BTMLP 14

Chapter 14

Even across all the novels of my past life and this one, I’d never seen a count order the assassination of a chick—let alone when the target was me. No matter how much he disliked me, this was the scene where my employer of eight years, Bella’s family, commanded someone to kill me.

“Crazy…”

I hurriedly hid myself outside the window frame, afraid I might be seen. My tiny heart thumped wildly.

Alfin’s face, glimpsed briefly, was pale. He probably couldn’t disobey the order. His home was in the countryside of the count’s domain, and in the count’s lands, the count’s commands were absolute.

If killing one person in secret was already difficult, how simple would it be to eliminate a tiny chick?

By lunchtime at the latest, this assassination order would be announced throughout the mansion. Until now, sneaking around inside the mansion had only risked being caught and having the order reported back to Clements—a risk, but one he could manage.

This time, however, hiding alone and being discovered by the servants scattered throughout the mansion would mean literal death.

There was only one way to avoid it: stick closely to Clements or Cassis at all times.

“W-what do I do…”

The situation had flipped 180 degrees. I had to flee from Clements, only to run back to him. Only then could I survive.

“But…”

I had just gone through all that trouble to avoid clinging to Clements and drawing unnecessary attention. Now, needing his protection and moving closer again felt… humiliating and indecisive.

What was more important? The happiness of the protagonists in this world? Or my own life?

Damn it! There was no way to decide easily!

“Bella…”

My precious heroine, my lady. I had promised to make her happy no matter what.

“Clements…”

This time, I had endlessly promised myself—before even meeting him—that I would let her love without dying at the hands of Bella.

But…

“Sniff… if anything happens to our child… I don’t think I could bear it anymore, really… Evangeline…”

Aagh! Why did that voice have to play now in ultra-high pitch?!

Moreover, I had originally lived in the real world and had been suddenly transplanted into this one. I didn’t even know what death meant here, so I couldn’t make a choice lightly.

It was too long and vivid to dismiss as a dream. Even if I died, it would just wake me from a dream, and I could happily recall the memory from my original world while waiting for the hiatus to end. That would be perfect.

But if not? What if this life really was my only one, and death here meant truly ceasing to exist?

And what if it were a pitiful death, erased by the whim of a powerful person while I remained a helpless, tiny creature?

“Ugh…”

Being turned into a chick was unbearably frustrating. I wished I were a wild beast like Bella—no unnecessary cuteness to attract attention, strength to defend myself.

Hiding outside the mansion? If I even made eye contact with a cat or fox, it would be the end. That would be an even more pitiful death than being killed by the servants I worked with.

“Mama…”

Eventually, tears welled up and I lifted my head, dashing forward. Agilely leaping between the windowsill and pillars, I returned to where I had first escaped.

Luckily, Cassis was still there, pacing and calling out seriously: “Chick! Please come out, I beg you!”

“Peep!!!!”

I squawked louder than ever since turning into a chick, flying straight to him. He instinctively caught me, his eyes widening.

“Chick?! Simixsi, thank you.”

Huh. It seemed like there were tears glistening in his red eyes. No, maybe not—he was always just a strikingly handsome man with sparkling eyes.

It didn’t matter. I wanted to cry anyway.

“Were you really outside the window? Hah… I nearly died of worry. Do you know how dangerous it is out there? Never go out like that again. Understood?”

He spoke more kindly than before I ran away, gently patting my head. I nodded.

“Peep…”

Compared to being in his palm, the outside world had seemed so perilous. It made me tear up all over again.

“How cute…”

Even Cassis wiped the corner of his eye with the other hand. Huh, was he really on the verge of tears? Cassis Dupre, the marquis?

The question didn’t last long. A new visitor arrived.

“Marquis Dupre, I presume.”

“Miss Monahan, good to see you.”

Bella!

Her delicate black hair reached her waist. Her posture exuded restrained power and charisma, unlike the usual elegance of noble ladies—like a beautiful, dangerous wild beast. That was Bella’s charm.

Today, Bella wore a dress of purple and white, with a veil of matching color fixed to her hair with a jewel circlet. It suited her well but looked slightly uncomfortable. If I had dressed her, it would be just as beautiful but more comfortable.

“Peep-peep! (Bella!)”

“I wish to meet His Imperial Highness. Is now a good time?”

Bella ignored me, probably because she didn’t yet know I was Ophelia. I, on the other hand, was thrilled to hear her speak.

Bella!! Our admirable Bella, she wants to meet Clements?!

Finally, she’s come for love. How splendid! Did you feel fate calling you? Knew he was someone you could never let go?

Truly, truly fortunate. Even if Clements is acting foolishly, as long as you hold your center, there’s no problem. That’s how Beauty and the Beast is designed. He is destined to love you.

Anyone seeing me now might think, “Even a chick can smile blissfully!”

“Yes, by now, the urgent state affairs should be settled.”

“That chick…”

Bella, led by Cassis, finally mentioned me.

“Yes.”

Her blue eyes felt as cold as polar ice. It was a first. Though she often found me, her maid and childhood friend, bothersome, she had never looked this emotionless.

Hmm, perhaps this was how Bella saw other things? In the ‘original,’ she must have viewed the world like this until she met Clements.

If so, I must make her fall in love with Clements even faster! Determined, I tucked my wings. If Bella loves, surely even her eternal ice will melt like a beautiful lake!

“Today you seem so yellow and light. May I take you to His Imperial Highness?”

“Miss Monahan, I’m sorry, but that…”

Plop.

I understood Cassis. No matter how noble the lady, he couldn’t hand over his lord’s precious… chick carelessly.

But the important thing was the chick’s opinion, right? Without hesitation, I perched happily on Bella’s hand. I always trusted her.

“Ah…”

Surprised, he saw me hopping on Bella’s hand and looked utterly defeated.

Calm down. This is just a difference in affection. Of course, Cassis, you like me too.

…What is this femme fatale monologue?

“Greetings, milady.”

“I am well, thanks to your care.”

The one asking didn’t seem genuinely interested; the one replying didn’t seem particularly thankful or peaceful.

I could tell for certain. Sadly.

Because I was watching with hawk eyes, wondering if any warmth or passion would show between them.

Clements’ otherwise unchanging expression shifted only when he saw me. Ignoring him, fearing more foolishness, I huddled on Bella’s hand.

“Huh…”

Tch. That weak smile won’t help. My master is Bella, not Clements.

“Your chick is truly mischievous. I heard the mansion was turned upside down when it disappeared at dawn.”

From Bella’s perspective, searching the mansion for a chick wasn’t pleasant.

“It’s my chick; it’s no surprise if it’s lively and healthy.”

Even that Clements filtered as a compliment. Bella, unyielding in her love for the chick, spoke her mind.

“Roaming lightly without understanding your master only reminds me of a certain someone even more.”

…Ah.

The one being targeted couldn’t straighten their body in shock.

“Are you referring to your maid? She should have returned by now.”

“No, she hasn’t.”

Bella’s face hardened frighteningly.

“She left only a careless note saying she wasn’t swept away or killed. One can hardly tell who is master and who is maid.”

S-sorry!

Bella must have been very worried. I just wished she knew I was closer than anyone else…

“You seem to care a lot for that maid. Was her name Ophelia?”

“You remember her name.”

I was surprised too, but Clements was very clever. Even unimportant names would stick.

Then why does Bella seem upset?

“…!!”

Could it be…! Jealousy?

Jealous that someone who feels fate remembers another woman?

My heart started pounding. Fellow Beauty and the Beast readers, I finally did it. I saw the heroine take her first step toward awareness!

I felt like picking up Bella and taking a lap around the mansion out of sheer pride.