GAVAF 27

Chapter 27

In my previous life, having learned self-defense through police training, I grabbed Naren’s hand as she lightly tried to press the ring, twisted it behind her, and pinned her against a nearby pillar. I took the ring from her, rendering her immobile, and spoke.

“Miss Naren, what exactly were you trying to do just now?”

“I… I don’t understand what Miss Zurn is saying.”

I had given her the chance to confess her crime voluntarily, but she ignored my goodwill.

With a sigh, I pressed down hard on the large jewel of the ring in front of Naren, who struggled to free herself. As I pressed it, the ring transformed into a razor-sharp blade, sharp enough to cut through anything.

In the original novel, Harna spills wine on Mei and apologizes, taking her to the lounge. Harna wears a ring in that scene—the very magical ring I now held.

This ring originally belonged to Seara; it was created by her wizard father as a self-defense tool.

Weapons or magically enchanted items were not allowed inside the palace. However, this ring could be brought in because it had a temperature-maintaining enchantment. It was explained as an artifact made for Seara, who was frail since childhood, so it was not confiscated.

In the original story, jealous of Mei, Harna learns about Seara’s self-defense ring and takes it for herself, determined to humiliate Mei so she could never return to the ballroom.

In the lounge, Harna, transforming the ring into a blade, attempts to tear Mei’s dress. At that moment, Cardin appears, stops Harna, and instead removes the blade-ring from her, cutting her hair in the process.

I erased the memory of Cardin calmly leaving while Mei cowered.

In the original story, Harna’s actions would have been malicious toward Mei, but the story had already changed.

So in the current situation, this woman would have tried to use the ring to tear our dresses, just like Harna.

The audacity to attempt such an act in the ballroom, rather than the lounge, was likely Seara, not Naren. Had she succeeded, Mei and I would have been too embarrassed to continue enjoying the ball.

But unwilling to be victimized, I waved the blade-ring in front of the pale Naren and smiled.

“A ring that transforms into a blade… how fascinating. With this, I could cut through anything. For example, a dress.”

I said it in a voice low enough for only Naren and Seara nearby to hear.

“That is…”

Naren trembled against the wall, looking pitiful, as though she would collapse if I relaxed my grip. Ignoring her, I shrugged and tore her dress with the blade-ring.

Naren could only gape silently at her shredded dress. Once I released her, she sank to the floor, her legs giving way.

“To complete my revenge perfectly, I’d spill wine too, but alcohol isn’t guilty, so this is enough.”

Whispering into Naren’s ear, I turned to Seara.

“Miss Poron, remember what I said when you lost your bracelet? You shouldn’t leave precious things lying around or lend them to just anyone.”

Seara, realizing I knew she was the ring’s owner, bit her lip and stepped back.

“Just like with maids, it’s better to choose your friends carefully.”

I handed the blade-ring to Seara, indicating Naren hiding her legs with her torn dress.

“Take care of it. If a ring made with love for your daughter is used to harm someone, how disappointed would your father be?”

Seara remained silent, watching my actions.

Feeling mischievous, I tightened my grip. Startled, Seara tried to pull her hand away, and the blade brushing against her dress sliced through her blouse.

“Ahhh!”

“Are you okay? You were startled, weren’t you?”

Even though the blade only lightly grazed the dress, it tore cleanly, revealing her chemise. Flustered, she raised her hands to cover herself.

“Oh my, what should I do? I apologize. I didn’t mean it.”

Seara’s expression hardened, and her body trembled slightly.

“It’s fine. I’ll excuse myself first.”

Biting her lip, Seara left without looking back, followed by her attendants. I shouted after her.

“Miss Poron, be careful! I’ll write you a letter!”

Nearby nobles glanced over, but Seara didn’t respond.

Shivering and wrapped in a shawl, Seara finally got into her carriage. Alone, she nervously bit her thumb and muttered:

“How did she know the ring could turn into a blade?”

It was a secret only she and her father knew. Naren had been informed just minutes before Harna appeared, so there was no way Seara could have tipped off Harna in advance.

‘Did someone plant a spy in the mansion to leak my secret?’

Seara’s sharp gaze reached the maids, who averted their eyes.

“No, that’s impossible.”

There was no way anyone loyal to Harna could have passed the mental magic check required when hiring servants in the Poron household.

Sighing, Seara’s frustration grew. She couldn’t understand how her plans had been anticipated.

“Harna!”

Unable to contain her rage, Seara shouted Harna’s name and began throwing objects inside the carriage. The maids ducked in surprise, but Seara wasn’t satisfied.

Unlike before, Harna’s mocking smirk hovered over her. Losing repeatedly to someone she used to control was unbearable.

“I won’t let this go.”

This had to be the last time she was humiliated by Harna. She gritted her teeth, vowing revenge.

After taking her revenge, I sat at a secluded table and drank wine.

Though I had been a connoisseur in my previous life, I hadn’t known Harna’s drinking limit and had restrained myself. But after this satisfying revenge, a drink felt well-earned.

“Unnie,” Mei whispered, covering her mouth, “you’re amazing! I think I might fall for you, like last time!”

“Don’t fall for me. I like men.”

“Oh, I’ll treat you well. Want to meet me?”

Smiling at Mei’s playful teasing, I adopted a mischievous, villainous expression.

‘I’m the villain. I’m scary and tormenting, just like I used to be!’

“Hehe, your expression is so cute!”

“What?”

Mei’s antics made me smile faintly. Though it felt slightly humiliating, it was fun. For the first time, I drank as Harna.

When I drank, the cheese Mei offered went straight into my mouth. The pairing was perfect. I finished my glass and poured a new one.

“Unnie, are you drinking a lot? Are you okay?”

“I’m fine!”

I’m not 30-year-old Yoon Seung-ah; I’m 20-year-old Harna! I can drink as much as I want. I raised the glass again, smiling despite Mei’s concern.

‘Delicious!’

I almost stomped my feet in delight, but restrained myself to stay graceful.

“Your face is red,” Mei remarked.

“It’s warm in here.”

It was a ballroom filled with nobles; naturally, it was hot. It wasn’t the wine making me flushed.

I glared at Mei and drank again.

“Oh? It’s the Duke.”

Cardin appeared as I set my glass down.

“My goddess Harna, I think you should stop drinking. You look cute and lovely drunk, but I worry for your health.”

“No! I want to drink more!”

Ignoring him, I downed my next glass and approached Cardin with confidence. He fanned my face, seeing I looked hot, and I caught his fluttering hand like a butterfly.

“Want a drink, Cardin?”

“Ah!”

“Ahh!”

Mei and Trin’s shocked reactions mirrored each other.

‘Why are they acting like they saw something they shouldn’t?’

I shrugged, handed the wine to Cardin, and said:

“Here, drink.”

“If you give it, I’ll drink it even if it’s poison.”

“Good. Since it’s from your goddess, drink it all!”

Cardin drank every drop and placed the empty glass on the table, smiling at me expectantly. I chuckled at his pride.

“Cardin, can I ask you something?”

“Anything.”

“Why are you so nice to me?”

His cold hand touched my warm cheek.

“Because it’s you. You’re the only one who makes my heart race. I love you, Harna.”