Chapter 42 - Rebellion

Three days remain.

With a disdainful chuckle, Evelina awakened me. I felt I should express gratitude for her morning ritual that roused me like an alarm, even though it brought me displeasure. After sitting in a daze for a while, I finally managed to rise from my bed.

I washed myself, dressed, and made preparations to commence the day's activities. Then, without delay, I proceeded straight to my study. There, I found today's agenda, which I had received before retiring for the night. As I scanned it from top to bottom, a bitter smile crept onto my face.

"Another day filled with obligations."

I did not voice a complaint. After all, each hour of this meticulously scheduled day was filled with tasks I myself had requested.

Yesterday, after concluding my meeting with the prince, I had summoned the officials responsible for managing my schedule and made a request.

"I would appreciate it if you could further increase my workload for the foreseeable future."

"Pardon?"

The officials' faces became incredulous upon hearing my words.

Over a year had passed since the Holy Maiden assumed her duties. During prayer meetings, I momentarily recalled the significance of her role and resumed my actions with renewed vigor. However, to think that I still yearned to work passionately even after the conclusion of these devotional gatherings?

Such thoughts were clearly apparent.

"Is there nothing left for you to do?"

"Oh, no. That's not the case! Please wait a moment."

Hastily, they rushed out and returned with a new schedule. I accepted it and briefly perused its contents before inquiring further.

"There are considerable gaps in the schedule. Why have they been left vacant?"

"It seemed that you might be in need of some rest..."

"That won't be necessary. If there are any urgent matters, please schedule them during this time."

Laughter appeared on the officials' faces upon my request to add more tasks to my agenda. However, as they continued to fill every available slot with new engagements, their expressions turned ashen. I sensed the reason behind this shift.

"Do you fear the prospect of arranging and subsequently cancelling these scheduled events... is that what you are thinking?"

"Pardon? Oh... no!"

Well, perhaps they were right. The officials desperately attempted to regain their composure, but it was already too late.

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The reason behind their hurriedly filling every moment of my schedule was a singular one: they wished to have me engage in activities Evelina despised. Strangely enough, she disliked me performing the duties of the Holy Maiden. It was as if she wished to prevent the erosion of her infamous reputation that had accumulated over time.

While contemplating this, I muttered under my breath, gazing at the newly arranged agenda from yesterday.

"Rebellion, indeed."

The displeasing chuckle I heard in the morning resurfaced in my thoughts. Alongside it, I recalled Evelina's face as I had seen it in my dreams. She had worn an expression of keen interest upon beholding me—a countenance akin to that of a child who had obtained a fascinating toy. The only difference was that her face brimmed with an overwhelming desire to break that toy.

Evelina despises me.

To be precise, she detests my lack of initiative, just as I had conjectured.

"She doesn't even care."

If she dislikes me, it would be preferable for her to expel me from this body sooner, allowing me to do as I please.

"Is this endeavor truly amusing?"

It was not difficult to imagine what Evelina expected of me. She must have wanted to witness my desperate quest for a man to spend the night with, fearing the loss of her hold over me. She would have relished observing my attempts to find a man, while uttering words of enticement and asking him to share the bed with her.

"I refuse to be swayed."

The thought of leaving this body terrified me. Yet, the more I pondered, the greater the anger towards Evelina grew, surpassing my fear.

"I have no desire to move according to her whims."

This body has always belonged to her. So even if she were to reclaim it, I would have no right to object. I tried my best to contain my emotions, urging myself not to feel aggrieved or afraid. In doing so, anger was all that remained within me—a rage directed at the woman who was shaking me to my core.

However, that did not make the tasks I could undertake any remarkable. I merely timidly engaged in actions Evelina disapproved of, showing her that unlike you, I am capable of such things. And in the end, I would express my gratitude for briefly experiencing a different life before vanishing. That's what I wanted.

"But..."

My body trembled slightly.

Perhaps, on the final day, I would come to regret my choices. No, I would undoubtedly regret them. Because of my foolish vanity, I would endure, even to the point of death, refusing to succumb to Evelina's demand to bring anyone to bed.

Once again, I glanced at the itinerary. I did not wish to entertain any thoughts. With such a busy schedule, it was certain that I could avoid them.

***

"I suppose you could take a little break," whispered the neighboring official cautiously, observing the long gaze into the papers.

"It's fine," came the reply, without lifting the head, and soon the voice echoed again.

"I must admit, it's the first time I've seen you like this... Ah!"

The official hurriedly covered their mouth with their hand. Their astonishment was evident, as if saying, “It's the first time I've witnessed such behavior.'”

Unable to hear anything, the official signed the documents handed to them, casting a quick glance and bowing in farewell before swiftly leaving the study.

With a bitter smile, I turned my head to the side, where there were papers that needed urgent attention.

"It must be about the Deputy Official candidate."

The current Deputy Official was in poor health, making mobility difficult. That must be why, even during prayer meetings, another senior official temporarily took over the Deputy Official's duties.

"Is this the list of candidates?"

As I skimmed through the names written on the paper, one name caught my eye.

Carl.

In an instant, a sinking feeling enveloped my heart.