Dragging my aching body back to the attic, I began packing to leave. Father had given me only half an hour—so desperate to sell me off. What was his rush? My luggage was already packed days ago; all sensitive documents destroyed. Chris would follow me automatically, no risk of him getting lost.

Still… would I ever see Aleister again? The ghost of House Lude. Once I left, probably never. I’d wanted to take one or two of Mother’s keepsakes—her jewelry, meant for my wedding day. But tragically, every piece supposedly locked safe in the count’s vault had vanished without a trace. Later, I found Thomas’s secret ledger. Flipping through it, I learned Katherine—that bitch—had stolen and sold them long ago.

I never saw Mother’s face; she died right after my birth. Now even her mementos were gone. A single tear slipped down my cheek before I knew it.

Using Observer Unit 2, I retrieved the gold coins from the cliff and tucked them into the "Item Vault." Soon, everything vital was packed. I looped the copper key to the Eternal Night Library around my neck, shed Elizabeth’s discarded dress, and changed into my patched, threadbare clothes.

No way was I wearing Elizabeth’s castoffs—especially trash she’d tossed! Yes, the gown was stunning… but just imagining her in it filled me with humiliation. Why should I wear her scraps? *My* clothes. This childish thought made me feel silly, yet helpless.

Sunlight glittered on distant snow peaks under a cloudless blue sky. Icy castle walls cast long shadows across the courtyard—snow already cleared by servants and soldiers working overtime. A row of House Northenberg carriages stood ready, sled-runners fitted, pulled by sturdy ponies with wide hooves. Count Lud chatted with Duke of Northberg beside the procession. The moment he saw me step out in rags, his face froze in shock. Even the onlooking servants gaped. *Surprised?* The girl who hid starving in the attic was now striding out in tatters—to shame you all.

“I kept you waiting, Your Grace,” I bowed humbly. “Victoria Flamel von Lud, at your service.”

“Flamel? Hmm… So the curse didn’t trigger! Ahahahaha!”

At my middle name, the Duke burst into laughter. Father’s face flushed crimson, as if deeply insulted.

“Victoria!” He stormed over, fuming. “Trying to disgrace me? Take off that ridiculous outfit! I found you a decent dress—why wear *this*? You’re doing this on purpose!”

“Father,” I smiled calmly, “that beautiful gown belongs to Elizabeth, not me. This patched dress is my best. See?” I held up the others. House Northenberg servants exchanged subtle glances; House Lude’s side stirred uneasily.

“Someone! Get rid of these rags!” Father barked. Two maids snatched the clothes away—but the Duke had already seen. He laughed heartily, like a pleased lion. *Yes. A white-maned lion.*

“Farewell, Father,” I bowed lightly. “I’m rather glad I won’t call you that anymore. You’ve finally passed the title to Elizabeth… though I should remind you: she carries not a single drop of Lud blood.”

With a faint smile, I turned and boarded the waiting carriage.

Minutes later, House Northenberg knights mounted up, escorting five black carriages away from Count Lud’s castle. Passing through the mountain village, I spotted Brother John standing in the snow, utterly bewildered.

“Victoria!” he called. “Where are you going?”

I said nothing—just pointed to the golden lion crest on the carriage door. His eyes widened in understanding.

My foolish, selfish father… sold me for ten thousand gold coins, then poured it all into Elizabeth—a girl with zero Lud blood. A pathetic man, utterly enslaved by the Beguiling Eye.

But my real challenge began now. Inside the carriage sat two others: Duke of Northberg opposite me, Freud to his right.

*Wait… why aren’t you in your own carriages?!*

“Every river has its bridge,” I thought. *Face them head-on.* Seeing my serious expression, the Duke chuckled.

“Son,” he said, “I doubted you at first. But those eyes? Damn sure now. She’s the puppet-controlling alchemist. Only shock? She’s truly Jenny’s daughter.”

“Father, please mind your language. You’re frightening her.”

“My apologies!” The Duke turned to me, grinning broadly. “Victoria, last time we spoke through a puppet—I knew you were sharp. Meeting you? Even sharper than I imagined.”

“Your praise honors me,” I straightened and bowed. “But Your Grace—buying me openly as maid to the young Duchess… won’t that bias mediation between House Saxony and House Lude? Rumors of impropriety would be disastrous.”

“Relax,” Freud’s lips curled into that familiar mischievous smirk. “Count Saxony’s already been ‘taken care of.’ A very… *reasonable* man.”

*Wait. What did you DO to House Saxony?!* Chills ran down my spine.

*Yes. This is the Freud I know.* Ruthless, cunning, no limits. The “big brother,” the “devoted husband” to Lilia—almost made me forget he’s rotten to the core. In my past life, he funded my studies, believed in my talent—second only to His Majesty King Henry. But he wanted to weaponize my magitechnology: killing machines, not tools for prosperity. I, the naive idealist, fled overnight. (He never expected a paralyzed woman to escape, did he?) Later, after my success, he wrote—forgiving, offering partnership. I refused, fearing weapons. Then, when I needed allies… none came.

*This life? Never again.* To avenge those who hurt me, used me, burned me alive—I need powerful allies.

My gaze met Freud’s. The Duke, now the ultimate third wheel, glanced between us and pounced on his son.

*Crack.* His hand locked around Freud’s neck. “That lovesick look just now?” the Duke smirked coldly. “I enjoy battlefield kills, but a man has limits. *Certain interests*? Unacceptable. Explain—or we’ll ‘chat’ deep in Demontrail Forest.”

*Definitely a death threat. …Right?*

“Father, you jest,” Freud kept smiling. “I swear on my knight’s honor—my preferences are perfectly normal. Rest assured.”

“Oh? Wonderful.” *Thud.* A shoulder-pat that sounded like splintering bone. “Then, dear son… how *did* you find Victoria? Or was it just your… *preferences*?”

*WAIT—I’M CURIOUS TOO!* My disguise was flawless! Yet the moment my puppet appeared… instant exposure. *How?! This is utterly unscientific!*