A week had passed since Eleanor found herself trapped in this world, inhabiting the body of a noble girl bound to a tragic fate.
During that time, she had done little more than eat and rest within the confines of Gwendolyn's residence. Occasionally, the Marquess and Marchioness kept her company when their schedules allowed, but beyond that, her world remained limited to her chamber.
Under their strict supervision, every movement was restricted, her recovery taking precedence over all else. Even her nights had been guarded carefully after the chaos she caused by sneaking out.
She couldn't even argue about the tight security.
It was her own fault for getting caught wandering alone in the garden in the middle of the night.
Eleanor didn't want to recall how anxious and hysterical the Marchioness had been, utterly distraught when Tina couldn't find her in her chambers. The sheer worry in her mother's eyes that night was something she would rather forget.
Until the ridiculous bandage was finally removed from her head, Eleanor resolved to behave.
Now, she sat on her balcony, letting the cool afternoon breeze brush against her face as she watched the sun dip lower into the horizon. The sunset here was different from her original world, its colors more vivid, as if painting the sky with a fantasy-like brilliance.
It was one of the few things Eleanor found herself enjoying.
Behind her, Tina stood quietly, understanding her lady's newfound habit of sitting in silence at this hour. Without a word, she draped a shawl over Eleanor's shoulders and stepped back, allowing her to enjoy the view.
Eleanor sighed, closing her eyes for a moment.
This feels almost like a vacation.
But the moment the thought crossed her mind, she cursed herself.
This so-called "vacation" was nothing more than a slow march toward doomed destiny.
It would be great if she entered the novel as an ordinary character, so she could enjoy it like a regular vacation without worrying about the original plot.
Unfortunately, she not only had to figure out how to escape the miserable fate of the character she was inhabiting, but she also needed to search for her younger brother.
Tina's voice broke the stillness.
"Lady Eleanor," she said softly. "The sunset is truly beautiful today."
Eleanor hummed in agreement, not looking away.
"It reminds me of your hair," Tina continued.
"..!" Eleanor stiffened.
She turned slightly, staring at Tina in surprise. Compliments were foreign to her. In her original world, no one had ever commented on her appearance—not in a way that felt sincere, at least.
Tina seemed to realize what she had said too late. She quickly lowered her head. "I-I apologize, my lady. I did not mean to offend—"
"Thank you," Eleanor interrupted, her voice quieter than she intended.
Tina blinked, lifting her gaze. Eleanor looked away, feeling a bit awkward but unwilling to take back her words.
The moment was broken when movement at the grand gate caught Eleanor's attention.
A fine carriage had just arrived, its crest unfamiliar yet strangely familiar at the same time.
She frowned. "Tina, are my parents expecting guests?"
Tina followed her gaze before nodding. "Yes, my lady. Gwendolyn's residence has been receiving guests all week. Many nobles have come to visit—some genuinely concerned, others seeking favor by pretending to be worried."
Eleanor scoffed lightly. "Of course. There are always those types."
Tina hesitated before continuing, "That is why the Marquess and Marchioness have been busy. They have been dealing with those nobles while also ensuring no one disturbs your recovery."
Eleanor nodded, silently noting how much effort her supposed parents had put into protecting her from unnecessary stress.
Her attention returned to the carriage, this time focusing on the crest more closely. A golden shield, an upright iron sword gleaming in the center, framed elegantly by golden laurel leaves.
She inhaled sharply.
I know that symbol.
The realization came from deep within her borrowed memories, fragmented yet unmistakable. It belonged to House Emmeline.
Eleanor's chest tightened.
The heroine's family.
She turned to Tina, her voice betraying her urgency. "Who is visiting?"
Tina looked surprised at the question but answered, "Duke Kenneth Emmeline."
Eleanor's heartbeat quickened.
The heroine's father is here?
"… Is Cecillia with him?" she asked, unable to stop herself.
Tina brightened. "Lady Eleanor still remembers your friend?" she said, pleased. "No, Lady Cecillia did not come this time."
Eleanor relaxed slightly—only to tense again when another thought struck her. "This time?"
Tina nodded. "Yes, my lady. Lady Cecillia came to visit before, but the Marquess and Marchioness decided not to tell you. They did not want you to be disturbed while recovering."
Eleanor was stunned.
So the heroine was already here?
After a week of resting, doing nothing but eating and sleeping, she had unknowingly dodged an encounter with the novel's protagonist.
She let out a slow breath. That was one disaster avoided.
But now, there was another problem—the Duke.
Eleanor pressed her lips together before speaking. "Tina, go ask my parents if I should go greet the Duke."
Tina blinked. "You wish to meet him?"
Eleanor hesitated.
No. Not at all.
But Duke Emmeline was not just any noble. He was an influential figure, the father of the heroine, and someone she couldn't afford to offend.
She schooled her expression into something neutral. "It would be impolite to ignore his presence, considering who he is."
Tina curtsied. "I understand, my lady. I will return shortly."
As the maid hurried inside, Eleanor clenched her hands together in her lap.
The original Eleanor's memories of Duke Emmeline were blurry, but one thing was clear—he was an intelligent man. If anyone could sense something different about her, it was him.
She exhaled, trying to calm the unease growing in her chest.
I just have to be careful. Act like the real Eleanor. As long as I don't draw suspicion, everything will be fine.
Or so she hoped.
***
Tina stood before the Marquess and Marchioness, delivering her message. Across from them, Duke Kenneth Emmeline sat in an armchair, his posture relaxed but his sharp violet eyes betraying his keen observation.
After hearing Tina's request, the Marquess and Marchioness immediately shook their heads.
"There's no need for Eleanor to exert herself," the Marchioness said firmly. "She is still recovering."
"Yes," the Marquess agreed. "We cannot allow her to be troubled."
The Gwendolyn couple exchanged glances before subtly turning their eyes toward the handsome man in his late 30s as if to confirm whether the Duke himself cared about Eleanor's absence. Yet, the Duke remained silent, merely listening to their conversation without showing the slightest hint of interest.
But before Tina could bow and retreat with their decision, Duke Emmeline spoke.
"Yes, there is no need for her to come," he said, his voice calm yet commanding. "Instead, I will visit her chamber myself."
The couple looked at him in surprise.
The Duke leaned back slightly, a small smile playing on his lips. "My daughter is very worried about her friend. It is only natural that I check on her condition in her place."
He seemed to have said that intentionally, a subtle reminder of their actions the previous day when they had forbidden his daughter from visiting Eleanor.
The Marquess and Marchioness hesitated, but they could not refuse him.
"... Very well," the Marquess finally conceded. "We shall have someone escort you."
Duke Emmeline nodded. "There is no need for formalities. I only wish to see how the young Lady Eleanor's condition is."
Tina, standing quietly, tried not to reveal any reaction, but internally, she knew this would surprise her lady.
After all, Eleanor had asked if she should greet the Duke.
She never expected the Duke to come to her instead.