My eyes slowly opened as I stared at the usual ceiling I wake up to every morning. It felt odd when I started to feel like I don't wanna get up; I've never felt so sleepy before. Rolling my body over, I looked over to my side and met a pleasant suprise.
Pastel pink hair, now clean yet messy, tickled my lips and neck. It's my younger step-sister named Helen and she just came to the Flaine household yesterday. I don't know why she's really close to me right now even if my bed is has space more than enough for the two of us… but I'm not complaining though. I could hear her deep and small breaths that smelled like milk.
Looking at this precious little kid, I now understand why I woke up without a nightmare. Maybe she really is an angel? A guardian angel perhaps? Now that I think about it, I think this is the first time so far that I woke up on my own without Rachel and weird scary dreams.
I bet the smile on my face right now seemed stupid but that doesn't matter now that my sister is sleeping on my arms. She mumbled something in her sleep and I couldn't help but wonder what kind of dream she's having.
Hopefully not a bad one.
This girl… in all honesty, even if I kept calling her the heroine, I can't see her as the main character of the story yet. She's just a baby clinging onto me and I can't imagine her going through anything. Not that I remember the conflicts in the plot. All I could recall is that it was a novel - perhaps a visual one since I could remember the pink hair she has - and it revolved around Helen Flaine.
The same girl that carries such responsibility is my sister.
I still wonder why I don't remember that the heroine even had a sister. Maybe the author felt lazy to write down a name as long as mine but that wouldn't make sense since they're the one who names his or her characters anyway. I guess I'm just such a useless and unimportant character they forgot to put me in the story.
It's not my fault that you gave me a name like this, author! I doubt I even play a role in your story!!
"Mh… sister…?" A small voice snapped me out of my thoughts. Helen looked up at me as she rubbed her eyes with her tiny hand. How unfair, isn't her cuteness considered cheating?
"Good morning Helen, did I wake you up?"
Helen blinked a few times before shaking her head. I couldn't help but get annoyed at how precious this girl is… I know full well that I can't stop myself from playing with her hair and that was definitely the reason she woke up. That was too considerate of her to deny that obvious fact... I feel like I just ate sweets.
"Good morning sister." She smiled at me and didn't even bother pushing me away even if I'm the one clinging onto her now.
Wait… I'm the one being clingy?
I immediately sat up from the bed when I heard someone knocking on the door. Rachel walked in and seemed to pause before bowing towards Helen and me. I even heard her mumble along the lines of "Young Lady Helen is a miracle-maker."
What does that even mean?
Helen and I made our way to the dining room to see Rachel and the other maids laying down our breakfast on the table. Father surprisingly seemed to be quite satisfied this morning. Seeing this kind of thing, a realization came.
This household has become brighter and livelier because of someone becoming a part of it… I guess Helen truly is a miracle-maker.
When we finished our breakfast, Helen and I visited the garden again while Rachel was probably watching over us from the shadows. There were a lot of times I didn't know what the flowers were so I was grateful that Rachel was there to help me (I knew she was there somewhere!)
I started to get a bit bored so we ended up playing tag as Helen ran around still admiring the flowers. She would get distracted, stop by on one spot, and that's when I'd catch her. Rachel simply watched over us again.
"That was fun!" I exclaimed before I let my body fall on the grass. Helen nodded with a smile and sat beside me who was lying on the ground. Rachel was against it and she kept saying how our clothes will only get dirty but of course I wouldn't listen to that!
"That was very fun!" Whenever Helen would speak it felt as if I needed to hear more from her. She's such a quiet child I wish she'd express more of her thoughts.
"Young Lady I suggest that you get up now or else-"
"Lady Alianne." A sharp voice cut Rachel off. A wave of chills came over my spine and I slowly turned around to see the face I didn't even expect.
Panella Plineut, this strict-looking old woman, had a deep frown on her face and that made me gulp. I looked over to Rachel and looked at her with annoyance. Why didn't she tell me that my teacher would be early again?! My caretaker simply shrugged at me.
I guess I should've listened to her after all.
"G-good afternoon, Miss Plineut."
"Lady Alianne, would you mind explaining something to me?" The smile on her face and the sickly sweet tone on her voice made me flinch. My weird nightmares were nothing compared to this.
I was trying my best not to shake in fear and even glanced at Rachel for help but she simply stared at me. Seeing my sister look at me innocently with a hint of confusion and worry, I forced a smile.
Great. Two hours of practice will probably double.
Nevermind, it was doubled AND had an extra hour. Two hours for the usual training and application while the other three were for nagging and lecturing. Not only that, but I was also forced to read at least 50 pages on different books each about aristocracy, a theory on magic, philosophy, mathematics, and of course etiquette.
Usually, my back would be the only part that hurts but now even my neck, legs, shoulders, and eyes took part.
"Have a safe trip, Miss Plineut." My cheeks and lips felt so heavy I'm sure my smile looked very strained. My teacher bowed goodbye and soon the brown carriage was out of my sight. Finally, I was about to breathe normally and take a rest on the sofa.
"Sister!" My tired eyes brushed over to the left. I soon felt something soft holding onto my hands and understood that it was Helen. "Are you okay?" Her blue-violet eyes beneath her bangs stared at me.
Now I've made my sister worry… this isn't good.
"Honestly, I'm not." I was blunt that I even surprised myself. "...That's because I'm more than okay now!" Helen smiled at me and I'm glad that excuse I made convinced her. Patting the seat beside me, she understood my gesture and sat next to me but seemed to be surprised when I pulled her closer. "My younger sister is the reason for that."
The child who's on my lap right now brightened up. "Really?"
"Really."
Helen and I talked about random things like food and games we should try playing. Sadly, my body is still stiff so we didn't play a lot except guessing games. The little girl started to become silent… oh. I felt relieved to know that Helen is comfortable enough around me because right now she just fell asleep on my lap.
Rachel noticed it and so she called June to carry Helen to her room. I wanted to help her with that but my body was too tired so I could only give her my gratitude.
Rachel helped me get back to my room, carrying me the same way I carried my sister yesterday. I tried to tell her I can walk but I guess it's not bad to be spoiled from time to time. When we finally reached my room, I knew it was time to play with my caretaker.
"Rachel, let's have the usual game." She nodded and handed me my journal. "Thanks… now then," I took a pen and opened the notebook, "do you know anything about Helen?" Since my sister is sleeping in her room I think it's safe to say she wouldn't hear anything.
"Young Lady Helen is your sister and she is taken in the Flaine Household for certain circumstances."
"Certain circumstances?" I ask as I write the information down.
"Indeed, Young Lady. The Viscount didn't just adopt her so you could have a sister."
"Do you happen to know about the reason why?" Rachel shook her head.
"I'm afraid I do not, Young Lady. Aside from the fact that she's specifically chosen by a noble possibly for her abilities or unusual background, I'm not sure what else I could inform you about."
As expected of a heroine… she does have a special reason to be part of a noble household. Though if we're talking about Helen's abilities, I think it's a given that she has a strong and powerful magical aptitude which may be the reason why my father was drawn to her. Maybe I could witness her magic when we're older.
But still, to think that he could've just adopted a boy so this household could have an heir. Now that I think about it… why didn't my father just do that knowing I can't inherit this house if I'm not a man? Why did father, a middle-class nobleman, adopt a girl without a clear background in the first place when he could've adopted an heir instead?
What's the reason behind that?
My head started to hurt again thinking about it. I'm too drained after those lessons so I'll let it go this time. "Alright, thank you for those answers, Rachel." I gave her a small smile before she bowed and left the room. Once again, I had to remind her not to do that anymore but she still does.
Helen Flaine is still a total mystery to me. I can't even remember the title of that story so how am I supposed to know its content? If only I was reborn with my memories then maybe I'll be able to think and act quickly.
But then again, if I do have my memories, I might go crazy and panic if ever this story ends in tragedy... I hope not.
Seriously though, isn't reincarnating in a novel way too odd?
Anyway, my point is, I don't know what to do with the information I've got. Sure, I do know that I'm in a novel and my choices could change the future but I don't remember the plot. I'm not even sure if this is romance, horror, adventure, or a drama.
I don't even know if I, Alianne Rosshope Glenn Flaine, was mentioned in that novel!
I groaned and dug my face into my pillow. All this random yet complex thinking is making me too frustrated that I didn't even notice the sun went down. The night sky outside my window greeted me while the moon and stars felt like they were grinning brightly.
Somehow, staring at them made me calm down.
If only I could be as calm as the dark sky and peaceful like the clouds that were now covering the moon. I close my eyes, feeling the breeze of the wind that came from my window touch my skin. How reassuring the darkness can be.
"Just a few more minutes..." A voice grumbled. I could see a desk with a book on my face.
Hm? 'My' face?
"No! You have to wake up now!" A somewhat familiar voice yelled loudly from a room. I couldn't control my body and it felt like I was watching from a screen when my hands rubbed my eyes on their own.
What is this?
"Fine, fine, I'm getting up." What? Don't tell me that's… my voice? Why does it sound so different?
My eyes opened and I jolted up from my bed the moment I woke up. The same old sweat and heavy breathing slapped back at me when I realized that it was just a dream. Suddenly, I felt my bed dip lightly so I turned my head to see my sister holding onto my dress.
I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel relieved seeing her.
"Did you have a good nap?" I wonder why she came into my room?
Helen subtly nodded but she seemed to be thinking of something else. Looking conflicted, she opened her mouth and closed it again. "...What about sister?" She asked me but the way her eyes looked told me that she already had an answer.
"I didn't even realize I fell asleep," I laughed and dodged the question. "I wonder what time it is..."
"You've been out for around 30 minutes now, Young Lady," Rachel spoke out of nowhere. Where did she come from and why didn't I notice that she was actually standing close to me? Well, whatever, I'm still a bit shaken up by that nightmare.
Is it even a nightmare? In all honesty, it felt like it's a memory instead…
"It's almost time for dinner, Young Lady Alianne. Young Lady Helen just woke up but came straight to your room so I'm sure she's hungry as well."
I immediately turned my head to Helen who was silent the entire time. She didn't give up her hold on my dress yet. She's so quiet but her feelings are so obvious… I couldn't help but smile and ruffle her head. "If you are hungry then you could eat some snacks first instead."
"But sister I want." Her voice was small and she couldn't speak properly but that was a direct hit to my heart. How can she be so cute?! Seriously, that was too cute. I don't know how to react.
I giggled nervously and pinched her cheek, "I see that you want to talk to me but you need to eat food first, okay?"
"Sister I'm not hungry-" A small growl came from her stomach all of a sudden. There was silence between us and I could see her pale cheeks get red from embarrassment. Right now, I'm not sure whether I should laugh or comfort her.
God, if you're listening right now… I'm not sure why you gave me an angel but she's too precious. Why is she here instead of staying in heaven?
I cleared my throat and looked at Rachel for help. It didn't take her a second to understand what I meant and spoke: "It's time for dinner. Viscount Flaine said you two can have dinner early." I gave her a quick thumbs up in that quick save, such a swift caretaker I have!
"Let's go now Helen, I'm hungry too!" Helen immediately nodded when I said that.
Since my - I mean - our father would be taking his dinner later, I told my sister that she could sit beside me this time. Helen seemed to be happy with it and she gave me a bright smile that I think it could rival the sun… I sound like a siscon.
Wait.
Siscon?
I did use that word yesterday in my head too but where did I get that word… huh? Why does it sound so natural but I don't know how I know that word? I don't think it even exists…
I pushed out those thoughts again and tried my best to enjoy my dinner. Helen seemed to be very pleased with our food though it's not even as grand as the upper-class nobles eat. Maybe she was a commoner before all this?
If that's true then maybe it is a good idea to spoil her even for a bit.
After dinner, we took a bath and our caretakers helped us get ready for bed. I was about to close the door of my room but stopped when I felt a tug on the hem of my shirt. I turned around.
"Hm? Helen?" I asked and realized that she's holding my clothes the way she did earlier. "What is it?"
My sister seemed to have trouble speaking her mind. Let's see… what would a little girl need late at night?
Food? Milk? No, that can't be it, she ate quite a lot after all.
Hmm...
"Oh!" I understand now.
I slightly lowered myself so I could whisper to her closely, "you can't sleep by yourself?"
Helen nodded bashfully at my words. Well, she is a four-year-old after all so it's completely fine that she would need someone to sleep beside her. I held her hand gently and smiled. "Want me to sleep with you?"
Helen nodded again but she was less embarrassed now. "Alright, let's walk to your room then." I started to head to her room but I stopped when she didn't seem to be satisfied. Huh… what else could it be?
"How about we sleep in my room again?" She lightened up at my suggestion. With that, she fell asleep hugging me with a smile on her face.