Chapter 2

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Chapter 2

Robain’s unexpected visit to the estate marked the true beginning of the novel’s storyline.

In other words, from here on out, the male lead candidates would start weaving themselves tightly into Yulienne’s life.

And my plan? To sift through them and pick the absolute best one to stand by her side.

If none measured up? Well, she’d just live with me forever.

Honestly, part of me wished we could stay like that—just the two of us…

“Our little Lili, don’t you like playing with dolls anymore?”

Yulienne tilted her head slightly, her pink hair cascading softly down to her waist like a gentle waterfall.

It’s the same shade as mine, but why does it look so much more beautiful on her? Maybe it’s my curls…

I fiddled absentmindedly with a strand of her hair, shaking my head.

“Nah, it’s boring.”

I outgrew doll play ages ago.

Back in my world, eight-year-olds were glued to smartphones, not stuffed toys.

If only this fantasy realm had some tech—smart devices would’ve been a game-changer. But historical accuracy? Who cares in a made-up world.

“Then what should we do instead…?”

She murmured thoughtfully, lost in contemplation. I mirrored her furrowed brow, gazing up at her intently.

Her long, delicate lashes framed those emerald eyes perfectly, creating an enchanting harmony.

Yulienne’s emerald gaze came from our mother’s side, strong and vibrant. For some reason, mine were silver instead.

Lilianne Blanchet was barely a footnote in the novel, so I knew next to nothing about “me” beyond the basics.

What was the original Lilianne’s personality? Her talents? Didn’t matter anymore.

I was her now.

Thinking about it made me feel a pang of guilt toward Yulienne.

In a way, she’d lost her real little sister.

“…I’m sorry, Sis.”

It wasn’t like I chose to possess her. I whispered it under my breath.

But I couldn’t just blurt out, “Hey, I’m not actually your daughter—treat me like I don’t exist and let me fend for myself.” Not in an eight-year-old’s body.

“Hm? Lili, what’s wrong?”

Her eyes widened in concern as she looked down at me, worry etched deep in those green depths.

I shook my head slowly.

Even if something was wrong, I couldn’t spill the beans. I’d get kicked out—or worse.

She might think I’d gone mad, leading to over-the-top coddling and weird “treatments.” No thanks.

“N-Nothing…”

“Oh, come on. Tell me.”

She grabbed my shoulders gently, her beauty shining even in that simple gesture.

No, Sis. I’ll just do my best to be as good as the old Lilianne…

…Though, thanks to her five years at the academy starting from age fifteen, we hadn’t had much sisterly bonding before my possession.

The academy was supposed to be a three-year program, but Yulienne went on to graduate studies for two more.

That’s why she doted on me so much now.

After being apart from her only sibling for so long, finally reuniting—only for me to fall ill for months.

I’d feel the same in her shoes.

It let me act like myself without raising suspicions.

Weirdly enough, Lilianne’s original personality seemed a lot like mine.

Even the estate staff, who saw me daily, didn’t bat an eye—unlike our busy parents or Yulienne, who were rarely around.

For someone supposedly neglected, I sure felt loved.

“Sis, actually… I didn’t finish all my carrots earlier.”

Time to wipe that worry off her pretty face.

I grinned wider, confessing playfully.

She pinched my cheek lightly, bursting into laughter.

There we go—her expression softened.

Sis looks even prettier when she smiles…

“No picky eating, remember, Lili?”

“Ow-ow…”

Hey, that pinch is getting stronger.

Who knew my sis had such a grip…

“No more next time, okay?”

She planted a quick kiss on my cheek, flashing a bright, refreshing smile.

Wonder if I’ll ever smile like that.

I’m originally her age, after all.

If I’d possessed a villain instead, maybe we’d have been friends.

Being her sister isn’t so bad, though.

Except for the times I have to act like a kid—it kills me inside.

But hey, I’m well-fed and cared for. That’s something…

“So, Lili, want to play hide-and-seek outside? You used to love it.”

It hurts before, you’d always beg me to play, but lately, nothing.

She cocked her head curiously. Oh, right—we did that?

If I say no, she’ll fret about my health again…

“Sure!”

After a quick internal debate, I nodded enthusiastically.

Living as an eight-year-old is tougher than it looks…

***

What am I even doing with my adult brain…?

Curled up in a bush in the garden, I let out a soft sigh.

I hadn’t planned to take it this seriously. How’d I end up here?

Must be some buried childhood instinct kicking in.

“Should’ve just said I didn’t want to.”

Or faked a headache.

But after that fake illness to ditch Robain last time, Yulienne went into full panic mode…

She nearly summoned every doctor in the capital, her face pale with fear.

Yeah, not repeating that.

I shuddered at the memory.

Faking sick was a last resort now. Not for dodging hide-and-seek.

That said, kids this age probably do play tag or hide-and-seek all the time.

In a world without modern gadgets, what else is there but physical games?

…Maybe I should risk looking odd and say, “Sis, I feel like reading now.”

Then it’d have to be fairy tales. Novels or textbooks? Too advanced for eight— I’d get labeled a genius.

Why not embrace it and become the prodigy protagonist?

…Nah, my smarts aren’t that impressive.

Just a twenty-year-old’s brain—by fifteen, it’d all unravel.

No thanks to the “tragic genius who lost her edge” trope.

“Lili, ready or not, here I come!”

Yulienne’s voice rang out from afar, clear as a bell echoing across a serene meadow. Even her voice screamed “heroine.”

I tugged my skirt hem inward, making sure nothing peeked out of the bush.

Why am I getting so into this?

It’s gotta be my competitive streak.

I hate losing.

“…”

Holding my breath, frozen in place, I heard grass crunching nearby.

Her voice was distant a second ago—how’d she get so close?

Better scoot deeper. Quietly backing up…

Crunch—I stepped on a twig, the snap echoing loudly.

…Darn. And seeking’s way harder than hiding.

Footsteps headed my way, soft but deliberate.

Fine, time for a sheepish “Hehe, you got me.”

I lifted my head with an awkward grin.

“…Hello?”

Instead of Yulienne’s bell-like tone, a smooth, low voice greeted me.

I blinked wide-eyed at the figure before me.

White hair flowing lazily in the breeze, golden eyes deeper than Robain’s.

Softly curved eyes, striking features that demanded attention.

White hair and gold eyes? Had to be Michael Evans.

One of the four male lead candidates—the youngest archduke, sharp as a tack.

“…Who are you?”

Play dumb for now.

Blinking innocently, I asked. He extended a hand, smiling.

“You’re Yulienne’s little sister, right? I’ve heard so much about you from her. You two look alike.”

He remembered her sister stories? Better than Robain already.

I stared blankly at his hand.

Michael Evans.

The eternal runner-up at Delir Academy, who fell for Yulienne at first sight and stuck by her until Robain swooped in.

The clever, scheming sub-male lead.

“…Sis said not to hold hands with strangers.”

“Oh, well-educated, I see.”

He chuckled softly, hand still outstretched.

His backstory was vague in the novel—can’t recall his exact personality.

“Your pretty dress is getting dirty. Come on, take my hand and stand up.”

“But I’m playing hide-and-seek with Sis.”

“She found you—well, I did. Game over.”

What kind of logic is that?

I pouted, frowning.

“I brought some muffins from up ahead. Want one? I got them just for you.”

He shook a small box, grinning warmly.

For me? Specifically?

I tilted my head in confusion.

From what I remembered, Michael Evans wasn’t the type to show kindness to anyone but Yulienne.

Something’s off here.