The Prince left the moment he heard his announcement.

I glanced to my left when a big rough hand overlapped mine.

"Let's go to Lady Miuerella."

We were already standing in Ella's room before I noticed it.

The weight I carried on my back became heavier when I saw her bright smile.

She pulled my hand and whispered how happy she was. Her writer's block left.

"Beth, what's the Duke doing here?"

"He would escort us back to Daria."

She frowned.

"Why so soon? I thought we are going to celebrate the festival with them?"

"Someone ate Prince's Reyner's fruit."

She remained silent while the stream of tears flowed onto her cheeks.

In Daria, there is a tradition that involved the members of the Imperial Family.

They could only marry someone who has eaten Persephone's pomegranate. Well, yes. The author added a touch of Greek mythology.

When the members of the Imperial family turned five (which includes the protagonists), they're going to plant a pomegranate seed in Heather's Garden. Once they're done, they'll cast a spell on it. The only one who will see their tree is their destined one.

Even though there are guards in the garden, only the destined one could pass unnoticed and could only find the tree.

They electrocuted anyone who dared to enter the garden by its powerful, magical barrier.

Another thing was, other people could only see the tree once someone has eaten the only fruit from it.

"You know, I wished upon the meteorite that someday... yet..."

Then she sobbed on my chest. All I did was stroke my head. I wish I am great at generating words of encouragement.

When she fell into a deep slumber, the Duke carried her inside the carriage. Then he also escorted me inside.

"You could change clothes, My Dame. It looks like a baby spits on your outfit."

"It's fine. I'll cover it with a shawl. I can't leave this problematic woman."

"That's why I like you."

Plans on how to cope up with the situation occupied my brain. There's no way this game would sway from the novel or... Miss heart... was she testing me?

"Ouch! I touched my forehead when the evil man struck it when his fingers."

I looked at both sides; the spaces were empty.

"We already passed Duke Le Merck's manor. God knows how many times I called your name."

"Sorry, Your Grace. I..."

It was late. This warmth of embrace was not terrible at all.

"Don't worry, we'll help them."

Usually, I would struggle. However, I did not understand why I hugged back.

Thanks to the Duke, it fueled my fighting spirit.

Before I could even pick up the quill pen on my desk, a system notification appeared.

Make friends with Lady Mercella and help her reach her happy ending with the Crown Prince.

Hoping the text will change, I pressed the GUI ten times only to experience failure.

I checked the Hidden Quests section and what's written on the GUI made me pull my hair.

Lady Mercella became the female lead now! Was this for real? What was the point of befriending Miuerella if she's not the end game?

Did someone hack the game?

I need Ms. Heart right now. She needed to enlighten her employee.

I slept early to rest my rowdy soul. Also, she communicates with me in my dream.

There was no way the analysis was wrong. I walked barefoot in the open soccer field.

The soccer nets are on both sides. But what got my attention was a woman in a white-collared polo shirt, sneakers, and pink shorts. She blew her whistle. I rushed to her.

"Miss Heart, what kind of shit is this?"

"Changes happen, my dear. What's important was an accomplishment."

"Please, explain why this change occurred."

"You'll know in the end."

Again, she disappeared, leaving me in the abyss of uncertainty.

When I woke up, the system notified me about the visitor waiting for me. It was Lady Mercella. A few seconds later, Nora knocked on my door.

"Let me guess, she's waiting outside?"

"Yes, My Lady."

I asked for another servant in assisting her preparation. And when I saw her sitting in our waiting room, my head spun. She has black, straight hair. The way she sits and her fashion sense were like Ella!

Ella loves frilly outfits in bright colors. She loves to decorate her hair with hair clips, which this lady did as well. What a copycat.

"I'm sorry for the long wait. How may I help our future Crown Princess?"

She stood up and gave her curtsy.

The moment her voice hit my eardrums, it made my eyebrows meet. Her quality of voice resembled Ella. The low-pitched sound she made was identical!

"Do you want something? I'll ask our chefs to make it for you."

Well, I blabbered those words out of courtesy. And I don't even know how to start a conversation with this eccentric lady.

"No. I'm here to ask for your help. I want to know what the Crown Prince likes in a woman."

I asked her why me in all the people. The Emperor recommended my name.

There was an awkward silence between us. How could I answer this woman? Should I say no? But the system favors her now.

"Why imitate someone else? Be yourself and, everyone will love you."

A weird current flowed through my veins when she suddenly hugged me.

"Thank you. Ever since I came here, I do not know who to trust."

I shoved her away from me by pushing her body a bit.

"Calm down, Lady Marcella. I gave you the answer based on facts. You don't have to thank me."

I sipped some chamomile tea to replenish my dry throat. This girl proved her identity as a copycat.

"I have to go now. I'm sorry to disturb you at such an early hour. Have a great day Dame Bethany."

We have finished our conversation, sent her off until she rode her carriage. The GUI's absence made me restless.

I avoided asking loads of questions about the thought my tools would help me navigate this mess.

Why was she an exception? I shut myself in the room, stared at the ceiling while my back touched the fluffy mattress. Preparation and predicting the best course of action for the upcoming surprises was my way of adaptation.

System: Good Job for encouraging the Crown Princess! Please check your Dynastic and XP Points.

Why did the rewards have changed? I prefer the last version because I could see how much XP or Dynastic points I earned for a specific task.

Nevermind. My lazy ass sat on the table. I wrote an encouraging message for Miuerella. For sure, she already cried a river. The significant thing that Mingming was on her side.

After sealing the off-white envelope with red wax, I handed it to one of our diligent messengers...

"Miss, are you alright? Do you want a relaxing bath? I'm going to put lavender oil in there."

I nodded and gave her my sweet smile.

Suddenly, an idea struck my head.