-*The Valmont Estate- In the Lap of Rain*-
For the past two weeks, Nadia Valmont was locked in her room, entangled in a vortex of books and unanswered questions. The once bustling streets of the Valmont Mansion now echoed with silence, as if feeling the absence of their young mistress.
Today the rain fell relentlessly, soaking the grounds of the mansion and covering it in a layer of mist. The scent of wet soil permeated every corner of the mansion.
Nadia stood in front of the mirror, admiring her reflection. Her tired red eyes now reflected a new determination. Despite being immersed in books for several days, she had failed to solve the mystery behind the unusual deaths of soldiers of her father's Shadow Army. But now her intention was clear.
She straightened the shawl on her shoulders and stepped out of the room. The echo of her footsteps broke the silence of the mansion as she headed towards the stairs. The servants were startled to see him, having not seen him for many days. At the foot of the stairs stood his father, the Marquis. There was a slight softness in his fiery green eyes, which became even more evident when he looked at Nadia.
"Welcome, my lady," one of the servants said cheerfully. The rest of the servants whispered.
"Nadia," the Marquis said in a calm but curious voice, "what is the reason for this special presence today?"
"I have decided to visit the Royal Library," Nadia said without hesitation. "I need books that are not available here."
The Marquis looked at her deeply for a few moments and then nodded. His face was deep in thought. "The rain is very heavy today. You must wait until the storm subsides."
Nadia's gaze went to the high windows of the mansion, where the rain was pelting down on the glass in a steady manner. She nodded slightly.
"I will go once the weather clears. But I felt it was important to tell you." A slight smile appeared on her father's lips.
"All right. If you need anything, let me know."
Their conversation was brief, but it had a mutual respect that was beyond words. As Nadia turned and walked back inside the mansion, her resolve grew stronger. The Royal Library held the answers she needed.
-;The Duke Larousse Mansion;-
The Larus mansion was buzzing with life. The dining hall was bustling as the family gathered for their evening meal. The Duke sat at the head of the table, his impressive presence commanding respect. Next to him, Duchess Catherine maintained her usual restrained demeanor. Youngest sister Calantha was talking excitedly about her upcoming Academy entrance, her enthusiasm contagious. Elian and Eirlys were also happy.
"You will excel there, Calantha," the Duchess said with a rare smile. "The Academy is a place for talent, and you have a lot to offer."
Calantha blushed at her mother's praise, but soon turned her attention to her older sister. "Elara, why don't you join the Academy too? It's not too late. You can-"
"No," Elara stopped her, her voice cold and firm. "I have no need for such things."
Silence fell over the room, her words hanging in the air like a storm cloud. Catherine frowned; her gaze sharp. "Elara, your father and I only want what's best for you. You should join the Academy—you've returned after 5 years; you need to know about all this empire"
"I've already learned all I need to survive in this empire," Elara interrupted, her red eyes clashing with her mother's. "Now I need purpose, not lectures."
The duke raised an eyebrow, his voice quiet but authoritative. "And what do you consider that purpose to be?"
Elara leaned back in her chair; her expression unclear. "I will work in the family business for the time being. Starting tomorrow."
The announcement stunned the room. The duke exchanged a glance with Katherine, whose lips tightened into a thin line. "Do as you see fit," the duke finally said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
As the family dispersed, one by one, only Elara and Catherine remained at the table. The tension between them was palpable.
"Elara," Catherine began, breaking the silence. "This isn't like you."
"What isn't like me?" Elara replied, her voice laced with sarcasm. "Taking responsibility? Making my own decisions? Or perhaps disappointing you?"
Catherine's expression darkened, her usual composure gone. "This bitterness—it's not you. You've always been kind, but now… you've turned that into strength to shield, and shut everyone out."
Elara stood abruptly, her chair scraping the floor. "You don't know me," she said, her voice trembling with suppressed emotion. "You never knew about me."
"Elara—"
"No," Elara said, crimson eyes glowing with anger. "You want to lecture me? Save it. You don't know what I've been through."
Catherine's hand twitched, as if she wanted to reach out, but knew it would be futile. "Whatever you're holding, it will destroy you if you let it go. You don't have to carry this alone."
For a moment, Elara's mask cracked. Her mother's words stirred something deep within her - a memory, a pain, a life she could never get back. But she quickly pushed it away, her walls rebuilding themselves in an instant.
"I don't need anyone," she said, her voice hollow. Without saying another word, she turned and walked out of the dining hall, leaving Catherine alone in the dim light.
*Elara's Chamber*
Elara slammed her door shut, her chest heaving as she tried to control the emotions surging inside her. Catherine's words had touched a nerve she had buried deep within.
She walked over to her desk, her eyes falling on a small pendant placed on top of a stack of papers. Her hand trembled as she picked it up, the cold metal pressing against her palm.
"I sometimes wonder if things would have changed if you had spoken up sooner. Maybe Elara wouldn't have been lost, and I wouldn't be living a life that was never meant for me."
This pendant—it was the last tangible piece of her past. Elara Larousse' piece of the past she had not lost.
Elara sat on the edge of her bed, clutching the pendant tightly. "I miss you mom. I wish I could come back to you."
Memories came rushing back like a tide: her mother's laughter, her old memories, the life she had lost when she woke up in this cursed world. Her voice broke as she whispered,
"Mom... what would you say if you saw me now?" Only then did her eyes begin to shed tears, hot and continuous, as she allowed herself to feel the pain she had suppressed for so long.
The thought pierced her heart. She wasn't the real Elara Larousse. a woman from another world, trapped in a body and a life that wasn't hers.
"I'm not her," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I'm Kiara Kim.