Was it because the novel was the last thing she had read before being murdered by a random intruder? Or was this all her reverie amidst her journey to the afterlife? What about comatose? Was she somehow saved, brought to the hospital and fell into a deep sleep, unable to wake up and finally ended up in a whole new fantasy?

There was no satiable, logical explanation that she could come up with. It was either she had gone crazy or she had gone crazy.

She cupped her cheeks with her palms—her fingers felt cold against her warm skin. It didn’t seem like she was in a dream either. She could perceive all five senses perfectly.

‘Did you say I am… Luna?’ she spoke, staring at her blanketed feet.

The man beside her nodded. There was a glint of hope, expecting that she remembered anything. ‘You were attacked by bandits, and haven’t woken up in weeks,’ he said.

Bandits. Luna. Magician.

She frowned as she tried piecing puzzles together. Didn’t the novel say the magician was beheaded after losing her magic through a bandit attack?

Beheaded? She shivered, vividly recalling the agony of death she went through just before she woke up. Heaving a sigh, she turned to face the red-haired man sitting beside her, maintaining a calm demeanour. ‘Am I going to be killed?’ she asked bluntly.

He stiffened in place.

Welp, she remarked in her mind. I guess I am going to die again.

‘I won’t let him do anything to you,’ he said, noticing her forlorn expression.

‘Sure you won’t…’ she replied, unconvinced. ‘Who are you anyway? I don’t remember your description anywhere.’

He paused, looking more disappointed than sad. ‘Elias.’

Who?? She didn’t remember anyone named Elias from the novel.

‘I felt your magic mana dissipating once during the two weeks you were unconscious,’ said Elias. ‘Are you aware of it?’

‘How do I check if I still have it?’ she asked.

He opened his mouth to retort, but a harsh series of knocks came on the door, startling the girl. ‘The emperor has requested for the magician!’ a muffled voice called out.

Elias wrapped his fingers around her wrist, giving it a slight squeeze. He was nervous.

Luna, huh… Even in a fantasy, she would have to live on. She dropped her head back onto the pillow and pulled the blanket over her face. ‘The magician is on her annual leave, she wishes not to be disturbed!’ she yelled back.

***

“His Love for the Lady” was a web novel she picked up on a random night after finishing yet another wholesome masterpiece. It appeared in her Recommended list, but surprisingly did not have any reviews yet. She was drawn to the simplicity of the plot and the characters’ relationship development and began reading. 

The story was set in a universe where Alshain was a country located in the middle of four surrounding countries: Vega (North), Carinae (East), Achernar (South), and Sirius (West) and the novel unfolds the love story between Leonhardt de Crest, Crown Prince from Alshain, and Sophie Lancaster, a noble lady. 

Leonhardt was an admirable person and was extremely skilled in archery and swordsmanship. Just like any other protagonists. On the other hand, Sophie was a delicate lady, dreaming of freeing the shackles of a noble’s responsibility. She was an ambitious woman. 

The two met during a party hosted by the palace. Leonhardt conveniently saved her from the flirting attempts of a prince invited from the South. Their relationship progressed and they fell in love.

As most stories have it, the villain was an emperor from the West who got involved in a misunderstanding with the Crown Prince and waged a war against Alshain. Sirius was a larger country, backed by magicians and they seemed to have the upper hand. But Leonhardt believed he could win through the capabilities of his brain.

The war lasted years, and Alshain suffered great losses. In the midst of it, Lucilius found out about Leonhardt’s lover, Sophie, and decided to kidnap her for trophy. Leonhardt somehow persevered and turned the tables. He rescued Sophie and captured Lucilius before executing him in public. The story ended peacefully; villain dead, lovers reunited, country saved.

But what could be the reason for her transmigration into this universe?