The few days following the national assembly had been long and tedious. I mostly spent hours and hours doing paperwork, having small meetings with the council, answering public requests for an audience, and even had lunch once with my uncle to celebrate our successful ploy.

After all of these, I truly desired nothing more than a cup of black tea and a romance novel I could snag from Eli's collection—now that I knew she had a huge stash of romance novel collections secretly hidden in her chamber.

I should have guessed. She was always a hopeless romantic after all. How stupid of me, really. If I had known earlier, I wouldn't have wasted my time going to Graniel Royal Library and almost getting killed by a book.

Oh, how perfect it would be if I could just simply crawl into some deep dark corner and not come out until the turmoil in my soul had eased slightly.

Contrary to popular belief, I was an introvert. This I knew implicitly. Talking to lots of people exhausted me and I needed to recharge after a long day like people needed air to breathe.

Something always felt empty inside of me—like I was hollow and after being alone and marinating in my thoughts for a while, I would feel a little bit better. Like the silence and my thoughts were slowly filling me back up.

But no, of course I didn't have time to even rest—since my informant had just sent me a notice that it was Leon's day off and he would be going to the market later tonight.

That information matched what I knew about him from the novel. In the book, Leon would often visit the night market alone after the regression to reminisce about his time with Electra. She apparently loved the night market a lot.

It was a good thing for me because it would be the perfect opportunity to set up a stage for a coincidental meeting.

To write a romance novel, there has to be a crisis.

Just like how those heroines in a novel were able to attract the male lead's attention through a bunch of coincidental meetings and ended up winning their hearts.

Unfortunately, because I wasn't the heroine, it wouldn't work like that for me.

But it was to be expected, wasn't it? Since in this world, only the heroine was meant to be the most unique.

But for an extra like me?

No way.

There were no coincidences or luck. I had to do everything on purpose.

That was why I had risked my life just to pull that monster stunt. It was easier to fall in love when you were going through hard times. People called it the suspension bridge effect in psychology.

Well anyway, for this plan to succeed, I needed to secretly sneak out of the palace alone tonight.

Of course it wouldn't be my first time going on a solo outing. I did it from time to time, but this would be the first time I snuck out after the regression.

I checked the time on the clock again. The night was still young, yet the sky was black tranquility married to the poetry of stars. It was the kind of darkness that called the body and brain to relax and let the heart go to its steady rhythm; a promise that the land would rest once more.

Not for me though. Instead of sleeping, I was getting ready to go out. I was alone in my dressing room, awkwardly changing my chemise into a set of clothes that I had prepared beforehand.

It was always strange for me to dress myself. I was used to having many servants helping me change on a daily basis. Fortunately, Park Hanbyeol's memories helped me get through it much easier than usual.

I was dressed in pants, surprisingly, considering I hadn't worn pants in—I hadn't worn pants ever, actually. Except during the few times when I had horse riding and self-defense lessons as a child, I never wore pants at all. After all, it was a bit unusual for a woman to wear pants in this era even though it wasn't unheard of. But since it was my purpose to show a different side to Leon, it would be better to have a strong impression from the start.

They were bell-bottom pants in a grayish sort of beige, with a matching blouse and a large hat that very nearly covered the entire upper half portion of my head, including my eyes and nose. Apparently this kind of hat was trending among commoners these days, so I decided to wear one to blend in better; not that it was truly necessary, since it wasn't like I had such distinguishable traits.

The only downside was, I had to constantly pull up the hat so I could see. But I suppose it could come in handy against an assailant, if necessary. Simply cover his entire face in the huge, ugly thing and suffocate the bastard.

I took a sheathed, silver dagger from my drawer and stuffed it in a hidden inner pocket of my pants.

The dagger had been given to me by my father on my eleventh birthday. After getting lost in the Winter Forest and almost getting eaten by a monster, I was made to learn at least basic self-defense, much to my mother's dismay. According to her, it was unladylike behavior; but my father insisted, and she begrudgingly agreed and ended up hiring the most renowned instructor to teach me.

"As much as I don't like it, I have to agree with your father on this one. What's the use of carrying weapons that you don't know how to handle? You should only carry them on your person once you know how to wield them. If you carry weapons you don't know how to use, chances are much higher they will be used against you instead," my mother used to say.

Knowing her, I personally thought that she wasn't only talking about physical weapons when she had given that advice. Still, I must admit that they were wise words to live by.

In the end, the dagger became one of the two weapons that I was able to handle decently.

Not that it was truly necessary of course.

The capital city was always lively at night. Though there was still some criminality here and there, many knights would walk past the place when they joined or returned from their duty, and there were quite a few aristocrats who visited during this hour with knights accompanying them to show off their wealth and power.

Normally, I should be fine even if I stayed out late, but considering how the world seemed to be out to get me ever since I decided to mess with this goddamn novel, I didn't want to take any chances. It was always better to be prepared than sorry.

I gave one quick glance in the mirror—satisfied with how I looked, and after making sure that my ladies-in-waiting wouldn't come to check up on me tonight, I opened the secret passage that was hidden behind the tapestry in my dressing room and stepped inside.

I emerged into the familiar underground passage entrance. It was said that this was a waterway that was used to supply water to the city even before the empire was established. Now that the place was magically dried, it was like a deserted narrow cave.

I walked absent-mindedly, following the pathway when it suddenly occurred to me that I was all alone in a dark place, yet for some strange reason that fact didn't bother me at all. On the contrary, the darkness welcomed me like an old friend.

The dark passageway was like a place out of time, a place to rest without consequence. The darkness in that way was a sanctuary for me, a place to recharge and forget the things the world said had to be done.

Having to live in this mad world, I needed to step out of the craziness for a while. So in the darkness that stole even my own form, I felt more content than ever.

I finally arrived at the end of the pathway and climbed up—emerging out into a well. It was only about a meter deep, so I had no difficulties stepping on the broken stones along its walls to climb it. Eventually, I crawled out of the hole.

When I turned back to take a look, I was satisfied with the knowledge that no one would suspect there was an underground passage behind the small hole.

I bent down and dusted my clothes, making sure that I was presentable enough before coming out of the bushes into a view of the town's central square.

I blinked, my vision still adjusting to the lights after spending quite a long time in the darkness. A surge of sounds was flowing into my ears; a stark contrast to the stillness of the secret passageway.

I looked around and realized I was in an alley between two buildings, and ahead of me was where the path connected to the main street of the market. It bustled with people and colorful lamps, glowing brightly and full of vivid colors even when the sun was already set.

I took a few steps forward, a scowl forming on my lips as the sounds got louder. More people came into view and I blended into the crowd. The throngs in the capital actually got bigger at night and today also happened to be a weekend, but well, that was just how Electra liked it: crowded and lively.

Tsk... What a menace.

I noticed that I wasn't the only woman going out alone. One of the good things about the Graniel Empire was that it was much better when it came to gender equality than the other neighboring empires or kingdoms. Of course there were still some old-fashioned bigots who thought otherwise, but at least it wasn't that bad.

Walking around the bustling capital city at night somehow reminded me of my past life, and all of sudden, my brain just one-sidedly decided that it was the perfect time to take me on a trip down memory lane.

Park Hanbyeol had definitely been a more sociable person than Calypso Berenice. I used to hang out or go to a party or a club after a week of working my ass off like a horse. Taeyang would pick me up and take me home whenever I was too drunk to go home by myself, and when I woke up the next day, I would be tucked in safely in his self-declared Hanbyeol's room at his penthouse apartment.

The window in his apartment was so large that it reminded me of a storefront but so high up. Who could see in, anyway? It was triple-glazed and so clear that the panorama was like a high-definition screen at the movie theater. The birds traveled past, buffeted by the winds that whistled through the towers as if to remind us that we were in their space now.

Seoul was so far below—it was like another world. Those ant-like people and all their problems were of no more consequence than temporary static on the intercom. All this concrete was my cocoon, and the window—well, the window showed me as much detail as I wanted to know

"You're awake?"

"Hmm... Taeyang?" I groaned, voice hoarse. "I'm never gonna drink again."

He chuckled and walked closer, setting the coffee mug that he was holding on the bedside table, and came to sit on the edge of the bed.

"You also said the same thing last time..."

His voice was crisp and light, one that gave him an air of friendliness and was so very easy on the ears.

I peeped at him through half-open eyes.

Kim Taeyang was handsome—like actor-worthy handsome. Well, as handsome as someone could be in the real world and not a book world.

He was handsome from the depth of his black eyes to the gentle expressions on his face. He was handsome from his generous opinions to the touch of his hand upon my own. I loved the way his voice quickened when he sparkled with a new idea or was so enjoying one of mine that he lost himself for a moment and quite forgot the mask he wore for others.

I never quite gave him my heart, still, he gave me his regardless.

Park Hanbyeol's knight. It's what people called him in our little friend group. My knight. It was what only I could call him in our group.

"Hey, Hanbyeol-ah..."

"Hmm?" I replied with a sleepy tone.

"You know..."

"I know what?"

He was stroking the top of my head but he suddenly stopped, and he looked like he was in some deep thought. His eyebrows furrowed just a little, and now I opened my eyes to focus on him.

"Well... you know how the universe or the earth is actually in a constant state of darkness, and the day only exists because of the sun?"

"...Haha. That's a bomb you're dropping on me so early in the morning." I rolled my eyes at his nonsense.

"No, like... the day only starts because of the sun, and we're all just in a natural state of darkness that only disappears the moment it arrives, you know?"

"Yeah... So?"

"I was thinking..."

"What were you thinking about?"

"I was thinking how... well, my universe, my life, my world... my earth was just like that... existing in the dark and..."

I was baffled, not sure what he was trying to say.

"And then I met you, Hanbyeol-ah," he continued. "The sun might leave the earth during the night, but the stars... they never leave the sky. They're always there, even when you can't see them. Perhaps that's why I always love the star more than the sun, for it comes not in the ease of the day, but when without it—there would only be blackness for the eyes."

There was silence. I squinted my eyes, trying to process what he said with a hazy mind. At that moment, I saw the depth of his eyes that were looking at me. He didn't even blink.

"I was living in the darkness, and then you became my star."

His words sobered me up a little and now I gave him a genuinely questioning look.

What the heck was he saying?

He was such a weirdo. Always talking as if he was some kind of philosopher or something.

And who is whose star?

No, that time, why did he say those words to me? Does it make any sense that I could be his, or anyone's star?

I was the darkness itself. I didn't even turn on the lights in my own room when I lazed about in my bed. If anything, I was the farthest from any light. Until... I met him.

Shit, that sounds so pathetic now.

Why'd I suddenly think of my past life anyway?

My current life was already hard enough. I could have gone this entire second life without the added burden from my previous life.

The sigh that escaped my lips was slow as if my brain needed that time to process everything.

How would he react to my sudden death?

I only hoped he wouldn't have been stuck in grief for too long. We never dated or anything, but Kim Taeyang was someone who had been with Park Hanbyeol from her highschool days until adulthood. It didn't stop him from proposing seven times though.

I remembered how he often told me that he wished when we finally get to the end of our lives he would leave just before me, so he wouldn't have to cry—but then Hanbyeol left so suddenly in such a way... He must have been very devastated.

He would at least seek justice for me and punish the person who was responsible for my death, right?

After all, he was a third-generation conglomerate and his family held a lot of power, so it wouldn't be too hard for him to do that.

Hah...Whether in my past life or now... I can't ever seem to get rid of troublesome things.

I stopped to a halt.

I was sure that at least thirty minutes had passed since I came here, but I hadn't seen any sign of Leon yet. On the other hand, being around so many people for a long time drained the energy of my current self pretty quickly. In the end, I decided to just take a break on one of the alleys and waited for Leon to show up.

I stood in a dark alley—eyes scanning the crowd, making sure that I wouldn't miss him.

Thankfully, I didn't have to wait for too long.

Leon...

A tall man pulled down his hood to reveal golden blonde hair. Even though he was quite far from me and surrounded by these many people, his extraordinary looks were just hard to miss.

I watched as his deep blue eyes peered down at the ribbons an old lady was selling. He looked... so sad. But it was just a flash, because the next moment he was putting the ribbon back and walking away, his face already blank.

His golden hair swayed gently in the breeze, tinted gold by the street lamps just like his sun-kissed skin.

What color do gods bleed?

I blinked in wonder.

Another memory suddenly came to mind. I was a child, reading a book on Greek mythology. Yes, they apparently also existed in this world. Ichor was the word they used—the golden blood that flows through the veins of gods and probably this guy, too... Is this guy made of gold or something?

Looking at him made me wonder if someone had painted him into life using the blood of gods or... if he might be the long-lost son of Apollo.

How did even this side character also have such distinctive traits? Is it because he plays an important role in the story?

It was pathetic that I was even beaten by this side character and had to go to this length just to attract his attention.

But how else am I supposed to achieve my goal if it's not like this?

I wasn't the heroine so I wouldn't have anything just handed over to me. People weren't going to fall at my feet and be prepared to help me whenever I needed, and neither was I going to have immense luck helping me achieve whatever I wanted.

In this world, if I wanted something, I would have to earn it by myself.

It's so damn unfair! I sighed, still watching him from afar.

Whatever. I made up my mind. Let's just get this over and be done with it.

I stepped out of the alley and back into the street, but before I could take even another step forward, a hand had come out from behind me. Something damp and soft covered my face, and a strong, citrus-sweet smell filled my nose.

Oh, fuck! I fucking hate this book world!

***

Author's Note :
I'm back again. I hope you're not too fed up with me yet at this point. Hahaha...

In this chapter, we got a little glimpse into Park Hanbyeol's life, and well... I also inserted a little secret code in this chapter that would become a pivotal point in the much later chapter. So I challenge you guys to crack the code. For anyone who can solve it will get a follow and a shout-out from me.

Anyway, I'm sorry if this chapter is a bit boring. But don't worry, we will go back to Calypso in the next chapter. Are you guys excited about it already? The end of this chapter is such a cliffhanger, right? Oh, I'm so evil. Hohoho...

Oh, if you have spare time, please check out the music video for this song. Even the video kinda represents Hanbyeol and Taeyang's relationship. This song could be from either Hanbyeol's or Taeyang's perspective, but I personally think it suits Hanbyeol's perspective more. The theme song for this chapter is The Time We Were Not In Love by Kyuhyun

There's no way I love you
No, I just didn't know

A dazzling person like you
You were always by my side

It was always warm
With just you alone

I was able to laugh
Even on hard days
Because you were always there

Not even my own heart knows my heart
Because you were always by my side
I don't know since when, I don't know how we started
You and I, without anyone knowing

I always denied it
My foolish heart

To the point where I didn't even know
That my heart was pounding
We were so comfortable

Now I finally see you
Sorry for making you wait so long
The endless days we were together
The memories that are built up
It is love
I realized that it is love

I'm trying to stand in front of you
We're different from yesterday
It's awkward but will you hold my hand?

I always loved you
All the times that passed
Whenever I look back
You followed me
It was the time we were in love

https://youtu.be/2qKJtm3eJm4

BONUS PICTURES:

Park Hanbyeol (Thirty years old music producer and entrepreneur in the modern world of South Korea.)

Park Hanbyeol (She's a true boss babe!)

Kim Taeyang (The youngest son of a third-generation chaebol <conglomerate>. He's been Hanbyeol's best friend since they were in high school, but actually pretty much in love with her. He has already proposed to her seven times, which she always turned down because... well, it's a secret.)

Kim Taeyang (When he picked up Hanbyeol when she was too drunk to go home by herself.)

Kim Taeyang (After the drowning incident)

Kim Taeyang and Park Hanbyeol (When he picked her up.)