Chapter 3 - Chapter 3

It had been half a year since I had transmigrated into my favorite manga. At first, I was bewildered by the differences in this world—magic existed, but there was no advanced technology like the internet or gadgets.

As time passed, I studied my new body and found it physically strong, along with impressive magical abilities. During the first month, I slowly regained the memories of this body. She was an orphan, adopted by Van Reggian, the head knight of the Williams Estate. Although she possessed strong magic, she hid it for two reasons: she had two types of magic—ancient Black Magic and Space Magic—and revealing them could bring unwanted attention. Only a few people were aware of this secret: Van Reggian, his wife Diana, and Duke Owen Williams, Aria's father. For now, I was pretending to be someone with no aptitude for magic but a strong proficiency in swordsmanship.

I was currently in the midst of my daily training, swinging my sword for what felt like the four-thousandth time. Sweat dripped down my face, yet fatigue didn't settle in. After finishing my five-thousandth swing, I paused to wipe my sweaty face with a towel I had prepared.

Looking up, I noticed the sky was still a bit dark, indicating it was early morning. After my training, I returned to my room and took a refreshing bath.

By the time I emerged, it was already afternoon. I found myself with Emily and Aria-sama.

"Miss, the Duke wanted to inform you that the Second Prince and the Third Princess will visit next week," Emily said, walking behind us.

"I see. Thank you for letting me know." Aria-sama turned around, her face lighting up with a warm smile. Her happiness was infectious, and I couldn't help but nod slightly, closing my eyes in contentment, though Emily and Aria didn't notice.

Aria-sama and the Second Prince were childhood friends and had a close bond, so it was no surprise that she liked him. As far as I knew, based on the timeline, the Second Prince wasn't engaged to the main character yet. That announcement would come on his sixteenth birthday, and he was currently fifteen, the same age as Aria-sama and me. This body also shared a childhood friendship with Aria, Emily, the Second Prince, and the Third Princess.

We made our way to the garden, where the flowers bloomed vibrantly. However, their beauty paled in comparison to Aria-sama's radiant presence.

After wandering through the garden for a while, we reached a pavilion with four chairs and a table. Aria-sama took a seat in one of the chairs.

"Miss, would you like me to get some tea and sweets?" Emily asked.

"Yes, please. And if it's not too much trouble, could you also bring the new book I left on my study table?" Aria-sama replied.

"Of course, Miss." Emily nodded and bowed. Just as I was about to leave with Emily, she asked me to accompany Aria-sama.

I stood behind Aria-sama, enjoying the peacefulness of the moment while taking in the view of the flowers outside the pavilion.

"Hayden," Aria-sama said, breaking the silence.

"Yes, Aria-sama?" I replied, maintaining a calm demeanor. To others, it might seem like I was cold and expressionless, but inside, I was elated to hear her call my name.

"Sit beside me," she said, patting the chair next to her. I nodded and took a seat.

As I settled down, Aria-sama flashed me a brilliant smile that almost blinded me. "Aria-sama," I began, and she paused, turning her gaze toward me. "Do you like the Second Prince-sama?"

They still didn't know I had regained some of this body's memories or that I had transmigrated into my favorite manga.

Aria-sama's cheeks flushed bright red. "I don't know what you're talking about..." She turned her head away, clearly embarrassed. It was adorable.

"Where did you hear that?" she asked, her voice slightly defensive but still cute.

I looked directly at her, trying to keep my tone light. "Earlier, when Miss Emily mentioned the Second Prince-sama, your smile was different than usual."

Her cheeks turned an even deeper shade of red, and she looked away, flustered. "Hmm... You might be right, but I didn't expect you to notice such small things," she admitted, glancing back at me.

I watched the flowers swaying in the gentle breeze, my hair flowing along with them as I turned to face Aria-sama again. "Of course! Aria-sama's smile is beautiful, so I always pay attention to it." I offered her a soft smile in return.

For some reason, her face turned even redder, and just as she opened her mouth to respond, Emily returned, pushing a trolley filled with sweets, a teapot, teacups, and the book.

I started to stand up, but Aria-sama stopped me, insisting that we eat and drink together. We gladly accepted her offer, enjoying the pleasant afternoon in the pavilion. It was a lovely and beautiful day.