Working.
27:50Even finding the time to curry favor with my father.
27:52Love is so fragile in the face of power.
27:54Scattering in the wind at the lightest breath.
27:56Pushing the Duchess into the lake is considered murder.
27:58If Clara had done it, then she won't be bothering me anymore.
28:01But why did she do it?
28:02Perhaps only Clara can answer this question.
28:04The mighty General Paul Holden, who commands the army and wins wars,
28:08returns to Yorland on an old horse, covered in wounds.
28:10The first thing he says when he sees Eric is,
28:12Someone's trying to kill me.
28:14This time, I have changed too many things.
28:16It isn't Clara who saves him this time.
28:18It's me and Eric.
28:18We summoned the best doctors and gave him the best medicine, barely saving his life.
28:22And his savior in my previous life, Clara, now stands before me.
28:25Covered in wounds, her limbs bound.
28:27The beautiful dress she is wearing is now ruined.
28:29She looks at my now slender figure and flawless skin with a dazed expression.
28:33Miss Eleanor, you're so pretty now.
28:36Tears wells up in her eyes.
28:37I feel conflicted too.
28:38Somehow, I sense that I am close to the truth.
28:42Clara, Adrienne is getting married soon.
28:44I've never seen her look so hopeless.
28:46She looks defeated.
28:47You and Adrienne are a good match.
28:49No, he's not marrying me.
28:51Then...
28:51He will marry the Duke's daughter.
28:53Eric told me this.
28:54After Paul is healed, Adrienne asks to marry the Duke's daughter.
28:57Two weeks of torture has stripped Clara of all dignity.
29:00When all hope is gone, insanity follows.
29:03Bright, radiant Clara breaks down in the dark.
29:06Voice hoarse, she screams...
29:08Why?
29:08I could accept it if it were you.
29:10Why her?
29:11He said that if I saved the Duchess, I could openly love him.
29:14Why didn't he save me?
29:16Why is he marrying someone else?
29:18Why?
29:18Why am I not a noble?
29:20Even though I am prettier and more talented than any of you.
29:22You can marry whoever you want.
29:24I know so much.
29:25From medicine to the arts.
29:27I can debate.
29:28I can write poems.
29:29Yet I can never be you.
29:31He lied to me.
29:32How could he lie to me?
29:33I'm sorry.
29:34I misjudged him.
29:35Clara isn't a doctor in this life.
29:37She doesn't go to Kingswell Vale, so she never finds her devoted partner.
29:40She had become a political tool, just like I had been.
29:42But she had known some of Adrienne's love, while I did not.
29:45I knew that I was close to the truth, but I hadn't expected this.
29:48Clara, drained of energy, curled up in the dark as she sobbed brokenly.
29:52I feel no thrill of victory.
29:54Just like in my last life, when Clara mocked me as a queen, I feel only sorrow.
29:58Clara, you were indeed wrong.
30:00You shouldn't have coveted something that did not belong to you.
30:02It was never yours, and it never would have been yours.
30:04At last, it is over.
30:06I can finally sleep.
30:07My parents will stay alive, as will the rest of my household.
30:10The Duchess puts her arms around me and leads me out of the prison.
30:13It is raining outside.
30:14Eric is kicking pebbles as he waits, holding an umbrella.
30:17When he sees me, he tells me with bright eyes,
30:19The wedding is confirmed.
30:20I can call you Ellie now.
30:21His smile is brilliant.
30:23Everyone says he's ordinary, but to me, he is precious.
30:26Soon, Clara goes mad.
30:28Adrienne fails to remain crown prince.
30:30The Duchess accuses him of murder, and Paul does the same.
30:33Adrienne cannot escape this.
30:34I finally see him as he is.
30:36If I hadn't been blinded by jealousy in my previous life,
30:38only seeing Clara and none of his plans,
30:41I might not have ended up as I did.
30:42No one is born as a villain.
30:44Sometimes, we just forget to live.
30:46Time will pass, and everything comes to an end eventually.
30:48In this life, I wear the world's finest dress.
30:51My wedding gown.
30:52Only mine.
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