There was no point in causing rumors about a lady of Liberk appearing in such a place. It was best to handle this quietly and leave.

While waiting for my turn, I overheard a conversation nearby.

“No, is it true? About the lady of Liberk……”

Liberk?

My ears perked up. What happened? I’d prefer to hear they went bankrupt, though it’s unrealistic for such wealthy people to go bankrupt in just three days.

The people next to me rustled as they pulled out a newspaper. Something big enough to make the papers?

Hmm, maybe they’re looking for me?

In novels, the protagonist often regrets after the other person leaves, then searches for them and begs forgiveness. Could it be something like that?

I scooted closer to those people, moving my hips to get nearer.

“Well, what good is money? We all end up the same when we die. But she was so young, it’s a shame.”

A shame? Who died? Don’t tell me… Rozenne?

The moment I peeked over their shoulder at the newspaper, I froze completely.

[Lady Ires Liberk’s Sudden Death. Ires Liberk, who had been hiding a chronic illness, passed away last night.]

Me……? I died?

At that moment, the Duchess’s words replayed in my mind.

〈How could I trust someone who was just a petty thief from the streets?〉

The contemptuous look in her eyes. Haha. I had foolish expectations. Even so, couldn’t she at least wish me good luck in my future life? She’s literally killing me off.

I lowered my eyes in disappointment.

It felt like all those years were scattering away. I was fine, I was definitely fine, but my heart ached.

The documents I had prepared became crumpled in my hand.

No, Ires.

Why are you getting discouraged over something like this? Didn’t you know what kind of people they were? Why are you needlessly getting hurt when you already knew?

Don’t waste your emotions on them. Just erase them from your mind completely.

They’re irrelevant people now. From now on, you’re living your own life. Focusing only on yourself.

I took a deep breath and stood up abruptly.

Then I headed to the counter to get new documents.

“How can I help you?”

I spoke slowly.

“I lost my memory in an accident. I’d like to apply for a new identity. Could you help me with that?”

From now on, it’s a new name, a new identity.

A rebirth.

※※※

Meanwhile, the Liberk family was suffering from the appearance of an unexpected guest.

The Liberk ducal family had announced they would scale down the funeral to mourn Ires’s sudden death. The reason given was that the family was still struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss.

But all those words lost their power in front of Crown Prince Vairen.

The relatives of the Liberk family stared at Vairen, who was standing with his head bowed before Ires’s coffin. He had been standing like a statue for an hour without moving.

“……Did Ires have something with Crown Prince Vairen?”

“I don’t know either. Ask Aunt.”

“Tsk. If Ires hadn’t died, she might have become the crown princess.”

Those words reached the Duchess of Liberk’s ears as well.

crown princess. The position that would become Empress of the Sellophel Empire.

The Duchess’s eyes gleamed sharply. A natural greed welled up. The Crown Prince’s appearance like this meant a personal connection with the ducal family.

This could be a new opportunity for Rozenne. At that moment, the eyes of the Duke and Duchess of Liberk met.

It was Duke Liberk’s decision to announce Ires’s death this time. It wasn’t surprising, as he had opposed bringing Ires in as a substitute for the lost Rozenne in the first place.

Duke Liberk approached the Crown Prince.

“Crown Prince Vairen, Your Highness.”

Vairen slowly turned his head. His ice-blue eyes were devoid of emotion, sunken and hollow.

“You must have cared deeply for our daughter while she was alive. I never imagined Ires had such a connection.”

Duke Liberk pretended to have a sorrowful face.

Vairen examined each member of the Liberk household with glass-like eyes.

From the real daughter Rozenne they had just recovered, to the Duchess, and all their relatives.

He swallowed a bitter laugh at their appearance.

Not a single person here truly mourns Ires’s death. Vairen turned his head to stare at the coffin. He would definitely find out who had placed Ires in that cold enclosure.

The fake daughter who conveniently died right after the real daughter returned.

What a remarkably convenient timing.

“Your Highness.”

Duke Liberk called out to Vairen again when he didn’t respond.

“Please come inside. The sun is hot. Allow us to serve you some tea as you’ve come to mourn our daughter.”

“……I shall do so.”

Vairen answered in a raspy voice. He wanted to see the room where Ires had been staying. He wanted to engrave her last traces in his heart.

‘I won’t let your death be lonely, Ires.’

Vairen was certain that Ires hadn’t died from a chronic illness as reported. He could confirm this, having spent the night with her.

That day, Ires was healthy and beautiful. She was full of vitality, making it impossible to believe she was someone who would die soon.

Ires’s sweet breathing, her smooth skin, and her lips that glowed red.

Everything was vivid.

Vairen clenched his fist.

Duke Liberk guided him to his office.

A maid in mourning clothes soon prepared tea. Outside, a priest could be heard reading prayers. Duke Liberk slightly frowned and closed the open window.

“……I would like to express my gratitude once more, Your Highness.”

“……I would like to see the room Lady Ires used while she was alive. Would that be possible?”

Vairen added coldly.

“I wish to pay my respects in the place where Ires closed her eyes.”

At those words, Duke Liberk made a regretful expression and lowered his eyes.

“I’m sorry, Your Highness. Ires’s room has already been cleared out. All her belongings have been burned. Looking at them was like having my heart torn out…… Your Highness would understand. Since losing Rozenne, my wife and I raised Ires with love.”

“Ha.”

Vairen barely swallowed a scoff.

“I’d like to see even the empty room.”

“……It’s no longer an empty room, Your Highness. Rozenne is now using her room, according to her last wishes.”

Duke Liberk brushed his face with a sorrowful gesture.

“Her thoughts for her sister were so touching. I still feel like she’ll call out to me with a smile. If Your Highness wishes…… I will call for Rozenne. I cannot open a girl’s room without the owner’s permission.”

Duke Liberk spoke smoothly.

Others might not have been able to read the Duke’s intentions, but Vairen could see clearly.

The scheme to use this moment as a stepping stone to place Lady Rozenne by Vairen’s side.

Vairen was absolutely certain.

‘You were murdered, Ires.’

His heart shattered into pieces.

※※※

When I left the district office, the sun was already setting.

It took longer than expected because I was creating an entirely new identity rather than just changing my name. I had to undergo a psychiatric evaluation and counseling in front of a doctor.

But I finally succeeded.

From now on, my new name is Iris Lofrte.

“Much prettier than Ires! Great, Iris. Let’s go!”

Today I’m leaving this capital for good.

The only regret is that man from three days ago.

Who was he?

How could he look at me with such loving eyes and then disappear without a trace? Maybe he’s just a playboy.

That night meant nothing to him. Just a trivial thing he could forget as soon as he turned away.

“Let’s not worry about it.”

Was I so lonely that I needed to lean on someone for just one night? From now on, don’t be pathetic, Iris.

I shook off all lingering attachments and thoughts as I left.

※※※

Three years later.

For the past three years, I never once thought about returning to the capital.

The people who were once my family had declared me dead, and there wasn’t a single person waiting for me. What would be the point of coming back?

Thanks to having prepared to leave the ducal family in advance, I adapted quickly.

I opened a dress shop using my experience from my previous life. I had majored in fashion design, and it suited my aptitude well. Knowing the original story also helped.

My high-class education from the ducal family proved useful, making it not difficult to establish and run a business.

So, I…

“I’ve succeeded.”

I couldn’t help but exclaim.

My chest swelled with pride as I breathed the capital’s air after so long.

The reason I came to the capital this time was to supply dresses for the debutante ball being held to welcome spring. The debutante ball was an event hosted by the imperial family for ladies from families with financial difficulties.