Chapter 9
Rosériel ’s destined partner is Gabriel, and Gabriel’s destined partner is Rosériel.
Because I believed in that predetermined fate, Rose’s sudden outburst caught me off guard.
‘Rosé, rejecting Gabriel?’
It sounded unbelievable—but still, something about it made me uneasy.
It was impossible not to like Rose after meeting her. Surely, Gabriel would fall for her too.
But Rose pouted.
“An arranged marriage with someone I haven’t even seen? That’s so old-fashioned.”
The Marchioness frowned sternly.
“The late Emperor personally initiated that proposal, my lady. Speaking like that in public could bring great trouble upon you. Do you understand?”
“Even noble speech is exhausting…”
“You are among the peak of nobility, young lady.”
Despite the Marchioness’s growing headache, I found myself lost in thought.
Come to think of it, a few small things had started to diverge from the original plot.
For example, in the original story, Rose was a diligent student—working hard in her studies to earn our father’s approval and praise.
But my Rose?
‘She absolutely hates studying.’
And that’s not even all.
In the original, Rose was frail—sickly, and too weak to run for long. She frequently fell ill, and there was even a scene where Gabriel blamed himself when she caught a cold from being out in the cold too long.
A classic “delicate heroine.”
‘But our Rose could probably chew up a tree with those jaws.’
Of course, she was a bit sickly as a baby.
But from around age three, she not only recovered but became so robust that I even suspected Father had secretly fed her a dragon’s heart or something to make her that strong.
“Lady Rosériel, now, look at Lady Hildea. What do you think of her?
Rose and I locked eyes.
I tried to force an awkward smile, then gave up and folded my hands politely. Rose’s eyes sparkled with affection.
“My sister is very beautiful. She’s perfect. More elegant than any noble lady!”
Aww, thanks for the compliment—but that’s a bit much.
“Yes, of course you say that because someone taught you to—no, that’s not what I meant, Lady Rosériel. I meant you should learn by example!”
Rose puffed her cheeks.
“Eh, I can’t do that. We’re different.”
“Different how? You and Lady Hil are learning the exact same things! Today’s lesson will be extended by one hour. Lady Hil, you may go.”
“Sister!”
I left the room quickly at the Marchioness’s gesture that I could go, leaving behind a betrayed-looking Rose.
She was adorable, yes—but still in need of more etiquette lessons.
After all, I didn’t want to see her embarrassed at a party someday.
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Late at Night
Rose had passed out completely from today’s intense lessons, so I was alone in my room.
‘Let’s test it.’
I gave the pot a gentle push, and with a clang, it crashed to the floor and shattered.
I swallowed hard.
‘Please… please…’
It was a tiny pot, so luckily no one rushed in from the noise outside. I stared intently at the broken pieces, then cautiously reached out my hand.
And then…
‘It really wasn’t a dream.’
The pot had returned to its original state—perfectly intact.
I picked it up and inspected it carefully. Not a single crack in sight.
“What kind of ability is this?”
Instead of getting hung up on that servant’s harsh words, I decided to focus on something else:
The fact that I had received a blessing.
And if I were to follow the core rules of The Young Lady is Sweet, that meant… I was someone with a special power.
‘Could it really be…?’
I began recalling all the strange things I had brushed off before.
The plants I raised sparkled subtly. The flowers I kept bloomed longer than normal.
And more than that.
Just a few days ago, a bird with a broken wing had fallen onto the window ledge. After nibbling on a fruit from one of my plants, it had fully recovered and flown off again.
“Don’t tell me… My power is healing?”
Then why… why did rumors spread that my blessing was bad luck?
I sank into thought.
I needed to understand exactly what my power was.
Even though I didn’t want to think about it… there might come a day when I would have to leave this mansion.
I loved Rose. And Father cherished me, too. But the servant’s words had reawakened the deep worries I’d kept pressed down.
So I was trying. Doing my best.
Learning and studying hard to become smarter—making sure I could thrive wherever I ended up.
I was determined to make full use of the privileges of being a noble young lady.
And if I had a supernatural ability on top of that, it could be a huge asset no matter what future awaited me.
“If it’s healing, then I’ll probably never die easily. And worst case, I can heal others and make money. Even rural village chiefs are said to welcome healers.”
That’s a good thing. So why did it feel like something bitter was rising in my throat?
Pushing aside the complicated emotions, I took out the shoes I had stored away so carefully.
‘They say moving helps clear your head.’
The shoes were made of soft, cloud-like material and even had little wings on the sides—adorable and magical-looking.
I slipped them on carefully, and they fit so comfortably. Like walking on a dream.
“My gift…”
I had struggled during my nighttime workouts for lack of proper shoes.
I couldn’t work out during the day for fear of being noticed, so nighttime had become my secret training time.
Noble young ladies might ride horses for sport, but they certainly didn’t train like knights or go running around. I had no desire to draw attention to myself.
‘Wait a minute. But seriously, why was I given these shoes? It’s almost like someone knew exactly what I needed.’
No one in the mansion knew I was secretly exercising at night.
“Was it really just coincidence?”
I tilted my head, puzzled. There’s no way there could be a hidden camera in this place… right?
Just what is going on here?
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On the Way Back from Training
I was heading back from working out when I suddenly felt… off.
Something’s strange…
The corridor was quiet.
Not even an ant in sight—but I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was there.
A chill ran down my spine.
No way… a g-g-ghost…?
Right at that moment.
Something black appeared at the end of the hallway—where there had definitely been nothing before.
I felt like screaming and fainting on the spot.
Wait, that’s not… a ghost?
I quickly realized it was a person. And judging by the ragged outfit, the best I could say was that they looked like a common thief.
Which made no sense. Who would dare rob House Hillington, of all places?
But apparently—someone did.
The one small mercy: the thief hadn’t noticed me yet.
Crap. Okay. Slowly… quietly…
I knew reality well.
House Hillington wasn’t the kind of place a petty thief could just sneak into.
Which meant… this might not be a thief. It could be an assassin!
Don’t come this way. I just need to escape first…
I didn’t have the skills to take them down myself. My only option was to run and get help.
But the moment I turned around, the intruder looked right at me.
AAAH!
They dashed toward me so fast, I thought I’d be caught right away.
Panicking, I turned and sprinted.
And just then—
Squeak!
…Huh?
A loud, clear squeak echoed through the hall.
What was that?
I took another step—squeak again.
It was coming from my shoes.
“……What?”
Squeak squeak squeak squeeeak!
I looked down in horror. The shoes—the ones I had received as a gift—were squeaking loudly with each step. And not just that—they were lighting up too!
It was like some toy shoe made for toddlers.
I screamed internally.
Dad, what the heck did you give me?!
And why NOW, of all times?!
That’s when it happened.
“Who are you?”
I was suddenly yanked back. A strong hand clutched my shoulder so hard, it felt like the skin might peel off.
You’re the thief and YOU’RE asking who I am?!
I turned around with a scream—and locked eyes with him.
Gasp.
“I asked… who are you?”
His face was covered by a mask, but his eyes—the only visible part—gleamed in the moonlight.
A vivid violet.
Violet eyes…?
And those eyebrows—shimmering platinum.
As soon as I registered that combination, a strange realization hit me.
No way. But it would make so much sense if it were…
“Wh-what…?”
And then, the masked intruder, who had just been charging at me like they were ready to kill, collapsed like a puppet with its strings cut.
“He asked who I was and then fainted…?”
He fell so pathetically, I almost doubted he was the same threatening person from seconds ago.
“Hey.”
At first, I thought maybe he was faking.
But no… not someone this heavily armed. He wouldn’t suddenly play dead in front of the duke’s daughter.
I crouched beside him.
‘This isn’t some hidden camera prank, right?’
I leaned in carefully and touched him.
Gasp.
“His… his breathing is so weak!”
With trembling hands, I grabbed the edge of his mask—and pulled it back.
Gasp.
I stared, dumbfounded.
His messy hair was the color of golden syrup.
It really is Gabriel, isn’t it? Platinum hair, violet eyes… and at this age, the only one skilled enough to sneak into House Hillington. There’s no one else.
Gabriel.
The male lead of the original novel.
My mind blanked for a moment.
What the hell…
The story hadn’t even started yet, and I had just caught the male lead committing theft?
Ha… so the male lead was a thief now.
‘He’s… really pretty though. Prettier than me, even?’
In The Young Lady is Sweet, Gabriel initially approached Rose to break off their arranged marriage. But later, he became obsessed with making the marriage happen.
To the world, he was cold and ruthless—but in front of Rose, he was sweet enough to hand over his heart.
He claimed it was love at first sight…
I shivered.
Gabriel was dangerous.
He could act kind and polite to anyone if it served his purpose—but the only thing he truly valued was Rose.
Still, even with Rose, he wasn’t kind from the start.
Wait—wasn’t his original excuse for breaking off the engagement something about losing a token at House Hillington?
Oh my god.
Don’t tell me…
The pieces clicked perfectly.
Gabriel himself was the thief who stole the engagement token!
And then he had the nerve to use the missing token as an excuse to break off the engagement?!
‘But… if he came to steal it, why faint after seeing me? Do I look like a ghost or something? What am I supposed to do now?’
Should I help him or not?
But…
When I thought about what he went through as a child… I couldn’t just leave him lying there.
“Just this once.”
From the distant end of the hallway, I heard voices. My noisy shoes must’ve drawn attention.
I clenched my eyes shut. There was only one option left.
Get him out of here before he was seen.
This is my life now…
With a deep sigh, I slung the male lead’s arm over my shoulders.
Heave-ho!
‘As the male lead, you’re supposed to rescue the heroine—or at least her older sister. Why are you the one passing out?’
The weight was overwhelming. My face felt like it would burst.
But I managed to drag him—barely.
“So… heavy! This is not what I worked out for…”
You better be grateful, Gabriel. You owe me for this.
