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1. Angelina Flaubert
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Angelina Flaubert has come of age. That fact was currently the main topic of interest in the Grandonia Empire’s social circles.
It was a matter of course. For a noble to come of age in the empire meant being granted the qualification to marry and the opportunity to enter politics.
But she was receiving particular attention not just for these reasons.
Just as her brother, Ante Flaubert, was rumored to be a heartthrob who captured the hearts of people of all ages, she, too, was rumored to be a tremendous beauty.
Moreover, few people had ever met her because of her brother, who was a bit overprotective, which increased their curiosity even more.
Just then, it was announced that the Marquis was hosting a grand birthday party, and everyone was eagerly awaiting the day to meet her at the party.
However, unfortunately, the party was canceled.
It was due to Angelina Flaubert suffering from a high fever.
***
“Miss, how are you feeling?”
“I’m much better. You don’t need to worry.”
Angelina replied to her maid’s worried question. Her full cherry-colored lips drew a charming line.
But her voice was so weak that it didn’t sound very convincing.
“It seems like your tea has gotten cold. Shall I make you some more?”
“It’s fine.”
Despite the persistent concerns of her personal maid Laura, Angelina shook her head. Her beautiful silvery hair swayed as she moved.
Each strand of her hair sparkled prettily in the sunlight as if made of diamonds.
“If you need anything, please let me know right away.”
“I will. Thank you, Laura.”
After taking care of a few more details such as the blanket and room temperature, Laura withdrew.
Alone, Angelina let out a long sigh.
‘…I must look terrible. ‘
No matter how much she pretended to be unaffected, to Laura, who had been with her for so long, it was evident that she wasn’t well.
Her body wasn’t actually in bad condition. The fever had subsided a while ago.
However, memories that resurfaced during her high fever made her mind restless.
‘Past life… perhaps? ‘
Memories of living in a different body in a different world.
In reality, despite grandly calling it a past life, it did not hold much significance as her family’s faces or names didn’t come to mind.
It only brought a slight sense of wonder about the existence of an afterlife.
But the problem was what came along with those memories.
‘Is this really just a novel? ‘
It was the novel she had been reading before her death.
Angelina could recall that novel particularly well. It was because that novel was none other than the world, she was currently living in.
At first, she couldn’t believe it.
Even Angelina, who was quick to compromise with the world, found it hard to accept when told, “The world you’re living in is just a novel.”
She thought it was just delusional thinking due to the pain.
But when everything from the characters, geography, history, and politics of the country matched perfectly, she had no choice but to believe.
‘Well, let’s just say it’s a novel. ‘
Even so, with time, she could accept it. Reincarnation, transmigration, whatever it was.
‘But my brother becoming the final villain? ‘
However, there was one thing she absolutely couldn’t agree with.
He was the most affectionate brother. He was so tender-hearted that just a slight paper cut would make him tear up.
How could such a person do something like a villain?
‘And to think I die as soon as I turn twenty…… ‘
A story she didn’t want to believe.
“To find out on your birthday that you’re dying. What kind of joke is that, God? ”
If this was supposed to be a birthday present from God, Angelina felt like she wanted to return it.
‘This is as moldy as a fungus-ridden cake. ‘
Angelina spat out the harshest curse she knew.
Cursing didn’t improve the situation, but it somehow made her feel a little better.
‘And just saying I’ll die, without properly explaining what illness it is, isn’t that too much? ‘
It was truly unkind of the novel not to provide clear explanations.
‘Well…… it’s not necessary to explain in detail how the villain’s little sister died. ‘
At least letting her know it was an incurable disease might be some sort of help. Since it didn’t lead to false hope, she might as well be thankful.
After sighing softly, Angelina organized her thoughts.
After considering various thoughts for a moment, Angelina reached a conclusion.
She had about two years left.
‘It’s better this way.’
There’s nothing to be gained by dwelling on what the illness is, whether it can be cured, or whether it’s something that can be fixed.
Moreover, considering the description in the novel that it was a “sudden death,” it didn’t seem to be a lingering illness.
In a way, there couldn’t have been a neater and clearer death sentence.
So, the conclusion was clear.
‘Let’s enjoy the remaining life.’
It was unfair, it really was.
But I haven’t died yet, right?
After suffering a high fever, Angelina’s head felt clear for the first time.
‘If there’s something I want to do before I die……’
Angelina immediately thought of one thing.
Something she wanted to do in her past life but couldn’t because she lacked the ability.
In this life, she had the ability but couldn’t bring herself to do it.
That is……
‘Should I start with experiencing what it’s like to splurge money?’
Her first item on the bucket list was to experience spending money recklessly.
***
To accomplish item number one on her bucket list, Angelina headed to Ante’s office.
To experience spending money, she needed money, and to get money, she needed to find the source.
However, Angelina’s bold steps faltered as she stood in front of the study.
“Oh, today was the day of the meeting.”
Of all days, it had to be the day when all key members of the family were gathered for a general meeting.
‘Come to think of it, Laura mentioned it in the morning.’
She hadn’t listened carefully as she pondered about the future.
Having received a warning in advance but forgotten about it and come all the way here, Angelina scratched her cheek and stared at the firmly closed door.
“Just asking for some money should be quick, maybe I’ll just go in for a moment.”
She hesitated. But she decided against it. Despite being terminally ill, she wasn’t dying tomorrow.
She couldn’t disrupt the time when important people like the Knight Commander, the Butler, the Head Chef, and the aide were discussing matters with the Marquis.
Especially not for a mere request for money.
“If you could tell me your errand, I’ll convey it to the Marquis.”
The knight who had been observing her spoke up.
“It’s not urgent, so it’s fine. I’ll wait and mention it later…”
Bam.
She was about to say she’d come back later when the door suddenly flew open.
Angelina’s eyes widened in surprise to find her brother standing there.
His eyes locked with hers, and he smiled from the corner of his eye.
It was a charming smile that seemed capable of seducing anyone, regardless of their gender.
“Lina.”
Ante affectionately whispered her nickname and reached out his hand, placing it gently on her forehead as he asked, “Has your fever gone down?”
“It went down two days ago.”
“How about your body, any aches or pains?”
He examined every inch of her face and gently cupped her shoulders and arms.
“Should I call the doctor back?”
In his voice filled with concern, Angelina jokingly smiled.
“I’m perfectly fine now, brother.”
Knowing that he tended to react sensitively to matters concerning her, Angelina quickly changed the subject before he could start overprotecting her.
“But weren’t you busy? I heard there was a meeting going on.”
“It just ended.”
Ante opened the door wide to show her inside the room.
There were still people sitting around the large table, some of them looking a little puzzled.
“What’s going on? Why isn’t everyone leaving?”
Ante spoke sternly. It was a tone completely different from how he usually talked to Angelina.
Although his announcement was abrupt, everyone swiftly gathered their belongings and got up from their seats, without a word.
Even those who didn’t quite understand the situation quickly caught on and hurriedly packed up.
“It’s really over, right……..?”
Angelina asked as everyone seemed to be hastily leaving.
“It just finished. You arrived at the perfect timing, Lina.”
Initially worried that she had caused a disturbance, Angelina quickly dismissed the thought.
Thinking that the meeting was hurriedly concluded because of her alone was too presumptuous.
Once everyone had left, Angelina finally stepped into the room.
“The auction house managers and the Guild administrators were here too. Must have been something big, huh?”
Judging by the number of attendees, it must have been a significant meeting.
“Just a quarterly integrated settlement.”
“Already?”
The quarter hadn’t even ended yet?
Although Angelina was puzzled, Ante took her hand and led her deeper into the room, redirecting the conversation.
“The important matters are right before my eyes.”
