"This doesn’t look like a mory."
She pinched her cheek but the pain felt real.
"No, this is real..."
"Did I regress?"
"HOW?"
"How did I get my degree?"
"Is this even possible?This is beyond absurd."
Her breathing quickened. Her hands shook as she stumbled toward the dusty wooden desk, her eyes locking onto the old calendar.
She traced her fingers over the date.
February 13, 789.
Her entire body went cold.
"No... NO!"
This was just prior to destruction.
The day the mansion and Astross turned into a graveyard with people sacrificed and killed.
Ariana was the only one who survived because she had been locked away in the basent.
Her heart pounded in her chest.
"I can’t let everyone die. I don’t care if my parents live or die, but the people here... they shouldn’t have to suffer."
Her jaw tightened.
Her hands clenched into fists.
She wouldn’t let this happen.
Determined, Ariana changed her ragged clothes and marched to the door.
A loud knock startled her.
"How long are you taking?!"
"I’m done."
The maid hesitated for a mont, eyeing Ariana suspiciously.
Sothing about her felt... different.
But before the maid could say anything, Ariana walked past her.
...
Inside the dinning Hall.
The grand dining room reeked of wealth. Gold-trimd walls, elaborate chandeliers, polished silverware.
At the head of the table sat Baron Altros, his golden-haired wife, Hela, sitting beside him.
She smiled sweetly at the Baron, but her eyes held sothing else cruelty.
"My Lord," she cooed, casting a flirtatious glance at him. "You should really teach our dear daughter so manners. She’s already eighteen yet still acts like a child—always late, ssy, improper. Just look at our son, Albert."
Baron Altros glanced at his son, Albert and his expression softened.
But then the sound of footsteps interrupted him.
His face twisted in disgust as his gaze landed on Ariana.
His voice bood laced with poison.
"Useless wench. Look at you—disgraceful. You make your mother worry!"
Ariana’s cold blue eyes snapped toward Hela.
Mother?
That woman had never been her mother.
She had been nothing but a monster.
When Baron Altros was away, Hela turned Ariana into a servant. Forced her to clean, cook, and scrub floors, all while being mocked and humiliated. And when she complained?
Baron Altros, her dear father never believed her.
Ariana silently took her seat.
Hela smirked.
"You should learn how to hold a spoon properly," she said sweetly, "just like your brother—"
She stopped mid-sentence, her eyes widening in shock.
Ariana held her spoon perfectly.Her grip was elegant and proper.
Hela’s face twitched.
"Oh, you’ve been learning well!" She forced a smile.
"Of course, because you taught her well," Baron Altros chuckled.
"Yes... of course," Hela gritted through her teeth.
Then, her lips curled into a sickly sweet smile.
"By the way, dear, I’ve selected a suitor for Ariana."
TANG!
The spoon slipped from Ariana’s fingers, clattering against the plate.
Hela’s expression twisted into fake concern.
"My, my! Where are your manners?"
Ariana ignored her. Her sharp gaze turned to Baron Altros.
"Father, I don’t want to be engaged."
She straightened her back and took a deep breath.
"Also, I need to report sothing important. There—"
"Shut up!"
Baron Altros slamd his fist on the table, rattling the dishes.
"You dare to refuse?! You ugly duckling! Do you think n line up for soone like you?!"
His voice bood across the hall.
"You will do as your mother says! Can’t you see how much she worries for you?!"
Hela let out a dramatic sigh, forcing tears into her eyes.
"I was only thinking of what’s best for you, Ariana... But I see my kindness isn’t appreciated."
She sniffled, dabbing at imaginary tears with her napkin.
Ariana’s fingernails dug into her palm.
She wanted to throw sothing, to scream, to run.
But before she could react, a servant burst into the room.
"My Lord! We have visitors!"
Baron Altros scowled. "I’m busy! Send them away!"
The servant hesitated, his face pale.
"My Lord... we can’t."
Baron Altros asked with a glare."Why not?"
The servant swallowed hard and answered, "It’s the Son of the Grand Duke."
"..."
A deep silence prevailed.
Baron Altros’ face turned white.
"What?!"
......
Baron Altros and Hela stood at the entrance, forcing polite smiles as they greeted the unexpected guest.
The carriage stopped in front of which they spotted a young man with greyish hair and a sharp gaze walking out followed by an old gray bebeardedan.
As soon as Albert’s eyes fall on Kael, jealousy burns in his eyes.
He clenched his fist tightly and scread.
’Why does a trash like him get the privilege to enjoy such honor while I am just a countryside noble who isn’t any better than a villager in a higher circle?’
He felt angry and cursed fate while hiding his inner anhed.
Hela took the lead, bowing slightly, and asked, "What can this humble servant do for you, Young Lord?"
But her voice carried a hint of unease.
Kael smirked, his sharp eyes scanning the couple before settling on the old man beside him.
It should be Baron Altross who should greet him but it seems he wasn’t keen on seeing him as a guest.
"Baron Altros!" he called out, his tone dripping with amusent.
"Are you defying the rules and authority?"
"Of course not...How can I do that?"Baron Altross spoke with a slight nod.
Seeing it, Kael then pointed at the old man and sneered, "Aren’t you going to bow to this great man?"
Baron Altros frowned in confusion and asked angrily "Why should I bow to your servant? Are you trying to humiliate ?"
Kael barely contained his laughter as the old man, Ramos, turned red with rage.
"What the fuck? You don’t know who I am?" Ramos yelled, shaking in fury.
And while the drama began, Ariana who stood behind near the servant gawked ahead at Kael and scread.
’How is this possible? What is he doing here?"
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