When I Died, He was Indifferent

"What bad luck! With the deadline approaching, how did she die here in Fensville?"

"Burn her! She's covered in scars and has a filthy disease. If those from the Glar Dynasty find out, we're finished."

My soul floated in the air, hearing their discussions.

They approached to take my body away, and Melanie rushed over crying.

Those people showed a cold and sinister expression.

"Almost forgot there's a little maid here."

Fensville was known for its use of venomous insects and a small bug flew into Melanie's ear, rendering her blind and deaf, collapsing in the snow.

I floated in front of her, wanting to help her up, but my hand passed through her body. I was already dead.

"Your Highness, please don't take her away!"

They built a fire and burned me clean in the blazing flames.

I felt a hint of warmth beneath the snowy ground, not realizing I could feel that warmth only as my body was burned away.

I didn't know how long the fire burned and my body turned to ash, but one rib refused to burn.

The person in charge found it too eerie and decided to wait until the next morning.

That bone was still there, causing him to sit down in shock, and he finally had it buried somewhere.

……

The promised day soon arrived.

But I didn't wait for Huston, the man who had promised to come to fetch me home in three years.

I remembered our first meeting when I was the most beloved little princess, my father still alive, and my mother was the favored consort, reigning supreme in the harem.

The female lead, Nina, was born of a discarded concubine, suffering endless humiliation. She and Huston were childhood friends.

He often sneaked through a dog hole to bring her food. He was the devoted second male lead.

While I was merely his admirer.

That day, Huston was beaten mercilessly by a group of eunuchs, and I protected him, even though he didn't say a word of thanks and cursed me instead, saying I was just like my wicked mother.

Huston told me not to pretend to be kind, and I could only follow him from a distance, afraid he'd reject me even more.

I watched as he stayed by Nina's side, bringing her countless fireflies to cheer her up.

At first, I didn't care. To complete my mission quickly, I even tried to seduce Huston.

But as time passed, my heart yearned for his closeness. My previous life had been so painful, and it seemed this one was no different.