Happier Than She Ever Was.

Eyrie felt a questioning stare hit her, and she shook even harder. In an attempt to calm down, she wrapped her shaking arms around her shoulder with her eyes closed.

Looked more human? Hah! Never!

No, those eyes were scary. They made Fei look way scarier than she is now, Eyrie thought while taking deep breaths.

Too scary. She tried to keep her attention focused her breathing.

It's fine…

It's fine…

That won't happen again. Ever.

Whenever her mind inadvertently flashed back to that terrible and terrifying scene, Eyrie would clinch herself even tighter.

"Miss Eyrie, is there something that is wrong?"

With Eyrie turning an abnormal shade of white, Fei had asked, unable to control her inquisitiveness.

Had Eyrie fallen ill? Or was she upset or uncomfortable? She looked like she is in much pain… But it is not like she was hurt or anything. Was she?

But immersed in her own thoughts, Eyrie didn't hear the question.

If… If she succeeded in her plan, Fei would be able to truly become loyal to the Rochester family and not ever betray them. That was what Eyrie had thought previously.

But… would it work?

She had started to question her goals.

As Eyrie's thoughts flew around the countless possibilities, her stomach clenched in fear.

Thinking back, Fei has truly changed, hasn't she? Besides her physical appearance and starting place. Although Eyrie hadn't been sure before, now, she was completely sure of her assumption.

Just look at how intently she's studying those books. That aura she gives off isn't one of a person that is merely following orders.

It's apparent that she truly enjoys reading.

It seemed like Fei put her own interests in front of her duties. Except, at least for now, her duties encompass her interests, so it isn't too obvious.

Yeah, maybe that's what changed about her. Even during her last days with the Rochester family, Fei had not become like this.

Wait… Isn't it a good thing? Shouldn't it become easier to be 'true' friends with her? Since she's more emotional now?

Hmm… 'friends,' huh?

Eyrie buried her head into her arms. She thought about the definition of 'friends' that she told Fei.

"Friends are people who can confide in each other and can trust that one person will not ever hurt the other." She silently told herself.

Can we truly become people like that? Hah.

Eyrie paused in her thoughts.

I've changed too. How did I become so cowardly and manipulating? Not to mention depressed. Where is that innocence and optimism that I once had?

I've grown cynical and shallow minded.

I've only ever wallowed in my own misfortune, thinking about how unfair it is for me to be reincarnated… and to have such a weak physical state as well!

In her previous life, Eyrie had been an extraordinarily healthy child, so her mother had no reason to have her homeschooled either. As a result, she interacted with many people from a young age, unlike this life.

But did that life necessarily need to be better than this one?

You decided to do something that no one else can do! Eyrie told herself.

So what if you are manipulating? You are doing something to prevent misfortune from falling on to your family. So it's alright. I've changed for the better.

At least from the day that I approached Fei onwards.

She peeked at Fei. A sudden sense of pride welled up within her.

It was the correct decision to approach Fei.

She secretly smiled.

Confused, Fei repeated her question that seemed to have been ignored. "Miss Eyrie, is there something that is wrong?"

This time, Eyrie heard her.

She blinked. "Um. No, nothing's wrong. Go back to reading." After a second, a smile comparable to the most beautiful flower bloomed on her face.

Fei stiffly acknowledged the command with a slight nod. She went back to looking at her book, with her eyes flitting across the pages in high speed, as if she was whole-heartedly focusing on it.

Inwardly, though, she was thinking that perhaps her emotional recognition needed a little improvement.

Her belief that Miss Eyrie was upset or comfortable seemed to have been entirely wrong; the lady seemed to be happier than she ever was.