They Hated Me in My First Life, But Now I Have the Love System
Chapter 268 - 268 A Sign of Love

Chapter 268: A Sign of Love Chapter 268: A Sign of Love If only they knew that someone really was restricting her food.

That every meal was counted, monitored, rationed.

And that once she returned to the castle, she would not get another proper meal until the next scheduled time.

Her stomach twisted at the thought.

Her mind drifted to her elder sister and Little Sweetie.

They would be back at the castle now, probably hungry too.

The food at the palace was more than enough for everyone, yet she and her sister were not allowed to eat as freely as they pleased.

It really was frustrating.

She thought about sneaking some snacks back for them, but there was one problem, she had no money.

Lilian was treating them to this meal, and while Nnenna had every intention of paying for herself once she received her first salary, right now, she had nothing.

After a brief hesitation, she turned to Lilian.

“Can I pack some food to take home?” Lilian and Kosi exchanged glances, their eyes widening slightly.

Maybe her family was not that rich after all?

It would make sense, considering Nnenna was working at her age instead of attending school like most girls from wealthy families.

Lilian quickly nodded, brushing aside any doubts.

“Of course!

In fact, take as much as you want.” She did not pry or look down on her, which made Nnenna relax.

If only they knew the real reason she needed extra food, it was not poverty, but punishment.

Once they finished their meal, Nnenna wasted no time.

She packed the food neatly and said her goodbyes, making sure to hurry home before it got too dark.

She knew someone would come to check on her soon.

They always did.

It was like she was in prison, except her cell was a luxurious castle, and her warden was her own family.

Tonight would be counting time, when they made sure she was still within the required space, like a prisoner being accounted for.

She rolled her eyes as she quickened her pace.

I have to be back before they come, she thought.

Especially now that Abel was onto her.

That man was sharp, too sharp.

He was suspicious and was probably already gathering evidence to confirm his theory.

But she would not give him any.

No clues.

No mistakes.

No slip ups.

She would let him chase shadows, searching for proof that did not exist.

Let him believe he was closing in, only to be left confused each time.

And eventually, he would give up.

Eventually, even Head Manager Abel, the intelligent, persistent, relentless man, would conclude that she was not the second princess.

And then, she would finally be free to move as she pleased.

A small smirk tugged at her lips as she slipped into the night.

Once Nnenna got back to the castle, she moved carefully, making sure no one saw her as she slipped through the hallways.

She had done this so many times that sneaking around had become second nature.

Before heading to her own room, she made a quick stop at Sweetie’s door.

“Here,” she whispered, handing over the neatly packed food.

Sweetie’s eyes widened in pure delight.

She took the package as if it were the greatest treasure in the world.

“Thank you!

Thank you so much!” she whispered excitedly, her voice filled with gratitude.

She clutched the food to her chest, looking at Nnenna like she had just given her the best gift in existence.

If only Nnenna knew.

If only she knew that the moment Sweetie closed the door behind her, she carefully placed the packed meal aside and turned to the extravagant dish sitting on her table.

It was steaming hot, plated to perfection, and made from only the finest ingredients, delivered straight to her by one of her subordinates.

And yet, without a second thought, she picked up the expensive meal And tossed it right out of the window.

A loud thud sounded from below.

“Hey!

What the—?!” a shocked voice rang out.

Down below, one of her subordinates stood on patrol, minding his business.

Suddenly, a thud landed near his feet.

He looked down and, oh, sweet heavens, it was food.

And not just any food.

This was the kind of meal nobles feasted on.

Juicy meat, steaming vegetables, a fragrant aroma that hit his nose like a blessing from the heavens.

He gasped.

Was this… was this for me?

His heart swelled with emotion.

His leader, his incredible, generous leader, had sent him food!

So this is what true loyalty is rewarded with!

Overcome with gratitude, he wasted no time.

He plopped down right there on the ground and started devouring it, humming happily to himself.

A few minutes later, another subordinate arrived, the one who had actually bought and prepared the meal.

He spotted his comrade eating and, being a reasonable man, sat down beside him and joined in without asking any questions.

They ate in comfortable silence, enjoying the best meal they had ever had while on duty.

But then… something started to feel off.

The second subordinate glanced at the plate.

The presentation, the seasoning, the unmistakable fragrance… Wait a minute.

His chewing slowed.

His eyes darted to the first subordinate, who was still stuffing his face in pure bliss.

“…Hey,” he said slowly.

“Where did you get this food?” “Hm?” The first subordinate barely looked up, too busy savoring a particularly tender piece of meat.

“Our leader sent it to me.” The second man froze.

His stomach twisted.

“She… sent it to you?” “Yeah,” the first one said proudly.

“Tossed it down from the window herself.

Like a sign of trust.” A cold realization hit the second subordinate like a brick to the face.

He stared at the plate.

Then at the window.

Then at the first subordinate, who was still happily eating.

Then back at the plate.

“…That’s the meal I bought for her,” he whispered, his soul leaving his body.

The first subordinate finally stopped chewing.

“Huh?”