ALL NOVEL Chapter 0 - A Typical Story
I existed within the small rectangle inside the rectangular mansion. The endless tasks were also trapped within the rectangular papers.
“My lord, an invitation to another imperial banquet has arrived from the palace.”
“…Tell them I cannot attend due to poor health. It’s not a lie, so it won’t be considered disloyalty.”
“But my lord, it would be troubling if you missed the Victory Commemoration banquet. And if you decline this year as well, there will be more rumors.”
“Haah…I suppose I have no choice. Butler, send a reply that I will attend. I’m sick of seeing those people at banquets or not, their nonsense is truly diverse.”
“As you command.”
After the butler left, I took a handful of painkillers from a bottle and swallowed them. They weren’t instant relief, and I had been building a tolerance lately, so it would take some time for them to take effect.
“My lord, the young miss is here to see you.”
“…Tell her I’m busy.”
“Out of my way.”
Despite my refusal, the door to my study burst open, and my pretty younger sister approached with an angry face.
“What is it this time?”
“You really don’t know why I’m upset?”
“I’m not so idle as to ask about things I already know.”
“Hah.”
“If you need an allowance, tell the butler separately. I’m not so idle as to bother with such trivial matters.”
Slap
I don’t know who she takes after, but her hand is quite heavy. There’s no mirror to see, but I’m sure it left a mark.
“I hope that was the end of your business here.”
“You traitorous bastard…”
“Let me teach you the basics of conversation. If you come to see someone and even slap them, explain the reason in detail following the five Ws and one H.”
“You betrayed me and mother, and made our family a laughingstock. That’s why I slapped you. The empress position should have been mine, but you dared to put that whore there instead of me? You deserve worse than just a slap.”
“I see. A valid reason indeed. Now if you’ll excuse me…”
“You bastard…”
“See you around.”
With that, my beloved younger sister shot me her usual resentful look and stormed out.
I don’t know what comments she must have heard outside to make her take out her frustrations on me today.
But I’ve gotten used to this nonsense by now, and it’s supposed to end soon anyway.
Isn’t this quite a common story? The family, fiancée, and people who hate me. Such a typical story that I don’t even have any special feelings about it anymore.
“How tiresome.”
Not that I particularly hate or dislike them. It’s not out of spite, hoping they’ll suffer after I’m gone. I’m not cruel enough to have such ill intentions.
I simply want to breathe easily for the time I have left.
Yes, just that.
Even I should be allowed at least that much.
With less than 1000 days left in my life, they should all allow me that much.
“The medicine seems to be taking effect now.”
The fact that I was muttering to myself showed the painkillers were clearly working.
After refilling the ravens’ trough, I leaned back in my chair and dozed off.