Thus, concluded the second volume. Having dealt with a significant threat, the subsequent book would likely unveil Iris' blissful tale. It seemed that the thrilling romance with the three male protagonists would take center stage.

"There's no need to read the rest."

Regardless, it would only breed envy towards the characters within the book. I drew the curtains, extinguished the light, and retired to bed.

"When people come for the morning check-up, I should ask them to find the owner of the book."

However, that was not to be.

Suddenly, I found it difficult to breathe, and I pressed the emergency bell. A nurse rushed in, and she called for the medical staff once again. Amidst the loud command to regain consciousness, my body was subjected to numerous jolts. However, instead of regaining my senses, my consciousness gradually faded. As the voices of people grew distant, I turned my head. I caught sight of the book I had read before falling asleep.

That was the last thing I saw.

On that night, I died.

Yes, undoubtedly, that was how I perished.

[Sigh]

I cast a long sigh and gazed around the room.

It was an exceedingly spacious chamber, requiring several dozen strides to traverse from end to end.

But it was not merely a room of vast proportions. The walls and ceiling were adorned with intricate and exquisitely drawn paintings, as if they could come to life at any moment. Golden and crimson decorations adorned every nook and cranny, lending a resplendent touch to the chamber.

An opulent chandelier hung from the lofty ceiling, while ornate curtains with intricate patterns graced the grand windows. Moreover, the bed on one side was colossal and resplendent, reminiscent of those found in foreign castles. It was not just the bed; there were also ornate cabinets, tables, chairs, and pottery placed around the room.

In short, it was an extraordinarily lavish chamber.

Lost in contemplation of the room for quite some time, I rose from my seat and opened the door. As soon as it swung open, my jaw dropped involuntarily. There, in that instant, lay objects that rendered the previous splendor of the room mundane.

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

Clearly crafted from solid gold, there stood sculptures. Goblets encrusted with various gemstones. Piles of silks stacked like mountains. Unwittingly, I found myself murmuring.

"To live in such a manner is to die in the same way...."

Uttering these words, I approached the sculpture that sat atop the cabinet. Then, I gazed into the mirror nearby. The golden sculpture before me bore an uncanny resemblance to the fair-haired, blue-eyed woman reflected in the looking glass. I glanced at the inscription on the pedestal of the sculpture.

Evelina.

"Evelina...."

I murmured the name repeatedly, clutching my head in my hands.

"Why did it have to be her of all people?”

***

A week ago, I was awake. Recalling the haze that clouded my consciousness in the hospital, I deemed this place to be the afterlife. Until I heard the voice calling for me, that is.

"Oh, fair lady! Are you alright?"

Fair lady? Whom are they addressing? Startled, I opened my eyes, and the people beside me fell to their knees, seeking divine solace.

"Oh, Divine Being! We thank thee. What is happening here? Quickly, inform the other clergy!"

"Yes!"

These unfamiliar individuals, who had been shouting around me, suddenly erupted into prayer amongst themselves. I gazed blankly at their spectacle, unable to fathom the reality. Understandably so, for instead of the doctors and nurses I had always known, there stood strangers dressed in attire I had never seen before.

"Dear Evelina, do you have any idea how worried everyone has been during your week-long collapse?" the person said, addressing me as Lady Evelina.

Evelina? Lady?

Now, a week has passed since I regained consciousness. I have come to comprehend the nature of my predicament with utmost certainty.

I have entered the world within the pages of a book, assuming the role of a fated antagonist, no less.

"Why must it be Evelina?"

Having died and found myself within the realm of literature, it is disheartening to realize that I am destined to perish once again, and soon. In the span of a week, I pieced together the memories of what I had read, ascertaining the present moment. It is two years prior to my demise. In one year, news of Evelina’s exploits will spread throughout the world, and after another year, I shall meet my end.

How can I navigate this situation?

Such thoughts occupied my mind throughout the week. The foremost notion that arose was, "I absolutely cannot meet such a demise."

Consequently, I had to contemplate the course of action that lay ahead.

"What should I do from now on?"