Chapter 7. Unable to Remember

Mira's complexion paled as my question slipped out, leaving her visibly shaken.

"My lady, what do you imply?" she stammered, her face reflecting a mix of confusion and concern.

Although I couldn't escape the burden of guilt for deceiving her, my actions were driven not solely by self-interest, but rather by the impact they would have on Mira's future.

I must devise a strategy, a survival blueprint, to navigate away from paths that might lead me towards an ominous fate, a death flag.

With that in mind I have come to conclude my list on how to survive as a reader who reincarnated inside my favorite novel and became the main villainess who's destined to die, or so that is how I could describe my situation right now.

#1 - Change Cassia's reputation
#2 - Earn the trust of the manor's people
#3 - Gather more intel
#4 - Be cautious on who to interact
#5 - Must develop skills

That goes without saying, I must first accomplish the number one on my list.

Cassia, notorious as the villainess in aristocratic society, has hit rock bottom in terms of reputation. She is perceived as a wicked noble lady.

However, how does feigning memory loss help me in this situation? The answer is simple: by acting as though I have lost my memories, those around me will be less suspicious as I gradually change my personality. My plan is to establish a new, favorable image of Cassia Clorance. This is one of the major factors that could help me survive.

Considering the possibility that I have truly died in the real world and been reincarnated in the novel's realm, I am bound to live among these individuals for the duration of my stay in the palace. They not only oversee the mansion but also tend to my well-being, food, and clothing. It is crucial that I treat these people with kindness and foster positive relationships with each of them.

Henceforth, I, Cassia Clorance, have firmly resolved that my primary objective shall be to #AvoidDeathFlags.

The lengths I would go to alter this fucked up fate of Cassia Clorance is truly astonishing. This being my second life, bestowed upon me by some divine power, it's infuriating to be cast in the role of the villainess, destined for a tragic demise. Nevertheless, I am left with no other option but to take action and rewrite this cursed destiny of mine.

"My lady, do you truly not recall who I am?" Mira's voice jolted me back to reality. Her trembling voice seemed on the brink of tears.

I never expected Mira to react like this simply because her mistress no longer remembers her. Doesn't she recall being shouted at by Cassia just yesterday? According to Cassia's memories, she even broke a few things in front of Mira. Shouldn't Mira hold some resentment or bitterness towards Cassia?

Not that I desire a cold and distant demeanor from her, of course. But wouldn't anyone react that way? I am well aware of the atrocities committed by Cassia. She was truly wicked. That's why I would expect Mira to harbor at least some anger or resentment towards Cassia.

"I'm sorry, but I am unable to recall anything. I don't remember my name or even my age. None of your faces appear familiar to me. I sincerely apologize."

I said that all with a sad expression and tone of voice.

As a result, murmurs among the maids began to circulate throughout the room. I lowered my head and couldn't conceal the smirk that formed on my lips.

"Oh my goodness! Could it be that the young lady is suffering from amnesia?"

"It's possible. Isn't it strange that she hasn't thrown any tantrums like she usually does?"

"Exactly! And did you hear that? She apologized! Not just once, but twice!"

"I was quite surprised by that, too, and did you notice how she spoke in such a gentle tone?"

"I can't even remember when was the last time she had spoken that way. She was always shouting and yelling so it oddly feels new."

"Yes, it does feel rather peculiar to witness such a change in the lady's behavior. It's as if she has become a completely different person."

"Perhaps this is a glimmer of hope, a sign that the young lady desires to change."

"Let us not lower our guard. Remember, she is still the villainess young lady."

"Absolutely right. We can never predict when she might become violent again."

As I continued to relish the gossip among the maids, a man in his mid-twenties burst into the room, perspiration glistening on his forehead.

Ah, my guess was correct. He must be the physician summoned by one of the maids. Confirming my suspicion, I spotted Camille, the maid, standing beside the young man.

"This is Sir Giorgio Bourbon, my lady. He is a physician who happened to be in the vicinity," Camille introduced the young man beside her.

Giorgio bowed his head respectfully.

"Greetings, Lady Clorance."

Tumango lamang naman ako sa kaniya at saka pinagmasdan ang itsura niya.

Oh! I must say, Sir Giorgio possesses the appearance of a distinguished young man. The novel I've read never mentioned a Giorgio Bourbon, and Cassia's memories offer no information about him, so I have no clue who he is.

"Camille, how could you allow this stranger into the Clorance Manor without verifying if he is indeed a physician?" I immediately turned my attention to Mira upon hearing her speak. At this moment, she appears to be in a foul mood. In fact, she's gazing-no, I should say glaring-at Sir Bourbon as if he were the most despicable person in the world.

My eyebrows slightly raised in surprise. What could be the reason for Mira's reaction? She is fully aware that the man before her is a nobleman, right? It is evident from his attire. Furthermore, he is carrying a medical bag in his right hand.

"But Miss Mira-"

The maid, Camille, was interrupted as Sir Bourbon took a step forward. More precisely, he walked toward Mira. Now, Mira and Sir Bourbon are locked in a gaze with each other.

Mira who's glaring daggers at Sir Bourbon, and Sir Bourbon who's just looking at Mira with a composed look. But I was surprised as when he stopped in front of Mira, he then smirked.

"Would you like me to provide you with my complete background information, Miss Mira Vargas?"

To my astonishment, Mira rolled her eyes. Did she really just...

"Why would I need that when your face speaks volumes about your lack of trustworthiness?"

Nag-crossed arms naman si Sir Bourbon. Just what the hell really is going on right now?

"Oh, but I assure you, Miss Vargas, I am a licensed physician."

Sasagot pa sana pabalik si Mira kay Sir Giorgio pero hindi ko na kaya pang tagalan ang manood sa pagbabangayan nilang dalawa.

Marahan kong hinila ang laylayan ng damit ni Mira dahilan para matigilan siya sa pagsasalita at agad na mapalingon sa akin.

Wow. I'm astonished by how quickly her expression changed. Just moments ago, she seemed like a raging fire, but now she's looking at me with a gentle expression on her face.

"Um... What's happening?"

"Ah! I sincerely apologize, my lady. Please disregard this individual. I will summon a more suitable and trusted physician to attend to you."

"Hey! Aren't you going a bit too far?"

"Can't you just keep quiet?"

And now they're talking informally to each other, huh?

I really can't comprehend why these two are behaving like this towards each other. There must be a reason, a story behind it all.

But for now, I need to put an end to their argument. If this continues, it will take forever to resolve.

"Mira... that's your name, isn't it?"

I quickly captured Mira's attention as I spoke. As I gazed into her eyes, it seemed as if they were sparkling. Wow... Don't tell me this girl a simp for Cassia?

"Yes, my lady. That is my name," she proudly answered.

Napahawak naman ako sa aking baba, na para bang nag-iisip ko.

"Hmm, Sir Bourbon seems decent enough, Mira. There's no need to search for another physician. Let him be the one to examine me."

"But, my lady..."

"Don't worry, Mira. It's alright," I reassured her, offering a smile.

"If that is what my lady wishes," Mira conceded.

Nakayuko ang ulo niyang sabi at tila pa'y pinaglalaruan ang kaniyang mga daliri. She even whispered something but I didn't hear it.

Lumingon na lamang ako sa direksyon ni Sir Bourbon who was looking at me with a strange kind of look. Napataas naman ako ng kilay.

What could this guy possibly be thinking?

To be Continued...