Chapter 5 - Chapter 5

•●Aria Williams' POV●•

Reading while sipping tea is one of my favorite habits. As I immersed myself in a book, I suddenly remembered that I had something to ask Hayden, my childhood friend and personal butler.

Hayden has always been quiet and cold-looking, but she's kind. We used to play together often with Prince Lucas (the second prince), Princess Laurey (the third princess), Emily, and my younger sister Anya, who is two years younger than us.

I still recall the times we tried to make her laugh or smile, but she always remained expressionless, responding with short answers. Nonetheless, she was fun to be around.

"Emily," I called to her as she stood by my side, waiting for my orders. "Yes, miss?" she replied. I placed the book I was reading on the table. "Could you please find Hayden? She's usually never late and always arrives early. I have something to ask her." Emily nodded. "Of course, miss."

Emily bowed before leaving the room. I sighed and gazed out the window at the sky.

I missed the days when we were all kids, carefree and happy. We used to play house, with me as the mother, Lucas as the father, Emily as the oldest daughter, Anya as the youngest daughter, and Laurey wanting to be Hayden's wife, even though Hayden is also a girl. Hayden always refused, claiming she just wanted to be a tree. I chuckled at the memory of those fun times.

Three hours passed since I had asked Emily to find Hayden. Growing bored, I sat on my bed and looked outside the window.

While I was lost in thought, I didn't notice the door open. "Miss, Hayden is here," Emily announced. I stood up and turned to face them.

Hayden entered, her cold, expressionless eyes fixed on me. "Oh," I blinked, feeling a mix of anger and worry at how long it took for Emily to return with her.

"Hayden, where have you been? I've been looking for you since morning," I said, frowning slightly. She didn't respond, merely looking at me with her usual coldness.

"Hayden?" Why isn't she responding?

Emily suddenly bowed her head. "Miss, I found Hayden earlier lying under a tree, unconscious. When she woke up, she seemed to forget about me. We went to see Mister Oliver to check on her, but he said it looks like she has amnesia."

I was shocked to hear this. I quickly walked over to Hayden and held her shoulders. Being taller than me, I had to look up at her. "Hey, Hayden, are you hurt anywhere? Do you still need to rest?"

"Mm..." Hayden nodded, and I was still reeling from the news.

"Worry not, miss; I am okay..." Hayden's cold, expressionless eyes looked away. It felt strange to hear her call me "miss" since she usually refers to me as "Williams-sama."

I sighed with relief and released her shoulders, smiling. "That's a relief."

Hayden's eyes darted away as she nodded. I noticed her ears were slightly red; she looked embarrassed. It was my first time seeing her like this, and I found it amusing and cute. I giggled. "Even though you have amnesia, your responses haven't changed a bit. I'm glad."

It had been a month since Hayden's amnesia. I heard she had resumed her training every morning. Although she lacks magic, she is incredibly strong and excels in swordsmanship.

One morning, I decided to sneak out of the mansion to buy the latest volume of my favorite book. I wanted to go myself because my father would insist I order one of our servants to buy it for me. I heard that the author himself would be signing copies for those who purchased the book that day!

I wore a simple yet beautiful dress and a cape with a hood.

At the bookstore, I waited in a long line. Luckily, I arrived early, so I didn't have to wait too long. I even got the author's signature!

Happily, I walked home, enjoying the early morning when there weren't many people around.

As I strolled, three large men suddenly blocked my path. I tried to turn back, but another man stood behind me.

One of them laughed, "Miss, it's so early in the morning, and you're all alone, huh?" I noticed they were all holding knives.

"Hand over your money so you won't get hurt," another man threatened, while the one behind me leered, "Hey, don't scare the young lady too much~" He licked his lips and added, "Say, miss, you're so beautiful. How about playing with me for a bit, hm?~"

"WAHAHAHA!" The four of them laughed, and I felt panic rise within me. I could use a little magic, but I didn't know any attack spells, and fighting four large men was daunting.

I wished I hadn't sneaked out today. Please, someone save me!