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Chapter 62
He felt stupid for asking advice from an ordinary man about a woman whose dream was to grow old and die alone on a deserted island.
There was no way it was love. Never.
Even if it wasn’t marriage, there had to be some other way to keep her.
If I win the island, that will work.
The island of Spes was coming up for auction. The ships were sold separately, but the mansion was included.
And for Gray, there was one extra “option.”
Riana.
On Spes Island, she came with it.
Even if he was a fool who only made her frown, if he had that island, she would have no choice but to come to him.
He remembered her mocking words:
“Just imagine losing to me at the auction by six gold. Then you’ll cry tears of blood, saying, ‘Damn it! If I’d only accepted her offer, I would’ve won!’”
Gray chuckled quietly. Just recalling her voice made laughter slip out.
But he didn’t realize it himself—his mind was already consumed by the determination to win.
Three gold, she said? Then I’ll use that as an excuse to see her face again. Little by little, I’ll gather everything—until I win the island.
Meanwhile, Riana, without realizing she had already succeeded in recruiting Gray, was heading toward the maids’ quarters.
As she walked, something fell onto her head, making her stop.
“What now—”
The object slipped down into her clothes. She pulled it out with an annoyed look.
“…This is—”
A Starbucks cup sleeve. A Korean item.
The green siren smiled faintly, like a strange Mona Lisa. This time, there were no words written on it.
And it was the same path as last time.
Don’t tell me… again?
She was just about to glance up toward the stairwell window of the maids’ building when—something else dropped from the sky.
“Ugh!”
This time she groaned in annoyance instead of fear. The thing bounced off her nose, but she managed to catch it.
A Starbucks paper straw. Again, no writing.
“What the heck!”
This wasn’t a warning or a message—it was just plain littering!
Weren’t they trying to stop my love potion plan? Or… maybe they’re not even serious. Just throwing junk around…
What was this?
Riana knew there was no point in running after them. She’d already learned the hard way she’d never catch the thrower.
So she walked calmly into the maids’ dining hall, stashing the “souvenirs” from Starbucks into her pocket.
Now I’m curious. Who are they? And what do they want from me?
Since it was still early, many maids were eating before starting work.
As soon as Riana entered, Mrs. Baker spotted her.
“What are you doing here at this hour?”
“Is there a maid from Genevieve Castle here?”
“What happened to your wrist?”
“If she’s in the Knights’ Fanclub, that’d be even better.”
Perfect nonsense. Mrs. Baker frowned and pointed toward a red-haired girl eating nearby.
“Her—Daniel.”
She was a seventeen-year-old girl, still with baby fat on her cheeks.
Riana smiled brightly at Mrs. Baker.
“Thank you. I couldn’t sleep, that’s why I came. And my wrist is just a sprain.”
“Have you eaten?”
“I’m fine.”
Then Riana strode straight toward Daniel.
The girl’s eyes widened when Riana suddenly sat across from her.
Riana studied her quietly.
No way… could it be you?
Her head tilted, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. Daniel choked on her food and fanned her blushing face.
“H-hello, Miss Riana.”
Her shy look seemed genuine.
But who knew? If this mysterious being really was as powerful as Riana feared, they could probably act like a professional. They might even have been on the third-floor stairs just a moment ago, then rushed down here instantly.
If they could know about transmigrators, who could guess what other strange powers they had?
“Hello, Daniel.”
“H-how did you know my name?”
Her face turned even redder. She really did seem like a timid girl.
Or maybe she’s just pretending.
Riana let out a low sigh.
What am I doing…? She’s just a kid, eating breakfast.
Still, the truth was: every maid now looked suspicious. Until she figured out who this “X” was, she couldn’t rest.
Some unknown factor existed—someone who could ruin her plan and her future. Depending on their knowledge and intentions, everything could change.
Forget the prince—this X is scarier.
Even though she wasn’t currently working on her “Love Potion Operation,” she couldn’t waste time. For now, she’d dig into this world’s secrets.
And Daniel would be useful.
So Riana smiled warmly and pretended to be friendly.
“Of course I know you, Daniel! You’re in the Fanclub. I show up sometimes too.”
“I-I’ve seen you too, Miss Riana… Y-you’re so pretty…”
“Really? Thanks! And I always thought your red hair was so charming!”
Daniel’s cheeks burned red, brighter than her hair. Riana leaned forward casually.
“So, who’s your favorite knight?”
“Ah, Sir Ander!”
Ander—the curly-haired knight Riana had spoken to before. He’d been the most popular before Gray joined.
Riana shook her head, unsatisfied.
“And your second favorite?”
“Um, it changes a lot… but it used to be Sir Chase…”
Riana’s lovely eyes blinked expectantly. Daniel blushed harder, then blurted out:
“B-but these days… it’s Sir Gray.”
Clap! Riana’s smile widened as she clapped her hands, startling Daniel.
“I see! And guess what—I happen to have this!”
She unwrapped the handkerchief on her wrist and handed it over.
“This belongs to Sir Gray. You can have it.”
“Wow… really?”
Daniel’s eyes lit up. Riana smiled sweetly.
“But in return… how about I work at Genevieve Castle today instead of you?”
That was where her mysterious “X” most likely was. She wanted to watch each candidate carefully.
If you know so much about me… then I’ll find out everything about you.
She wanted to see who paid too much attention to her, who seemed to know impossibly much. Were they flaunting their power? Or hiding it?
And I can also talk to Deborah. I’ll find out if she knows the potion’s gone.
Maybe she could even tell Deborah directly that there was nothing between her and Gray—hopefully word would reach the prince, too.
And I’m curious—who will be the one to stick me with the villainess flag when I approach Deborah?
Smiling like sunshine, Riana urged Daniel again.
“I’ve been to Genevieve Castle a few times for errands. It’s so beautiful. I’d love to work there just for a day. Is that okay?”
“You… want to take my shift, Miss Riana?”
“Mm-hm. Is that alright?”
“I don’t mind, but… won’t you be tired? You have to go to work in an hour…”
“Oh my, how thoughtful you are.”
Riana gently stroked her red hair. Daniel blushed and nodded. That was permission.
Riana’s lips curled into a sly smile.
“Thank you. You just relax today—with Sir Gray’s handkerchief.”
“Wow! Thank you so much!”
Daniel practically bounced in her seat before running off to brag to her friends.
Riana chuckled, then stood up.
Daniel’s right. I am tired…
Her body felt heavy, like waterlogged cotton, since she was awake at a time when she usually slept.
Reaching into her pocket, she felt the Starbucks sleeve and straw.
Maybe I should have some coffee.
In Korea, coffee was the number one cure for sleepiness.
So she went to Mrs. Baker in the kitchen.
As soon as she entered, Mrs. Baker asked,
“Changed your mind? Hungry now?”
“No. But do you have coffee?”
“Of course—”
“Then I’ll take oat milk, three extra espresso shots, two pumps of hazelnut syrup, whipped cream on top, and just a dusting of cinnamon sugar, please.”
“—but not today.”
