Only then did I begin to understand.

If I give up the transmigration and leave this novel, the world will proceed as if Rumi never transmigrated in the first place.

Her entire existence in this world would be erased. That was what Rumi feared.

“So, you mean, you don’t want to be forgotten by the people here? But even if you leave, the real Elphriede will live on without any problems.”

Of course, the villainess’s ending would be miserable according to the original plot, but that was something Rumi couldn’t do anything about once she left.

But Rumi was desperate.

“You know how I lived in the real world. I was a complete outcast, a loser! The world will keep turning whether I live or die.”

Desperation was evident in her eyes.

“But it’s different here. Here, I’m a noble known to everyone, and maybe even the crown prince’s fiancée. I can live as a proud protagonist in this world!”

“The true protagonist of a villainess transmigration story, right?”

“Yes! Exactly!”

Rumi’s expression finally brightened.

“Do you know how much it hurts to be ignored? Even our group chat died off.”

“…….”

I didn’t argue.

We tried to care for Rumi, but we had our limits.

We were just ordinary people, tired and needing comfort, so naturally, there were days when we couldn’t comfort someone else.

Sometimes, Rumi’s existence felt burdensome.

Rumi, sensing this, eventually blocked everyone except me.

Rumi roughly wiped away her tears.

“Of course, I understand you guys. You can’t always be the same. But it still hurt.”

“…….”

“Here, though, everyone treats me as their top priority. They notice even my smallest mood swings, and they are all interested in me. I don’t want to leave here.”

“Aren’t you sorry for your parents back in real life?”

“I am. But honestly, I was just a burden to them. I didn’t help them, just caused them worry….”

“Wow, really? You’re saying that now!”

Rumi’s stubbornness was the same as ever.

“If I live happily here, my parents will be happy with that. Better than being holed up in my room, moping around. Here, I’m living proudly.”

Damn, I guess convincing Rumi today is a lost cause too. But I couldn’t just walk away empty-handed.

I was concerned about the life I left behind, but I had one assurance.

As long as a way to return to real life exists, that life must be going on somehow.

If the original body collapsed upon transmigration, there would be no need for a ‘gate’ to return.

And honestly, I didn’t want to just shake off this life like dust. Because during my time here, I grew fond of a man named Klaus, and I developed a desire to stay with him a little longer.

Hiding my true feelings, I put on a stern face.

“Fine. Then let’s make a few things clear.”

“What?”

Rumi blinked with red eyes.

“Once you achieve your happy ending here, you must promise to return to real life.”

“Ah, Jin!”

“I’ve seen your parents crying. If I don’t take you back, I’m not human.”

“Ugh….”

“And one more thing, if you really want to be happy, listen to me. Don’t ever treat me as someone beneath you again. When it’s just us two, don’t act like a character from the novel.”

Rumi looked tearful but then nodded.

“Okay.”

“Good. Then let’s continue to see each other.”
I reluctantly accepted Rumi. This meant that I could continue my relationship with her.

Just when I was starting to feel relieved.

“So, Jin. You’re going to help me get back together with the male lead, right?”

Damn, that again!

“I’ve been helping you enough already! And after all your reckless actions, you still bring that up?”

“Hey, why are you shouting?”

Rumi whined but stood her ground.

“But if I don’t end up with the male lead, it’s not a happy ending.”

“Why does it have to be the male lead? There’s a secondary male character!”

“But you’re the secondary male character.”

“…….”

I was left speechless.

But I really didn’t feel like helping her get together with the male lead.

While I want Rumi to be happy, I honestly didn’t like the idea of her ending up with Klaus, considering my secret crush on him.

I don’t even dream of becoming Klaus’s lover. What’s important to me is that he becomes the happiest person in this world.

The current Rumi can’t make Klaus happy. Evangelin would be a much better choice.

So, there’s only one thing I can do. Somehow make Rumi into a woman suitable for Klaus.

“From now on, do as I say. Then, maybe I’ll consider pushing you and the prince together again.”

“Okay, got it!”

Rumi’s eyes sparkled like she had found a savior.

“Don’t forget that you’ve already been harshly rejected by the male lead once. It’ll be very hard to recover that image.”

“Right!”

“From now on, every action is critical. To catch Klaus’s eye again, you’ll need more than double the effort. Understand?”

“Yes, Teacher Jin!”

Unpredictable as a crane. Just moments ago, she was drenched in tears, and now her mood swings like a roller coaster.

But what can I do? I have to make this erratic troublemaker into a decent person so that Klaus can marry her without worries.

“But Jin,”

“What?”

I wondered what she was about to say.

“You really look like a model. I wouldn’t have known it was you if you hadn’t told me.”

Rumi complimented me for a change. I haughtily lifted my chin.

“Born a beauty, everything suits me.”

“Seriously, not even joking, you could be a runway model. You look like a goddess.”

“Hmm, thanks.”

I was flattered by the unexpected praise.

But I can’t let my guard down. Who knows when she might burst into tears again?

I’m not someone who gets easily carried away by a compliment. If she thought she could manipulate me with such shallow tactics, she was greatly mistaken.

“I should go now. I’ll contact you by telegram if necessary, so just wait for that.”

“Okay! Thanks, Jin.”

Rumi’s face was very bright. Her haggard appearance when we first met had vanished.

Is this it, then?

As long as Rumi doesn’t fall into despair and do something drastic, I’m content.

I quietly turned and walked away. The feeling of my skirt brushing against my legs somehow felt regretful.

“Ah…”

I was sad that I couldn’t show this appearance to the person I wanted to impress the most.

I probably never will.

I wrapped myself tightly in a thick scarf. An indescribable loneliness spread in my heart.

“It’s okay. I just need to focus on what I need to do.”

I comforted my aching heart with firm resolve and walked on.

Back in men’s clothing, I returned to the palace. After carefully hiding my disguise under the bed, I sat at my desk and opened my diary.

“Passing through the gate erases existence.”

I pressed hard as I wrote down Rumi’s words.
Honestly, I didn’t like that idea either.

If I had no attachments to this world, why would it matter if my existence was erased?

But the attachment has formed.

“……Klaus.”

I want to be remembered.

I hope he remembers that I was his friend, a small comfort in his life.

The thought that my existence would be erased from his life as if I was never here, if I chose the gate, was deeply saddening.

Unless one day, all my affection for this place fades away, and I wish to completely erase my existence, right now, I don’t want to leave.

Unable to easily give up either my ordinary life as Eojin or my life here with Klaus, I decided to do my best in this life I’m currently living.

So Klaus, I hope you show me only your worst side, so I can leave this place without any regrets, as soon as possible.

I wish you wouldn’t smile at me or be kind.

It’s a futile hope.