When Anna opened her eyes, she found herself in an unfamiliar room. A soft voice called her:
???: "My lady, are you awake?"
Confused, Anna blinked.
Anna: "Y-you may come in…"
A maid entered the room, bowing respectfully.
Maid: "My lady, shall I help you get ready for today?"
Anna gave a hesitant nod. As the maid began grooming her, Anna caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her breath hitched.
Anna (in thought): Who is this? Black, shiny long hair… emerald eyes? This isn't me!
The maid dressed her in a stunning light purple gown, delicately embroidered with floral patterns, and placed flower clips in her hair. Anna slowly made her way downstairs, her steps cautious and unsure.
---
Scene: The Royal Palace
The grand hallway sparkled with chandeliers. Golden pillars, velvet curtains, and marble floors framed the palace in majestic luxury. At the bottom of the stairs stood a tall, regal man in royal attire.
He turned with a bright smile.
His Highness: "Ah! My lovely daughter, Ellen! You look absolutely beautiful today!"
He hugged her warmly. For a moment, she felt a comfort she had never known before.
Ellen (in thought): Wait... Ellen? That name sounds familiar...
Ellen (aloud): "Father, what's our family title?"
His Highness (concerned): "What? Why do you ask? Are you feeling unwell, my child?"
Ellen: "No, I'm fine. I just... wanted to hear my full name from you."
His Highness (laughing warmly): "Oh, my sweet daughter loves me so much! Alright then—You are Princess Elliana de Marquess."
Ellen (in thought, panicking): Marquess?! That's the title of the male lead in that novel I read! And Elliana? That's his sister—wait, I'm the male protagonist's sister??!
His Highness: "My dear? Are you okay?"
Ellen (snapping out of it): "Haha, yes, Father. By the way... where's Brother?"
His Highness: "Oh, he's gone to visit Luciana."
Ellen (internally): Luciana—the female lead! So they've already met...
---
Later in her room...
Ellen (pacing nervously): "In the novel, Ellen was just a side character… she and her father were killed so the villain could manipulate Erick—the brother. Am I going to die?! No, I have to change the story to survive! God must've given me a second chance—I've isekai'd into my favorite novel!"
She tried hard to recall the villain's name.
Ellen: "Damian… Later, he becomes known as Deymon—the male lead's best friend who turns evil. I have to stop Damian from becoming the villain!"
Determined, she ran to her father.
Ellen: "Father! I want to visit the Duke's palace!"
His Highness (startled): "Whoa, whoa, relax! I'll ask Edrick to take you there."
Ellen: "Thank you, Fatherrrr!"
---
That Night
Ellen lay in bed, strategizing.
Ellen (in thought): I need to meet Damian early and change his fate...
---
The Next Morning
As she came down for breakfast, she saw Edrick—the male lead—and was taken aback.
Ellen (in thought): Whoa… as expected of the male protagonist. He's ridiculously handsome…
Edrick (smirking): "What are you staring at? Ready to go or what?"
Ellen (startled): "Huh?! N-nothing! Let's go!"
---
Scene: Journey to the Duke's Mansion
The royal carriage glided through a scenic path lined with flowering trees and clean cobblestone roads. Birds chirped as sunlight filtered through the tall trees.
The Duke's mansion loomed ahead—massive, elegant, and gothic. Its black stone exterior was both intimidating and mesmerizing, with silver gargoyle statues guarding its grand entrance.
---
Arrival
Servants lined up at the gates, bowing deeply.
Head Maid: "Welcome, Crown Prince and Princess. We have awaited your arrival."
Edrick: "Is Damian home?"
Head Maid: "My apologies, Your Highness. The young master stepped out earlier."
Edrick (sighing): "Hah. As expected of that brat…"
Ellen couldn't help but giggle.
---
Afternoon: The Garden
The flower garden was a paradise—roses, tulips, lilies, and wisteria vines danced in the breeze. Ellen walked along the stone path, humming.
Ellen: "What a perfect day to sing…"
After checking her surroundings, she began singing softly:
Ellen:
"How can we… rewrite the stars?
Say you were meant to be mine…
Nothing could keep us apart…
'Cause you're the one I was meant to find…"
???: "Nice voice."
Startled, Ellen gasped and spun around.
Ellen: "W-who's there?!"
A man stood before her—taller than Edrick, with snow-white, wolf-cut hair and piercing blood-red eyes. He wore an elegant noble outfit and had an aura more intense than any character she had seen.
Ellen (nervous): "W-who are you?"
???: (teasing) "Seriously? Did you forget me? That's rude."
Ellen (laughing nervously): "O-of course not! Haha… who might you be again?"
She carefully studied him, her mind racing. Then, realization struck her.
Ellen: "B-by any chance... are you Damian?"
Damian (smirking): "Took you long enough."
---
To be continued…
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