"But why would they send me a letter like this? I have nothing to do with them!" I said denying it. As much as possible, I denied the fact that those two people were so obsessed with me.
"I also don't know what your actual relationship with them is, but this letter clearly shows that you are involved in a scandal, Ella!"
"What? What scandal?"
"Scandal with His Majesty the King and also his half-brother!" Emily said while putting her hands on her hips. She looked as if she was judging me for a mistake that seemed impossible for me to make.
I don't know anything at all because as far as I remember, I am a man and I have never been involved in romantic affairs with men.
"I know you're trying to deny it in your mind, but Ella to be honest, I've known this for a long time from your attitude and also the letters you often receive from noble men, especially Duke Aiden."
"Emily, listen to me! I know this may sound very strange to you, but I have no way of remembering what really happened and what I actually did. I don't know, so I beg you to believe me!"
"Yes, actually I believe your denial a little because now you are completely different from the Ella I have always known. You have become a little better."
"Can you tell me something?"
"What?"
"Actually, what was my character like before I was found drowned in the lake?"
"Your character?"
"Yes, my character. What was my character like before?" I asked. I really want to know what the true character of this woman named Ella is like before I enter her body. I'm sure she's not the typical kind and elegant woman like most noble women in general.
Emily stared at me for a moment, it was clear she was a little confused by my question. But because I showed a convincing expression, she just sighed.
"I understand, now I believe more and more why you said that you couldn't remember anything. Ok, I'll tell you what you were like before. You are a very selfish woman, very stubborn and also very manipulative. That's why Jannet hates you so much because she often becomes a victim of your manipulation, Ella!"
"Really? My nature is that bad?"
"Yes, your nature is that bad. But actually it's not entirely your fault."
"What do you mean?"
"Erika, our married eldest sister is a witness to why you can grow into a woman like this."
"We have one more sister?"
"You don't remember Erika?"
"Who's she?"
"Oh my gosh, our family photo is on a big display, Ella! Didn't you notice it? Besides, can't you really remember anything?"
"I told you, I can't remember anything!"
"Yes, okay, I understand. I'm telling you, Erika always said that since you were born, mother had luck that she never imagined in her life. Mom was a woman who really believed in fortune telling and every month, mom would visit her favorite fortune teller to ask about luck or what misfortune she will face over the next few weeks."
"Are you serious? That witch believes in fortune telling?"
"Not only does she believe, but what choice she will make depends entirely on the prophecy. Before you were born, the fortune teller told the mother that the daughter who would be born next was a jewel that would make the Marquitas family rise in rank. Our father at that time was only a noble with a low status, didn't have much wealth. Father only had a vineyard which often experienced crop failures. Because of this, our family was often looked down upon and very rarely got party invitations. Before you were born, Erika, Jannet and I often exchanged the same clothes to save money. But after you were born, this family's life really changed. The harvest never failed, mother got a sudden inheritance from her grandfather, your beauty and intelligence since childhood made many people pay attention to you since childhood, neither did you have you ever experienced exchanging clothes with your siblings because mother always gives you new and very nice clothes. Even though Marie had been born, she didn't have the same privileges."
"I don't believe the witch's part in treating me so special. Because it's clear that every day she's always angry with me!"
"That's because you did something that was difficult to understand, Ella! Besides, why would you think of being a dancer who entertains noble men? You don't know how embarrassed father and mother were when they heard bad rumors about you! People said you were dating and staying at the mansion luxurious several noble men, one of whom was Mr. Henry Albergen."
"So, that man really knows me?"
"Of course! You're the one who made him so obsessed with you, Ella! Besides, you also seem to be in a relationship with Duke Aiden."
"He also?"
"You've received letters from him before, right? And you've also met him in the forest!"
"You're right, but-"
"At that time I heard you say that you really loved someone. I think the man you meant was Duke Aiden. The two of you often exchanged letters and it seemed like you were also thinking about marrying him-"
"Oh no no, Emily! I think you're wrong about the part that I'm thinking about marrying him! I can't possibly think about marrying a psychopath like him, that's impossible and besides how many times can I tell you that I'm not interested in men? So there's no way I can marry that bastard!"
"How would I know if you think that now? What is clear is that before you drowned in that lake, you and him loved each other. That's what I know!"
"Wait a minute, why do you know that much? Does everyone in this house know too?" I asked. I felt that Emily knew too much and it seemed strange.
She immediately fell silent and stopped talking, her expression looked strange as if she was hiding something.
"What's wrong? Why are you silent? Did I ask something wrong?"
"N-no, I-I just-"
"Just what?"
"I-I know because actually I've always wanted to be close to you. I'm two years older than you and I feel that we should be two close brothers. I always try to match you in everything. You like reading books, so do I read books, you study music, I do too, I follow everything you do just because I feel-"
"Feeling jealous of me?" I asked. I don't know why this question just came out of my mouth.
Emily became silent again, it seemed like I cornered her too much with my question. I honestly didn't mean to, but considering how she knows everything about me to that extent makes me wonder a little, why does Emily know everything?
"I-I don't, I don't at all-"
"Okay, I understand, you don't need to explain it to me. Forget it! Just pretend I never asked you a stupid question like that, okay?"
"Yes, I understand. Then, I'll go out first. See you later, Ella?" Sh said as she left.
I looked at Emily's back until her back was no longer visible. I feel guilty for her, I shouldn't have to ask if she's jealous or something? I'm so silly, even though so far she's always helped me. She was clearly a very good woman, exactly like my Mary Jane.
I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, I looked at the two letters in my hand. Somehow I'm not in a good mood to read a letter like this. But remembering the complicated relationship that this woman named Ella seemed to be experiencing with the two men, I couldn't help but get involved in it.
I opened the first letter that King Zavier wrote. My eyes widened because I clearly knew this handwriting very well. The neat handwriting, but a little difficult to read, is exactly the same as Xavier Stephenson's handwriting.
"Tch, even the handwriting is the same? What is this?" I muttered.
I started reading it and it seemed a lot different from what I thought a few seconds ago when I opened the envelope.
Dear Ella
Ella, I'm sorry for my bad attitude and maybe making you feel uncomfortable. I wrote this letter right after I returned to my room. I think this letter will reach you tomorrow.
Ella, I feel like you've changed a little, from the way you talk and the way you look at me. I feel like you don't look at me the same way anymore. Honestly, I really miss everything about you, I'm too naive, but can I miss you? It's okay if you don't feel the same way, but I hope you think a little about me once in a while. I hope it can repay my great longing for you.
From your friend,
Zavier Alexander De Velgmegeur
Even though he has never had a girlfriend, Xavier is a very kind man and respects women. Even when he rejects declarations of love from girls who like him, he says it as best as possible without trying to hurt their feelings.
"Xavier? I feel like you're Xavier. You're really Xavier, there's no mistaking it."