Chapter 1. I Thought It Was a Fantasy Romance, but It’s a Horror Story.

1. Golden Spoon Experience

The day I pulled two all-nighters to finish my final report and collapsed into sleep—except it wasn't really collapsing, it was definitely an out-of-body experience. Because right now, I'm trapped inside a completely strange body in a totally unfamiliar world.

"Miss, shall I bring your washbasin?"

Of course, I have no complaints. When I opened my eyes, it was suddenly like winning the lottery!

I dipped my arms into the gold-trimmed washbasin and gazed down at my hands with satisfaction. They were pale and delicate, without a single trace of manual labor. Keu, this is it. This is what money can do!

"Where would you like to have breakfast?"

"In my bedroom."

Then the door opened and a tray was brought in. I knew at first glance it was my breakfast. Two fluffy white bread rolls, carrot cream soup, and even a poached egg. It was such a perfect sight. I almost applauded.

"Shall I open the window?"

Outside the window, bright red roses bloomed abundantly. The flower petals glittered brilliantly in the morning sunlight and swayed in the breeze, bringing the lovely scent of roses to my nose. It was like natural perfume.

When I took a deep breath, I could feel the fresh morning air filling my chest. A leisurely spring morning without fine dust or yellow sand, starting the day by waking up in a king-size bed with a view of the rose garden! There was even a sitting room attached to the bedroom. Even a luxury hotel overseas tour wouldn't be possible at this level.

It was a moment worthy of tears of gratitude, but I just moved my spoon faster. The soup was so delicious that even the tears threatening to spill had to retreat back inside.

"Are you planning to visit the library today as well?"

This is the best part.

"Yes."

This body was a golden spoon unemployed person! Based on what I've gathered over the past week, it seems she has weak stamina and a chronic illness, so she rarely goes out.

What? You think the life of a reclusive loner without smartphones and the internet would be too boring? No. If you have money, nothing could be sweeter than this.

First, let's go to the library. The library in this house has such an enormous collection of books that it could be called a library. It's so well-organized that I can comfortably find the books I want.

Moreover, because the bookshelves are so large, I can access all kinds of printed materials—not just stuffy classical literature or specialized books, but various magazines, adventure novels, romance novels, and all sorts of publications! ...Actually, there are some spicy novels too, so I've been reading those a lot lately. Hehehe...

I can even place orders if there's not enough, though I haven't used that service yet.

Anyway, if I spend the entire day holed up in the library reading all kinds of popular novels, they even deliver lunch. Whew... I tore into a duck leg while savoring life's beauty. I don't know what they did to it, but every time I bit into that perfectly seasoned meat, juices and fat burst like fireworks in my mouth, and the tender meat slid down my throat without a hint of gristle.

I felt like I could even chew the bones... but let me hold back. Last time I tried to attempt it, the working staff came in and it became quite an awkward situation...

"It's time for your walk, Miss."

After lunch and reading some more books, they call it walk time. Then I'd gather up a shawl or something and take a stroll around the rose garden in front, which is incredibly spacious.

It seems like there are still places I haven't been to!

The roses arranged in exquisite harmony with shrubs taller than myself bloomed in clusters along the pathway, making me feel like I was inside some European castle that charges an entrance fee.

Oh, on this walk route I can see a fountain with a knight statue.

I gazed contentedly at water spouting from the helmet of a knight raising his sword toward the sky. The blue sky, white fountain, and a few red rose petals that had fallen into the water basin—it was very atmospheric.

During such walks, I'd gradually get hungry, and then they'd call me for dinner.

"Did you have another enjoyable day?"

"Yes, Mother."

"Yes!"

Dinner seems to be eaten with the whole family. A stunning beauty with red hair, presumably my mother, would be an incredible sight. In 21st century Korea, she'd probably receive talent agency business cards with every step she took walking through Seoul.

And sitting across from me is a girl around this body's age. She's probably my sister, close in age. She also has red hair, and while she's not as stunning as Mother, her freckled pale face and droopy eyes are charming. She has an idol-like appearance.

"Well then, let's begin our pleasant meal."

Yeah! Seeing this body's mother (presumably) lift her knife, I quickly picked up mine too.

Dinner was a thick piece of meat grilled to perfection—a steak so tender it was practically melting. Especially the meat around the long, thick bone had such a savory flavor that I wanted to gnaw it. I ignored the side vegetables and focused enthusiastically on attacking the meat.

What's unfortunate is that this body's sister (assumed) doesn't touch the meat at all and only picks at the vegetables.

It's so delicious, yet she won't even put her fork to it. Does she have trouble digesting? Or is she vegetarian? Come to think of it, I don't think I've seen her eat meat all week.

If that's the case, I should of course respect individual beliefs and preferences.

'Right, absolutely.' I inwardly licked my lips looking at the untouched steak across from me, but couldn't bring myself to say I'd eat it.

"That was a pleasant meal. Let's meet again tomorrow with bright faces."

"That was a pleasant meal."

"That was a pleasant meal...!"

My response was 100% sincere. I tried hard to suppress the emotion that was about to show all over my face. Even the vanilla ice cream served for dessert was perfect...!

After that, I'd go to the multi-purpose room connected to my bedroom to listen to music while doing embroidery or shopping while looking through catalogs. There are many clothes and accessories, but it doesn't stop there—I can browse various items from snacks and dolls to furniture, and before I know it while giggling at them, bedtime approaches.

"Shall I prepare your bed?"

Then they'd put a soft, warm hot water bottle in my bed, bring me a washbasin, brush my hair, and take care of my clothes!

Keu! Plus they'd turn off the record player I'd left on and quickly and quietly clean up the table I'd messed up with catalogs—this is the taste of service. I've been feeling like I'm staying in a 5-star hotel all day for a week now!

They'd even bring aromatic candles, and after everyone left, I'd fall asleep purring while smelling the fragrant herbs, apples, and roses.

Whew. Another perfect day without assignments, part-time jobs, or student loans. Out-of-body experiences are the best!

Rose Vine Manor Staff Work Regulations

Your receipt of this correspondence means you meet all the conditions we have presented.

Before your first day of work, there are work regulations you must be familiar with. These regulations are listed and provided on cards, enclosed in the inner envelope along with a confirmation form.

If the confirmation form is not submitted within two weeks, your employment acceptance will be immediately canceled and this correspondence will be retrieved.

The employer will not compensate for any disadvantages that occur due to violation of work regulations.

Work Regulations

1. During work hours, you must wear the provided work uniform.
2. All eating and cooking activities, including meals, are only permitted in the staff quarters.

I had a nightmare today.

I dreamed that the report I'd stayed up all night to complete was corrupted due to a file error and wouldn't open, so the teaching assistant called me.

But when I saw the breakfast tray, everything was fine! I don't have to write reports anymore anyway! Hahaha!

I won't wake up again as a high-year college student living alone in a cramming school one-room apartment, will I? Please, it can't be...

"Lord Moore is visiting today. I'll guide you to the reception room."

Who is Lord Moore...?

I looked at the working staff with a blank expression, but they seemed to think I naturally knew who it was and just smiled while nodding their head.

I'm gradually feeling like I should pretend to have amnesia, but I haven't found the right timing. When should I do it?

Right! They say to strike while the iron is hot, so I should start showing signs now!

I followed the working staff's guidance and stepped through the white door with prominent gold decorations.

First, when I meet this Lord Moore person, I should try it right away... Uh, uuum...?

"It's been a while, Miss."

An incredibly handsome man is sitting in a chair at the table in the reception room.

He turns his head to look at me, his neat black hair swaying. Below that are jet-black eyebrows and almond-shaped light purple eyes, and the lower eyelashes positioned along his eyes like a pattern without any dishevelment give an impression like a famous painting. His nose bridge extends straight and sharp from between his brows to the tip, and his jawline is sharp without being dull all the way to below his ears. And his red lips move on his clean skin.

"Have you had your meal? If it's before mealtime, there's a decent restaurant nearby."

He's talking to me. Is this a dream...?

"I, I have..."

A reflexively honest answer came out.

"I see. Understood."

Me from 5 seconds ago, please shut up. Why can't you accept when a handsome man asks you to eat? Aaahhh...

Fortunately, the handsome man didn't give up and spoke to me again. Well done handsome man, good job handsome man!

"Then how about taking a walk together through the garden? The beautiful rose garden of this manor always brings comfort to my heart."

His face briefly fills with melancholy—he must have had some difficult matters on his mind recently.

Normally I would have thought "What do I care about your heart's comfort when you're the one making the suggestion," but with that face, even that development naturally gains credibility.

So he's a handsome man with a story. If it brings comfort to a handsome man, that's a good thing.

"Sounds good."

We immediately moved to the garden. The morning sunlight made the dewdrops on the rose petals sparkle as if glitter fairies had settled on them, making the entire garden shimmer.

But what sparkles even more is that face. Amazing. Thrilling. Being handsome is the best...

"Every visit to this manor, there hasn't been a day when the roses weren't beautiful, but today the garden seems especially beautiful and full of life. Is there some special method?"

'Hahaha, isn't it thanks to your amazing face?' is the only low-quality flirting comment circling in my brain. Hey wait, hold on. This isn't the time to use my brain for that.

The method of maintaining this house's garden? I don't know anything about it, but I need to find out. Even if I have to create a non-existent method, I need to tell him.

Let me buy some time first!

"Well. Actually, I don't have much knowledge about gardening... I'll ask the gardener when I meet them."

"Ah, you would go to such lengths for me..."

The man smiled gently.

The corners of his eyes and mouth curve in soft, elegant symmetrical arcs. Is his sparkling pupils due to the change in light angle? No. The glitter fairies that had descended on the roses must have transferred their fan allegiance and moved location.

"Thank you. I'm truly happy."

"Hahaha."

Good. Today is my fan debut day. Now I even have something to fangirl over—life quality can't get better than this! Long live out-of-body experiences!