I didn’t want to twist the original story from the very first day I entered this body. Besides, I wanted to see the female lead’s father and her two older brothers in person. I had their images in my memories, but seeing them with my own eyes would definitely be different—so I felt a small sense of anticipation.

As someone who had genuinely enjoyed the novel, the thought of seeing its characters in real life was exciting.

With a fluttering heart, I quickened my pace.

Fortunately, thanks to the memories, I didn’t get lost on the way to the dining hall. Normally, a maid should be guiding me—but my maid, Marin, was probably busy somewhere laughing with the others, thinking of ways to mess with me.

Right as I arrived in front of the dining hall, I saw her—just as expected—gossiping and giggling with the other maids.

“…Young Lady, why are you so late? Hurry inside. The Duke and the young masters have already started eating.”

“Mm.”

Even as Marin scolded me with clear displeasure, I simply nodded and walked in. I didn’t forget to make a mental note that one day, I wouldn’t let that loose mouth of hers slide.

“Yes, that would be best. And—”

“…Wow. This is intense.”

The moment I stepped into the luxurious dining hall, the three men who had been chatting while eating stopped and looked at me.

Black hair, red eyes—just like copies of one another. Their resemblance showed how strong the ducal bloodline was. And more importantly…

They were ridiculously handsome.

I didn’t even need to ask where the female lead’s looks came from.

While I was inwardly admiring them, they abruptly turned their heads away and resumed their conversation.

“…Right. So this is how it is.”

The memories flashed through my mind—of the female lead mustering up the courage to greet them or start a conversation, only to be completely ignored every time. She would return to her room, crying under her blankets.

But me?

I actually preferred this kind of treatment.

I walked over and sat down at an empty seat. The food had cooled a bit, but everything was neatly prepared. I picked up my utensils and began eating, letting my body follow what it remembered.

“…Wow!”

The meat was delicious. The salad was fresh.

I’d never been to a five-star restaurant, but I imagined this was what it tasted like. Every dish was refined and flavorful. Even though I wasn’t used to food like this, it suited my taste perfectly.

If nothing else, I really liked the food.

I ate steadily, ignoring the sound of their conversation. In one ear, out the other.

Please, just don’t talk to me.

I had never expected familial affection in the first place. Back on Earth, I had been an orphan anyway.

If anything, this kind of indifference was more comfortable.

So I continued eating in peace.

After a while, the Duke finished his meal, gracefully set down his utensils, and stood up. Naturally, the two young masters followed suit.

I felt their gaze on me—but I had only just arrived, so I ignored them and focused on eating.

They looked like they were about to leave, yet for some reason, they lingered.

‘What? Why aren’t they going?’

But since they had never once spoken to or cared about the female lead in the original story, I figured it didn’t matter. Maybe there was a bug crawling behind me or something.

Then I heard a faint scoff.

The three men left.

Now, I was alone in the dining hall.

And honestly, I preferred it that way.

But my peaceful meal didn’t last long.

As soon as they left, the servants began clearing the table.

I froze, a fork still in my mouth, staring blankly at them.

What are they doing?

Cleaning up?

“I’m not done eating yet.”

“…Ah, you’re still going to eat?”

“You saw me just get here, didn’t you? I’m still eating. Clear it later.”

“…Haa…”

At the servant’s loud sigh, my brows furrowed.

Of all things, messing with someone over food was the worst. Was that their way of telling me to hurry up and leave?

Fine.

I deliberately slowed down even more.

Every time I took a bite, they sighed loudly on purpose—but I didn’t stop.

I had grown up without enough to eat, so I was sensitive about food. If I gave in here, I had a feeling I’d never get to eat properly again.

I would leave this household eventually—but not yet.

And until then, I wasn’t going to starve.

‘I’ll remember all of you.’

As I chewed, I memorized their faces—the servants glaring at me with annoyance and contempt.

I’d pay them back someday.

Just then, someone approached me with a full glass of water.

I glanced at the maid walking toward me.

A familiar face.

“…Right. I remember.”

She was the one who had splashed water on me earlier. Her freckles were especially memorable—and I could still hear her giggling.

In the distance, I spotted Marin standing with her arms crossed.

So she put her up to this.

It was obvious—the maid was coming to splash me again.

I looked at her with an innocent expression.

“…Seriously, how uncreative. Is splashing water the only thing they know how to do?”

But I had just been drenched not long ago.

This time, I had no intention of letting it happen.

Suppressing the smirk threatening to rise on my lips, I waited calmly.

“Yo—Young Lady… Kyaaak!”

Perfect timing. Perfect execution.

Just as the maid got close enough to throw the water, I smacked the bowl of chunky soup in front of me.

Exactly as planned—the contents splashed all over her.

“…W-What is this…? What are you—?!”

Oh, that looks satisfying.

The maid, now covered head to toe in soup, stared at me in shock. Her trembling hands, shaking eyes, and wide-open mouth made it clear—she couldn’t process what had just happened.

And it wasn’t just her.

All the servants who had been whispering earlier fell completely silent.

As everyone stood frozen in confusion, I slowly rose from my seat.

In my hand was now a bowl full of salad.

“Oh my… what should I do? I accidentally… Are you alright?”

“Kyaaaah!”

“Oh, dear… I made the same mistake again… what should I do…”

“What—what are you doing?!”

As I stepped closer and dumped the salad directly onto her face, she screamed, covering herself.

She looked ridiculous—covered in soup and salad.

I almost burst out laughing, but I bit my lip to hold it in and tilted my head innocently.

“My hand slipped… But it’s okay, right? You all make mistakes like this all the time.”

“That’s—!”

“I’ve always been understanding when you made mistakes. So I hope you’ll understand mine too. Especially when it comes to food—I’m sensitive. If someone disturbs me while I’m eating, I might make mistakes like this again. So please be mindful.”

No one could say a word.

Normally, it would be unthinkable for servants to ignore a noble’s words—but this wasn’t defiance.

They were simply too shocked by the sudden change in me.

Looking at their pale faces, I smiled in satisfaction.

Finally.

It felt like all the stress I had built up from my past life—everything I had suppressed—was being released.

“Marin.”

“…Y-Yes!”

“Let’s go back. My dress is ruined from the food.”

“…Yes. Please follow me, Young Lady.”

Startled, Marin hurried over.

She looked flustered by how different I was.

I looked at her with the same gentle expression the original Ruby used.

And just like that, her gaze turned displeased again.

It looked like she wanted to say something—but with so many eyes watching, she bit her lip and held it in.