The Truth Behind the Sham and the Scam
There's a saying that goes, 'when a person dies, the last rofan they read will come and meet them.'*
I was under the impression that, if you think, 'This character is seriously pathetic! If it were me…' while reading a novel, and happen to be hit by truck-kun, that you'll end up possessing said character.
But I lived in a conflict zone, and after being bombed by a fighter jet, I opened my eyes and found myself in the body of a maid named 'Cynthia' from Count Queensguard's household.
Cynthia had worked here from a young age, and had a seriously tragic life.
By this point, she should have turned to the dark-side, but Cynthia had a heart of gold.
"Just like me, too nice for her own good…"
Sulking, I rested my cheek against my hand. I don't even know what novel this is, and here I am cast in such a depressing role.
The only reason I knew this place was a novel was because it felt vaguely similar to something I had briefly read.
My go-to genres were rom-coms, 'I can fix him,' or hurt/comfort. Mostly broken male leads and sunny female leads who come together and 'heal each other.'
So, this had to be one of those.
"Phew, thankfully I don't touch that dark and angsty stuff."
I was in my room, letting out a sigh of relief, when a seasoned maid flung the door open.
"Hey, you Esat mutt."
The Count's servants called me an 'Esat mutt.'
Esatains were an oppressed minority with a dwindling population, their distinguishing trait was their white hair, so everyone assumed I was of mixed Esat heritage.
"I'm not a mutt, it's a genetic mutation."
I offered a gentle correction.
My snow-white hair, pale skin, and light red eyes were due to 'albinism,' after all.
At my innocent reply, her eyebrow twitched, and she barked more harshly.
"Doesn't matter, you're still a cursed white rat! Young Master Carlos is looking for you, so hurry up and move it."
"Yep."
Annoying superiors exist everywhere, regardless of genre.
I got up from my seat and headed straight to Carlos's room.
* * *
Carlos Queensguard.
The family's eldest son and heir to the Count's house.
A handsome man with ash-toned golden hair and bluish-gray eyes, he lived a life of debauchery.
He was definitely not the male lead.
"Cynthia, it's time to repay your debt. You promised your life to me."
Exploiting Cynthia's weaknesses for his gain, he wasn't even a redemption-type bastard, just a plain bastard.
According to the remaining memories in Cynthia's mind, she had accidentally committed murder at seventeen.
There was a drunken gambler who called himself Cynthia's father, who exploited her constantly. He would occasionally beat her, and while resisting one day, Cynthia pushed him, causing him to hit his head and crossing the River Styx.
Carlos happened to find out about the murder and covered it up. And Cynthia, moved by this, not only offered her life up to him, but also gave him her heart.
A more vicious exploitative relationship was born.
"How long do I have to repay this never-ending debt…"
I muttered in frustration.
For the record, debts of love and weakness are not considered repaid until death.
Either the death of the debtor or creditor.
"This is the last time, Cynthia."
With a tone no different from her abusive father, this debt collector of love continued.
"Our family just received two marriage proposals."
"Are they perhaps for Lady Helene and the Young Master?"
I didn't mention Edford, the second son.
He hadn't inherited the Count's good looks, nor was he competent in any way, so he was in no position to receive marriage proposals.
"No. They were both sent from men. As our family only has one daughter, we would typically have to pick one of them…"
He lightly took my fingers and smiled.
"But both offers come with incredible terms. We're the last remaining royal bloodline, after all."
The late Countess had been a princess of the fallen Bariesa Royal Family, which had collapsed more than twenty years ago.
There was a revolution that wiped out all royalty, but she had eloped with the Count beforehand, leaving behind children of royal descent.
Carlos laid it out:
"You'll become a daughter of Count Queensguard and marry the other."
Forcing her to marry another man. How could he say that to a woman who had loved and devoted herself to him?
"Is he handsome? I'd like to see his face."
If he's handsome, he's probably the male lead.
Having spent my entire live devouring rofan novels, my initial guess was that the male lead would be 'The Grand Duke of the North' but that was wrong (The Grand Duke of the North was 95 years old). Still, the story resembled one I had briefly read titled 'I Was a Scam Bride but Became the Real One.'
The male lead finds out that the female lead he was marrying was an imposter, but pretends not to know, worried she'd run away if she knew he had found her out. It was a cute and sweet rom-com.
Carlos frowned as he observed me lost in thought.
"You've been acting strange lately. Anyway, once we claim his fortune, we'll be together forever. You just need to endure a little longer."
Do I, really?
"Ooh, of course!"
I responded with a perfunctory affirmation.
I had to find the male lead to get the story moving, I had no choice but to take the risk.
Not that I actually had a choice to begin with.
After hearing such a grand offer, refusing it meant death, so I had to figure it out to survive.
More than anything, I had unusually good luck.
Even though I met a tragic end in my past life, starting again inside a story that would eventually lead to happiness—wasn't that luck itself?
I decided to trust my luck.
Even if it wasn't the kind suited for gambling or the lottery.
* * *
The mastermind behind this 'bloodline-scam marriage' was Carlos' father, Count Queensguard.
He said to Cynthia, standing before him:
"This is a golden opportunity to rise in status and enjoy a life of wealth."
We were in a remote area far from the capital.
The Count Queensguard's children had never debuted in high society and kept their identities hidden for their own safety. So, all that was needed was to silence the servants who worked with them.
Scanning Cynthia's rare appearance up and down before speaking.
"If anyone gets suspicious, I'll handle it. Just say you lost your memory in an accident when you were a child."
"I really did lose my childhood memories, though?"
It was three months post-transmigration. I only had fragments of the original body's memories that had remained, so I didn't actually know everything.
The Count, with a weary look, changed the subject.
"The man you're marrying is a war hero of the Republic and holds a tremendous amount of assets. He's also considered a top-tier groom."
To this, Cynthia asked:
"Why are you sending me to this ideal groom instead of Lady Helene?"
Helene was his biological daughter and Carlos's sister.
It was a sharp question, but in his mind, Cynthia had never been a clever girl.
"Helene is going to marry a Duke."
"Why?"
"Because you wouldn't be able to take in the refined etiquette expected of a Ducal House. It's not something you can gain with a few days of training."
He didn't bother mentioning the vicious rumors about Brigadier General Vicente being a brutal, insane butcher.
'No matter how rich he is, there's no way I'd send my daughter to a demon like that. His background is appalling too.'
Even so, he couldn't reject a proposal from that devil.
Following the war was a boon in development due to an industrial revolution, and the marriage market was in full swing, with deals made between 'wealthy capitalists' and 'fallen nobles who only had their bloodlines.'
Thus, the disgraced 'Bariesa royal bloodline' naturally gained value.
'The last surviving royal descendant, it's practically a top-tier product for the bloodline market. Enough to drive both capitalist officers and Ducal houses into a frenzy.'
The exorbitant conditions they offered proved it. Clearly, they were investing with hopes that monarchy might be restored.
The Count couldn't afford to lose both golden opportunities.
That's why Cynthia, foolish enough to even play dead on Carlos' say-so, was perfect.
Moreover, just like the royals who had been deified and treated as treasures, Cynthia also had that external uniqueness.
"But this is a scam marriage, right?"
At Cynthia's question, the Count rummaged through his coat pocket.
"As long as it's not exposed, it becomes the truth."
He then handed Cynthia a red diamond necklace. The color resembled her eye color.
"It belonged to my wife. A royal heirloom. With this, no one will question it."
It was an important item, but he'd get it back soon anyway, so it didn't matter.
"You just have to watch your mouth. If you're found out, you will be the one who dies."
'Granted, you'll die by my hands long before that.'
The Count curled his lips into a smile, concealing his true thoughts.
Cynthia's lips also curved slightly as she held the necklace.
'I bet on my life that this is a rom-com full of healing, emotion, and laughter.'
Little did Cynthia know, that she had just landed herself in angst-filled novel infamous for its 'double suicide ending.'
This was not a healing story, but a lethally hazardous one.
The marriage proceeded smoothly.
Count Queensguard's second son, Edford, flew into a rage upon hearing the news of Cynthia's marriage.
"Damn it!"
He was slow-witted and delusional.
"Father must have noticed our relationship. That's why he's trying to send Cynthia off as a second wife to some rich old man."
Edford had harbored feelings for Cynthia for a long time.
He was trapped in his own delusion, thinking that Cynthia liked him too but couldn't show it because of Carlos.
"Carlos, you crazy bastard. Are you using such a petty stunt because you're afraid of losing Cynthia to me?"
He went to see Cynthia right away.
"Cynthia."
Surely, she'd be crying, forced into a marriage she didn't want.
But contrary to Edford's expectations, Cynthia turned toward him with a bright, radiant smile.
"What's the matter?"
Edford grabbed her hands and cut to the chase.
"Let's run away together. Meet me in front of the bell tower two days from now, just after sunset."
He admired himself for being someone who would give up everything for love.
He expected Cynthia to be moved and shed tears, but instead, her eyes rounded in surprise as she asked,
"Why would I?"
Edford was thrown off by her unexpected reaction.
"Father and Carlos are trying to tear us apart!"
Cynthia's red eyes blinked rapidly.
"Were we even a couple that could be torn apart?"
"You actually like me, not Carlos. You're just being considerate of others, poor Cynthia."
"Eek." Cynthia let out a small exclamation and shook her head quickly.
"That's not it."
"There's no need to hide it anymore. They're trying to marry you off to some disgusting old man."
"No, I heard I'm marrying a handsome and wealthy officer."
Cynthia was saying such materialistic things? Edford felt like he had been hit over the head.
Then he reminded himself that Cynthia was as innocent as a child.
"You're being deceived. They're just saying that, but in reality…"
Cynthia interrupted with a gentle smile.
"Let's say I do run away with you. But eventually we'd be caught, or reach our limits, right? You'd have somewhere to return to, but I wouldn't. I'll probably be in trouble for seducing a noble's son and running away."
Pointing to Edford, she continued.
"In the end, you wouldn't lose anything."
Was this really the Cynthia he knew? Her voice remained kind, but it was the first time she'd spoken so directly.
To the stunned Edford, Cynthia added,
"Aren't you just drunk on how cool you think you are for giving everything up for love? Maybe think it over again."
Just like most people who are stung in their pride but can't think of a comeback, Edford began to lash out at her.
"So you've been playing innocent and using me this whole time? Taking everything you could and now showing your true colors? Why did you even smile at me then?!"
Cynthia, who had ignited the spark of anger in Edford's heart, replied with the same smile that he claimed she had given him.
"Did I ask you to do anything? The innocent one here is you."
Edford was deeply shocked.
He immediately went to his family and told them about her heinous side, but no one believed him.
All he got were pitying glances that seemed to say, "He's obsessed with a mere maid and now making up lies…"
"Edford. Don't even think of messing this up. If the marriage falls through, I'll kill you first."
Instead, he was threatened by the furious Count.
* * *
On the day of departure for the capital for the wedding, Helene, the Count's daughter, came to my room.
With her luxurious chestnut hair and blue eyes, she smiled gracefully and said,
"Cynthia, may I have a moment to say goodbye? It's saddening to see someone like a younger sister go far away."
Her princess-like demeanor and speech were the product of years of training and the pride of royal blood.
With a gentle expression, she took my hands.
"Cynthia. Being forced into marriage due to Father's ambition must be heartbreaking. Is there anything I can do to help?"
"Hardship? Not at all. From my perspective, this is a joyous occasion."
"Edford said you were in a relationship with him?"
Edford was so not my type. Besides, he was too dense to understand even when I rejected him nicely.
Please don't interfere with my warm romance fantasy development!
I shook my head.
"No way, not even if the sky falls."
She still looked concerned as she met my gaze.
"I looked into the person you're going to marry. Brigadier General Vicente is an old man in his seventies, and he seems to be in financial trouble. I heard he borrowed a lot of money using his title as collateral. Besides, I heard he has a violent and cruel personality."
"That's different from what Count Queensguard told me."
"Well, we're far from the capital, so information tends to be delayed."
She made a sympathetic face.
"I wish you could marry a wonderful man like me."
There was a trace of bragging beneath the facade of concern.
Understanding her intent, I smiled brightly.
"Don't worry. I trust my own choices."
A sly man like Count Queensguard wouldn't gamble on a fake marriage scam without knowing details even his daughter knew.
"You're so naive and innocent about the ways of the world."
Helene smiled sweetly once more.
I returned a similar smile.
If rejecting the marriage meant death, and running away also meant death, then my only option was to bet on fate.
"You'll be going to the Duke's residence in the capital soon, right? Could you write me an invitation to the Duke's residence in advance?"
"Why? Besides, you can't even read traditional language used in formal invitations, can you?"
"If I ever need to ask for help, I can secretly come to see you."
"I'll write it in the common language then, for your sake."
Having Helene's handwriting might come in handy someday.
In truth, I could read and write in traditional language.
Pretending to be dumb and innocent had its advantages.
People let their guard down around someone they underestimated and ended up revealing weaknesses and secrets.
As she stared at me for a moment, she smiled and handed over the invitation.
Knock knock.
A servant entered and announced that soldiers sent by Brigadier General Vicente had arrived.
* * *
Edford lingered near the luxurious vehicle, scanning the uniformed soldiers.
'It seems the old man who's going to marry Cynthia didn't come.'
Edford curled his lips.
'To think Cynthia would be such a snob as to accept the marriage so readily. I wonder what her reaction will be when she finds out the truth.'
He imagined Cynthia running to him, sobbing and begging.
Soon, he approached a young man in a long coat.
His rank insignia was hidden by the coat, but he seemed to be Brigadier General Vicente's direct subordinate, as he was at the front.
"The Brigadier General didn't come himself?"
At Edford's question, the young man looked down at him quietly. He was tall and broad-shouldered.
'Is he really a soldier? He looks like some dandified playboy.'
The refined-looking man swept back his platinum-blonde hair and gave a slight smile.
"Which Brigadier General?"
"The highest-ranking among the staff, so…"
"Ah, the Chief of Staff."
The man replied disinterestedly.
Feeling a strange sense of intimidation, Edford was about to say something when he saw a middle-aged man in uniform getting out of the car.
'Is that old man Cynthia's groom?'
He didn't look seventy, but there was at least a thirty-year age gap.
Feeling both defeat and triumph, Edford turned again to the handsome man.
"Why are you speaking informally? I'm going to be the brother-in-law of the Chief of Staff you serve."
Edford tried to assert himself out of pride.
With the war just ended, high-ranking military officers held immense influence and social status.
'This guy is probably just a newly commissioned officer or a non-commissioned officer.'
Edford put on a smug face, staring at the man who was now expressionless.
"He must be remarrying, so he ought to be respectful to his in-laws."
"It's not a second marriage."
The man shook his head as he took off his gloves.
His expensive watch and cufflinks suggested wealth.
Just as it struck him as strange.
"You've arrived."
The middle-aged man Edford saw earlier saluted rigidly in their direction.
Seeing a military officer salute in perfect form toward him, Edford straightened his shoulders in pride.
"See? Even a staff officer is being polite to me. And you dare—"
But the older man's solemn gaze wasn't aimed at the elated Edford—it was directed elsewhere.
"I'm Colonel Rave of the Northern Command. There was a slight delay in snow removal as we get heavy snowfall in the region. I ask for your understanding, Chief of Staff Masera del Vicente."
Behind the platinum-haired young man addressed as 'Chief of Staff,' a road was visible, completely cleared of the snow that was once waist deep.
And beyond that was nothing as far as anyone could see.