I Think the World Made Me Its Enemy

(And yet, she's not here)

"Ha…"

There was nothing left for me to do but sigh like that.

That girl really wasn't there.

Blaming someone who just wanted to escape from prison and accidentally saw something they shouldn't have… I wasn't capable of doing that.

Still, it didn't change the fact that she heard something she shouldn't have. I'm afraid if I disobey that wrinkled old man — the Tower's master — he'll despise me too, just like he does that idiot Helios.

Well, I guess she'll have to blame the enchanted tunnels of the dungeon if she ended up far from the exit again. The map she had was pretty simple. I even had to go to the trouble of drawing it myself.

I glanced around the room again.

People couldn't see me thanks to protective magic, but overusing magic in this place wasn't wise.

After all, this place is a prison for mages, even if corruption still thrives here.

Once more, I looked at the girl's empty bed and smiled with frustration.

What a pity. What a shame.

Even though I was somewhat intrigued by her and wanted to test the soul reincarnation theory — there was nothing I could do if she became a witness. Even if it was just of my involvement.

Seriously, Helios, that idiot…

That bastard, come on… shouting my name like that, revealing the Tower's involvement?

"Ha… It's so damn annoying."

My eyes began to spark with fury just remembering that piece of sh—

Time to stop thinking about him, right?

Teleporting onto one of the prison rooftops, I let out a relieved sigh.

The spells woven over the mage prison were incredibly secure and could detect any unauthorized intruder magic.

Of course, high-level spells like mine — anything above the eighth tier — went undetected.

But still, using basic spells at high-tier volume burns through mana like crazy.

"Ha…"

I stretched with a yawn I barely suppressed.

"Work's done for today. Preparations are finished. That means it's time to begin."

I looked down at the prison courtyard and the garden beneath me, smirking openly.

---

"…"

And once again, a new day started with the same sound — my hoarse, slightly raspy voice.

Maybe because I'd always been spoiled and lived in luxury, I was extra irritated by my condition.

Breakfast for prisoners wasn't bad — especially considering nobles got food in much better condition than common criminals.

Then came the walk, chatting with the guards and the nobles locked up here.

Come to think of it, it was all becoming a routine, and that sent a chill of disgust through my bones.

I want to get out of this place already.

"Lady Rosaline, the warden would like to see you," one of the guards I knew spoke up.

"Eh?…"

Pardon? Excuse me?

Strange how my legs suddenly turned into trembling strips of paper.

The guard just shrugged.

I had no choice but to follow him.

Hesitating at the doorway, I glanced at Rodge — the one who agreed to guide me.

"You didn't get caught, did you?" The guard who had given me the keys to the underground cells looked pale.

"N-no? At least… I d-don't think so!" I replied with the same level of "cheer."

Was I scared? Of course I was!

I was just a normal person like everyone else — clever, sure, and undoubtedly crafty, but courage and honor? Yeah, not exactly my strong suit.

"I'm not going to die, right?"

I swayed nervously side to side.

"Hey, you promised you wouldn't get caught! I knew I couldn't trust a noble!"

My obvious panic wasn't exactly calming the sweat-drenched guard.

"I swear I didn't get caught! You think I'd still be casually walking around like this if I had? It'll be fine!"

I placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"You're sweating buckets from terror — how am I supposed to believe that?!"

"Hey, don't you trust me? It'll be just perfect!"

"D-don't w-w-worry!" I sang out syllable by syllable, gave him a cheerful pat, and quickly slipped into the office.

"Hey!"

Finally exhaling calmly, I smoothed my expression and walked forward with a confident stride.

"I believe you wanted to see me? Did something happen?" I asked innocently, looking at the tall man who stood with his back to me.

He wore a classic coffee-colored suit with a vest, and his light brown hair fell down to his shoulder blades.

Hmm, a brunette?

Hearing me enter, he turned and began to speak. "You're here. Please, take a seat."

I nodded and sat on the couch.

Well, he doesn't seem evil, right? Maybe this isn't as bad as I feared…

"I'd like to apologize…"

Um, w-w-what?...

"…." I couldn't find any words. I just smiled and tilted my head slightly.

The man in front of me, whom I had imagined to be terrifying, looked more like a regretful child. And now what was I supposed to do?... He looked like he was sincerely sorry, but I had absolutely no idea why.

"H-hey, why are you apologizing? Come on, don't…" I nearly jumped up to comfort him — but caught myself just in time.

He was still the warden, and I still had no idea what was going on.

"You attempted to take your own life. I received the report. So please, stop pretending that everything is fine." He sighed and looked at me with deep sympathy.

"Oh, that…"

Was he talking about my actions or something the former owner of this body had done?

What the hell am I even supposed to say to that?!