As I sat up in bed, a sense of confusion washed over me. I still felt a little groggy from the experience of waking up in this strange body. Our healer, Edith, had just informed me that some of my memories might be temporarily lost, which was her way of putting a comforting spin on my situation because I don't know what excuse might I give because I know nothing in this life. "Don't worry, my lady," she said with an encouraging pat on my shoulder. "It’s quite common for those who have experienced such a… unique situation." Unique? I thought, knowing full well that I had crash-landed into a medieval fantasy world after a lab explosion. But hey, whatever works, right? So, I nodded in agreement, hoping this charade would keep me out of too much trouble.

Edith had mentioned something about summoning my father for assistance with my condition. The idea of meeting Duke Aldric Valen was both thrilling and terrifying. With shaky hands, I smoothed down the layers of my dress, a lovely, albeit cumbersome, gown that felt like it weighed a ton. How on earth did noblewomen wear these without collapsing? I took a deep breath and braced myself for the encounter.

I approached the grand study, the polished wooden doors looming before me like a gateway to another world. As I pushed them open, the scent of rich mahogany enveloped me. Inside, I found Duke Aldric, a tall and imposing figure, standing behind a massive desk cluttered with scrolls and parchments. He looked every bit the dignified nobleman, exuding an air of authority that made me gulp. I felt like a mouse about to greet a lion.

"Liana,” he said, his voice deep and commanding. I felt an urge to respond with some profound statement, like “It’s an honor to meet you again, father!” but instead, I just smiled awkwardly and managed a half-hearted nod. Great first impression, I thought.

Duke Aldric studied me for a moment, his brow furrowed as if he were trying to unravel the mystery of my existence. He finally stepped around the desk and extended a hand. "I heard from our healer that you've lost your memories. Is that true?" Father asked, concern etched on his face.

"Apparently, yes, Father," I replied softly.

"Is that so? Oh, my dear," he said, his voice trembling. "After what happened to you, we thought we had lost you. We’ve missed you so much."

Oh, fantastic! The whole family missed me. If only I had known which family it was before my little trip through the multiverse. “Thank you, Father,” I replied, trying to sound as noble as possible. The words felt strange on my tongue, but it seemed to do the trick. He smiled, albeit with a hint of concern lingering in his eyes.

Just then, I was introduced to my mother, Duchess Marian. She entered the room with an elegance that made my heart race. Dressed in a beautifully tailored gown, her dark hair piled perfectly atop her head, she was the epitome of regal grace. Yet, there was something intimidating about her smile that made me feel like a child again.

“My daughter, Liana,” she said, her voice smooth yet authoritative. “I’m so glad to see you well. So regarding to your situation, you must be wondering about your duties as a noblewoman.” Duties? What duties? That fast? My mind raced as I struggled to catch up with her whirlwind of conversation.

She went on about her own childhood and the responsibilities of noblewomen, discussing etiquette, social engagements, and the importance of upholding the family’s reputation. All I could think was, “What have I gotten myself into?” Each word felt like another layer of complexity heaped onto my already confusing existence.

Once my parents were finished with their introductions, they began outlining the etiquette I was expected to follow. Apparently, I would need to learn the intricacies of court manners, from how to properly greet a countess to the acceptable way of sipping tea. I jotted down some notes in my mind, trying to absorb all the information while suppressing the panic bubbling inside me.

“Remember, Liana,” Duchess Marian said, her gaze sharp, “as a Valen, you must always present yourself with dignity and poise.” Dignity? Poise? I mentally added them to my checklist of “Things to Learn ASAP.”

After a brief discussion about upcoming social obligations, they led me on a tour of the household. This was when I realized my new life as Lady Valen might be a little more challenging than I anticipated. We had our breakfast together after that. Father mentioned that Sara will give me a tour in our castle, thinking it might help my so-called amnesia.

After breakfast, Elara continued to guide me through the castle. She explained the layout and the significance of each grand room, sharing details of the family’s heritage, and the importance of maintaining dignity and grace.

As she spoke, we passed a large portrait of a regal-looking woman, whom I assumed must be Lady Isolde, my mother. In the portrait, she exuded elegance and poise, with a proud expression that hinted at her high expectations.

“Your mother manages the duchy’s affairs with great skill,” Elara explained as we continued down the hallway. “She is well respected, not just for her lineage but for her ability to uphold the family’s honor.”

I nodded, though the weight of those expectations settled heavily on my shoulders. As a chemical engineer, I’d only had to worry about my work and my reputation in the lab. Here, I was expected to be a model of grace and nobility, a representative of the Valen family. It felt stifling. Well, it’s different, since I didn’t have any family in my past life, so I suppose it makes sense. I’ll just see where this life takes me.

---

Our tour eventually took us to the kitchen, where Elara introduced me to various members of the staff. I met the cook, a large man with a jovial laugh and an apron that bore evidence of many meals. He grinned as he shook my hand, his hand warm but… sticky?

I resisted the urge to pull away and offered him a polite smile, but inside, I was cringing. The kitchen itself wasn’t what I’d call clean, and I could see faint smudges on the counters and traces of food left in places that made me uneasy. Don’t think about it, I told myself, though it took every ounce of self-control to keep quiet.

But as we left the kitchen, I couldn’t help the growing urge to change things. I was seeing firsthand just how bad the sanitation was here, and it bothered me on a level I couldn’t ignore. Still, I had to tread carefully. This wasn’t my world, and if I made changes too quickly, I risked alienating everyone around me.

After the tour, I found myself in my room, staring at the ornate decor that felt both beautiful and suffocating. I flopped onto the plush bed, buried my face in the pillows, and tried to process everything. I thought about my parents and their expectations, the unkempt state of the castle, and the powerful desire bubbling up within me to make a difference.

What did it mean to be a noblewoman? I could feel the weight of that question hanging over me like a heavy cloak. I knew I had the potential to improve the lives of those around me, to create a legacy beyond mere titles and wealth.

In that moment of quiet contemplation, I vowed to myself that I would not only learn the ins and outs of being Lady Valen but also leverage my knowledge to bring about real change. I would address the hygiene issues plaguing this castle and its inhabitants.

Fueled by determination, I began brainstorming my next steps. Perhaps I could create a cleaning schedule, or maybe a proper pantry inventory? A smile crept onto my face as I envisioned introducing basic hygiene practices that would leave everyone wondering how they had lived without them.