The Unbearable Truth

The midday sun bathed the tranquil street, where pedestrians were few and far between, their fleeting shadows the only sign of their hurried passage.

Within one of the hotel’s opulent VIP suites, Miro lay prone on the grand bed, her eyes utterly devoid of expression. She had awoken long ago, yet she yearned to drift back into the oblivion of sleep, refusing to rise.

From the moment Ye Lan had carried her to bed the previous night, she hadn’t stirred, forsaking both dinner and a late-night meal, her mind finally succumbing to unconsciousness only after an indeterminate period of resting her eyes.

How desperately she wished this were merely a dream—that she would awaken and still be her former self. But the harsh reality cruelly reminded her: this was real; she had truly transformed! There was no turning back for her now.

Why had things come to this? After finally allowing myself to feel something, I was left with such a crushing defeat! No, I mustn’t dwell on it any longer; the sorrowful tears are starting to flow again…

“Knock, knock, knock!”

Just as Miro was on the verge of finally drifting off, a series of knocks echoed from the door.

“Your Excellency, lunch has been prepared.”

“…”

“Your Excellency, I shall enter now.”

“…”

Ye Lan gently pushed open the door. Seeing Miro in the same despondent state, a pang of unease struck her heart. As Miro’s maid, her only concern was for the well-being of Her Excellency.

Ye Lan approached the bed with soft, measured steps, then attempted to offer solace. “Your Excellency,” she began gently, “your physical changes are not truly significant; anyone unfamiliar with you wouldn’t even perceive them. You needn’t be so terribly distressed.”

“Not significant? That’s only because it’s already hit rock bottom!”

Nevertheless, Miro had finally offered a response.

“Your Excellency, can this truly be so crucial? I confess I struggle to comprehend such an obsession.”

Upon hearing this, Miro cast a glance at Ye Lan’s physique, her thoughts brimming with a profound sense of irony.

Of course you wouldn’t understand, you… you cow!

“Hmph! You’re not me, so naturally, you couldn’t possibly comprehend!”

After an involuntary comparison between Ye Lan’s figure and her own, Miro huffed indignantly and averted her gaze, refusing to look at the maid any longer.

“Your Excellency,” Ye Lan continued, “since a direct approach proves ineffective, perhaps a more subtle one is in order. Between the carrot and the stick, there is always one that yields results.”

“Just speak plainly!”

“Your Excellency, you could offer her an apology. Perhaps, if her mood improves, she might even help you revert to your original state.”

“What did you just say?!”

At these words, Miro abruptly sat upright. “Repeat that!”

“Your Excellency, you could temporarily concede. To humble oneself before a superior is not, in itself, a shameful act.”

Miro’s eyes widened at this, as if she wished to penetrate the maid’s very being to discern if her loyalty had wavered.

I remember now! When I was being tormented earlier, why didn’t you come to my aid? Have you truly betrayed me? “You would actually suggest I humble myself and beg forgiveness from that kind of person! You are not my maid! Who are you, truly?”

Observing Miro’s sudden, furious transformation, Ye Lan felt a tremor of panic.

“I would never! My body and soul are eternally devoted to Your Excellency!”

The more Miro pondered, the more a chilling wave of belated fear washed over her. I understand! You must have been swayed by their power and beauty, intending to defect to them. You thought to use my downfall as your pledge of loyalty!

“That’s not true at all!”

Ye Lan was so distraught she was on the verge of tears, yet the more desperate she became, the more her mind failed to conjure a coherent explanation.

“Leave at once! Do not dare to show your face before me again! There is no longer a place for you in this household!”

“Your Excellency, my devotion to you is absolute! I would never, ever bring you harm!”

“You won’t leave, will you? Very well, then I shall!”

Miro immediately sprang from the bed, and without bothering to gather any belongings, she flung open the door and fled the room.

“Your Excellency! You haven’t eaten yet! Please, eat your fill before you depart!”