I Became the Substitute for the Runaway Heroine - Chapter 47

“Ugh… Please, please! Save me!”

Just as Odette let out her desperate cry, there was a loud crash, the window shattered, and the pillar of fire was sucked out all at once.

As the flames briefly subsided, a figure walked through the smoke, one she immediately recognized.

“L-Lord Caesar?”

“Odette… I’m sorry. It’s all my fault.”

There was no way he had trapped her inside a burning house, and yet—

Caesar, tears streaming down his face, wrapped her in his arms.

‘Huh? But why… why am I floating in the air?’

The body that had been running around moments ago, trying to wake the unconscious girls, now lay collapsed on the wooden floor.

And she was watching it from above, suspended midair.

Was she… dead?

Caesar cradled Odette’s unconscious body tightly and whispered,

“Please, don’t die. Odette…”

Just like in the vision she had seen at the dressmaker’s, Odette wore a green gown.

Only then did she realize why Katarina hadn’t appeared in this dream.

‘This is my future.’

With her divine power growing, she had gained foresight—and the first glimpse of her future was her own death.

“Odette?”

Lost in thought about the dream she’d had three days ago, Odette blinked as Caesar’s face came into view.

Snapping out of her daze, she quickly responded.

“Yes? What is it?”

“Were you even listening to me?”

“O-Of course. You said we should meet His Majesty before the wedding.”

“We could meet him after the ceremony too.”

Whether before or after the wedding, Caesar clearly intended for her to face the emperor.

She was going to die before she ever reached that meeting.

And it wouldn’t be long.

“Alright, let’s meet His Majesty after the wedding, then.”

Caesar’s eyes gleamed sharply as he looked at her, noticing how distracted she seemed.

“You’re not ill, are you? Your divine power hasn’t been increasing lately.”

Startled by his observation, Odette forced a smile and shook her head.

“No, not at all. By the way, how’s everything going with your affairs?”

“Surprisingly well. It seems I’ll be granted a ducal title soon.”

“That’s wonderful news.”

If Caesar became a duke and rose to lead the noble faction, he could complete his revenge without further hardships.

‘There’d be no need to drag me into it.’

A meeting with the emperor…

He was the one person she never wanted to see for the rest of her life.

“Here, take this.”

“What is it?”

Odette accepted the transparent glass vial, and her eyes widened at the shimmering liquid inside.

“Magic eye drops.”

To think he’d gotten his hands on a large quantity of magic eye drops so easily.

“Thank you.”

“Shall we go?”

Caesar had instructed Aden to reserve a table at a famous café.

‘What is he thinking?’

Lately, Caesar had been doing everything she asked without hesitation.

When she said she wanted to become a duchess, unlike in the original story, Caesar diligently pressured the emperor to secure his title.

When she asked for a castle to be built in the North, despite his busy schedule, he found a stylish and capable manager to oversee it.

And now, he’d even brought her magic eye drops as a gift.

‘What’s he trying to gain by winning me over? It’s not like he loves me.’

As the carriage rolled through the city streets, Odette pondered the question again and again.

Why was Caesar treating her so well—so devotedly it bordered on excessive?

“You seem displeased with my outfit today.”

Catching her frequent glances, Caesar appeared to have misunderstood.

“No, you look amazing.”

Today, he wore a black jacket, a white shirt, and black leather trousers.

He looked incredibly sharp and stylish.

“Then why the scowls while stealing glances at me?”

“…Because you’re too handsome, that’s all.”

“I can hear your heartbeat racing. I’d wager it’s because you’re hiding something from me.”

How sharp were his senses, that even from across the carriage he could hear her heart pounding?

“What would I have to hide? I… I’m just flustered. You’re just too good-looking.”

“Is there nothing else you want?”

“…What do you mean?”

“I told you—I’ll give you everything I have, and in return, I’ll have you. So tell me if there’s anything you need. I’ll give it all to you.”

Freedom.

And escaping the original storyline.

Additionally, ensuring the safety of the Viscountess and the two young masters.

Out of everything Odette wished for, he had said he couldn’t grant her a single one.

“Do you know what I truly want?”

Your regret.

That you hadn’t threatened to kill the people I care about.

That instead of trying to enchant me with your demonic charm, you’d simply asked if I was hurt or worried.

That if you’d become someone I could rely on, I wouldn’t have betrayed you and run away.

If only you’d regret those things… that would be nice.

‘Then maybe you’d feel at least a little sorry for me, for having to suffer unjustly as Amelia’s stand-in.’

When Odette remained silent, Caesar lifted his head and looked at her.

“Tell me. What is it you want?”

“I want you to achieve your revenge soon… and be happy.”

“I’m asking what you want.”

Odette gave him the most radiant smile.

“Your happiness is my happiness, Lord Caesar.”

A blatant lie, yet Caesar’s eyes trembled as if he were deeply moved.

As if he truly believed her.

Odette turned her gaze to the window, a faint smile on her lips.

‘Such nice weather today.’

A little while later, the carriage stopped in front of the most famous pastry shop in the Hoan District.

“Wow, this is the place you made a reservation at?”

“You know it? I heard it’s quite renowned.”

“Yes. I heard you can’t even get in without a reservation made at least a week in advance.”

Caesar reached out his hand to help her step down from the carriage.

“…I want to be the kind of thoughtful man who goes to a pastry shop with his fiancée. Won’t you play along?”

“So that’s what this is about. Well, it’s far more effective than dressing up in roses and putting one on your chest.”

“Exactly.”

Caesar began to act the part of a man in love rather than a war hero, and he did it so naturally.

He held the door for her, and when someone approached from the opposite direction, he gently pulled her close to avoid contact.

Envious glances surrounded them.

The shop buzzed with murmurs and whispers.

“I can hear people saying you’re beautiful.”

Caesar narrowed his eyes as he gazed intently at her.

“Beautiful? Hmm… I suppose you are.”

“Please… don’t joke like that.”

At her words, Caesar chuckled softly.

“I’m not joking. You seem to grow more beautiful by the day. Isn’t that odd? Your face practically glows.”

Before leaving the house, she had drawn out some divine power—but it seemed to be replenishing quickly again.

When divine power fills to the brim, her eyes sparkle like jewels, and a radiant glow emanates from her body.

There were times she’d woken up in the middle of the night, feeling her body heat up, only to find the room illuminated by her own light.

‘I can’t let anyone realize my divine power has grown stronger.’

Worried, Odette bit her lip tightly.

“Why are you trembling? Is it because you’re shy after being called beautiful?”

“I-It’s just embarrassing to be complimented by someone like you.”

“Then I’ll have to do it more often, so you get used to it.”

Why was he making such meaningless jokes today?

As Odette fumbled for a response, the manager approached.

“Right this way, please.”

The manager led them to a quiet table overlooking the garden.

Without even needing to order, tea was served, followed by a line of staff carrying trays of pastries and chocolates.

“I pre-ordered everything when I made the reservation. Try some.”

Odette picked up a chocolate shaped like a lollipop with a fork and put it in her mouth. It melted slowly, rich and velvety.

“It’s delicious.”

“I’m glad.”

Caesar, however, didn’t touch the chocolate. He simply watched her.

“What is it?”

“…The engagement ceremony at the Count’s estate is just a formality. It’ll be simple. But you can look forward to the wedding.”

“I’d rather keep the wedding simple too. We should focus on our goals, not waste time on unnecessary things.”

Caesar’s expression began to harden, and Odette glanced around.

But there was no one around who seemed hostile enough to cause it.

‘What is it?’

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