When I went out of the Foren Palace, I could see Blake following me from behind.

He looked at me and then ran towards me with a big smile.

"Why are you out here in the cold?"

He tidied up my hair that had been blown into a disheveled mess by the wind.

Even though I was not in my original body, he was still kind to me.

I took his hand.

"Do you have something to say?"

I nodded hurriedly and opened my mouth.

'I...'

I was going to say 'I am Ancia', but for some reason, I couldn't.

It wasn't just that.

My limbs went stiff as if I was paralyzed, and I couldn't even lift a finger.

"It's okay. Whatever you say, I'll believe you. So feel free to tell me."

"......"

I wanted to tell him.

I'm the real one. I'm the real Ancia. I had to say it, but I couldn't open my mouth.

Was it because I was sick? No, this was different. I couldn't move a muscle as if someone was controlling my body.

'No way...'

Did Ser restrict me from saying that I was Ancia? Since when?

"Rose, let's go in."

I had turned stiff so he carefully hugged me, looking worried.

I went back to the room as I was held in his embrace. Blake put me in bed and took off my mask.

"You must have been tired because you went outside today. Take rest."

I shook my head.

Why did Ser do this to me? Was she thinking of pretending to be me from the start?

Whether I accepted her terms or not, was she already planning to become me?

My heart beat unsteadily.

It was okay even if no one knew I was Ancia, but everyone had to know that Ser was not Ancia

'She...'

But my body stiffened up again.

Not only could I not say that I was Ancia, but I couldn't even say that Ser was a fake?

I was about to go to bed right away, but Blake grabbed me.

"Rose. Don't strain yourself. Take a good rest today."

His face was full of his worries.

'I'm going to write...'

I barely managed to let out those words.

Fortunately, I could say other words besides the fact that I was Ancia and Ser was a fake.

"Okay."

Blake brought my notebook and pen.

Even if I couldn't speak. I could write.

But I couldn't.

As soon as I grabbed the pen, I couldn't think of any letters. I couldn't write as if my head went blank.

Was this why she took my voice and language skills?

She didn't get mad at me and take her powers back, but she took away my language skills so I wouldn't tell anyone that I was Ancia?

I was surprised as Blake held my hand.

"Did you forget the letters?"

I nodded and then he smiled.

"It's alright. Maybe it's because I'm just bad at teaching."

I shook my head. It wasn't because of Blake. He had taught me very well.

Even when he was busy, he would spare time for me. He also bought easy fairytale books for me to read.

"You can learn slowly."

"......"

Even if I learnt how to write, I wouldn't be able to tell anyone the truth.

What should I do? I had to prove that Ser was a fake.

Blake was still suspicious of Ser, but she has my body. He'd eventually believe her over time.

I had to tell him. Blake would be in danger if things continued like this.

My nervousness was driving me crazy, but Blake burst out laughing.

"Oh my, you're a crybaby."

Blake wiped my tears away.

He was making fun of me in this situation! I hate him!

'I'm two years older than you!'

I exclaimed angrily, but then became surprised.

Huh? I could say that?

I couldn't say that I was Ancia, but I guess I could reveal my age.

"Are you two years older than me?"

The corners of his mouth raised up. I nodded.

"You were two years older."

Blake smiled broadly and wiped away the tears from my eyes.

***

The morning sun was dazzling.

Last night I fell asleep at some point while Blake consoled me.

I was tired from going out for the first time after a long time.

I got up from my seat.

I went into the bathroom, took a shower, and stood in front of the mirror.

The moment I came out of the door of darkness, I felt like it was all a dream.

I regained my memory of a thousand years ago and saved Ser, but my body had changed and time flew by.

The sudden changes in the situation were confusing.

Just thinking about how to leave quickly so that Blake wouldn't get hurt was too much for me.

But now I had to pull myself together. I couldn't be like this anymore.

This was not the time to be shaken by feelings or compassion! I have to protect Blake!

I'm the only one who can protect him and the others!

I had to prove somehow that I am Ancia and that Ser is a fake.

I had planned on leaving peacefully, but not anymore.

I don't know if time was distorted inside the door of darkness, or if I really walked inside for seven years, but it wasn't so bad to be an adult all of a sudden, was it?

Rather, it was a good thing that my appearance had finally caught up with my age.

And it wasn't all bad.

Blake's curse was lifted. He had grown up into a beautiful and wonderful young man and was loved by everyone.

In addition, I could see Blake grow up healthy, even if it was only for a hundred days or so.

I looked into the mirror, observing my scars. Ser had taken my body, which meant that now this was my body.

Although my left face was marred by a burn scar, my right face was very pretty.

I had always wanted Blake to be confident.

Although there were curse sentences on his face, his face was beautiful. I thought Blake didn't have to be depressed because it was the fault of the people who talked about it.

But I couldn't think like that again.

I put on a mask every time I went out, and I was always fixing my hair so that it would cover the wound.

I couldn't cover the scar completely, but it was pretty good.

I was not Laontel.

I was not the Laontel who lost her life after letting go of Rakshul, unable to do anything.

Although I was an orphan, I was once a healthy member of society and Blake's wife.

I am Ancia Raelle Bellacian.

And no one can take my place away.

I'll protect Blake and the others too.

Before I leave, I'll make Blake happy!

I got up from my seat and opened my wardrobe. The wardrobe was full of dresses and ornaments that Blake had given me.

I hadn't used any of the gifts he gave me, except for a few clothes that were essential.

'I'll be leaving soon anyway...there's not much time left...'

My heart was hurt by such thoughts.

But I won't do that anymore.

I was picking out a dress when I heard a knock and Chelsea came inside.

She looked slightly surprised to see me.

"You look so beautiful today."

'No.'

I waved my hand, but she gave me a smile.

"I'm not lying. You look really pretty today."

This was the first time I had been complimented in this body, so my face turned red. Of course, Blake often said that I was pretty, but this was different from that.

"Ms. Rose, were you choosing a dress?"

I nodded and pointed to the dress of the most colorful design. Then, Chelsea grinned.

"I'll help you get ready."

***

"Is it true that Her Highness has returned?"

"I guess so. Didn't you see Melissa cry?"

"Oh, that's nice. That's really nice, but it's a little disappointing."

The maids grumbled lightly.

"Aren't you okay with it?"

"What?"

"You guys didn't like her?"

Camilla loved Blake with all her heart. That's why her heart ached when she heard the news of the real Ancia's return.

The others were calm, although they were disappointed.

"I like him, but what can I do? It's not just anybody. It's the Crown Princess."

"That's right. We're no match for her in the first place."

They wanted to be the Crown Princess. They dreamed of standing next to Blake. Now that they had become maids, they thought that their chances were just a bit higher than other girls.

But that was only if Ancia was dead.

Ancia was the one who freed the crown prince from his curse, and also the woman that Blake had not forgotten even after seven years. Besides, they were already married.

She was an opponent that could never be beaten. Even if they married the Crown Prince, they could only be jealous and upset because of Ancia.

But to do that, they must have Ancia's permission.