THE EVORIA KINGDOM IS THE wealthiest domain in the south. Aside from their abundant harvests of crops, the main city is filled with merchants of different crafts and trades. One would think that the nobles living in this territory are as rich as the ducal family. However, despite residing in Evoria’s capital, the House of Evermore struggles to make ends meet. After their territory was seized 10 years ago, due to unforeseen circumstances, the count’s family is now living off of his wage as the royal scribe.

And here I thought I just won the lottery after being reborn as a count’s daughter. I sighed as I looked outside the window, watching the birds chirping in front of my room. I still remember the first time I recalled the memories of my past life. It was the evening of my sixth birthday, and the family celebration we had just finished. My mother was accompanying me back to my room when my clumsy little self inevitably fell down the stairs. And the impact hitting against my tiny body made me unconscious.

Shards of memories flashed through my mind, as if the missing pieces of my life puzzle were slowly being completed. I had a rough life on my previous one where I was diagnosed with a terminal illness, which made me mostly confined in the hospital. And unfortunately enough, I died because of it. Though to my surprise, my soul did not ascend to heaven–or whichever after-life place I was supposed to go. And instead, I was reincarnated in one of the fantasy-romance novels I had read.

This was just like those possession books I’ve also read back then, the only difference was that:

1. I had forgotten the title of the novel, and could only remember the key points of it.

2. And I reincarnated as an extra character who didn’t really appear in the story.

I guess that’s fine since like what I remembered, I don’t really have any significant role in that book. It just so happens that my brother in this life is actually one of the original male leads in the novel.

A small frown formed on my forehead, nose scrunching a little as I focused back on what I was doing. Somehow, the idea of being inside a novel irked me. It gave me half the feeling of being real, and the other half was just the feeling of a bystander watching the story unfold. I don’t hate it, but I really wanted to live a better life for this second chance. And I’d do anything for that to happen.

I tucked the loose strands of my hair behind my ear as my attention fell back on the piece of parchment in front of me. I was in the middle of revising my work when my mind wandered off elsewhere. I really need to finish this by tomorrow. That old geezer only gave me a few days to finish this book, or he’d take back that little contract we agreed on. My hands were starting to feel numb with how much I have written for the past two months. If only there was a computer here–or maybe a typewriter of some sort.

I smoothened the skirt of my blue dress as I got up from my seat. It was already the close of day when I finished the revisions needed. My proud grin was visible on my face as I stretched my arms a little. The compilation of parchment I gathered on my desk that I tied together with a green ribbon was sitting neatly on top of my desk.

“I’ll just wrap them with another packaging before I bring them over to the publisher tomorrow,” I mumbled to myself. As I was securing my manuscript under my desk, I heard a familiar knock on my door. It was a secret knock pattern I taught Amelia, my personal maid.

“My lady, supper is ready.”

She knocked three times in a triangular pattern before opening the door and I greeted her with a smile. “Always right on time, Amelia.”

She smiled back as she approached me closer. I noticed her gaze shifting to my desk. “Did you happen to finish your work, my lady?” She still refers to me with that title despite our family’s current condition.

Well, even if we had no wealth or land to govern under our name, we are still nobles. At least by blood or title–or however it is identified in this kingdom. I shrugged the thought in my head, which I hope she didn’t notice and hastily went out of my room. She followed quite closely behind me after closing the door.

“I did. Would you like to accompany me tomorrow?” I asked, lowering my voice a little. I don’t want anyone to know about this work I was doing. My parents will surely worry about this if they find out. I glanced over my shoulder to see an eager Amelia beaming at me, her smile as wide as the ocean, if that made sense. I’ll take that as a ‘yes’.

This would be the first time she’d be able to tag along with my secret escapades, which probably excites her. I didn’t really want anyone to know of my plans, but knowing how trustworthy she is, I told her about the few things I had in mind to help my family. If I want to make things better for myself, I’d need to help out first.

Regardless of our current status, our family was known for being close with each other. There were only a few noble families who were like this, given the responsibilities that all nobilities have. And for that, I was grateful. I have a pair of loving parents, a sweet twin brother, and an angelic younger cousin.

“Stop taking my potatoes, Aizen,” Beatrice, my younger cousin, whispered beside me.

My half broken smile was still painted on my face as I glanced at my twin brother, who was now making a face at her. How childish.

“Why don’t you take it from me, loser?” Aizen stuck his tongue out, making Beatrice fume in irritation.

Well, have I ever said I have a loving family? I leaned forward, the smile never leaving my face, as I poured my attention to the both of them. “If you two won’t stop, I will tie your wrists together for the rest of this evening.” It was probably the tone I used, or the idea of them being restricted together that made them stop. But whichever it was, I was happy they stopped.

Or else I will really do what I just told them.

“How was your task today, father?” I cut the meat on my plate into a smaller size as I turned my attention to my parents. Father was taking a sip of his wine when I asked him. They were already used to the bickering in front of them, so they didn’t bother telling them off. They know only I could tame those kids. Heavy sigh.

“It was filled with paperwork, but I completed everything. Did my lovely daughter have a good day?”

My father was one of the most respectable nobles in the society since our family was part of the founding nobility. But due to some incident from 10 years ago, everything was taken away from us and only our title remained. If it wasn’t for the Beaumont family, we probably won’t be able to keep my father's position as the royal scribe.

“I did. I took my time resting today, so I might go outside tomorrow to check on some books.” The meat melted in my mouth as I turned to my mother, checking on her expression. She’d always worry about the idea of me going outside with her reason being, “You’re still young to be experiencing the outside world, my dear.”

I can see the disapproval forming on her face so I instantly followed it up with, “Amelia and one of the knights will be accompanying me. And I’ll be home before tea time.”

“Hmm… Then be careful, darling,” was the only thing they could both say.

Supper went by quickly and we were all heading to our rooms to retire for the night. I was so deep in thought that I didn’t realize Aizen and Beatrice were following me back to my room. I stopped in the middle of the hallway, eyebrows knitted together as I turned to face them.

“Is there anything I can help you two with?”

Beatrice’s pout deepened, as well as Aizen’s frown. At this point, I’d mistaken them as twins with how much they resemble each other. The two of them shares the Evermore’s honey yellow eyes and brown hair, while I got my mother’s forest greens.

“Where are you going?” They asked in unison, making me chuckle in amusement. “It’s not funny!” They added, making them both turn at each other. “Stop copying me, idiot!”

I faked a cough to stop them from bickering further before answering. “It’s none of your businesses. So don’t follow me around. Don’t even try anything, or I will be very upset with you two. Got it?” I made it clear how serious this is for me.

They ended up lowering their heads in defeat, so I gave them both head pats. Back when we were kids, they would often follow me around, and I’d take care of them since our parents were both busy taking care of our family. “Don’t worry. I’ll bring something in return for the two of you.”

I think that cheered them up. They even raised their heads at the same time. I watched as they waddled to their respective rooms. I feel like I’m already taking care of my own children because of them. I went back to my room while massaging my shoulder. I’m hoping tomorrow will be a better day for me.

“DID WE BRING EVERYTHING, AMELIA?” I did one last round of checking the contents of the medium-sized pouch we brought with us. I need to make sure everything is packed before we leave the manor. Or today’s appointment will be a waste of time for us, and a waste of opportunity for me.

“We did, my lady. Everything has been packed. We’re ready to go,” she confirmed. Amelia opened the door of the carriage for me and I climbed in first, with her following after me. We’re using an old carriage with rusty metals, but with our remaining servants properly caring for it, it is still usable. One day I’ll purchase more than one new carriage for all of us to use.

“Alright, this is it.” I exhaled softly, looking back at the manor as the carriage door closed beside us. “This day will either break or bend my future.” I held onto the packed manuscript I was holding in my arms as the carriage started moving towards the main district where my future will start to flourish.