Lianna, Elise, and Alia gathered around a large table in the study, diving into an enthusiastic discussion about the upcoming ball. The table was covered with an assortment of lists, seating charts, decor sketches, and invitation templates, all freshly delivered by Marcellus's staff.
Lianna spoke with boundless energy. "Livia, the theme for the ball has to be grand and elegant! How about a medieval courtly style? Lots of gold and jewel-toned blues would perfectly match the castle's vibe!" She gestured animatedly as if already envisioning the scene on the night of the ball.
Elise, on the other hand, took a more meticulous approach. She flipped through a handbook on banquet design, selecting a few decorative patterns to show Alia. "These are the most popular motifs in the city. Especially this chandelier design—if paired with the arched windows in the main hall, it would be stunning."
As Alia listened to their suggestions, she jotted down notes and considered everything carefully. Though the process and rules were initially unfamiliar to her, their detailed explanations gradually clarified things. She occasionally offered her own opinions, even suggesting a few innovative ideas that made the other two regard her with newfound respect.
"For the musicians," Alia said, looking up with a determined gaze at Elise, "I think this group of violinists would be perfect for warming up the atmosphere before dinner. Once more guests arrive, we can switch to a livelier band. That way, the mood will build gradually, without starting off too loud."
She pointed to another sketch. "And for the floral arrangements, the roses don't have to be all red. Adding some purple or white would make the overall look softer and more refined."
Lianna stared at her, wide-eyed, before dramatically dropping her pen. "Alia! Even though you've lost your memory, you haven't forgotten a thing about this, have you? We're practically useless!"
Elise laughed and nodded in agreement. "Exactly! You're a born event planner, Livia. Is there anything you even need us for?"
Alia allowed herself a small, satisfied smile. Although she modestly replied, "Not at all, I'm just following your clear explanations," a sense of accomplishment swelled within her. To her surprise, she found this unfamiliar task not only manageable but even enjoyable.
Still, her thoughts drifted as the earlier discussion replayed in her mind. The plans she had laid out—floral designs, theme choices, even guest reception details—had come to her effortlessly, without a moment's hesitation. This newfound ease startled her as much as it intrigued her.
"How is this possible?" she wondered, her gaze falling to her hands. These were not skills she had ever learned. In her previous life, she had been a thief, far removed from the intricate art of planning noble events. Yet now, these complex tasks seemed second nature, as if she had always known how to execute them flawlessly.
She sank into thought. Could it be this body? Elise's earlier mentions of "Livia's" past floated back to her—this body's former owner had been raised as a noblewoman, schooled in etiquette and adept at navigating grand social affairs. Perhaps those memories, skills, and instincts were buried deep within this body, waiting for the right moment to surface.
Alia furrowed her brow, her fingers tapping lightly on the table. She had assumed that reincarnation merely meant swapping one body for another, that this vessel would influence her only in terms of physical attributes like strength or appearance. But now, it seemed this body's memories were subtly seeping into her consciousness, granting her abilities she had never possessed.
Oddly enough, she felt a flicker of gratitude. These instincts saved her from hours of learning and spared her the frustration of blunders in handling these aristocratic responsibilities. But the thought also unsettled her. If this body could "inherit" skills, what else might it be hiding? Could there be memories, emotions, or habits yet to reveal themselves, quietly influencing her actions?
Pushing these thoughts aside, she refocused on the documents and sketches before her. Whatever the origins of these abilities, she resolved to make the most of them. Her priority now was to prepare a flawless ball, one that would solidify her new identity in this world.
As night fell, their discussion came to an end. Lianna stretched with a yawn, clearly tired from the day's work. "What a productive day!" she said with a smile.
Elise chuckled. "Don't celebrate too soon. Tomorrow is the real challenge."
Lianna stuck out her tongue playfully. "Got it! I'll stay in the castle tonight—no point running back and forth."
Alia nodded lightly at this, saying nothing as she watched Lianna head off toward the guest quarters. Elise also left to handle some details, leaving Alia alone in the quiet study.
She turned, letting her gaze sweep across the room. The study felt still, like a slumbering giant guarding its secrets.
"I'll definitely come back here," she thought to herself. "Maybe somewhere in this room lies the entrance to a hidden chamber—or even a clue to the Holy Grail."
At the doorway, she glanced back one last time. The study's silence seemed to hold a promise, an unspoken challenge.
"One day," she murmured, "I'll uncover all the secrets hidden here."