By the time Vivian had sorted through her swirling thoughts, the maids had already completed their morning routine with an efficiency that could only be described as flawless.
Her bath, massage, and even her attire and jewelry for the day had been handled with such care and precision that it left her speechless. Now, she sat before an ornate gilded mirror, her flamboyant red hair was brushed to perfection, and her attire, a luxurious gown made of soft, flowing fabric, was nothing short of majestic.
Vivian glanced at her reflection, still finding it hard to reconcile her modern perspective with the opulence surrounding her. Her gaze shifted to the maids bustling quietly in the background, adjusting small details in the room.
She felt a pang of guilt for dismissing them so abruptly the night before, a decision born of her discomfort with being waited on so intimately by strangers. Yet now, after experiencing their skillful service, she couldn't deny that their expertise was on a level beyond what even her wealthy upbringing on Earth could offer.
"As expected of a noble family's servants," she thought to herself, admiring the polished result of their work. "The treatment here is truly first-class, far beyond anything money could buy back home."
Vivian had grown up in privilege, accustomed to luxury and the best service money could offer, but even the lavish spa experiences she had enjoyed on Earth paled in comparison to what she had experienced in this new world.
Perhaps it was because of the presence of magic, she mused. That would certainly explain the surreal sense of perfection in every detail.
"Probably because this world has magical properties," she muttered under her breath.
"What did you say, my lady?"
Startled, Vivian turned to see a young woman standing behind her. The woman was dressed elegantly but simply, with the poised demeanor of someone used to high society. Her brown hair was neatly pinned up, and her kind eyes regarded Vivian with both curiosity and concern.
"Oh, it's nothing," Vivian said quickly, inwardly cursing herself for speaking aloud. She had been so caught up in her thoughts that she hadn't even noticed the presence of this woman, Anna, her lady-in-waiting.
Vivian studied Anna more closely. She hadn't had the opportunity to meet her properly the night before, given the chaos she had caused after her sudden arrival in this world. But now, as Anna stood before her, Vivian recognized her immediately as one of the key side characters in The Duke's Passionate Love.
Anna was far more than just a lady-in-waiting to Vivian in the novel. She was a childhood friend and a protective older sister figure, a steadfast presence in the original Vivian's life. The two had grown up together, their bond deepened by shared history and affection.
Anna had been brought into the archduke's household when she was only five years old, a decision made by her mother, who had been both the lady-in-waiting to Vivian's late mother and Vivian's nanny.
Vivian's thoughts turned briefly to the tragic circumstances of her character's birth. Her mother had died shortly after giving birth to her, leaving the archduke, a man of great power and influence with a newborn daughter and six years son to raise alone.
Determined to provide a loving and trustworthy environment for his child, the Duke had entrusted her care to Anna's mother. In turn, Anna had grown up alongside Vivian, serving as her companion and eventual lady-in-waiting.
But Anna was no ordinary servant. Vivian recalled the detailed backstory from the novel. Anna's family, while holding the title of baron, was among the wealthiest and most influential in the empire.
Her father was not only a nobleman but also a highly successful merchant, and her mother was the owner of the largest fashion house in the empire, a woman whose designs dictated the trends of high society.
Together, Anna's parents had built an empire of wealth and power, their influence bolstered by their close ties to the archduke's household.
Anna's lineage was equally impressive. Her maternal family had a long history of knighthood, with generations of honorable knights serving the empire. Even Anna's mother, despite her career in business, was a formidable figure known for her wit and resourcefulness.
Anna's siblings were equally accomplished. Her older brother was training under their father to take over the family business, ensuring that their legacy would continue. Another brother served as a captain in the archduke's army, currently fighting on the front lines alongside the archduke, Vivian's brother, and even the crown prince.
In contrast to Anna's prestigious family, Vivian couldn't help but recall Isla, who was also a baron's daughter and the female protagonist who played a controversial role in the novel.
Isla's family was falling into ruin, drowning in debt and scandal. Yet despite her family's low standing, Isla had managed to catch the attention of the Duke, Vivian's husband, a fact that had infuriated Anna to no end.
Anna had always been fiercely loyal to Vivian, protective to the point of hostility toward anyone she perceived as a threat to her mistress's honor.
In The Duke's Passionate Love, Anna had openly expressed her disdain for both Isla and the Duke, viewing their relationship as a betrayal of Vivian's kindness and gentle nature. She had often clashed with Isla, accusing her of exploiting Vivian's good heart and tarnishing her reputation in high society.
Vivian sighed, recalling the layers of drama that had unfolded in the novel. She glanced at Anna again, this time with a newfound appreciation for the woman's strength and loyalty.
"Anna," she said softly, "thank you for taking care of me all these years."
Anna's expression softened, a flicker of surprise crossing her face before she composed herself. "It's my honor, my lady. You've always been kind to me and my family. I only wish to serve you well."
Vivian smiled faintly, though her heart ached. She had been thrust into this world with little warning, taking over the life of a character who had endured far more than she let on. But perhaps, with Anna by her side, she could navigate this unfamiliar terrain.
For now, though, she had a role to play, and a life to live, one that came with its own set of challenges and expectations. As she rose from her seat, the maids hurried to assist her, and Anna followed closely behind, ever watchful and attentive.
Vivian couldn't help but wonder what twists and turns awaited her in this strange new world. But one thing was certain: she wouldn't face them alone.