As soon as I opened my eyes, the beauty of the garden caught my eye.
As a gentle breeze whispered through the garden, the flowers began to sway gently, moving with a lovely grace. Among them, bright red roses danced with passion, while pretty pink tulips swirled in their own beautiful way. In this calm and quiet place, surrounded by nature's soothing song, I felt at peace, my heart warmed by the gentle embrace of tranquility.
In the midst of this serene setting, a thought came into mind.
"Why am I here?"
I laughed as I had that thought. I may be a fan of this genre but it is definitely not possible for me to be in a world inside a novel.
As I pondered, a group of people passed by, I saw them wearing clothes meant for servants. I then glanced down at my own clothing.
"A gown? A nice gown at that. So, I'm not a servant?" I chuckled at the realization.
One of the servants caught my eye, smirking before heading their way. This is definitely similar to what I've read in those novels and manhwas before.
A surge of adrenaline coursed through me. Could I truly be in another world, akin to the stories I cherished?
Though it may sound ridiculous, I couldn't help but entertain the possibility. This situation feels like a dream come true. The idea of being reincarnated after being hit by an overspeeding vehicle may seem like a silly fantasy, but here I am, living it.
However, I needed confirmation. Was this reality or a mere illusion, a prank, or perhaps a film set?
Quietly, I explored my surroundings, marveling at the towering walls of what seemed to be a palace. Its grandeur left me in awe, with its luxurious appearance shining almost as bright as the sun itself. The walls stood tall and formidable, emanating an aura of elegance and strength.
Stepping into such a magnificent place filled me with joy. The high ceiling and dazzling chandeliers adorned with shimmering crystals left me breathless.
I started to wonder while I am roaming around. Was I connected to this splendid place in some way? Was I a princess or a noble? Perhaps, I am the daughter of this place's owner?
Lost in my thoughts, I encountered a young servant and approached her. I wanted to know who I am. Having the thought that I can possibly be the daughter of the owner of this place,
"Bring me to my room," I commanded the servant.
She nodded, her large brown eyes are so adorable just like her.
"Y-yes, My Lady," she replied humbly.
While walking, I realized I haven't even seen my reflection yet. In the stories I've read, characters always looked in the mirror upon waking in an unfamiliar place.
"I almost forgot to see how I look," I muttered to myself.
We halted in front of a room. She then turned her whole body to me.
Oh! This must be my room.
Excitement got over me. I held the knob of the door and opened it with high expectations.
A small room is what greeted me. A tiny room with dust and dirt everywhere. I would say that the bed looks tidy but overall, this place is such a mess.
"Hand me a mirror," I commanded the young servant once again.
She complied.
"Thank you. You can now leave my room," I said as the young servant bowed her head before quietly exiting.
"Oh, and before you go, may I ask your name?" I inquired.
"Luna is my name, My Lady," she replied humbly before departing.
I sat on my bed and slowly looked in the mirror that I am holding. Nervousness is what I am feeling this entire time but I muster up my courage to look at my face.
Upon looking at my face, I got so shocked!
Is this an angel? Really? Look how pretty I am! Light-tanned skin with a hair so long that is a dark as the night. Having long eyelashes that adds up to the charm and beauty of these beautiful brown eyes.
I am so beautiful! They might treat me poorly but at least I look so gorgeous.This face is simply breathtaking! It's like a masterpiece of elegance and grace. Absolutely stunning!
But I look young. Just like a 12-year-old kid.
If I truly was reincarnated into another world, what was my purpose here? Were there any guides or missions to help me navigate this new reality?
Suddenly, an envelope appeared before me, containing a message revealing my identity as Louise Illicia De Luca, the villainess of the novel "Roxana, the Healer." This may seem like a kind of a joke but it makes me happy.
"I gladly accept the role of a villainess!" I exclaimed, and started jumping around.
But I still need to learn more information about this place to know where to start.
Before I could start planning, a series of loud knocks interrupted my thoughts.
"I'll enter now," announced a voice from outside the door.
Without waiting for a response, the servant who had earlier smirked at me barged in, delivering a message.
"The count is looking for you. Head to the master right now, Lady! You better not make the master wait," she said sternly before slamming the door shut.
The servant who had entered my room uninvited seemed to have a certain disdain for me. Was it because of my status or something else?
I realized my position in this manor. With no other choice but to obey, I composed myself and ventured outside to find a servant to guide me.
Spotting a middle-aged servant, I approached and requested to be taken to the count's room. He obliged, leading me to a massive door.
As we arrived, I gathered my courage and knocked thrice, hoping to catch the count's attention.
"Father, I am here. May I enter?" I asked. My voice was trembling due to my nervousness.
"You may," the count replied.
With a deep breath, I opened the door and stepped inside, marvelling at the elegance of the room.
The decorations exuded sophistication, and a wide, tall window provided a breathtaking view. The count is seating on his chair with his table that has a lot of documents. His demeanor is commanding yet composed.
"Father, you called for me. May I know why?" I asked, trying to maintain my composure amidst the thrill of the moment.
As we stood face to face, the count's gaze bore into mine, his expression stern and unwavering.
"You are now 12," he began, his voice cold and clipped. "It is time for you to join the Academy."
His words hung heavy in the air, with no warmth at all. They carried a sense of obligation, as if it were a duty rather than an opportunity.
"But remember," he continued, his tone firm, "you shouldn't bring shame to this house. I don't expect anything from you. Just never bring shame to our name."
His words struck me like a cold gust of wind, chilling me to the bone. Gone was any sense of excitement or anticipation, replaced only by the weight of his expectations.
Yet, despite his stern demeanor, my mind buzzed with questions. Would there be swordsmen and magicians at the Academy? The mere thought filled me with a sense of wonder and curiosity, igniting a spark of excitement within me.
"I understand, Father," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. Though his words stung, I knew better than to defy him.
As I gazed out of the window in the count's room, my thoughts drifted back to the garden. Its vibrant colors and delicate fragrances seemed like a distant memory compared to the stern atmosphere of the manor. Yet, amidst the grandeur of the count's chambers, a sense of curiosity and excitement lingered within me.
"Father, may I ask about the Academy?" I inquired, hoping to glean some insight into the world that awaited me.
The count looked at me with his eyes that have seems so uninterested. "The Academy is a necessary step," he replied curtly. "You will receive an education befitting your status, whether you desire it or not."
His words sent a shiver down my spine, a reminder of the expectations placed upon me as the daughter of a noble house.
"Will there be other students at the Academy?" I asked, eager to learn more about the world beyond the manor walls.
The count's gaze hardened, a silent warning to tread carefully. "There will be those who seek to use you for their own gain," he warned. "Be wary of alliances forged in deceit and treachery."
His words reminding me of the dangers that lurked in the shadows of the noble court. Yet, despite his warnings, I couldn't suppress the thrill of anticipation for the adventures that awaited me.
"Father, if you'll excuse me, I must begin my preparations for the academy," I requested.
"Certainly," the count replied coldly.
"Thank you, Father," I responded. Despite his lack of enthusiasm, I couldn't contain my excitement for the journey ahead. This opportunity was beyond anything I'd imagined, like stepping into the pages of my favorite stories.
As I exited the count's chambers, a rush of excitement coursed through my veins. The Academy represented a new beginning, a chance to carve my own path in a world filled with possibilities.
I set out to prepare for the challenges that lay ahead. From mastering the art of deception to honing my skills in manipulation, I was ready to embrace the role of a villainess with determination.
With a heart full of anticipation, I whispered to myself, "Academy, here I come!"