TVWD 24

Chaoter : 24

Thud. Thud—thud!

“You damn old hag! Just die already!”

“A worthless body that can’t even repay its debts—better off dead.”

I stopped walking at the sound of one‑sided violence.

A frail‑looking elderly woman was being beaten by two burly men.

“What’s going on that you’re treating an old woman so cruelly?”

“What’s this? A champion of justice?”

The two men snickered as they looked at me.

“Answer my question.”

“She couldn’t pay back the money.”

One of them replied, crossing his arms.

The old woman lying on the ground trembled faintly.

I’ve already died several times. I’ve witnessed hundreds of deaths, and I’ve even killed people with my own hands.

It wasn’t that I suddenly felt sympathy for someone’s death.

But it is true that I envy people who get to live a life that only comes once—and therefore feels all the more precious.

For those people, this might be the end of their lives. Still, since it’s their one and only life, I hoped they could at least live it by their own will.

And honestly, this whole thing was just a whim on my part. That old woman was simply lucky enough to catch my eye.

I can’t stop regression with my own power, but something like this? This I can handle.

“How much money did she fail to repay?”

“What, you gonna pay it for her?”

I pulled a few silver coins from my pocket and tossed them at their feet.

“That should be enough, right?”

The men picked up the coins, checked if they were real, and grinned crudely.

“You must be some noble young lady. Why would someone like you come to a place like this without even bringing knights?”

Both of them swaggered toward me, but I could only scoff.

Unless I’m killed by the male protagonist’s punishment, I won’t die.

When I drew the dagger I was carrying, they laughed as if it were ridiculous.

I lowered my stance and waited for them to approach. Perhaps thinking only one would be enough, the one without a cigarette stepped forward.

Just as I tensed my body, gauging his vital points—

“W‑What the hell?!”

People in cloaks rushed past me and charged at the men.

The two thugs were subdued in no time, and I headed toward the fallen old woman.

“Grandma, are you okay?”

Thankfully, she was still breathing. I helped her sit up so she could breathe more easily.

“Slowly inhale… and exhale. Yes, just like that.”

“To think I’d run into you here, Lady Levian.”

At the familiar voice behind me, a chill ran down my spine. Of course. I really was an unlucky villainess.

I slowly stood up and turned around.

“To witness the Empire’s glory—”

“We’re outside. No need for formal greetings.”

The crown prince, the owner of the voice, alternated his gaze between me and the old woman leaning against the wall.

“What do you plan to do with that old woman?”

“I started this, so I’ll take responsibility for her future.”

“You plan to take her to the marquisate? A common old woman?”

“Whether commoner or not, she’s injured and needs treatment. After that, I’ll find her a place to stay.”

I expected him to nitpick, but instead he merely studied my face. After a moment, he broke the silence.

“You don’t look well today. You’re pale.”

“I apologize.”

“For what?”

“For daring to show such a ghastly pale face to His Highness the Crown Prince.”

When I stepped back and apologized, he looked momentarily speechless. It was his own remark, yet he seemed oddly startled.

The knights nearby glared at the crown prince as if he were some shameless villain.

“Th‑That…”

He moved his lips as if trying to say something, then let out a hollow laugh.

“Enough. I’m leaving.”

With his hood pulled up, the crown prince departed. I supported the old woman and headed toward the carriage rental.

Then someone followed us and carefully lifted the old woman into his arms.

“His Highness has ordered me to escort you safely back to your residence.”

Was he watching me in case I abandoned her? Planning to criticize me again if I did?

If that were the case, it would’ve been better to just spy from a distance.

I had my doubts, but the strong man was a big help, so I didn’t refuse. Even if I did, a knight of the crown prince wouldn’t simply leave.

We rented a carriage and were escorted all the way to the Levian marquisate.

“Thank you for your help.”

When I saw the knight off, his cheeks reddened.

“It was nothing.”

After hesitating briefly, he clenched his fist and placed it over his left chest before lowering it—a salute unique to the knightly order.

“My name is Milt of the Bellang family.”

“Oh? Then you’re from Count Bellang’s house?”

“Yes. I saw you once when you attended a knights’ order event. Ah—of course, you wouldn’t remember me. I was just one of the knights standing in the center of the training grounds.”

“One of those gallant knights, then. Sir Bellang, thank you for remembering me.”

“There are few who wouldn’t remember you, my lady.”

The feeling he held toward me was goodwill.

The more people who felt positively toward me, the better.

When I smiled brightly in return, the tips of his ears turned red.

“Thank you again for today. I hope we meet again sometime.”

“Yes, my lady.”

After Milt Bellang saluted and left, I helped the old woman into the mansion.

“Miss—!”

“Roa, you—!”

Both Cassie and my mother had found out that I’d snuck out. After making excuses about just going out for some air, I summoned the family physician to examine the old woman.

“Fortunately, it’s just light bruising. Apply medicine for a few days and make sure she eats well—she’ll recover.”

Since she had nowhere to go, we decided to employ her at our house. Calling it employment was generous; she barely had any work to do.

“A noble young lady with such a kind heart.”

“I’m just doing what I can.”

“There are many who don’t even do that. I’m truly grateful.”

“It’s just a whim. Don’t worry about it.”

Yes—truly just a whim. Mixed with a little envy.

“Even so, this old woman is very thankful. If you ever have worries, come find me. I’ve seen and heard a great deal in my long life.”

“That sounds very helpful. If I ever face a problem I can’t solve, I’ll ask you.”

The old woman smiled, clearly satisfied.

* * *

After it came out that I’d nearly been in danger while out, Mother forbade me from leaving unless it was an official outing.

Ted, who was staying in the territory, must have heard as well—he sent a letter saying, “I’ll look into the Blue Bird matter myself, so please restrain yourself.”

Thanks to that, I had to stay in the mansion right up until the hunting tournament.

“I really love hunting tournaments.”

Stella, who often went hunting with her father, was practically vibrating with excitement.

“I’m glad you’re going too. But when did you practice riding?”

“Not long ago.”

“And archery? You’ll see blood—you sure you’re okay with that?”

“You just sounded like Calvin.”

Stella shuddered.

“Don’t lump me together with that brat. More importantly, is he still following Merina Ikel around? Even knowing what she did to his sister?”

I smiled quietly.

What Merina did to me at the embassy had spread widely—my parents and even Calvin had heard about it.

I’d had to stop Father from confronting the Empress over it.