Eleanor didn't remember how dinner ended.
The moment her parents told her that Alger Gwendolyn was coming home, everything else faded into a blur. The clinking of silverware, the warm glow of candlelight, and even her father's deep voice discussing something about Alger's return. It all passed by as if she were detached from reality.
By the time she lay in bed that night, exhaustion pulled at her, but her mind refused to settle.
Alger Gwendolyn.
Born with a frail body but a brilliant mind, he was a true testament to the Gwendolyn legacy, which emphasized intellect in diplomacy and military strategy over brute strength.
From a young age, Alger displayed exceptional talent. He entered the academy early and graduated ahead of his peers, impressing everyone with his sharp intellect. During his time there, he caught the attention of a future young captain of the second imperial military knights, which led to an invitation to join the military forces.
Initially, Alger hesitated. Despite his sharp mind, he felt uncomfortable with the idea of wielding a sword and engaging in physical combat. He preferred the world of ideas and strategy over the harsh realities of war. However, after some time, he accepted the invitation, understanding that he could use his skills to protect the empire in a meaningful way.
Eventually, he rose to the position of vice-captain of the second imperial military division. In this role, he could remain predominantly in his office, managing paperwork and devising strategies instead of standing guard on the battlefield. This suited him perfectly, allowing him to contribute significantly without compromising his nature. Alger was currently stationed at the southern forest border near Kaldar Gate, an area known for its unrest and potential danger.
She had been so focused on Duke Emmeline, Cecillia, and her own survival that she had nearly forgotten-Eleanor Gwendolyn had siblings. Two older brothers.
Not that it mattered much. They hadn't been at the Gwendolyn estate for over a week, and according to the original plot of [World For Her], neither was supposed to return to the capital. Both had jobs keeping them elsewhere and in the novel, they only came back upon hearing that Eleanor had been unexpectedly chosen for the Crown Princess Selection.
So why was one of them returning now? Why was the original plot starting to change?
Eleanor stared at her trembling palms before letting out a bitter laugh.
Ah, that's right.
The real Eleanor had foolishly fallen from a horse at the academy, suffered a fatal accident, and died, leaving her to wake up in this body and live as Eleanor Gwendolyn.
She wasn't supposed to be here. It was only the middle of spring; she should still be at the academy. But instead, here she was, already back in the imperial capital, gravely injured and confined to the Gwendolyn estate.
It was her presence that was slowly shifting the course of events.
Eleanor pressed a hand against her heavily bandaged temple.
Was this a good change?
Or was she only leading herself further into Eleanor's inevitable, miserable fate?
As her thoughts tangled in uncertainty, sleep finally claimed her.
***
She dreamed.
But it was not a nightmare, as she had expected after the day's chaos. Instead, she found herself in a space filled with light, warm, and familiar.
A figure stood before her.
No face, no distinct features, only a silhouette of light. Yet Eleanor recognized him immediately.
"...!"
Her younger brother.
The one she had lost in her original world.
Her breath hitched, and before she could think, she ran to him, wrapping her arms around his glowing form. He was taller now-when had that happened?-but he still felt the same.
"Where have you been?" Her voice wavered, a mix of joy, longing, and disbelief. "Why are you only appearing now?"
Her brother didn't answer. He only chuckled, his laughter warm and teasing, as if amused by the trouble she was going through.
Eleanor pulled back, frowning. "This isn't funny! Do you know how hard it's been? I'm stuck in your novel! You wrote this world, didn't you? Then fix it! Take me home! No. Let's go back together!"
The light flickered, but he didn't respond.
"Why are you so quiet? Let's go back to our world! Where are you now? I will see you soon once I have recovered from Eleanor's injury—!"
Suddenly his voice came, faint and distant.
A few words she couldn't fully grasp.
"...???"
Then.
"Wake up, sis. Come back soon."
Before Eleanor could demand an explanation, the dream shattered like glass.
...
Eleanor's eyes fluttered open.
The familiar ceiling of her bedroom greeted her, bathed in the soft morning light.
For a moment, she simply lay there, staring up at the ornate carvings above. The lingering warmth of the dream made her chest ache in a way she couldn't describe.
It had felt so real.
But also ... not real.
She reached up, fingers brushing against the thick bandage still wrapped around her head. Yet-she felt different.
The constant, dull ache that had accompanied her since waking in Eleanor's body was almost gone. The crushing weight of her injuries, the pain that had made even the smallest movements unbearable, had faded.
She sat up slowly.
No sharp sting. No overwhelming dizziness.
Her fingers curled into the blanket.
Is this body finally healing?
Before she could dwell on the strange dream or her sudden improvement, a loud noise from outside shattered the morning's stillness.
Eleanor's head turned toward the closed window.
Even though she was on the third floor, the commotion was loud enough to reach her room.
A mix of voices, the clatter of something heavy being moved, and the distinct sound of horses.
Curious, Eleanor pushed the blankets aside and, for the first time since her injury, got out of bed without assistance.
She hesitated for a moment, half-expecting pain to shoot through her body. But when nothing happened, she carefully made her way toward the large window.
Reaching out, she pulled back the long, bright blue curtains-though the movement was still slightly awkward with her limited strength.
"...!"
The morning sunlight flooded in, momentarily blinding her. She squinted, blinking rapidly as her vision adjusted.
Then, her gaze dropped to the mansion's front yard.
A crowd of male servants gathered around a large carriage, bustling as they unloaded goods. Crates, luggage, and various items were being moved into the mansion. The organized chaos was unmistakable.
A returning noble's belongings.
Eleanor's eyes swept over the scene before settling on a particular figure standing amidst the workers.
A tall young man with striking red hair.
His arms were crossed as he watched the workers, his posture relaxed but commanding. His sharp blue eyes observed everything with a firm, calculating gaze.
"..."
Eleanor stilled.
She had seen that face before.
Not in person, but in one of the grand paintings that hung in the main hall of the Gwendolyn estate.
Alger Gwendolyn.
Her second older brother.
The realization sent a strange feeling through her.
Would his return change anything?
Would it help her? Or make things worse?
She tried to recall something about him, but the novel had always focused more on Cecillia and the Crown Prince. Alger's existence had been nothing more than a background detail, a name mentioned in passing.
Eleanor's thoughts were cut short when, down below, Alger suddenly turned.
As if sensing her gaze, his sharp blue eyes lifted toward the mansion.
Straight to her closed window.
Eleanor didn't move.
For a moment, neither of them did.
From this distance, he wouldn't be able to see her expression clearly, but the way his gaze lingered made it clear, that he had noticed her.
Her messy ginger hair was made even wilder by the bandages. The loose nightgown she hadn't bothered to change out of. The girl standing by the closed window, watching him in silence.
Eleanor didn't know what he was thinking.
But she knew one thing for certain.
Alger Gwendolyn had arrived.