It’s been a few weeks since I found myself in a novel—a thing I never expected to happen to me. A woman who loves to read, now trapped in this world. But unfortunately, it had to be in a story I haven’t read. Instead of enjoying myself, I’ve been stressed about what I should do. I didn’t even gather much information because all the maids and staff in this palace are so busy! Since I was too confused by the situation, I didn’t bother finding out why they were so occupied.

In the weeks that passed, no one came near me again, which I was actually grateful for. I just stayed in my room and only went out at night to eat. I don’t know why, but it seems like no one finds my behavior strange. Well, that’s better—less stress for me.

All I did was sleep and eat.

I suddenly smiled at the thought. Back in my world, I never had the luxury to sleep and eat in peace. Somehow, in this world, I feel a sense of freedom, though I’m still stressed about the uncertainties surrounding me.

Never mind, what’s important is that I’m alive, and I need to keep living through the days ahead. That’s what I need to do while I try to figure out what kind of story this is.

I continued staring at the vanity in front of me. I need to accept that I am now Princess Aurelia. I don’t know her personality, how she interacts, or how she behaves. To avoid further stress, I’ve decided to just use my true self and hope nothing changes in the story and no one questions the sudden shift in the princess’s personality.

I can do this.

A sudden knock startled me. I clutched my chest before responding, “Come in.”

As the door opened and then closed, a maid entered. She’s the one who always checks if I’m okay and asks what I need. She seems close to the princess—or at least, I think so.

“Your Highness, it’s time for your bath,” she said softly.

I sighed. I’m used to this now. Used to it—#sarcastic.

She assisted me as we headed to the walk-in closet, where my grand bathroom was located.

“Are you okay, Your Highness?” she asked gently while helping me undress!

This is one thing I almost couldn’t tolerate! Of course, the system here is so new to me. Bathing, undressing, dressing—it was shocking the first time they did this to me. I almost lost it back then. But as much as I dislike it, I’ve forced myself to get used to it. Maybe once I’ve settled in, I’ll tell them I can manage on my own. For now, though, she’s determined not to let me go, treating me with utmost care.

I smiled before answering, promising myself that starting today, I’d fully embrace being Princess Aurelia, with my Autumn-like personality, yes, yes.

“I’m okay, though my system still feels chaotic.”

She gently helped me into the bathtub and began bathing me. Afterward, she styled me and helped me dress. But this time, she chose a more formal outfit for me.

“Uh, where are we going?” I asked. She simply smiled.

“To the garden, Your Highness! You’ve been in your room for days. You need some sunlight.”

I glanced at the mirror to check my reflection. I looked stunning. I never imagined I’d wear such attire or have someone assisting me like this.

On the way to the garden, I noticed servants sneaking glances at me, and when I looked their way, they would immediately bow. I ignored them and almost froze when I saw the garden. It was vast and breathtakingly beautiful!

“Woah.”

We kept walking, though I struggled with the weight of my dress. But as I said, I have to get used to it! After all, I am now Princess Aurelia with a different attitude, hihi.

“The flowers are so beautiful! Where can you buy these?” I bent down and gently poked the petals of one flower.

“Our land is known for its beautiful and rare flowers, Your Highness,” she replied politely—wait, I don’t even know her name.

She probably knows the princess well, so asking might seem odd—just like what happened with the princess’s sibling—well, my sibling now. Yes, I’m fully embracing this identity.

“What’s your name again?” I asked. She seemed surprised and slightly puzzled by my question.

“Ashley, Your Highness.”

Ohhh!

“Like your name, the flower is as beautiful as you.” I said with a sweet smile, which made her blush.

Yes! Success! My pickup line may have been corny, but at least I got her name.

We continued strolling through the garden, and all I felt was peace in my heart. Despite my current struggles and uncertainties, I felt calm. Unlike in my old world, where even though I lived happily, I was always afraid of making mistakes that might anger my stepmother. Sometimes, I’d enjoy myself too much and lose my composure, like that time I called her daughter "sister."

I wiped away the tears that suddenly welled up in my eyes.

I smiled sweetly.

I’m free now, in a different life. I’ll cherish this and make sure I live a life of meaning. I don’t know why I ended up here, but I’ll enjoy this life, value it, and help others as I’ve always done.

From now on, I’ll wholeheartedly accept that I am Princess Aurelia, with an Autumn personality, hihi. I’ll do everything to fulfill my responsibilities. I won’t let myself become a burden.

As for my behavior, I don’t think I need to stress about it—no one seems to find it strange, or at least Ashley doesn’t. Maybe the real Princess Aurelia and I have similar personalities. As for being prim and proper, well, I’ll do my best to act like a princess. I’ll just draw knowledge from the stories I’ve read about royalty and how they think, move, and plan to survive this.

Ashley and I continued walking through the garden. Occasionally, I’d stop to touch the flowers. They’re so beautiful!

It’s a shame I don’t have my phone. There’s so much here that I’d love to take pictures of. My phone’s storage might even get full. It feels like I’m in a live-action old museum.

“Your Highness, are you hungry?”

I was about to answer when I heard a man’s voice.

“My beloved, sister! I missed you! Didn’t you miss me?” Sissy?

I turned to see a man walking toward us. A handsome fellow dressed like a prince.

“Your Highness.” Ashley bowed as the man approached—my sibling, apparently.

He hugged me tightly. I shook my head, chuckling, and hugged him back. This guy is so affectionate—well, I’m not even sure of his age yet, still under investigation, yes, yes.

“I’ve been looking for you. Luckily, the servants pointed me to where you were,” he said as he let go of the hug.

“Ahh… eeh… why?” I asked, puzzled.

“Mother and Father just arrived this morning from an important meeting. You know our routine, we always eat together, right? Lunch is ready, so let’s go!”

I was left gaping at what he said. "Meet the parents" already? Just like that? So soon? Really?!