What is this? What is going on? Clarissa looked around, her surroundings both familiar and unsettling. She felt as light as a feather, floating effortlessly in her own bedroom, but something felt undeniably different. It was like she was here, but not entirely present.
"Please, don't kill me! I can help you get rich because I know the future of this world!"
A voice echoed through the room, startling her. She turned around to see herself on the floor, begging a stranger who was sitting calmly in a chair. That voice… that's me? Clarissa's mind swirled with confusion. It felt surreal, like a dream, yet too vivid to be one.
Desperate for answers, she reached out to touch the arm of the girl who was speaking—her own body. But to her shock, her hand passed right through, like trying to grasp smoke. She stared at her hand, bewildered, before looking back at the scene unfolding before her.
The girl—her body—was trembling, eyes wide with fear as she pleaded with the man. He wore a cloak that obscured his features, but his demeanor was calm, almost too calm for someone facing such frantic pleas.
Clarissa’s mind raced. How could this be? Was she dreaming? Was she a ghost? She floated around, trying to make sense of her ethereal state. The room looked exactly as she remembered, from the ornate mirror on the vanity to the rich tapestries adorning the walls. But everything felt distant, like she was observing from the other side of a glass.
The stranger in the cloak finally spoke, his voice steady and composed. "An assassin, waiting for his victim to wake up. In broad daylight? That's a creative way of thinking, Miss Ji-eun Park."
Ji-eun Park? Clarissa’s thoughts reeled. Who was this Ji-eun Park? And why was she in her body? She felt a surge of panic, her non-corporeal form flitting about the room as she tried to process what was happening.
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Clarissa watched helplessly as the man handed over some documents to her father. "Application paper and a recommendation letter, signed by another emperor himself" he said, his tone formal and respectful. "Your grace, I am here to work as your daughter's personal guard and tutor."
Her father, the Duke, barely glanced at the papers before turning his gaze to Clarissa—or rather, Ji-eun, who now inhabited her body. Ji-eun looked terrified, her eyes wide and her posture stiff.
Father, please, can't you see that's not me? Clarissa thought desperately. Please, say something!
But the Duke seemed indifferent, his expression unreadable. "Very well," he said curtly, "You may proceed."
Clarissa floated closer, trying to will herself to be seen or heard. She wanted to scream, to shake her father, to make him realize the person before him wasn't truly her. But no matter how hard she tried, her ethereal form remained unseen and unheard.
Ji-eun, still in Clarissa's body, nodded meekly. "Thank you, sir," she murmured, her voice barely audible.
The man, who introduced himself as Cedric, gave a slight bow before stepping back, his eyes scanning the room with a calm, calculating gaze. He seemed to sense something was off, but remained composed.
Clarissa's frustration grew. She tried once more to touch her father, to communicate in any way, but her hand passed through him as if he were made of mist. Her heart ached with the realization that she was trapped, a silent observer in her own life.
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"Are you over his grace?" Rosalind asked, her tone dripping with curiosity and a hint of malice.
No, I'm not, Rosalind. Clarissa seethed internally, watching Ji-eun—her own body—stand quietly amidst the gossiping ladies. Can't anyone see that the woman standing there isn't me?
Clarissa's frustration grew as she observed the scene. Ji-eun, in her body, looked awkward and out of place, a far cry from the assertive and commanding presence Clarissa usually exuded. The gossiping ladies, including Rosalind, seemed to revel in Ji-eun's discomfort, their whispers and sidelong glances only adding to Clarissa's fury.
Maybe I can try to do something? Clarissa thought desperately. She looked up at the grand chandelier hanging above them, its sparkling crystals casting a warm glow over the room. If she could just extinguish it, maybe she could cause a distraction, something to break the tension and draw attention away from Ji-eun.
Clarissa focused all her energy on the chandelier, willing it to dim, to flicker, to do anything. But no matter how hard she tried, nothing happened. Her ghostly form seemed powerless, her efforts in vain.
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"You should be doing something more productive instead of these pointless charades," Evan's voice was cold and dismissive, cutting through the air like a blade.
Clarissa's heart ached with a familiar pain. Evan had always been cold to her, but why? She had loved him with all her heart, yet he never seemed to see it. Watching herself get insulted by him from this detached perspective only made it more unbearable.
Please, if there's anyone or anything who can save me from this nightmare, please, help me, she thought desperately.
Clarissa's ghostly form shuddered with the force of her plea, a silent scream echoing in her mind. She wanted to wake up, to reclaim her body, to stop this stranger from living her life. She focused all her willpower on making a sign, any sign, that she was still here, still fighting.
But there was nothing. No response from the universe, no miraculous intervention. She remained trapped, forced to watch as Ji-eun—this stranger—continued to live her life, taking her place in the world.
Ji-eun, in Clarissa's body, bowed her head slightly, her voice trembling as she responded to Evan. "I'm sorry. I... I don't like you anymore. I apologize for everything I did to you." She quickly turned and walked away, leaving Evan standing there, a look of surprise on his face.
Clarissa's heart broke a little more. This wasn't how things were supposed to be. She was supposed to be the one speaking, the one making amends, the one living her life. But now, she could only watch helplessly as her world continued to turn without her.
"I ran a background check on you and found nothing. Even the signature of King Alaric or whatever that name is, it doesn't even exist." Evan pinned Cedric to the alley wall, demanding answers to the question Clarissa herself wanted to know.
Who is he, really? He showed up out of nowhere and seems to know that my body is not me, Clarissa thought. Is he the one behind this?
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Clarissa watched as the world moved on without her. Ji-eun, or whatever her name was, had adapted surprisingly well to living inside her body. It was both fascinating and heartbreaking to witness. Clarissa felt like a ghost, invisible and unheard, watching the life she once knew continue without her.
She observed how her friends, who had once been wary and distant, now flocked around Ji-eun with genuine smiles and laughter. They were more relaxed, more at ease. Clarissa had never managed to bring out such warmth in them. Her maids, who had previously served her out of duty, now seemed to care for Ji-eun with a newfound affection. They chatted and laughed with her, something they had never done with Clarissa.
But the hardest to watch was Evan. Evan, who had always been cold and distant, now showed signs of concern and care for Ji-eun. He would glance at her with a softness in his eyes that Clarissa had never seen before. She saw him laugh with Ji-eun, offer her his hand, and speak to her in a tone that was gentle and kind. It was a side of him Clarissa had always longed to see but never had the chance to.
The woman, Ji-eun, had become the person Clarissa could never be. Ji-eun's kindness, empathy, and warmth had won over the hearts of everyone around her. Clarissa felt a deep sense of loss and bitterness. Even if she managed to get her life back, would it really matter now? The world had already accepted Ji-eun in her place. How could she compete with someone who had done everything she had always wanted to do but never could?
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"Evan Celoius, do you take Clarissa Valemontane to be your wife? Do you promise to be faithful to her in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love her and to honor her all the days of your life?" the priest asked, his voice echoing in the grand hall. Evan, standing tall and composed, replied, "Yes, I do."
Clarissa's unseen presence trembled with each word. Please, just end this already, she thought, her ghostly form flickering with anguish.
"Clarissa Valemontane, do you take Evan Celoius to be your husband? Do you promise to be faithful to him in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love him and to honor him all the days of your life?" the priest continued, turning to Ji-eun.
Ji-eun, standing in Clarissa's body, looked at Evan with a mixture of nerves and sincerity. "Yes, I do," she answered, her voice steady.
Clarissa continued to watch, her ethereal form hovering close. She wanted this to all end already. The pain of seeing her body, her life, being claimed by another was unbearable. She just wanted to be gone, to disappear from this nightmare. She didn't care what happened next; she just needed it to stop.
The ceremony continued, with the priest pronouncing them husband and wife. The guests applauded, and Evan leaned in to kiss Ji-eun. Clarissa turned away, unable to bear the sight. She felt a deep, consuming sorrow. This was supposed to be her moment, her happiness, but now it was just a cruel reminder of what she had lost.
Clarissa's spirit drifted aimlessly, consumed by a longing for release. She didn't want to see any more of this twisted reality. She yearned for an end to her suffering, a way out of this endless torment. But for now, all she could do was watch, trapped in a world that had moved on without her.
Clarissa closed her eyes, hoping that the holy power of the grand hall would banish her from this world. She didn’t care anymore; she just wanted it all to end. Then the noise around her shifted from applause to something else—something that sounded like... rain?
Clarissa opened her eyes and found herself inside a small wooden house. The change in surroundings was jarring. In front of her, on a worn table, lay a letter, a note, and an empty small bottle. She looked around, taking in the normal yet slightly run-down appearance of the home. The place was modest, with a few pieces of simple furniture and a small fireplace crackling in the corner.
She tried to fly around, instinctively expecting her ghostly form to lift off the ground. Instead, she fell onto the floor with a thud. A wave of confusion washed over her as she realized she was not a ghost anymore. Clarissa stared down at her legs—complete human legs, not the ethereal form she had become accustomed to.
Stunned, Clarissa slowly got up, grabbing onto the table for support. She felt different—her body was much skinnier than she remembered. She looked around the room again, trying to make sense of what was happening.
"This... this isn’t what I looked like," she muttered to herself, feeling a mix of fear and confusion. She touched her face, her arms, and her torso, all of which felt foreign. Clarissa’s heart raced as she tried to piece together what had happened. She was in a body, but it wasn’t hers.
Steadying herself, Clarissa took a deep breath and turned her attention to the table. She picked up the letter and the note, hoping they would offer some clues. The rain continued to patter against the windows, creating a soothing backdrop to her chaotic thoughts
As she unfolded the letter. The neat handwriting contrasted with the heavy message it bore.
> "Dear my best friend Mae,
>
> I wanted to say that I will not be going back to the village anymore. After I became a knight here in the Capital,
>
> The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.
>
> I found Isolde, a girl who I wish to spend my life with. I hope you're doing well and found your own future."
>
> -Harold
Clarissa's eyes moved to the note beside the letter, written in shaky letters as if the hand was trembling while writing it. The note was damp, with signs of dried water or tears.
> "Lilith,
>
> Harold promised that he'd come take my hand in marriage. He told me to wait for him, but now he's with someone else, and that jerk Mave and his friends won't stop bothering me after my mother passed away. I'm sorry, Lilith, I truly am. Every time you try to calm me down, I was thankful for that.
>
> But now I can't take it anymore.
>
> I'm sorry that I couldn't be a better friend to you. This is my goodbye. If the next life is ture, I wish I can make it up to you."
Clarissa felt her heart break as she read Mae's desperate words. This woman had endured so much, her lover taken away, her peace shattered by constant harassment, and the loss of her mother leaving her utterly alone.
Tears welled up in Clarissa's eyes as she empathized deeply with Mae's situation. She too had experienced the pain of losing everything, her life stolen and her lover taken away by Ji-eun. The weight of Mae's suffering pressed heavily on her chest, mirroring the anguish she herself had felt.
Clarissa looked at the empty bottle on the table, realizing how Mae had chosen to leave this world. In that moment, she understood Mae's despair and the sense of hopelessness that had driven her to this tragic end. Maybe Mae had made the right choice, Clarissa thought. Maybe this world had no real place for people like them, people who had lost everything and had no one to turn to.
The thought lingered in her mind as she stood there, feeling the weight of Mae's sorrow and her own blending into one.
Clarissa stood up, feeling a surge of guilt as she realized she was in Mae's body. The dark brown hair that now framed her face seemed to complement the somber sky and heavy rain outside. Each step felt heavy as she made her way to the kitchen, her mind swirling with despair and confusion.
She spotted a knife on the counter and picked it up, the cold steel reflecting her tormented expression. She thought about ending her life, just as Mae had done. But as she held the knife, her hand began to shake. The fear of returning to that ghostly form, trapped and helpless, paralyzed her.
Her grip on the knife weakened, and it clattered to the floor. Clarissa fell to her knees, tears streaming down her face. She didn't know what to do anymore.
The sound of someone knocking at the door jolted Clarissa from her thoughts. She made her way to the door, her heart pounding. Peeking through the crack, she saw the man with no identity—the one who had helped Ji-eun take over her life—standing in front of her.
Tears streamed down Clarissa's face, her emotions a torrent of pain and anger. Has he come to torment me further? she thought bitterly. Was it not enough that my life was already taken over?
With a surge of rage and despair, she swung the door open and began hitting Cedric with Mae's frail arms. "Why are you here?!" she screamed, each strike fueled by her anguish. "Haven't you done enough?!"
Cedric stood there, his face showing empathy as he held an empty book open in his hand. His eyes reflected a deep understanding, but Clarissa couldn't believe it. She saw him as someone who had been so focused on Ji-eun, seemingly indifferent to her plight.
"I'm sorry" Cedric said softly, his voice filled with remorse.
"Stop pretending to care!" she cried, her voice breaking.
Clarissa continued to hit him, her blows growing weaker until she finally collapsed to her knees, sobbing. "What did I do to deserve this?" she cried, her voice filled with anguish.
Cedric knelt down to her level, gently patting her shoulder. "I'm sorry," he repeated.
Clarissa brushed his hand off her shoulder, her eyes filled with bitterness. "I don't want to see you," she spat.
Cedric stood up, the dragon's words echoing in his mind: "Every action has its consequences. Be prepared to face them." He knew there was no point in trying to talk to her further; it was best to leave her alone for now.
Thinking of Patricia and what she might do in this situation, Cedric reached into his pouch and pulled out a small journal. He placed it gently beside Clarissa. "Sometimes, expressing your feelings helps," he said softly, before stepping back, giving her the space she needed.
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> 6th May
>
> I just want t why do I
>
>
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The next morning, Clarissa sat at the table, staring at a blank page. She tried to write something, but each attempt ended with her scratching it away in frustration. What good would it do now? It was already too late.
She looked outside the window. The world seemed bright, and a colorful rainbow arched across the sky, mocking her sorrow. It was as if her pain was an irrelevant event in this indifferent world.
A knock on the door broke her contemplation. Cedric stood there with some food. Clarissa didn’t care; she didn’t want to see him. She shut the door on him and retreated to the bed, curling up and closing her eyes, trying to shut out the world and the memories that haunted her.
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> 13th May
>
> Nothing helps. I'd rather just close my eyes and never have to wake up again
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The same knocking from Cedric echoed through the small wooden house. Like always, Clarissa didn’t respond. She knew he would just leave the food in front of the door, along with another letter. He’d been trying to reach out, probably hoping his words would ease her pain.
But how would that help? Would it make her go back to her body? Her family? She didn’t even know if they’d want her back. Ji-eun had already become a big part of their lives, living as her. The thought of them accepting Ji-eun as her, continuing their lives with someone else in her place, only deepened her sense of isolation and despair.
She lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling, feeling the weight of her new reality pressing down on her. Each letter left by Cedric felt like a reminder of everything she had lost, and everything she could never get back.
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> 20th May
>
> It's annoying how he comes here every day, knocking on the door. Who asked for his help? Can't he just leave me be?
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Clarissa was tired of everything. The empty food baskets lay scattered around the room, remnants of Cedric's persistent efforts. She hadn't left the house since she arrived in Mae's body. But why would she go? It wouldn't matter anyway.
The room felt more like a cage with each passing day, trapping her in a reality she didn't want to accept. The continuous knocking from Cedric had become a daily annoyance, a constant reminder of her unwanted situation.
She sat by the window, watching the world outside, feeling more detached from it than ever. The brightness of the days and the life going on beyond her small confines only seemed to mock her solitude.
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> 27th May
>
> Enough is enough, that man is being annoying now.
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Before Cedric could knock on the door, it swung open, and Clarissa stormed out, screaming, "What do you want from me?"
But then, a woman with red hair and green eyes jumped into her and hugged her tightly. "Mae! Why haven't you come to see me?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with concern and relief.
Clarissa froze, realizing this must be Lilith, Mae's friend. She felt an unfamiliar warmth in the hug, but also a pang of guilt for deceiving this woman who clearly cared so much for Mae.
Lilith pulled back slightly, looking into Clarissa's eyes with worry. "If you're afraid of Mave, you don't have to be now," she said, glancing towards Cedric. "That man has already taken care of Mave and his gang."
Clarissa followed Lilith's gaze to Cedric, who stood quietly, his expression unreadable. He had been helping her in ways she hadn't realized, and the revelation left her speechless.
Lilith then noticed the state of the home—trash, dust, and empty food baskets littered everywhere. She frowned and looked at Clarissa with concern. "You're too dirty, Mae. Let's get you cleaned up." Without waiting for a response, Lilith grabbed Clarissa's hand and led her back inside, preparing to help her take a bath.
Cedric started to follow them in, intending to take care of the mess, but Lilith stopped him at the door. "This is lady's private time," she said firmly, closing the door on him.
Clarissa felt a mix of emotions as Lilith poured cold water over her and began brushing her hair. The water's chill was sharp, but strangely, she didn't mind it. It was the warmth of Lilith's hands, gentle and caring, that made her tears fall without her even realizing it. She felt an unfamiliar comfort in Lilith's touch, a contrast to the emotional turmoil she had been through.
Lilith noticed the tears and paused, her voice softening. "It's okay, Mae. Let it out. You're safe now."
Clarissa nodded, feeling a small sense of relief amid her confusion and grief. For the first time since this nightmare began, she allowed herself to lean on someone else's strength.
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> 7th June
>
> Lilith is a good friend. I feel sorry for impersonating Mae, but I think it's best that she doesn't know the real Mae is gone. She showed me around the village, and she's gentle and willing to answer my questions, even though the Mae she knew should already know this place.
>
>
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"Come on, Mae!" Lilith called out, walking ahead with a cloth basket in hand. They were heading to a nearby river to do laundry. Cedric was also with them, staying close but maintaining a respectful distance.
During her isolation, Clarissa had learned that Cedric had been staying in the forest with a makeshift camp. While she didn’t know if she could ever forgive him for what he had done, she no longer felt uncomfortable with his presence.
Clarissa glanced at Cedric, who was carrying some of the heavier items. Despite everything, his constant support had become a reassuring presence. He and Lilith had taught her many things—washing clothes, doing chores, and various tasks she never would have thought of doing in her old life as a duke's daughter.
At the river, Lilith showed her how to scrub the clothes properly, explaining each step with patience. Cedric fetched water and helped with the heavier loads, his actions quiet but efficient.
"You're getting better at this, Mae" Lilith said encouragingly, her hands deftly wringing out a wet shirt.
Clarissa smiled weakly, trying to match Lilith's enthusiasm. "Thanks, Lilith. It's... different, but I'm learning."
Cedric gave her a brief nod of approval, which she returned with a small, hesitant smile. She wasn't ready to forgive him completely, but his efforts to help her adapt didn't go unnoticed.
As they worked by the river, Clarissa found herself slowly embracing this new routine. It was far from the life she once knew, but it offered a strange sense of solace. Here, among new friends and unfamiliar tasks, she was beginning to find a semblance of peace.
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> 14th June
>
> I'm starting to like this place now. Even without the quality of life that nobles usually have, I feel more... free. There's no prying eyes, no one judging my every action, no gossiping, no worrying about high society etiquette. And I have a genuine friend who cares about me.
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"Are you still writing, Mae? It's late now, let's go to bed" Lilith called softly.
Tonight, Lilith had come to sleep over, bringing a few pillows with her. As they lay on the wooden bed, Clarissa turned to Lilith, her voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Lilith, for everything. I don't know what it would be like if it weren't for you."
Lilith smiled warmly, her green eyes twinkling in the dim light. "It's fine, Mae. That's what friends are for. I'll be here whenever you need me."
Lilith had often asked if Clarissa wanted to move to her home, saying her mother would also welcome her. But Clarissa didn't want to burden her too much. She valued her independence and didn't want to impose on Lilith's kindness.
As they settled into bed, Clarissa felt a sense of peace she hadn't known in a long time. She still had her struggles, and the memories of her past life haunted her, but here, in this simple village with Lilith by her side, she was beginning to find a new sense of belonging.
That night, while Lilith snored softly beside her, Clarissa lay awake, her mind racing with thoughts. What did she want to do with her life? Living like this wasn’t so bad, but she couldn't keep taking Lilith’s kindness for granted. She wanted to be a good friend to Lilith, to give back in some way.
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The next morning, Cedric came to deliver some food again. Clarissa opened the door and handed him the diary back. She thinks that she doesn't need it anymore and it should return to him.
They sat down at the table, and Clarissa took a deep breath. "I'm sorry for blaming you before," she said, her voice soft but sincere. "Looking back, you simply wanted to help people. And it was my own fault why people avoided me. Ji-eun might have stolen my life away from me, but at least Clarissa’s name is being remembered in a better light."
Cedric looked at her, his expression filled with regret. "I'm sorry for not noticing you before. I never thought something like this would happen."
Lilith woke up and joined them at the table. She saw the vegetables and fruit in the basket and immediately thought of an idea for a meal. Cedric offered to help, but both women stopped him.
"It's probably best that Cedric stays as far away as possible from the kitchen," Lilith said with a grin. "But you can chop the vegetables."
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"Thank you, dear," the elder man said to Clarissa as she handed him the knitted clothes for the upcoming winter. She had spent months learning how to knit from Lilith's mother and was eager to give back to the community that had welcomed her.
Lilith approached with a water pouch and handed it to Clarissa. "Do you want to take a break? Most people already got their clothes."
Clarissa nodded, taking a sip from the pouch. They headed back to her home, where they found Cedric chopping firewood for the winter.
The three of them had become good friends, despite Cedric still preferring to stay in his camp. There was a quiet understanding and mutual respect among them.
As they approached, Cedric looked up and wiped the sweat from his brow. "All done for today?"
Clarissa smiled. "Yes, everyone has their clothes now. Thank you for helping with the firewood."
Lilith grinned. "Why don't you join us for a meal, Cedric?"
Cedric chuckled. "Alright, alright. Just as long as I'm not the one cooking."
They all laughed, the warmth of their friendship a stark contrast to the chill in the air. Inside, they shared a simple meal, talking and laughing like a family. For Clarissa, this newfound sense of belonging was something she had never imagined possible. The village had become her home, and with Lilith and Cedric by her side, she felt ready to face whatever the future held.
As they enjoyed their meal, the sounds of villagers gathering outside caught their attention. Curious, the three of them went out to see what the commotion was about. Clarissa’s heart nearly stopped when she saw the source of the excitement.
There she was—Duchess Clarissa Valemontane, or rather, Ji-eun in her body, inspecting the villages around the duchy. Ji-eun’s presence was commanding, her elegance and grace drawing the attention and admiration of the villagers.
As Ji-eun looked around, her eyes landed on Cedric. She approached him with a smile. "Cedric, Have you been here all this time? And why haven’t you sent me any letters after the wedding?"
Lilith’s eyes widened in surprise. "You know the Duchess? The love story between her and the Duke is the most romantic in the empire!"
Cedric maintained his composure, though he glanced at Clarissa to ensure she was alright. "I’ve been staying in this village for a while before moving on" he replied, trying to keep his tone casual. "The village has been peaceful since I arrived, so there’s nothing to worry about."
But Ji-eun’s attention shifted to Clarissa, who was standing there, staring back at her. Concern flickered in Cedric’s eyes as he worried about how Clarissa might be feeling after seeing Ji-eun. He stepped forward, attempting to distract Ji-eun and guide her back to the carriage. "Let me show you around. You’ll see that there’s really nothing to worry about."
Ji-eun, however, noticed Clarissa’s gaze and turned to her with a genuine smile. "Hello," she greeted warmly, just as she did with all the villagers. "Is everything alright?"
But to Cedric's surprise, Clarissa smiled back and replied, "I'm fine," to Ji-eun.
Ji-eun, unaware of the true situation, continued her inspection of the rest of the village with Cedric by her side. Clarissa stood there, her heart pounding. She had made a decision—to not look back to her past and try to move on—but the sight of her old body made her feel like she wanted to cry.
She took a deep breath, reminding herself to stay strong. There was no going back now. If she couldn't face this, she would be stuck in the past forever. Clarissa clenched her fists, determined not to let her emotions overwhelm her.
After the inspection, Ji-eun left the village, giving Cedric a warm hug and promising to send Evan his regards. Cedric watched her go, his thoughts a mix of concern and relief. As he returned to Clarissa, he noticed her composed exterior but sensed the turmoil beneath.
"Are you alright?" Cedric asked gently.
Clarissa nodded slowly, taking a moment to collect her thoughts. "I will be," she said, her voice steady but soft. "It's... difficult, seeing her like that. But I've made my decision. I won't let my past control me. I have to move forward."
Cedric nodded in understanding. "I'm here for you, whatever you need. You've come a long way, and I'm proud of you."
Clarissa gave him a small, grateful smile. "Thank you, Cedric. I appreciate it." She took a deep breath, feeling a renewed sense of determination. "Let's get back. There's still much to do."
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> 1st March
>
> So much has happened during the time I've been here. Clarissa has become much stronger than I initially thought.
>
>
>
> The reason she acted the way she did in her old body was due to constant judgment from others. Acting out was her defense mechanism, a way to ensure no one dared to look down on her. But that's all in the past now. She's a better person, living a more fulfilling life.
>
>
>
> I'm glad she has finally been able to move on from her past.
>
>
>
> I can feel her story coming to an end now; the book has been rapidly reaching the last page.
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"Hey Cedric, can you hand me that basket?" Clarissa asked as she washed the cloth by the river.
Cedric nodded, passing the basket to her. As they walked back to her home, he turned to her, his expression serious. "Clarissa, it's about time I have to go."
Clarissa's face fell, but she nodded in understanding. "Do you really have to leave so soon?"
Cedric sighed. "I can't stay for long. My job has me traveling through many places, and I can't stay anywhere for too long. But I'm glad I was here with you and Lilith when you needed us."
Clarissa looked down, a mix of sadness and gratitude in her eyes. "I'm thankful for everything you've done. Both of you have helped me more than I can say."
She then asked, "Can I borrow the diary for a bit? And can you tell me what the rift you mentioned looks like?"
Cedric described it, "It looks like the air shatters, like a mirror breaking, creating a hole that I can step through."
As he spoke, Cedric's book vibrated, signaling another ending. This time, it wasn’t about a perfect ending or a fairy tale happy ever after. It was about a person overcoming her past.
Clarissa handed the diary back to Cedric with a drawing inside. "I drew you with the cloak since that's the first time I saw you, even if you've stopped wearing it for some time now."
Cedric took the book, smiling at the drawing. He gave Clarissa one last hug, a gesture filled with unspoken words and gratitude.
Then, as the rift opened, he stepped inside, ready to face whatever the next story would bring.
https://i.imgur.com/4nZp0me.png [https://i.imgur.com/4nZp0me.png]