Coldness enveloped the street, rain cascading in steady sheets, and the dim lights flickered like distant stars. I stood alone in the corner, my wet hair obscuring my vision as I looked down at the pavement.

Around me lay bodies, blood pooling on the ground. I gripped the knife in my hand, slick with crimson, my heart heavy with the weight of what I had done. I glanced up at the night sky, rain mingling with the tears on my face, and slowly closed my eyes.

I was tired. I didn't want to do this anymore.

The raindrops continued to fall, bringing me back to the moment. I opened my eyes and turned away, beginning the long walk home.

My apartment was small and simple, a stark contrast to the life I led as an assassin. I earned a lot of money, but I preferred the quiet solitude of my modest living space.

Once home, I took a quick shower to wash away the night's horrors, changing into comfortable clothes. After a moment of respite, I retreated to my room to indulge in my favorite manga.

Yes, I may be an assassin, but I'm also an otaku! My favorite manga is a romance shoujo titled "Arranged Marriage with the Second Prince."

The story follows the daughter of a marquess who suddenly finds herself engaged to the second prince, despite never having met him. She's beautiful, smart, and talented, but lacks a strong aptitude for magic. Most of the narrative unfolds at the Royal Academy.

What draws me to this manga isn't the main character, but Aria Williams, the protagonist's rival. The main character has many rivals, typical of a reverse harem, but for me, Aria is the standout.

I sighed, closing the book as I glanced at the clock. "Oh... It's already 5 AM?"

Feeling drowsy, I decided to close my eyes and sleep.

Suddenly, I heard a faint voice.

"Hayden! Hayden! Wake up!"

Groaning, I blinked slowly, my vision still blurry. A girl was shaking me, her face coming into focus.

She wore a Victorian maid outfit, her braided brown hair framing her face. With light green eyes, she looked to be around 15 or 16 years old. "H-huh? Who are you? W-where am I?" I stammered, glancing around. I was leaning against a tree, disoriented.

Before me stood a grand house—a mansion, not too far away.

"E-eh?..." The girl stared at me, her expression a mix of confusion and disbelief. I tilted my head, mirroring her confusion.

After a moment, she shook her head and regained her composure. "Are you serious, or are you just pranking me? It's not funny, Hayden."

I frowned, searching her eyes for sincerity. "Does it look like I'm joking?" Her eyes widened slightly, taken aback.

Clearing her throat, she introduced herself. "I'm Emily. You're currently at the estate of the Williams family."

I raised an eyebrow. "Williams...?"

She nodded. "Yes. You're in the estate of Duke Owen Williams. I'm Aria-sama's personal maid, and you are her personal butler."

Shock coursed through me, and I stared at her, speechless. It seemed I had somehow reincarnated into my favorite manga.