I am not some parasite clinging to Lisir's consciousness. I am a kind of anomaly, a byproduct of his previous self from another world, who is now aware of his modern past life.

Despite changes in personality, emotions, and values, there’s no alteration in memory.

...So, who exactly are you?

"Lisir-nim, I missed you so much. It’s me, Fien. I’ve been counting the days until we could meet again."

The girl’s voice was firm, determined. She hugged me even tighter, as if she were making a vow never to let go.

To call it "determined" or "tight" would be an exaggeration, though. Her voice was soft, like a bird chirping, and the pressure of her grip was hardly intimidating—more adorable than anything else.

I glanced down and saw the top of her head, pressed against my chest. Her hair was a pure, snowy white, soft and delicate as if untouched by the world.

Her head was so small it could fit in one hand.

She was like a small bird—fragile, yet paradoxically striking because of that fragility.

As a bastard child, one cannot afford to have a bad memory. I was not so forgetful that I wouldn’t remember someone like this.

I wanted to ask cautiously if perhaps she had undergone extreme dieting, plastic surgery, and a complete change in hair color.

"Lisir-nim..."

As I remained still, Fien nestled closer into my embrace. I wondered if she wanted me to hold her back.

"..."

I could feel an intense gaze burning into me.

A middle-aged man, presumably her escort judging by his attire, was glaring at me from behind Fien. Judging by his expression and where he had been sitting before, he was likely someone from another noble house serving as her guardian.

When our eyes met, his gaze only sharpened. I wondered if he too wanted me to embrace her.

Ah, whatever. I moved my arms and hugged Fien in return.

"Oh, Lisir-nim..."

The girl let out a sound of pure joy as she snuggled closer into my arms.

"...!!!"

The escort’s eyes widened, and I could see the muscles in his clenched fists.

I was confused. Wasn’t this consensual?

"Lisir-nim... Aren’t you happy to see me?"

The girl looked up at me, her eyes trembling with anxiety.

---

She was like a small, white bird. A girl who, with her frailty, evoked an intense protective instinct in others, sparking not just a desire to protect but to possess. Her skin was pale—paler than her white dress, paler than her snow-like hair.

In another situation, such pallor would have seemed sickly, but on her, it gave an impression of pure innocence.

Her blue eyes were so clear, as if with the slightest touch, tears would form and drip down like dew.

She was truly enchanting.

Paradoxically, her extreme vulnerability gave her an overwhelming presence.

I found myself gazing into her eyes, those crystalline eyes now clouded with doubt.

"Don’t you recognize me?"

A powerful urge surged through me. I wanted to comfort her. I wanted to stroke her innocent face with my hands.

And, if possible, I wanted to color her entirely in my own shade.

How audacious.

How audacious of me to desire her.

But such an ambition was far beyond what I could ever hope to achieve.

She was someone I had no right to covet.

So all I could do was long for her. Long for her love.

...Long for my master's attention.

---

As Lisir gazed into the girl’s eyes, a thought crossed his mind.

'If I had a younger sister, would this be what it felt like?'

It was a thought that, if overheard, would have caused quite a stir.

Lisir quickly composed himself, trying to figure out how to handle this situation.

Though he didn’t remember her, it was clear this girl was attached to him for some reason.

As the elder in this situation, his response was already decided.

"What do you mean? Of course, I’m happy to see you."

"..."

For a moment, Fien doubted her ears. Was it her imagination, or did he sound like he was talking to a child?

"In that case, will you hold me tighter? So I can feel you more clearly..."

"Shall I?"

As requested, Lisir hugged her more firmly. Just as he tightened his hold, about to lift her off the ground, Fien’s smile began to shift into something... unfamiliar.

"Whoops!"

"...?"

Fien wriggled and squirmed in his grasp, her expression growing tense.

‘What is he doing?’

Lisir had lifted her off the ground and was now spinning her in circles. Not just stopping at lifting her, he spun around on the spot, creating a whirlwind of motion.

From an outsider’s perspective, it might have looked like a romantic gesture. A man spinning his lover in a joyful embrace.

‘Seriously, what is he doing?’

However, the speed at which he was spinning completely shattered any notion of romance. It was far too fast for such tender sentiments.

Fien looked up at him with cold, calculating eyes, clearly demanding an explanation for his actions.

Lisir simply grinned confidently.

Ah, this is centrifugal force. Isn’t it fun?

‘What are you doing?’

After giving her this unique(?) experience, Lisir finally set her down. He then crouched to meet her eye level, patting her head affectionately.

"Are you satisfied now?"

Fien blinked, utterly confused.

‘Satisfied with what?’

She was bewildered.

This wasn’t the behavior of a man who had been mentally dominated. He wasn’t acting like someone under the control of false memories.

No way...

No, it couldn’t be.

Her power could subdue even knights of the fifth rank. It was inconceivable that this bastard, of all people, could be free from her mental manipulation.

Still momentarily unsure, Fien finally spoke again, her voice full of emotion.

"I missed you, Lisir-nim."

Once again, Fien threw herself into Lisir’s arms with passionate fervor.

Lisir smiled kindly and stroked her head, his calm demeanor entirely unimpressed by her earlier intense display.

By now, it was beyond baffling—this was not the reaction she had expected.

‘What’s wrong with this guy?’

The strength of mental interference is typically proportional to the emotional vulnerability of the target.

In theory, someone emotional would be more susceptible to her control, while someone dull would resist it.

Fien prided herself on her ability to dominate the minds of those around her. She was certain her power was more than enough to enslave this man before her. More than enough.

If it were any ordinary man, he would already be at her mercy.

But here he was.

"Fien, could you step back for a moment? Your friend behind you has been glaring daggers at me this whole time."

That was his response to her heartfelt embrace—a casual, indifferent remark.

It wasn’t the demeanor of someone worshipping their master. It was more akin to how one might address an endearing little girl.

Fien felt a headache coming on.

How could her mental interference fail to have a stronger effect on him?

"I’m sorry about that. Gallant can be a bit... intense at times."

Her internal assessment of Lisir was less than flattering: a brutishly insensitive fool.

That’s why her mental manipulation wasn’t working—he was just too stupid to be affected.

"No matter. There’s no need to rush things. After all, Lisir-nim and I will be together from now on. Isn’t that right?"

Fien flashed an innocent smile, but inside, she was seething.

It was clear now. Her plan was going to require far more effort than she had initially anticipated.

---

"Did the Dintal family always have a daughter?"

She had appeared out of nowhere one day and was suddenly part of the Dintal household. 

Her hair color.

Her appearance.

She was different from the Dintal family, but no one questioned her presence.

"She’s our youngest daughter. She was sickly as a child, so she spent most of her time bedridden."

"The healer said she wouldn’t live past ten, so we tried not to get too attached, but she’s grown stronger since then..."

When the head of the family says something like that, who dares to question it?

"They say she’s so pure and unblemished, like a piece of white silk. Such a kind-hearted young lady."

How could anyone aim suspicion at such a fragile girl?

She was loved by the Dintal family.

"My father is ill? Oh no..."

She was adored by the Dintal family.

"Mother, you should rest. You’ve been looking so frail lately."

She was cherished by the Dintal family.

"Brother? You look so pale. Are you alright?"

She had their hearts.

"Gallant, as my escort, you’re not supposed to tire before me. Just kidding. Even I’m a bit exhausted. Let’s rest for a moment here."

She was everything to them.

---

"Lisir-nim, instead of just standing around, shall we go for a walk? A nice stroll?"

When a girl like Fien makes such a request, it’s hard to refuse.

In my mind, I could hear my master’s voice echoing.

-My student, you should go home and rest~ rest~ rest~ (echoes fade out)

Master, I’m sorry.

As much as I would love to obey, I can’t help but want to preserve this innocent girl’s smile. And that Gallant fellow behind her

... he's intimidating. If I refuse, he’s likely to glare me into submission. Honestly, with my current skills, I wouldn’t stand a chance against him in a fight.

"Lisir-nim, Lisir-nim! Look at that!"

Fien clung to my arm, dragging me through the streets of Hayearn, excitedly pointing out every little detail.

Her infectious enthusiasm made even passing strangers smile gently as they watched her.

Some of them even looked at me with envy, their expressions gleeful as they saw Fien hanging onto my arm.

Honestly, a few of them were making indecent faces, despite her appearing no older than a middle-schooler.

You’re lucky to be born in this era.

For a while, I let Fien lead me around the streets, watching her enjoy herself was surprisingly pleasant.

But how long would this go on?

Just as I was about to wonder if she’d ever tire, Fien suddenly stopped, gasping for breath.

"Lisir-nim... I’m sorry... Can we rest for a moment?"

I thought she had simply grown tired, but her face had paled. She was visibly unwell.

We had wandered into a quiet alley, far from the bustling streets. 

"Miss!"

"Gallant... Please, don't make a scene. If possible, could you give us a moment alone?"

"...As you wish."

"Fien, are you okay?"

"I’m sorry, I just need to rest for a moment."

Her smile was fragile, and I could only nod in response.

Her weight pressed more heavily against my arm as she leaned on me for support.

How much time passed like that?

"Thank you, Lisir-nim."

She seemed to have regained her strength and looked up at me with a slightly more composed expression.

"Are you feeling better?"

"I’m sorry to worry you. It’s a little embarrassing, but I’ve always been frail since childhood."

Her gaze drifted off into the distance, as though she were recalling a faraway memory.

"Lisir-nim... do you remember?"

"Remember what?"

"Back when I got lost in these streets as a child, you were the one who helped me find my way."

"...Ah, that."

I nodded along, gazing in the same direction she was.

Except, I didn’t remember anything like that happening.

To be honest, I didn’t just forget—I could confidently say that it never happened.

That vague sense of unease I’d felt earlier was becoming more concrete now.

Something was definitely off about my relationship with this girl. Or more precisely, something was off about this girl, Fien.

I had sensed it from the beginning—there was something strange about her.

What was it, though?

A sense of discomfort? Something that was there, but not quite tangible enough for me to dwell on before.

"Lisir-nim."

Fien suddenly turned to face me, clasping my right hand gently in both of hers.

"What do you think about this marriage?"

"Marriage? Wait, you mean the arranged marriage with the Dintal family's daughter?"

Fien smiled bitterly.

"Actually, this whole arrangement happened because of me. I begged my mother for it."

She chuckled softly, almost teasingly.

"I don’t usually ask my mother for anything, so she granted me this one request."

With that, she carefully placed my hand against her chest.

"I couldn’t hold back my feelings for you any longer, Lisir-nim. Can you feel it? My heartbeat?"

"..."

At that moment, the unease I had been feeling became clearer.

What was this?

I frowned unconsciously.

"This is impossible..."

Fien whispered, her face clouded with confusion.

"Lisir-nim? You’re really not feeling anything right now? You’re looking at me, and nothing’s crossing your mind?"

Her demeanor shifted. Gone was the fragile, innocent girl, and in her place stood someone desperate, on the verge of panic.

"Lisir-nim..."

"Whoa, whoa—"

Fien pressed herself against me, her delicate fingers tracing up my thigh.

Her touch was... unsettlingly sticky.

I wanted to push her away, but she was so frail that I hesitated, worried that I might accidentally hurt her.

"...Lisir? You should feel honored. I’ve never done this for anyone else before."

"I think it’s a bit early for us to be sharing this kind of honor!"

Fien suddenly stood on her toes and kissed me. That was when it happened.

"...!!!"

Fien’s eyes widened in shock, as though something had broken inside her.

She staggered backward, her hands trembling as they flew to her lips.

"You... What did you do to me?!"

"Huh?"

"What did you do to me?!"

"???"

I was confused. She was the one who initiated it, after all.

Her lips quivered as she sat down abruptly, her hands shaking uncontrollably.

"My power... My power..."

Fien stammered, her body trembling as she collapsed to the ground.

"...Why am I here?"

From outside the alley, I could hear Gallant's startled voice.

   
   ***

[Resistance Detected]
[Target: Blessing of Blood]

 

 

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TL NOTE: Please don't skimp on the stars for the translation - it inspires me and gives me the strength to write more. Thank you~!

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