When I first possessed Danae Windsor’s body and returned to the Windsor mansion from the sanatorium, for the first six months, I kept my possession a secret. Overwhelmed by adapting to a new world and body, I was too scared and disoriented to reveal the truth. However, after six months, as I gradually adjusted and decided it was time to disclose my identity as a possessor. I felt it was only respectful to those who loved ‘Danae Windsor’.
So, I revealed my identity.
From that moment, the reaction was divided. People who accepted me and those who didn’t. Viego and Noah were among those who couldn’t accept me. I understood them.
Of course, I deserve it. After all, they had cared for me as their sister for half a year, only to learn I wasn’t truly their sister.
I accepted this as my due punishment, dedicating myself to the Windsor brothers and the family.
Yet, I hesitated one last time.
Was it right to harm the Windsor family?
Could I be at peace with myself after that?
It was then.
“Milady.”
That’s when the secretary knocked.
“Duke Windsor has returned.”
* * *
Viego Windsor is back. After hearing that news, I went straight to Viego. He was practicing shooting at the shooting range.
He doesn’t rest even after just returning.
In the dazzling morning sunlight, Viego aimed his long rifle at the target. His statue-like posture momentarily halted me. Even when shooting, he’s elegant.
Bang. A loud sound was heard. It was a successful shot.
Would he look this graceful even shooting a person?
“So.” Clak. Viego loaded the rifle and asked with a frosty, calm voice. “Do you have business with me?”
“…”
Ah, he’s asking me. Since he spoke without even looking at me, it took me a moment to realize.
“It’s been a few days since we last met, Brother. Where have you been?”
“Yes.”
“I have something to tell you.”
“Is it urgent?”
“It’s not urgent, but…”
“Then wait.”
Bang— Another bullet hit the target.
“As you can see, I’m busy right now.”
Ah. Yes. You seem very busy…
“It’s not urgent,” I spoke quietly, yet firmly. “But it’s important.”
The next moment, Viego slowly lowered his rifle. I clearly saw the annoyance creeping onto his face.
He’s annoyed with me.
Sure enough, he pulled out his pocket watch and said, “I can spare about 3 minutes.”
Only 3 minutes, really… Even while thinking it was too little, time was passing, so I quickly got to the point.
I want to break off my engagement with Raios. That’s what I intended to say, but—
“Brother, did you know.”
My tongue moved on its own.
“Did you know about Allice and Raios meeting behind my back?”
I was surprised at my own question. I hadn’t planned to ask this. There was no plan for it. Why did this question come out first?
But after asking, I realized. This was what I was most curious about all along.
“Did you know that Allice and Raios were deceiving me to see each other?”
The only person in the Windsor family. Just one person who hadn’t deceived me. Maybe somewhere deep down, I had been hoping for that.
“Yes.”
So, this is why I was acting like a fool. I had sworn never to be foolish again.
“Of course, I knew.”
Even though I expected Viego to know.
“I see.”
I looked at Viego with empty eyes. It felt like the tide was going out inside me. Any last bit of expectation, hope, and attachment.
“Right…”
Everything is swept away without exception.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” My voice was dry, like debris. “You knew that Allice and Raios were deceiving me. You knew it was wrong. How could you just stand by?”
“If you were my sister, of course, I wouldn’t have let you be deceived like that.”
Viego looked at me as if I was a complete stranger.
“Are you my sister?”
“…”
“Danae Windsor. I call you by that name, but it doesn’t mean I think of you as my little sister.”
Complete indifference. A gaze devoid of any interest in my misfortune or happiness, just the face of someone who finds me bothersome.
Facing those eyes, I suddenly remembered the past. When I first became ‘Danae Windsor.’ When I hadn’t yet confessed to them about the possession.
“You need to extend your arms more, Dana.”
Right here, in this place, Viego had taught me how to shoot.
“You’re doing well.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
“Because you’re a good teacher, Brother Viego.”
“That’s also true.”
It was a beautiful memory for me. That was the case until now.
At this moment, I felt those brightly sparkling memories shriveling up into black and white.
“…I want to break off my engagement with Raios.”
“Is breaking off your engagement with the imperial family that simple to you?”
Viego reloaded his rifle with a slightly irritated tone.
“Even if you do break it off, there won’t be any decent marriage proposals for you, having been the fiancée of the crown prince. Don’t you understand even that?”
“I don’t care, I don’t need to marry.”
“What?”
“I don’t want to marry anymore. I have no desire to date men anymore.”
Whether he was angry or astonished, Viego frowned and glared at me.
“If I say I want to live in Windsor for the rest of my life, would you dislike it?”
“…”
“Not as someone’s wife, but as Viego Windsor’s sister. I want to live in the Windsor family.”
Just for a moment. Until I obtain the relic and open the gate to my own world.
I didn’t add those words. Instead, she said something else. “Anyway, I’m… Danae Windsor, right? This body is your younger sister.”
“…”
“I’ll try to be useful to the Windsor family.”
Silence followed. Viego didn’t check his watch, which was strange to think about at that time.
“Prove your usefulness, then we can talk again.” He turned back around, lifting the long rifle again, and added, “It won’t be too late to discuss it then.”
Now, the conversation is really over. But,
“Brother, what if.” Perhaps due to lingering regret, I asked without realizing, “I say I’d rather die than marry Raios when I can’t prove my usefulness?”
“…”
Was his silence due to annoyance, irritation, or anger? Whatever it was, a chilling flame flickered in his eyes for a moment. But it was just for a moment.
“I’d rather you die.”
Viego Windsor’s voice was as calm and elegant as always.
“Better to die honorably, Danae Windsor.”
“…”
I simply smiled and felt a deep sense of relief inside. Thank god.
Now, my heart no longer hurts one bit.
I really don’t feel anything now.
Whether I was deceived, hurt, or even died, Viego Windsor didn’t care at all. Even if my life is sinking like a shipwreck, he wouldn’t even bother to watch.
So, I won’t care anymore.
The deal with the emperor. Even if it harms the Windsor family. I just need to get the holy relic and open the gate to my original world, and that’s it.
Other than that, it’s none of my business, right?
Because, as you said, I’m not your younger sister after all.
Thank you a lot for the chapter!❤️🔥
ahhh my heart hurts