I pace around the room, trying to keep my emotions in check. Despite being reincarnated into a new life, death still finds a way to me.
"You really couldn't have reincarnated me into someone better? A main character wouldn't have been too bad!" I remark, though I'm not even sure who I'm speaking to.
I pause and glance towards the tea residing on the bedside table. Hoping it will soothe my nerves, I sit back on the bedding and slowly raise the cup to my mouth. As the warm tea coats my throat, I feel my shoulders slump, and my demeanor relaxes.
"If I'm stuck in this situation, I may as well devise a plan," I sigh, my hands cupping the warm tea cup like a means of support. "Well, I know that my drink will be poisoned, so that's one thing I can avoid."
I recall the ball in the story, attempting to remember the details mentioned in the book.
The ball is supposed to be held during the peak of summer as a celebration for the new royal consort of the king. Unsurprisingly, that person so happens to be the villainess, Emmeline. Hungry for power and gifted with beauty, she worked hard to become favored by the king. The king, notoriously a fool, fell for her looks and questioned nothing more. Though she cannot officially replace the deceased queen, she is treated as one.
One thing that had always confused me was Emmeline's motive for killing Marianna. She already had everything she desired, hadn't she?
I set the thought aside; no matter the motive, Emmeline still kills Marianna. With this information, part of me wishes to skip the ball; however, I suspect that will only raise animosity towards me as Emmeline is held in high regard.
I'm thankful for the excuse to think of something else when the maid who brought my tea arrives with an array of other, unknown people. They all wear identical maid outfits, and several hold different accessories and clothing.
"Thank you for your patience, Lady Marianna." The maid bows similarly to before, and the others follow her lead. "We will now begin preparations for your outing. Your bath has already been drawn; please follow me, my lady." She gestures to a separate door, which I assume leads to the bathroom.
Before I follow, I say, "Alright, and, if I may ask, what is your name?" Since I'll be living here, I may as well know the names of my attendants.
The maid's expression lightens in surprise, yet she answers nonetheless. "You may call me Miss Vickers, my lady."
I try to remember if she appears in the book, though I don't think about it too hard as it's unlikely she does. Marianna must've not been as innocent as it seems, however. The reactions of the staff suggest they fear her or are wary of her, at the least. I sigh with this new piece of information and enter the bathroom.
The bathroom is as luxurious as the room, maybe more luxurious. Every corner is lined with fantastical teal jewels and silver carvings; it looks like art that belongs in a museum. Miss Vickers looks at me in confusion, and I close my gaping mouth. I must remember that they don't know the true Marianna is no longer with them.
As I walk up to the bath, I suddenly recall that maids are often the ones to clean noble ladies. My cheeks flush; although this isn't my body, it's still something I'm not used to. Despite my embarrassment, I allow the maids to wash and dress me without trouble.
As they approach me with a corset, I visibly cringe. I've never worn a corset; however, I've read enough medieval fantasy novels to know they aren't pleasant. One of Miss Vickers' fellow maids wraps the corset around my waist and doesn't hesitate to pull. I have to hold my breath to keep from audibly gasping. Why people choose to endure these, I'll never know.
Once the corset and dress are put on, I glance at myself in the mirror, the same mirror in which I discovered my new reflection. The teal-colored dress has a wonderfully sewn square neck and bodice; the outlines of various flowers decorate the dress skirt. My hair is wrapped in an elegant, yet magnificent, bun with braids encircling it. Two strands of hair on the sides of my face peak out of the bun, falling delicately above my shoulders. I have the urge to feel my face in awe, but it would raise unanswerable questions.
Miss Vickers surveys my final outfit. "You look perfect, Lady Marianna," she says. I can't help but smile, even if I'm not the real Marianna.
It doesn't take long for the staff to prepare my carriage, and suddenly I'm walking out of my room. I take my time to observe the home; it's bigger than I'd ever imagined. Outside my room, there's a large corridor with various rooms branching out. The walls contain intricate azure designs, similar to those in my living quarters. As we walk downstairs, I scan the spiral staircase; it opens up to a large space that leads to the entrance of the mansion.
The staff and I exit the home, and I enter the carriage. It reminds me of the same magical horse carriage in the story "Cinderella." The designs can only be described as glorious.
Though it was never explicitly mentioned in the novel, Marianna's family colors must be blue and silver as almost every surface, including the inside of the carriage, is decorated in some shade of them.
As the carriage begins moving, I take a deep breath. Miss Vickers had mentioned the Ambrose Family would be hosting the tea party. Consequently, that means Lilac Ambrose, the female lead, will be there.
That said, it is time for me to meet the main character of this novel.
~End of Chapter 3~