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"I’m so sorry—I must have eaten too hastily."
Noticing Anna’s suspicious gaze, Veronica didn’t panic at being caught in her act of “scrounging for food.” Instead, she admitted with a sheepish smile: "Today has been full of unexpected events. First, I was suddenly proposed to by your brother, then we were attacked by rebels. I haven’t eaten since morning, and I couldn’t help myself just now. Please forgive me."
So that’s how it is…
Seeing the graceful woman unashamedly admit to her earlier deception—and remembering how elegant she had remained despite her haste—Anna’s doubts began to fade. Intrigued by the new topic, she asked with concern: "So… how is Leon? Were you two together today? If you encountered rebel attacks, was he injured?"
"Don’t worry—he ran into a bit of trouble, but it was just a small pebble hitting his shoulder. His wound should be healed by now."
After answering about Leon, Veronica smiled warmly at the visibly relieved frail girl. Taking Anna’s hand, she said affectionately: "To be honest, when I first saw you, I was quite startled."
"Huh?"
Startled by the "sister-in-law’s" words, Anna trembled slightly, as if her hidden thoughts had been exposed. She forced a laugh: "Wh-why?"
"It’s because of you, of course."
Stranded without food or shelter, Veronica drew upon her diplomatic finesse to charm her way into Anna’s good graces: "Leon mentioned he had a sister around his age, but he never told me how beautiful you are."
Blushing under the compliment, Anna shyly lowered her head. Even in her simple white dress, her natural beauty shone through. Veronica couldn’t resist wrapping an arm around the girl’s slender waist, half-teasing, half-sincere: "You’re so stunning it makes me jealous. Especially your waist… Oh my! You absolutely must be my bridesmaid when Leon and I get married."
"But don’t outshine me on the big day, alright? Otherwise, all eyes will be on you, and I’ll feel utterly overshadowed."
"No… it’s not that exaggerated…"
Embarrassed by Veronica’s words, Anna’s pale cheeks flushed pink as she waved her hands dismissively, insisting she wasn’t nearly as lovely as described.
Pushing aside her own faint pang of envy, Anna sighed inwardly as she gazed at the poised, elegant woman before her. Grasping Veronica’s hand, she responded: "It’s you who’s truly beautiful, Sister. And your figure… no matter how much effort I put into dressing up, everyone’s attention will still gravitate toward you… By the way, how old are you, Sister?"
How old am I…
Veronica stiffened slightly at the question but quickly masked it with a strained smile: "I’m just a little older than your brother…"
A little older? Leon is sixteen. A little older means… seventeen or eighteen? Eighteen or nineteen?
After some thought, Anna glanced at the mature, voluptuous woman before her and ventured cautiously: "Sister, are you… twenty yet?"
Do I really look like I’m not even twenty?
Hearing Anna’s guess, Veronica, who was actually twenty-eight, felt a surge of delight. Her smile became a hundred times more genuine.
Leon’s sister is not only beautiful and gentle but also such a sweet talker—and she cooks well too. Oh, I’ve definitely come to the right place today.
"Mm-hmm, close enough."
Pretending to agree with Anna’s estimate, Veronica continued chatting animatedly. With both parties eager to bond, their conversation flowed effortlessly late into the night.
---
"Oh dear, I lost track of time while we were talking."
Glancing at the window, Veronica noticed most of the streetlights had gone out, signaling the last public carriage had likely departed. Rising with feigned regret, she said: "I only meant to stop by briefly, but I ended up staying so long. I really should leave now."
It’s already this late?
Seeing the darkened streets, Anna quickly rose to stop her: "No, no—it’s far too late. Why don’t you stay the night, Sister?"
"How could I impose like that?"
"What imposition? You’ll eventually marry into the family anyway. This is just an early visit."
"But Leon and I aren’t officially married yet. Staying overnight might be inappropriate…"
"It’s fine—he’s not home, and it’s dangerous to travel at this hour. What if something happens to you on the way?"
"Well… alright…"
Unable to resist Anna’s heartfelt invitation, Veronica reluctantly agreed to stay. The "modest" bride-to-be was ushered into Leon’s room.
Realizing her dresses wouldn’t fit the curvaceous guest, Anna thoughtfully brought a few of Leon’s old clothes, placing them by the bedside.
Veronica held up the garments, finding them a perfect fit. Smiling, she thanked her: "Thank you so much for everything today."
"You’re welcome—you are… oh, it’s getting late."
Seeing Veronica stifle a yawn and struggle to keep her eyes open, Anna smiled warmly: "You must be exhausted. I won’t disturb your rest. My room is next door if you need anything."
"Thank you. Goodnight."
After seeing Anna out, Veronica removed her ill-fitting dress and slipped into Leon’s old clothes. But as soon as the door closed, her drowsiness vanished.
Slipping under the covers, she lay back on Leon’s small bed, staring at the slightly worn ceiling above. Sleep was impossible. The former princess had almost achieved her dream, only to vanish from everyone’s memories overnight. Now, she relied on scraps of information about Leon to survive, let alone reclaim what she’d lost.
Tonight would undoubtedly be a sleepless one as she pondered her future and how to restore her stolen life.
But she wasn’t the only one awake. Next door, Anna lay restless, staring at the ceiling.
---
Brother is really getting married…
Lying wide awake, Anna turned her head toward Leon’s room. The sudden appearance of this beautiful "sister-in-law" shattered the truth she dreaded most—Leon would one day start a family.
Once Leon had his own wife and children, even if he still acknowledged her as his sister, their bond would never be the same. He’d likely move out, and the person waiting for him under the lights every night would no longer be her—but another woman.
And then there was that strange man with the sorrowful expression…
Remembering the mysterious visitor from days ago, Anna shivered, pulling the blanket closer. Gazing at the neighboring room, her thoughts grew tangled with longing and dread.
If that man had taken the "photo," erasing Leon’s memories, perhaps she could have found him again and rebuilt their connection in another way. But now, with Leon engaged, where did that leave her? Would her home still exist?
Amidst her melancholy, Anna’s mind drifted to the flawless woman next door—the one she couldn’t hate, no matter how hard she tried. A peculiar, intense thought surfaced:
If only… if only I could be her…
---
"Sss…"
A strange sound emanated from Leon’s mirror, startling husky, who had been gnawing on a sniper rifle barrel.
"Woof?"
(What’s that?)
Dropping the rifle, husky shook the little strand of golden fur on its head and turned to inspect the pile of items Leon had tossed inside. Carefully pawing through them, it unearthed the source of the noise.
"Woof?"
(This photo… something’s off about it?)
Tilting its head, husky stared at the trembling picture. The figures shifted—three people, then one, then three again. Something was definitely wrong. It needed to alert Leon.
"Woof woof woof!"
(Leon! Something’s wrong! Take the mirror out of your pocket!)
But Leon didn’t respond. Husky barked repeatedly, even nudging him, but got no reaction.
Anxious, husky sniffed Leon’s scent and navigated the shifting edges of the mirror world until it found an exit close to him.
"Woof… woof…"
(So he’s drunk… Humans are so unreliable…)
Peering out from behind a whiskey bottle, husky spotted Leon slumped over the table, his gaze unfocused. Rolling its eyes, it prepared to bite him awake and report the photo’s strange behavior—but—
"What? Do you want a sip too?"
The red-haired chief, her nails painted crimson, grabbed husky by the scruff and lifted it from the bottle. Laughing drunkenly, she ignored husky’s terrified expression and poured liquor down its throat.
"Don’t be shy! Drinks are on me tonight—for humans and dogs alike!"
"Woof! Woof woof!"
(I… I can’t %@#&...)
As poor husky fell victim to the chief’s drinking spree, the strange noises from the photo in the mirror world finally subsided.
When the last twitch ceased, the family portrait disappeared entirely, replaced by a striking young woman who looked exactly like Veronica.
---
"Beep."
As the family portrait transformed into a smiling Veronica, a sharp noise jolted the elderly man dozing nearby awake.
What’s this?
Following the sound, he glanced at his wristwatch and gasped in delight. All six hands were moving.
Finally. The last condition is complete.
Checking the newly activated hand, he noted the number displayed: 0006. The ever-smiling elder—Director Aquarius—frowned slightly.
0006? Didn’t that one fail?
Suspicious, he retrieved a thick notebook labeled "Full Record of Experimental Specimens" and flipped through it hastily.
"0006… 0006… Found it."
Scanning the entry, he confirmed it was the correct specimen. After pondering for a moment, he scribbled a few notes, tore out the page, and added it to five others tucked at the back of the book.
---
Specimen No. 0006
Name: Anna Lion
Form: Photograph
Seed Level: Highest
Target Ability: Identity Replacement, Past Alteration
Experimental Details: Leveraging the subject’s desire for a happy family, induce thoughts of replacing others. Use photographs symbolizing past, memories, and experiences to cultivate abilities related to identity replacement and altering the past.
Record 1: Failure
After learning of her parents’ deaths, the subject yearned deeply for a family. However, exposure to numerous happy families did not inspire her to replace their children; instead, she longed to reunite with her own parents.
Note: Likely due to a generally happy upbringing, the subject envies not others’ lives but their intact families. Suggest abandoning identity replacement and focusing on inducing resistance to reality or desires to alter the past.
Record 2: Failure
Even after witnessing her parents’ compensation funds embezzled and being evicted from her childhood home, the subject showed no resistance to reality nor hope for her parents’ resurrection.
Note: Despite her young age, the subject demonstrates strong willpower, understands death, and remains inherently kind, making induction ineffective.
Record 3: Failure
The subject activated the anomaly, but its effects deviated entirely from the target ability, shifting from identity replacement and past alteration to regaining family members.
Note: Experiment temporarily shelved. Await subject’s adulthood and mental stability before attempting retrieval and seeking similar candidates.
Record 4: Complete Failure
Follow-up revealed the subject destroyed the anomaly herself, denying its existence despite repeated provocation. Retrieval deemed nearly impossible due to involvement of Virgo Bureau and possession by the Blood-Haired Maiden.
Record 5: Success?
During the night, the [Dreamseeker Watch] activated unexpectedly. Severe emotional shock appears to have shifted the subject’s desires, aligning the anomaly with "replacement" and "alteration" standards.
Note: Verification pending.
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