Chapter 1 - The World Inside A Novel
“My lady, did you sleep well?” said a girl dressed as a maid.
Hold on, what did she say? lady?
“Wait a minute, what did you call me? Lady? What do you mean?” I asked, confused.
“My goodness, my lady, is your illness getting worse? Of course you are Lady Eleanor Aelis Blanca.” said the girl.
I think I heard wrong, who is Eleanor Aelis Blanca? Why does that name feel familiar? Where am I? What disease? I rub my eyes and look around. What I’m seeing right now is a room with white tall pillars and light pink walls, decorated with gold, just like the ones I see in movies with princes and princesses, instead of my room. What’s going on?
“I seem to have lost my memory, what’s your name?” I asked.
“Oh dear, are you alright? Should I call the family doctor?” she asked, panicking.
She approached me and touched my forehead, checking my condition.
“I’m fine, I think I just lost a bit of my memory. Please keep this a secret. I don’t want my parents to worry.” I said.
The girl took a deep breath then said “Okay, I’ll keep this a secret. I am the maid of my lady, Mia Cortis. If you need anything or feel sick, please let me know, I will do whatever you tell me.”
“Okay, hmm, then can you tell me where this is and what year it is?”
“You are now at Count Blanca’s house, in the southern part of the Kingdom of Kevalon. This year is the 117th year according to the royal calendar.”
This year was 117th year, meaning this empire would collapse in just another year if it went like a novel. No, I have to make sure this story will get the happy ending it deserves.
“Mia, can you get me some paper and a pen?” I asked
“Of course.”
Mia goes to get paper and pen.
After she left, I walked towards the mirror. When I saw the reflection of ‘me’ in the mirror, I was dumbfounded. My skin is pure white, my lips are pink, my eyes are blue and my hair is platinum gold. The only word that can describe this face is perfect. No, this is the exact definition of the word ‘perfect’.
Too bad this woman isn’t the main character. Oh yeah, I seem to remember who Eleanor is. Eleanor is the daughter of Count Blanca who is Alina Catherine Hartbow’s best friend, daughter of Marquess Hartbow who is also one of the victims of Prince Luciano’s ascension to the throne . Wow, she is exactly like the description in the book, it’s a shame she died quickly at the beginning of the story. It’s very lucky that I was able to memorize the introductions of the characters in the book.
Ouch, why is my head suddenly dizzy. I immediately sat down in a chair that happened to be next to the mirror, and everything turned black.
“Hyemi…” called an unknown voice.
Instantly, a very bright white light appeared. After it dimmed, a silhouette of a woman showed up. Slowly she approached me until I was able to see her face. She is the real Eleanor.
“Hyemi, I am Eleanor. I brought you here because my time is up. I’ve died of my illness. I had no other choice but to bring you here. You are the chosen one who will rewrite this story, and create the happy ending it deserves. So live, and write a story according to your wish… But please be careful as danger is coming your way. Until we meet again…”
The white light shone again and my eyes opened.
“What is that… Chosen one? Did I come into this world to replace someone who died? But this wasn’t in the book.”
At that time, Mia knocked on the door, I walked back to the bed and let her in. Mia returned with paper and pen according to my request then gave it to me. As Mia was walking towards the door to give me some privacy, my stomach let out a sound that clearly said I was hungry.
“Mia, can you take my breakfast?” I said shyly.
“Yes, my lady.” she said, trying not to laugh, then came out of the room, which from today will become my room.
After Mia came out, I started to write the storyline of the original novel as far as I could remember. I tried to remember all the events that happened in the novel. If I am the chosen one, there must be a reason. Alright, I’ll take this as an opportunity to rewrite this story.
Mia knocked on the door.
“My lady, what are you writing?” she asked.
“It’s nothing, Mia. Wow, that breakfast looks really good!” I shouted.
“Today’s menu is one of your favorites, fluffy pancakes with strawberry jam and blueberries.”
“It’s delicious!” I said while eating the pancakes.
“Hmm, actually, what disease do I have?” I asked slowly.
“Oh, my lady” she said while holding my hand tightly, “You don’t need to worry, you will definitely get well soon.”
But this is definitely something I should worry about, because it could be that the disease is the cause of why I am able to cross dimensions.
“Oh right, what do you want to do today?”
“Hmm, what should I do… Is mother at home?”
“Yes, Madame is currently in the greenhouse.”
“Okay, I’ll go see my mother after eating.”
I ate as fast as I could then go to see Eleanor’s mother, or you could say ‘my’ mother, since I had possessed this body. Mother was drinking tea while reading a book that seemed to be a book about plants.
“How’s the book, mother?” I asked her.
“Oh, Leah, how wonderful you came here. Has your condition improved?” welcome my mom.
“I want to spend some time with you once in a while, is that okay?” I said, realizing that Eleanor rarely meets her mother, because of her illness. Looks like I have to spend more time with ‘my’ mother.
“Of course you can, my dear child. Sit here.” said mother, patting the chair next to her.
“I also happen to want to ask you something.”
“What is it?”
“You plan to visit Alina tomorrow right? Have you prepared the things you will bring?” she asked.
I thought for a moment, did Eleanor say that before I entered her body? What should I say?
“Yes, if possible, can I go buy a present for Alina today? Certainly before dark.” I asked.
“Of course, but bring one of your maids to accompany you.” mother replied.
“Thank you, mother. I’ll be back home before it gets too dark”