The first thing I did after being reborn was hurry back from the country estate to my father’s residence.
A young woman was kneeling inside.
Gloom shadowed her eyes; she was small and frail, her clothes patched over patches.
She was the daughter my father had conceived in a single night’s dalliance years ago.
In my previous life, she had married the tyrant in my place.
After winning his favor, she poisoned our entire family.
I spent twelve years as a ghost.
At first, I hated her bitterly.
Once I pieced together the truth, I could only pity her.
“Father, Mother.
I’ll marry him.”
I helped my younger half sister to her feet.
“His Majesty asked for me by name.
There’s no reason someone else should suffer in my place.
I’ll go.”