I found myself perplexed by his inquiry.

Have I ever harbored anger towards him? I do not believe so.

Mikhail, the man Jubelian loved with all her heart and the novel's leading male character, stood before me. Yet, my heart remained unnervingly still. A despondent sensation washed over me.

I used to be so enamored with him, but now I feel nothing.

In the past, Jubelian regarded Mikhail as her savior. She yearned for his affection, hanging on his every word. At the slightest change in his expression, anxiety would grip her, a constant fear that he might abandon her as well.

However, my experiences in the modern world had profoundly transformed Jubelian's persona. I had to shoulder the burden of tuition costs, maintain exemplary grades, search for employment opportunities, and cover living expenses all on my own.

"I do not require someone to be my savior. I have the ability to shape my own future."

Having reached this realization, I mustered the courage to speak. "I am not angry."

I simply wished to cease wasting any more time and emotions on him.

"Jubelian," Mikhail gazed at me with a slightly irritated expression.

Though our relationship had been forcibly initiated, it had endured for two years nonetheless. I could discern the weight of his words simply from the tone of his voice.

"If you continue to fuss over trivial matters in this manner, could it not jeopardize our relationship?"

His words were not a request but rather a thinly veiled warning. He urged me to stop bothering him.

I maintained my usual innocent smile, except this time, it held genuine sincerity.

"I am not angry. When I scolded you for being late, it was merely a jest." I spoke pleasantly to lighten the atmosphere, but it appeared that my response displeased him.

He regarded me with a stern expression.

"A jest? That does not align with your character." He huffed and observed me wearily. "So, why did you summon me here?"

Upon witnessing his blatant displeasure, I let out a sigh. "Well, I suppose it is only natural for him to be upset. The previous Jubelian often disrupted his training."

Due to her past mistakes, I decided to grant him some leniency.

"Mikhail, could you please..."

"You mentioned that you only required a brief moment," he interjected before I could finish speaking.

I burst into laughter, but he did not appear amused.

"If it is of no great importance, I shall take my leave."

True to form, Mikhail was about to depart first. It seemed he was too impatient to remain in my presence any longer. Despite his impolite demeanor, I understood that fostering enmity with the novel's leading male character would yield no favorable outcome.

"It will only take a minute."

"I must depart now. There is a crucial training session I must attend."

When I met his icy gaze, irritation welled up within me.

Ah, how unfortunate! He considers me not even worth five minutes of his time!

Merely three days prior, I had inquired about his availability out of fear of interrupting his training. Yet today, on our agreed-upon meeting, I had spent three hours waiting in the Imperial Knights' antechamber. Regardless of my efforts, this man continued to disregard them, valuing only his own time.

Well, there is no reason for me to endure this any longer.

Setting the tone, I lowered my voice. "Please, have a seat. It will only take a moment."

"I believe I already declined."

His voice adopted a menacingly low tone, as if he deemed himself superior in this relationship. I felt compelled to shatter his illusion.

"My father is aware that we are meeting today. It would appear odd if you returned so soon."

Mikhail's expression stiffened upon mentioning my father, a boss whom he both feared and respected.

"Five minutes," he conceded.

It appeared that even the mightiest knight held trepidation when facing the sole Sword Master in the empire. Reluctantly, Mikhail obeyed and took a seat.

Maybe I should've brought up the duke a bit earlier. A chuckle escaped me as I recalled the moments I tried so hard to win over the man in front of me. All my endeavors were futile. A simple solution had been within reach the whole time...

In that moment, I heard a stern voice.

"What is so amusing?"

Mikhail's countenance exuded annoyance, yet it mattered not now that I no longer sought his goodwill.

"For the past two years, we have spent quite a bit of time together." I commenced with a sentimental opening.

He likely assumed I sought attention from him, interrupting me with a low voice.

"Did you summon me merely to state that?"

He did not permit me to complete my thoughts, already growing impatient. It seemed he truly detested being in my presence.

He is incredibly impatient. I had even prepared a gift for him.

Though disheartened by his words, I offered him a insincere smile I had learned from my part-time job.

"You need not be preoccupied."

"What are you implying?"

His demeanor caused a frown to mar my expression.

He is truly unbearable.

Truly, I yearned to convey the words, "I shall inform my father of this, and he shall dismiss you." He, too, knew of Jubelian's influential background, and such a lesson would demonstrate the power at my disposal. However, my father would never dismiss a subordinate for whom he held concern. If Mikhail and I were to become adversaries, the outcome would be detrimental solely to myself.

"Let us no longer be adversaries. My objective is to lead a long life." With this affirmation echoing in my mind, I spoke slowly. "I am saying that I shall release you."

At my words, his eyes widened before gradually returning to their normal state. Even the corner of his lips curved slightly, as if he could not fathom my sincerity.

"You must be bluffing. Do you truly expect me to believe that?"

I sighed at his cautious demeanor. Very well, it would be futile to say more.

"Whether you choose to believe it or not is entirely up to you. I have already expressed what needed to be said."

I turned to leave, but a cold voice halted my departure.

"Fine, I shall trust you. Just ensure you never cross my path again."

A twinge of satisfaction tugged at the corners of my mouth upon hearing his unexpected words.

I suppose the breakup was successful? Whatever his reasoning, he accepted it. A sense of relief washed over me.

Now, my objective was to savor life to the fullest extent. Though Father remained indifferent towards me, he did not mind funding the opulent lifestyle I enjoyed as his daughter. It would not be amiss to live joyfully, basking in his wealth.

My spirits soared as I envisioned a radiant future. Glancing back at Mikhail, I offered a smile.

"I apologize for everything that has transpired thus far. May happiness befall you."

With a heartfelt farewell, I turned away.

In the past, when meeting Mikhail, I often donned elegant yet uncomfortable shoes. The ones adorning my feet today were plain and adorned with low heels.

Was it thanks to these comfortable shoes that I could depart without regret?

* * *

"She expressed her regrets for everything?" Mikhail scoffed as he gazed at the woman's retreating figure. "Nonsense. This must be a ploy to capture my attention."

He was certain that she would turn back, returning to him. However, contrary to his expectations, she continued walking without sparing him another glance. As she vanished from sight, he clenched his fists.

"Was she sincere?"

Jubelian Eloy Floyen.

Without a doubt, she possessed incomparable beauty, despite her troubled state of mind. For the past two years, he had endured her actions, which she justified in the name of love. She followed him wherever he went, exhibiting hostility towards those with whom he interacted, and rejoiced even at the slightest bit of attention he bestowed upon her. She resembled a dog—a foolish creature that wagged its tail despite being pushed away, showering affection upon its master even when unreciprocated.

Though it proved considerably vexing, he tolerated her due to the attention he received from her father and his idol, Duke Floyen.

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mikhail," the duke had stated upon their initial meeting. Moreover, her presence effectively deterred other bothersome women from approaching him.

"Why has she suddenly changed her mind?"

Riddled with uncertainty, Mikhail unconsciously tightened his fists. Now that the woman was completely out of sight, he unexpectedly felt an unfamiliar sensation rather than relief.

"It is a relief that I shall no longer have to encounter that troublesome woman." Mikhail attempted to focus on this notion, dispelling the conflicting thoughts that assailed him, but… "Damn it."

He could not banish her from his mind.

Her words echoed within him: "I apologize for everything until now. May happiness befall you." Nor could he forget her smile, which appeared tinged with relief.

* * *

Ah, it's as if the knot in my stomach has finally loosened. I'll make my way to my room and rest.

Having just parted ways with Mikhail, I arrived home only to encounter a handsome man near the front door. I had inherited his silver hair and blue eyes, though I did not possess his striking appearance. As an ageless being who aged gradually, it seemed as though we could pass for siblings. There may come a day when I appear older than this individual.

"Father, how was your day?" I greeted him with an upbeat tone, a complete contrast to my true sentiments.

He regarded me with indifference. Though we were family, it had been many years since I greeted him in such a manner.

"Do not return here," he once told me.

After being turned away, I only engaged in conversation with him when crucial matters necessitated it. Yet now, I had a reason to feign friendliness. All I desire is to live happily.

After retrieving memories from my previous life, I realized a pivotal truth: No matter how fervently I yearned for my father's love, he would eventually cast me aside. Beset by countless deficiencies, I amounted to nothing more than a source of shame, one he never acknowledged in the presence of others. Since I was destined to be unloved by him, I decided to relinquish such desires and seek happiness elsewhere.

Yes, the happiness derived from wealth!

Of course, I possessed a conscience and did not intend to become consumed by greed. A modest estate on the outskirts of the city, some financial assistance from my father, and a position overseeing one of his many responsibilities would suffice.

"In fact, even with only those possessions, I would continue to live a life of luxury."

I no longer intended to beseech my father for his love. However, as long as I required his financial support, it was crucial to maintain a cordial relationship. If I were to clash with him, as depicted in the original novel, I might find myself bereft of even a penny.

I presented him with an insincere smile I had acquired from my retail job.

"You must be weary after overseeing training all day."

Once again, he offered no response.

Goodness gracious! Would it kill him to utter a single word?

His behavior irritated me, just as it would any other human being. Nonetheless, I had grown accustomed to being ignored by him.

"You should relax. I, too, shall retire." I hastily concluded the one-sided conversation and ascended the staircase to the second floor.

It was then that I heard him speak.

"There was no training today."