“Everything revolves around Evelina.”

I found myself yearning for the person who had pushed me into this situation. I began to feel unjust.

“Why does Evelina live like this?”

In the past few weeks, I reminisced about the changes that occurred after I entered Evelina’s body. Despite my numerous abhorrent actions, simply because I had been diligent and kind lately, the officials at the Grand Temple showed me an extraordinarily friendly attitude. While I felt a sense of pride witnessing their behavior, I also harbored a simultaneous resentment towards Evelina.

This world is kind to Evelina. It is a world filled with people who would gladly return the favor and go above and beyond when Evelina, the saint, extends her hand. But why does Evelina trample upon all of that herself?

“Because it’s too obvious?”

She was a young girl who had become a saint. Was it because she had grown accustomed to the world being kind to her? Such thoughts only intensified Evelina’s dislike.

With her beautiful appearance and saintly qualities, she ascended to the position of a saint and received the love of everyone. Yet she easily cast aside what I possessed.

“But surely you thought everyone liked you.”

A sense of unease rose within me once again. If only Evelina were here, I wanted to whisper to her. Soon, you will lose everything you have. You will die. Yet you still don’t appreciate what you possess.

Rising from my seat, I contemplated all of this.

“This is why I wished to be busy…”

When I am alone, I am plagued by such dark and wicked thoughts. It is like when I was in the hospital, seeking out those who were more unfortunate than myself while reading books. It reveals the depths of my base and pitiful nature.

“I detest it.”

I did not want my final moments to be consumed by such thoughts. I immediately opened the door to the room. In the corridor, I saw the attendants who had been guarding the door all day.

“Your Highness? Is something bothering you?”

Ignoring their words, I walked away.

“Your Highness? Your attire…”

As I strolled down the corridor in my nightgown, they hurriedly followed.

“Do not follow me.”

“What? But…”

“I said, do not follow me!”

Shouting harshly, I startled them into frozen stillness. Leaving them behind, I ran down the corridor.

***

[Heh… heh…]

Breath escaped me, rising up to my throat. I leaned against the cold wall, carefully regulating my breathing. The exhaled breath carried a hint of odor, a reminder of the madness I had just sprinted through. Yet, even that was welcome. Every moment experienced with a healthy body was precious.

The final moments of life flashed before my eyes. The deafening darkness that enveloped me, accompanied by the mechanical sound of a beep. A perfect void where nothing could be heard.

“I hate it. It’s terrifying.”

Just the thought alone made my body tremble. The fear I had desperately avoided surged back. That’s when I heard the sound of a bell from a distant temple tower. Counting the chimes, I held my breath.

“One hour left.”

Now, I only had one hour left today. Once midnight struck, the life I had gained as a bonus would come to an end.

“Evalina.”

Unconsciously, I found her.

“I want to live a little longer.”

I want to keep living like this. I want to remain in this body a bit longer. If only Evalina would give it to me, without any hesitation or indifference towards my life. Then I could cherish it more than anyone else, even if Evalina didn’t desire it.

There is a way, you know.

It wasn’t Evalina’s voice, but my own voice echoing in my mind.

Yes, there was a way. The condition she had set for me. The condition that allowed me to spend a night with any man, no matter who. Why did I say that it wouldn’t be something extraordinary?

I turned around. It could be anyone. Just anyone, the first man I saw.

“Your Grace?”

Then, a voice called me from behind. When I turned, Prince Leon was looking at me.