Chapter 11: A Villainess Fantasy Simulation? (2)

Wait a second… the fiancé referred to the half-brother as ‘the eldest daughter.’ That means he’s hiding his true gender from the public. So maybe it’s not a hobby but part of some deeper backstory?

In situations like this, the standard move is to probe someone who seems to harbor special feelings toward the half-brother, someone like Sunset (or so I suspect). I’ll try fishing for clues.

Usually, in romance-fantasy novels, if a character ‘tried to kill the protagonist but hesitated at the last moment,’ they can be swayed to the protagonist’s side! It’s a little scary, but a soft approach might be worth a shot.

Sunset responded to my summons with surprising speed. I asked for tea, casually shifted the topic several times, and then subtly brought it up.

“It’s just that… there aren’t many people our age in this mansion. So, from your perspective, what kind of relationship did I have with, uh… my stepsister?”

“You mean Miss Geryl Zauer, your stepsister?”

Ah, so that’s her name. And since she’s older than me and only a stepsister, that means this body’s father had an affair. Great. Let’s just go with ‘not blood-related, only siblings in name’; it’s better for my mental health. I stammered my reply.

“R-Right, that’s what I meant. Sister… Geryl…”

So the half-brother’s name is Geryl. Probably originally Gerald, maybe? Anyway, if we’re not blood-related, the chances of a second male lead arc just got stronger.

While I was trying to suppress some rather dubious theories in my head, Sunset paused pouring tea and, after a brief hesitation, spoke.

“It’s not really my place to say as a servant, but… the two of you didn’t seem to have a bad relationship.”

“I… see.”

“Yes. I’d say it’s just that the circumstances don’t allow for much closeness.”

I studied Sunset closely for any hint of annoyance or amusement as she said this, but her expression didn’t change. Ugh. I feel like I need a stiff drink just to get through this. 

In the end, Sunset left with no tangible results, and I was left to slam my head onto the table, carefully avoiding the untouched tea set.

Stepmother, please come home soon! I have too many questions!

— — — 

Workplace Guidelines

7. On Mondays at 9 a.m., you must wait by the front entrance to greet Madame Zauer.

8. Do not make direct eye contact with Madame Zauer during the morning greeting.

— — — 

And just like that, I ended up eating dinner alone.

“…You’ve got to be kidding me.”

According to Mrs. Perkins (an elderly woman and our head housekeeper, so much for the ‘illegitimate uncle’ theory), there was still no telling when Stepmother would return. Apparently, she’s caught up in something extremely urgent and important for business. Naturally, that meant she was skipping dinner.

As for the half-brother, he supposedly turned it down just before mealtime, claiming he ‘had no appetite.’ Yeah, right. So the times he nibbled on salad were because he had so much appetite? He clearly dodged dinner because he anticipated I’d bombard him with questions!

So now I was stuck sitting alone at the massive dinner table while dishes were served to just me. It was deeply awkward. Honestly, if he wasn’t going to come, he could’ve just said so earlier. I grumbled and stared at the food, swallowing hard.

Tonight’s main dish was a whole roasted game bird – small, nameless, but golden-brown and steaming. The crispy skin gleamed almost gold beneath the chandelier. On the side were roasted apples with butter and honey. The rich aromas mingled in the air, making my mouth water uncontrollably.

I had to summon all my willpower not to pick up my utensils. This was a battle against myself. Just hold out until I can confirm there’s no poison. Stay strong!

But then, when the so-called ‘reward’ for this brutal restraint turned out to be a sad little sandwich, I couldn’t help but give my fiancé a death glare.

“…”

“Rose? Didn’t you say you were hungry?”

He still didn’t grasp the situation.

Hey. If you were the protagonist and I was a love interest, your favorability score would be plummeting right now. If you were a male lead candidate, your stock would be crashing to zero. You feel me?

I nearly shouted this as I waved the tiny dessert sandwich in the air. Couldn’t he have brought something tastier or more filling? Was it a money issue? I’d pay! I’d pay extra, just bring me the best food in the city!

…Of course, I couldn’t actually yell that at someone who had gone out of his way to bring me food. 

So I calmly said, “You’re right. I’m very hungry. Thank you for the meal.”

“Yes. Please, take your time…”

Chomp, chomp. I devoured the sandwich in two bites. As I brushed off my hands and looked up, my fiancé had a stunned look on his face, as if he were on the verge of a mental breakdown. Hah, even that handsome face isn’t much use in a situation like this. Doesn’t hit the same.

The only saving grace was the teacup in his outstretched hand. He must’ve intended to give it to me. I grabbed it and downed the contents in one shot. Phew. This body’s got a sturdy throat. Hot tea? No problem. So the whole ‘delicate and sickly’ image must be a front!

“Thanks for the food.”

“…Yes.”

“Do you usually eat small portions?”

At that, he finally seemed to snap out of it. But unlike usual, his tone was a little sharp when he replied.

“I’m not picky and don’t pay much attention to how much I eat. Why do you ask?”

“I see.”

I responded with utmost seriousness.

“Well, I eat a lot and I care deeply about food.”

“…”

“Honestly, eating is about thirty percent of why I live.”

“…Right…”

“No, maybe forty percent.”

“…”

“Actually, forty-five?”

My fiancé didn’t respond after that. I decided not to press him further with awkward follow-ups. I just hoped he’d take my words to heart and bring me something actually tasty next time. I like to think I was showing the magnanimity of a true noble.

But the real problem came afterward.

“I’m hungry.”

I muttered, eyes hollow, curled up in bed. Apparently, this body was used to eating well. Just one inadequate meal, and my stomach was grumbling like it had a megaphone. Ugh, this was the perfect moment for a late-night snack.

But how was I supposed to get one? I mean, setting aside the risk of poison, summoning a servant for food in the middle of the night felt…

“Wait… that’s it!”

I could just go to the kitchen myself! I clenched my right fist. This was a perfect opportunity to establish a secret route to the kitchen. Who knows? I might even stumble upon some clue about the poisoning!

I slipped out of bed. It was well past 10 p.m. With no computers or social media to kill time, everyone here probably went to bed early. The mansion was dead quiet.

Alright, let’s think this through.

Judging from where the tray was moved after dinner last time, the kitchen must be located on the outskirts of the house, slightly far from the dining room. There’s probably a backdoor to make it easier to bring in ingredients and take out food waste. Since the garden likely connects to that side too, that route would be the most discreet way to come and go unnoticed.

In that case, there’s no reason to hesitate.

I grabbed the gas lantern from the vanity and carefully lowered it out the window first. Thankfully, it landed softly and silently in a patch of earth. Then, just like during that last encounter with my fiancé in the garden, I held onto the window frame and lightly jumped down.

Having done it once before, I actually landed more steadily than last time in the lantern’s glow.

Alright. Now to sneak through the garden and target the kitchen’s back door!

* * *

My body might not be frail, but there’s one major flaw. I have no sense of direction.

“Where am I even right now…”

I sank onto the edge of the fountain with a defeated sigh. The lantern cast a bright enough light, and I wasn’t scared since I’d been walking around the grounds every day and had gotten used to it. Still, being lost in this vast garden was just plain embarrassing. Honestly, it was so dark I couldn’t even tell which direction the mansion was in.

At this rate, I might end up spending the whole night out here. What now?

Just then, I heard something nearby, a cheerful tune being hummed and the soft rustling of leaves. Oh! Maybe one of the staff is out for a night stroll. Feeling hopeful, I followed the sound.