I Became the Emperor’s Sleeping Pill - Chapter 55

Schedule: Tuesday and Friday

“Or what? What do you intend to do by telling me this enormous secret?”

Lysei’s face was stiff as she asked the question. A flicker of surprise crossed Luigia’s face, but it was quickly replaced by her characteristic bright smile.

“Because I think we’re on the same side. Oh, and I should probably mention this just in case, but I have absolutely no intention of ending up with the Emperor like in the original story.”

Lysei’s eyes trembled almost imperceptibly. She’d bristled at Luigia the moment they met, convinced the original female lead would steal the man she loved. Yet, here was Luigia, inexplicably trusting her and declaring she had no interest in Edin.

“Why…?” Luigia’s words instantly shattered Lysei’s sharp tension.

“Oh, I’m into Zerga when I read the original. I can’t resist a beautiful strategist.” Luigia grinned like a child.

“But, Unnie, you’re from the same world as me, right? My real name is Lee Jia, I’m twenty-one, and I was an art major at Hankuk University.”

“!”

“I have a simple theory that I possessed Luigia because of our similar names. It’s been really stressful being in this intense heroine’s body, you know?”

“.…”

“I was so relieved thinking there might be someone like me here. I really, really wanted to meet you. What about you, Unnie? What kind of person are you?”

“It’s possible the similar names are the reason for the possession. I’m Lee Jei. I graduated with a degree in Security Management from Hankuk University.”

“Whoa! Awesome! You really are from Korea, too!” Luigia clapped her hands together excitedly. Lysei, a little overwhelmed by Luigia’s exuberant energy, hesitated before asking the question that weighed most heavily on her mind.

“If you read the original, you know Luigia is destined to be with Edin.”

“Just speak comfortably, Unnie. I knew it! I knew it would be you. My instincts are never wrong.”

“….”

“Oh, and about that Emperor problem. I’ve thought about it a lot since I became Luigia. The urn Luigia’s father entrusted to her is a concern. But, Unnie, you’ve already beautifully repackaged that as a divine prophecy. And I think I can resolve the Empress and heretic issues without getting involved with the Emperor.”

Luigia paused, seemingly lost in thought, then continued. “Of course, to gain the ability to see black magic, I need to be exposed to a dominant alpha’s pheromones and awaken as an omega. But it doesn’t have to be the Emperor’s. I told you, right? I’m into Zerga.”

“.…”

“Seeing him in person, I know I made the right choice. Is there another man as beautiful as him in the world? I was so depressed after arriving here, but seeing him felt like all that gloom was instantly washed away.”

Lysei felt a sense of relief wash over her at Luigia’s rapid-fire explanation. Regardless of anything else, Luigia’s lack of interest in Edin was good news.

Of course, even with these assurances, there was no guarantee. Luigia could still fall for Edin’s charms as the original story dictated, and even if Luigia loved Zerga, Edin could still become fixated on her. It wasn’t a situation to be completely at ease about.

Nevertheless, Luigia’s openness and friendliness made Lysei feel like she had an ally.

***

Though Luigia was brought to the palace as Nyxna, she stayed with Lysei in the Rose Palace. Edin, declaring he didn’t need Nyxna, forbade Luigia from entering his chambers. Luigia, in turn, insisted on staying with Lysei, further irritating Edin, who was possessive of Lysei. He’d initially forbidden Luigia from even entering the Rose Palace, but eventually relented at Lysei’s request.

Living with Lysei, Luigia was in awe of her swordsmanship and other training. During training sessions with Theor and Trey, her constant cries of “Unnie is so cool!” earned bewildered looks from Theor.

Much later, Luigia confessed that she’d admired Lysei even before they met. Lysei, who should have died according to the original story, was not only alive but had even received the Rose Palace from the Emperor, altering the narrative. Meeting Lysei and learning she was a former security management student and club guard only amplified Luigia’s admiration. It was as if, stranded alone on a deserted island, she’d found someone who understood her, someone strong enough to be a true ally.

From the moment they met, Luigia was devoted to Lysei. Lysei, touched by Luigia’s unwavering focus on her instead of the male lead, gradually opened her heart.

“We need to investigate the Founding Day Monument,” Luigia said to Zerga, who had come to the Rose Palace. While Luigia’s gaze was fixed on Lysei whenever Theor and Trey were present, it shifted solely to Zerga upon his arrival. Lysei couldn’t help but smile at Luigia’s obvious affections.

“Yes, we plan to relocate the monument, as Lady Lysei previously suggested.”

“If the monument is moved, they’ll definitely find another target.”