Irelina wore a simple-elegant lilac off-shoulder sleeve dress with appliques made in tulle fabric. Noticing the black marks on her legs, she remembered; just like what she told me in the wormhole, a death poison spell caused this. I can’t believe that someone crazy does this to her. She flapped her skirt, I can’t believe I’m wearing an expensive dress. How much does it cost? 

She mumbled while waiting for Ella to bring the regent and the doctor into the Drawing Room.  

She walked in circles in the Drawing room connected to her bedroom. 

Now that I think about it, I don’t see any mirrors in this room. She looked at the unfamiliar surroundings and expensive jars of antiques reflected in her eyes. Strangely, I can't see the contour of my reflection in the window. Eh…hang on… She felt a sudden cold creep in her spine. If I remove the veil and look into the mirror, will I turn into a stone like those old movies I’ve watched in Gaia? She cringed. Grrr, that gave me a creep. Never mind…Let’s focus and find clues about who did this to the real Irelina, I mean me. 

She crossed her arms, tapping her right foot on the floor, and waiting for them to arrive. 

Feeling melancholic, she glanced at the opened window as the soft cream curtain rustled, and pieces of leaves flew from a distance. She thought of her dead body and Colleen. She wondered if someone had found their decomposing bodies and what was happening in the Fallon Organization after retrieving the silver case. But looking at the medieval atmosphere around her is now her new life and new beginnings. 

If there’s one thing I’ve regretted all my life? It could be...that me and Colleen had never got the chance to live a peaceful life. And if ever there will come a day that I’ll be reborn again, I hope that I’ll live as an ordinary person—not living behind the shadows. 

The true Irelina sacrificed herself for Iris to live, and Iris should protect it no matter what to live. She held her chest, closed her eyes, and felt its beating heart. 

Badump, badump, badump 

With the gentle murmur of her heart, she slowly opened her eyes, I will live as Irelina Mercius from this day until I die. I will do whatever it takes to survive and be part of this world. Her unwavering look, when—

The door creaked and opened. 

Regent Robina and Medicius were surprised to see her standing. Irelina gracefully tilted her head towards them. She grinned behind her black veil and mumbled, “I’m back with a new me. This time, I’ll be the one to turn the tables around in this palace.” 

The regent hastily strolled towards her and clasped her hands, feeling as if she was real. 

“Irelina! Is that you?! When did you wake up?” said Regent Robina.

"Ah, Eh…" Irelina was amazed to see a real regent. Woah, is this for real? A regent standing in front of me and holding my hands. Her touches were soft, and she looked beautiful despite her age. 

“Irelina,” Medicius called her attention. 

“Oh! Medicine, it’s good to see you, again.” Irelina smiled, feeling overwhelmed by how they looked in their fancy clothes.

Medicine??? Medicius was dazed, Did she hurt her head somewhere? 

They settled on the couch and Ella served tea. They still can’t believe that Irelina is alive. Irelina sipped from the teacup with a bitter expression, this tea tasted like grass, blegh. Touching her upper lip with the tip of her tongue.

“You haven’t answered us. When did you wake up?” Medicius asked. 

"Yesterday. I told Ella not to tell you because I still felt nauseous after a long sleep." Irelina said.

“But how are you feeling?” The regent tone was concerned. 

“Oh... don’t worry, Regent Robina, I feel much better after the long rest. I felt like I was reborn.” Irelina smiled. 

“Then I have to inform His Majesty that you woke up,” he said. 

“No!” She jolted from her seat.

They were surprised by her tone of voice and sudden change of behavior.

“Please keep this a secret for now. I don’t want anyone to know that I woke up.” Irelina added.

“But why?” The regent wondered. 

“It would be harder for me to find the culprit if we informed everyone that I woke up. That person will try to kill me again. Honestly, I don’t even know why that person tried to kill me,” 

“You’re right,” the regent agreed, and Medicius pondered. Irelina was right. She never leaves the regent’s palace. She came to the palace just a month ago and someone vicious had used dark magic against her. For whatever reason, I find it odd.

“But what about your coming of age?” The regent asked politely. 

Irelina was clueless. “Huh? My coming of age?” She had forgotten about it and— Shit!!! I didn’t realize I would turn 18 on the same natal day as the emperor. How did I even forget such important details? She bit her lower lip.

Scratching her cheek, she admitted, "Oh, yeah, I must have forgotten.” Her reaction was awkward. 

"Well, it’s going to be three weeks from now,” said the regent.

What!!! She was astounded. 

Irelina acted so shamelessly, that she, herself, is ashamed of her awkward situation. 

“Oh, I’m sorry, it’s just—” she thought again. I don’t even know what they do in this era. She sighed, Whatever—I’ll just go with the flow and observe the situation. I might find something. She said, “It’s just that I am not prepared. You know—” feeling embarrassed.

The regent and Medicius looked at each other. They understood her current state. It wasn't easy for Irelina to grasp the changes after being poisoned.

“Oh dear, you don’t need to force yourself if you’re uncomfortable to attend.” Regent Robina's tone was sad because she had prepared something for Irelina.

Irelina touched her chin. Hmmm…this could be an opportunity for me to find the culprit. Right! And I will get to see the emperor and his dummies of concubines. I should get my act together. I am a remarkable assassin in Gaia. She felt determined. 

“I’ll attend,” said Irelina.

“Are you sure? Just like the regent said, you don’t need—” Medicius said.

“I’ll be fine. All I have to do is show my face to the people, accept the acknowledgement, and leave. Right?” Irelina smiled behind her veil.

Suddenly, Irelina’s veil flew gently by the soft wind. Medicius briefly saw her face. Her innocent smile and siren-golden eyes mesmerized him. In that fleeting moment, his heart raced. I finally got to see her endearing beauty—like the goddess of the night could ever be. 

He cleared his throat.

“But isn’t it lying to His Majesty if we don’t tell him right now?” He said.

“I won't call it lying if you tell him that my condition is stable and I will wake up soon. He will not bother to ask for more details since everyone will be busy with the celebration. It will give me time to prepare until His Majesty's special day. Don’t you think it’s a great excuse?” Irelina said. 

The regent and Medicius looked at each other, again.

The regent sighed. "Fine. We'll agree to what you want." She said. 

"Great. Then it's settled." Irelina added, “I’ll see you at the party then,” She smiled. 

After they left the room, Irelina felt relieved that she had persuaded them.

“Wow, Lady Irelina. I can’t believe you persuaded them without worry.” Ella said.

“Well, that's a piece of cake,” Irelina said as she stood.

Huh? Ella didn’t understand what she meant by her word.

I can't wait to see their reaction when they see me alive. Isn't it going to be fun? Irelina thought as she grinned mischievously. 

***

It was a lovely afternoon, Regent Robina and Medicius's footsteps softly echoed in the palace hallway as they walked in silence but Medicius seemed bothered by what Irelina said.

“Do you think it’s a great idea not to tell His Majesty about her?” He asked.

“It’s not a great idea, but I believe there’s a reason she didn’t want His Majesty to know.” The regent said. 

“And what is that?”

“Didn’t you understand what she meant earlier?” 

Medicius was a little confused, and the regent continued. “She wants to find the culprit herself.” 

Medicius was in disbelief, and she added, “So, let’s just play the role until then.”

The regent thought, I never thought that such a reticent young lady like her would be this clever. A simple idea that can affect everyone. I look forward to seeing what she will do at the party. She smiled.

A few days later… 

Irelina had fully recovered from the dark poison spell. And that night, she was looking for something in her wardrobe while her thoughts wandered amidst the cruelty that had happened to her. She was optimistic about what was around her surroundings and kept talking in her boring world. 

“Now that I'm better, I need to set a plan before the party. But first things first, I need to strengthen this body's stamina.” She mumbled, talking to herself. “No wonder I easily get tired, even with this figure. Does she even eat well? How many carbs and proteins does she eat daily? Geez, this body needs proper exercise, agility, and endurance.” She kept mumbling.

“I miss running in the oval court. Would there be a secluded place that I could run in this place? But If I want to do that, I have to sneak out during the wee hours, but I can’t do that without my sportswear.” She sighed and pouted. Oh well, let’s do it some other time. 

She was surprised because she could not find comfortable clothing to wear for her indoor physical exercises. The only garments she found were black stockings, dirty white satin shorts, nightdresses, and long dresses. 

“Of course, this is not Gaia. " She paused and muttered, "Should I request them to make combat training apparel for me? That might be a good idea.” She added, “Let’s stick with these garments, for now. I can cut this night dress into a crop top. Hmmm, I guess this would work.” She murmured, pulling out the garments she found. 

A few moments later— “Why is there no goddamn sports bra in this world?! I need to safeguard my boobies!” She exclaimed. She ransacked the other wardrobe and found a cotton bandage, this would work as an improvised bra like a bust bandage. She smirked.

Irelina started cutting the cotton black stocking from the ankle to make it into tights. She also cut the nightdress in half as a crop top. It looked hideous in her eyes but there’s nothing she can do about it. After improvising her sportswear, she hid it back in the wardrobe. 

She knew she only had less than three weeks to prepare for the upcoming party.