Chapter 3: Memories

Ella didn't want to go, so she purposely slowed her footsteps. Eventually, she realized there was no avoiding it. It was better to endure the discomfort now than face worse consequences later. In the original novel, Ella had started taking lessons in preparation for her future role as the empress. When she was chosen to marry the crown prince, her lessons intensified.

But the current Ella was unaware of this.

She had no clue what her teachers would think when their student couldn't recall any of their teachings.

Today's teacher, Viscount Jersone, who taught Duffespe Empire history, was particularly strict. Luciella always found him challenging. If she had a few days before her lesson with him, Ella would have tried to review basic knowledge. Unfortunately, time was not on her side.

Ella arrived at the study location, mustering her resolve after clenching her sweaty fist. Smila, who accompanied her, knocked on the door, and it opened to reveal a room filled with books. An elderly gentleman, his face deeply lined like a withered tree, awaited her.

"You're five minutes late, my lady. I feared you might try to escape your lessons again."

Ella was about to offer an apology but then had a thought that might help her out of her predicament. She sighed.

Why didn't I think of this earlier?

Her expression made Viscount Jersone uneasy. Though she was beautiful and graceful, even compared to noble daughters, she often surprised him with her unexpected whimsy. There was a reason the entire Constance family kept a close eye on her. It was hard to predict what she might do if left unchecked. Although her silly moments were evident to others, her true intentions remained a mystery.

Jersone pushed aside these thoughts and guided Ella to her seat.

"Have you completed your homework, my lady?"

Ella was genuinely startled, covering her mouth in shock as she exclaimed, "Oh, my!" It was a gesture and expression she had never used before, yet it came naturally to her now. Softly smiling at Jersone, she did so intentionally this time.

"I'm truly sorry, my lord. I intended to transcribe 'The History of Duffespe Empire' by the Great Rillow the Wise, just as you instructed. However, the book proved so captivating that I forgot to take notes as I read. Nevertheless, I've retained everything from the text, so there's no need for me to copy it anymore."

Though none of this came from Ella's original memories, the words flowed flawlessly from her. As she spoke, new memories began to form in her mind. She had indeed read the entire history book of the Duffespe Empire and committed its contents to memory. The captivating tales of heroes and the empire's foundation raced through her thoughts. The viscount, accustomed to similar excuses, calmly questioned her.

"If that's the case, do you recall where King Lucas planted the Holy Tree?"

"In the Dorlan Mountains, naturally. I found it fascinating that the tree's fruits were reserved exclusively for His Highness, the emperor. The drought that ensued when the tree failed to bear fruit was also intriguing. Have you ever beheld the Holy Tree, my lord?"

The viscount saw no need for further interrogation. For the first time since Ella entered the room, a kind smile graced his face.

"Unfortunately, no. The tree isn't meant for someone like me. But perhaps, you'll have the opportunity to see it in the near future," Jersone remarked.

Ella knew precisely what Viscount Jersone meant. When someone formally becomes the crown princess, they undergo baptism by the Holy Tree. It was one of the most beautiful moments described in the novel. Thinking about that future moment filled Ella's heart with anticipation. Jersone smiled softly at Ella. The troublemaking protégé he was teaching, even in his retirement, was someone deserving of love from all.

Indeed, Ella was far more endearing than his own granddaughter.

Finally relenting on punishment, the viscount replaced it with a thick book on the empire's modern history, authored by someone Ella despised. Her expression instantly soured, her emerald eyes darkening as she looked up at Jersone pleadingly.

Ignoring her, Jersone opened the book, thinking, This should serve as a suitable punishment for the young lady.

Contrary to his expectations, Ella became engrossed in the stories. This book covered details not found in Rillow's work, and with Jersone's explanations, the contents came to life. It even ignited Ella's patriotism toward the empire.

Jersone was taken aback by her change in attitude but still ordered her to transcribe portions of the book before their next lesson.

"Lady, if you wish to avoid copying the book again, you must memorize its entire contents," Jersone stated firmly.

Ella felt on the verge of tears at his resolute declaration. While the book was intriguing, there was something about it she wouldn't dare tackle without Jersone's guidance.

Luciella's memory served her well; it was Jersone's lectures that truly captivated her, not the books themselves. Even as she left the room, her gaze lingered on the thick tome in Smila's hands.

Then, a charming young man approached Ella.

The man had faint purple hair reminiscent of Duke Constance and teal eyes that mirrored both the duke and the duchess. Waiting with arms wide open, he immediately caught Ella's attention.

Act. 2 Wristlet Corsage and Boutonniere of Destiny

"Brother!"

Ella's smile brightened as she recognized Evan for the first time in a while and rushed into his embrace. Ranhee had never seen him before today, but Luciella hadn't seen him in over a month. Once again, her body moved ahead of her thoughts. Evan lifted Ella into the air, spun her around, and then embraced her. Her warm welcome delighted him, but he couldn't help noticing that Ella had lost some weight since their last meeting, which worried him greatly.

"My sister, I know it's a once-in-a-lifetime party, but are you taking it too far? My heart breaks seeing how much weight you've lost in just a month," Evan said, concern evident in his expression.

Evan's lovingly concerned look urged her to abandon her weight loss efforts and the corset. Instead, Ella longed to indulge in a hearty feast with her brother. But that wasn't an option.

"Oh, brother. It's been three years since I last saw him! I want to look my best. The other girls from the capital are on much stricter diets than I am. I only recently started watching what I eat. The world of women is far more complicated than you think," Ella explained.

Evan chuckled at Ella's lecture on womanhood, treating her as though she were a grown woman. It felt like just yesterday that Ella was a young girl following him around everywhere. He was proud to see how she had grown. Yet, part of him didn't want to witness Ella growing up and leaving the household.

Suddenly, Evan's expression changed, and Ella felt as though the world had turned upside down.

"Ah! Brother!"

Evan locked Ella's head with his arm, catching her off guard. Ella never expected such an attack from Evan at that moment, and she screamed inwardly.

This man is insane! A 24-year-old shouldn't be doing this to his 16-year-old sister! thought Ella, though her words remained trapped in her mind.

All she could do was attempt to break free from his grip while simultaneously pleading with him to stop. What had started as a warm greeting from her brother was quickly devolving into a wrestling match.

As Ella struggled to escape Evan's firm hold, Smila hastily placed the thick book from her arms onto the floor and dashed away.

There was only one person who could intervene in this situation.

Ella scanned the surroundings for help, but all the household staff had vanished the moment the commotion began. While such scenes were rare in an ordinary noble house, they were commonplace in the Constance household. The best course of action was usually to flee and not bear witness, but this was a nightmare for Ella.

"You're still too young to be trying to act like a grown-up. Come back when you're older."

"In three months, I'll be a formal lady!"

"And that still doesn't make you a grown-up."

"Just give me one more year then!"

"Don't you think one year is quite a long time?"

Evan laughed as Ella countered every word he uttered. The suddenly matured and argumentative lady finally resembled his sister. Yet, his satisfied smile had to retreat as a new voice interrupted.

"My goodness, young master! Young lady! What on earth is going on with you two?" shouted Maylin as she rushed over to them.

Evan flinched as Maylin scolded them and promptly released Ella, pretending as if nothing had happened. Maylin had cared for Evan until Ella's birth, so he always showed obedience towards her. Ella slumped down, freed from her brother's grip, and panted heavily.

Normally, she wouldn't have surrendered so easily, but her month-long diet had left her with little energy to fight back. Now, Ella faced a dilemma. Unsure whether to continue losing weight or to build up her energy to defend herself from potential dangers.

When Ella had read about this scene in the novel, she had assumed Luciella and Evan were close, but experiencing it firsthand felt more like a threat.

I'll definitely get payback! Ella vowed silently, understanding why Luciella had promised revenge in the book. Ella... you endured all of this. I'm proud that you were still a perfect lady despite having a brother like him.

To discover that such a perfect lady had a painful backstory was heart-wrenching. It was a time of suffering and pain that couldn't be read without shedding tears. Ella resolved to seek revenge for Luciella's sake, though she felt powerless in the moment.

Perhaps I should start eating again?

Maylin entered with a furious expression, shielding Ella behind her. Instinctively, Ella clutched Maylin's arm, tears brimming in her eyes. Maylin's fury only intensified at the sight.