Suddenly Reincarnated Into R-19 Novel

I finally finished packing my things and waited outside Peneloppe's mansion. After a short while, Duke Felix emerged, assisting Peneloppe as she stepped out. I took a seat beside the coachman, watching silently as we set off.

As we traveled, I observed everything around us. We eventually stopped, and I noticed that Duke Felix seemed to have no ulterior motives; his attention was solely focused on Peneloppe.

That was a relief... It appeared that Peneloppe's past trauma with the Duke was the reason for her distress. I sat at a distance, while the coachman kept a watchful eye on our surroundings.

Night had fallen, and it struck me as odd that not even a single knight accompanied the Duke for his protection. I stood up and tied my hair back.

"My lady, I'm heading over there," I said, pointing towards a large tree in the distance. Peneloppe nodded and continued her conversation with the Duke. I caught a glimpse of concern in the Duke's eyes as he glanced my way. No, that couldn't be right; perhaps I was just imagining things.

I walked towards the great tree and leaned against it, closing my eyes. I couldn't bear to look at that man; he sent chills down my spine. I instinctively grabbed my shoulder, feeling a sudden chill.

I pressed my hands together and blew into them for warmth when suddenly, something wrapped around my ankle. I gasped in horror as I realized it was a snake coiling around my thigh.

Before I could react, it bit me. Panic surged through me as I gripped its neck and threw it off, squeezing my eyes shut from the excruciating pain. Dizziness washed over me; I knew I couldn't succumb to this.

With trembling hands, I tore at my skirt and tied it around my thigh to stem the bleeding. A cry of agony escaped my lips as the pain intensified.

"Henny!" A voice called out, making me turn in shock. My eyes widened when I saw Duke Felix rushing towards me, his expression filled with alarm as he noticed the bite on my thigh.

"This venom is poisonous; let me help you." He quickly removed the fabric from my leg and began to suck out the venom from the wound.

"Please bear with it," he urged as relief began to wash over me. He then retrieved a small vial from his suit.

"This is an antidote. You must drink this to counteract the remaining poison in your system," he instructed. To my surprise, he lifted me into his arms.

"Don't worry; I'm not going to hurt you. Just let me help you." He avoided making eye contact with me as he carried me back to where we had been standing earlier.

I noticed Peneloppe casting me an angry glare but chose to ignore her and remained silent beside them.

"Why is he here?" I muttered under my breath while shooting a hostile look at Duke Felix. Was he following me? Surely he wasn't interested in me, right?

Finally, we arrived at the Duke's mansion, but I couldn't shake off all that had happened. I forced myself to suppress my emotions as I gathered Peneloppe's belongings from inside the carriage alongside the coachman while watching Peneloppe grasping Felix's arm tightly.

"Felix, let's go inside," she said, pulling him toward the entrance. Not bothering to look back, I picked up her things along with some maids who greeted us upon arrival. They led us to the maid's quarters where I once stayed and met Elisabeth. Where could she be now?

The head maid provided instructions on what I needed to do since I was now Peneloppe's personal maid; it was essential for me to memorize all the rules of the mansion—which thankfully, I had already done.

"Alright, good! You can return to your duties now," she said before walking away from me.

I entered my former room; everything felt eerily familiar as if time had not passed at all. I placed my belongings in the old cabinet and changed into my uniform. Once dressed, I left my room and headed towards Peneloppe's chamber.

I stood quietly by her side until she suddenly approached me and slapped me hard across the face.

"Because of you, our conversation was interrupted! Were you trying to sabotage us?"

I remained silent and met her gaze directly.

"Sabotage? It's not my fault you have such a narrow mind that you would get jealous of me." A laugh escaped my lips unexpectedly at her reaction.

"What's so funny about what I've said?" she snapped angrily.

"Yes... Think about it carefully, my lady. Who am I for the Duke to fall for? I'm just a girl among countless women vying for his attention throughout the empire." I rolled my eyes at her words.

"Don't let jealousy consume you; keep an eye on your future husband instead—he might seek someone else out there. Just focus on your performance in bed," I added provocatively, shocking her further.

"Henny! Why are you saying these things? When did you learn—"

"Learned? Tsk! Why don't you just do what I've advised?"

"Why are you doing this? You even mentioned killing us all—"

"Yes! And what do you think? That was just a joke? While you're using me, I'll use you too... The difference is that I'm aware of your plans for me while you have no idea how I'll benefit from you."

I stepped closer and whispered in her ear.

"If I were you, I'd keep that mouth shut if you don't want the Duke to find out everything. Is that clear, my lady?" I gently caressed her hair and smiled at her sweetly.

"I'm glad we're on the same page," I said with satisfaction.

"Oh, by the way... I'd like you to put this in the Duke's drink." Handing her a small vial, I watched her reaction closely.

"And what is this?" she asked suspiciously.

"Poison." Her eyes widened in shock as she stared at me incredulously.

"Have you lost your mind, Henny?" she exclaimed angrily. Without hesitation, I stepped closer and placed my hand around her neck.

"I want nothing more than to strangle that beautiful neck of yours, but honestly? I'm not done with the Duke yet; he'll be first on my list followed by Lukas—and then you'll be next."

"What have I done to deserve this? I'm so confused right now!" she cried out in frustration.

"You haven't wronged me today but in the past—oh so many times! But don't dwell on that since we're here in the present; I'll simply take advantage of this opportunity for revenge."

"You wretched girl!" Peneloppe lunged at me angrily but grabbed her hand before she could pull my hair back and pushed her away forcefully until her head collided with the edge of the table.