The atmosphere was deathly still in the chamber that should have been cheerful.

Valerianne took a deep breath and broke the stillness with a smile, “Long time no see, brother”

Xavier von Feyrer. The famous young Duke of Feyrer. Adorning the remarkable features of the Feyrer household, Xavier is one of the most well-respected people in the kingdom despite being a half-blood.

‘It’s a pity.’ Valerianne lamented, ‘Maybe he doesn’t have to die this time. I can change things, can't I? Since there are so many anomalies already keeping him alive won't have an effect'

Coming to a decision she turned towards the butler and said, “you too, Benjamin.” The old man smiled gently as a reply to her heartfelt words.

And finally, she addressed the person who was the key to everything, “And I hope you have been well, Maria.”

Maria’s eyes teared up, and she choked as she spoke, “We missed you, Young Lady.”

Valerianne scoffed inwardly, ‘How ridiculous. She should join the opera, her acting skills will be well appreciated there.’

Maria was a servant who has been in the mansion since the time of Valerianne’s grandfather. She is well respected in the mansion as she is the nanny of both Xavier and Valerianne. But little did they know, behind this gentle mask, lies a woman more venomous than a snake.

In her younger days, she had attempted to climb the bed of the Late Duke, although she was unsuccessful, she managed to hide this attempt well and built a reputation among the servants, trying to gain a foothold in the duchy. She had even dared to soil the Late Duchess’ reputation when she wedded to the duchy. She is a greedy woman who wants to be an aristocrat.

In the future, she would sell the secrets of the Duchy for the measly title of a Baroness. Hatred burned Valerianne’s heart as she recalled Maria’s sins. This woman was cheap enough to kill the child she raised for promised riches.

‘Why is she wearing the head maid's uniform?’ ‘Wait, hasn't the head maid’s position been empty before?’

‘How peculiar. A Duchy without a Head Maid.’

Valerianne shook off her thoughts, ‘Now is not the time to think of this.’ She turned her gaze back to Maria.

‘People must face the consequences of their actions. I’m sure she had a hand in my parents’ death. I will not forgive her. Don’t blame me, Maria, you shouldn’t be alive. You should have died three years ago.’

Valerianne’s face morphed into a smile. It seemed as if she was truly happy at that moment.

“Greetings, Your Grace,” Ella’s salute brought Valerianne back to the present.

“How is Rianne now?” Xavier questioned.

Valerianne’s nose soured. She buried her surging memories and feelings that came with the mention of her nickname. She turned towards Ella, waiting for her reply.

Stolen novel; please report.

“Young Lady is merely weak. Doctor Eringh has said that he will prepare a potion that will heal her. Until then the lady is recommended to rest,” Ella reported the situation.

Xavier opened his mouth to say something but he was interrupted by a knock. A young man with glasses rushed inside. He whispered something into Xavier’s ears. Xavier’s expression stiffened.

“I have to deal with something now. Rest dear sister, I will speak with you later.” He said and promptly left the room, with the young man in tow.

“We will leave as well, Young Lady,” said Benjamin, signalling something to Maria. Valerianne turned her gaze towards Maria, she captured the unwillingness in Maria’s eyes.

‘Huh, how interesting,’

“Yes, Benjamin, I will rest now,” replied Valerianne. She turned towards Ella and tilted her head towards the door.

Ella understood the implication, “I will see you both out now,” she said, and rushed both of them outside.

As soon as they were gone she turned to Valerianne, “milady if you need me I am just a bell away. if something happens do not hesitate to ring it.” She bowed and left the room, shutting the door and leaving Valerianne alone with her thoughts.

Valerianne laid down and sighed. She would deal with Maria later. Right now she needed to process what was going on. This life is nothing like the other lives. There were so many anomalies.

Soon, Valerianne fell asleep, unaware of the little bird that just flew out, that had been watching the whole thing unfold.

≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫

Valerianne woke up with a start. She sat up on the bed. Her body wasn't strained as before. She felt healthy. She looked around the room and just as she expected, there were no missing items. The lack of pink lace in the room decor relieved her. The gloomy interior decor of her chamber in the Flayrion Estate, for the first time, brought her joy instead of loneliness.

She reached out under her pillow and pulled out a sharp dagger. Valerianne let out a sigh of relief. Everything was as it should be.

'I knew it. That must've been a dream. There's no way I would be in a coma after that incident. I only gained this useless power. It shouldn't have caused that much damage. I'm an Arcana anyway.'

Arcana. The species that should have been extinct. If only the mythical Roani Tribe didn't survive. Arcanas have mana-filled veins in their body, making them sensitive to mana and the unique aura of mages. They were nicknamed the 'Magic Hounds' for their incredible ability to detect mana. As a Mage-Arcana hybrid, Valerianne had an extraordinary ability to absorb various kinds of mana without bursting. With an endless supply of mana from her Arcana half, Valerianne was comparable to the High Mages of the Draío Tower.

Sometimes Valerianne hated herself for being an Arcana. If she wasn't an Arcana she wouldn't have absorbed the power forcefully given to her so easily and wouldn't be in this state. She could have lived a normal life.

'But some things aren't meant to be as you wish them to be' Valerianne sighed again, but this time due to grief. She rang the bell and soon Ella came in.

She bowed and questioned, "Yes, milady?" Valerianne got out of the bed and said, "Dress me. I wish to see the Duchess,"

Ella bowed and brought the other maids. They then began to dress Valerianne.

Valerianne went into a daze as she thought over her dream. Or was it? A dream?

She shook off her thoughts. And then looked at the mirror. The chamber was silent except for the rustling noises made by the clothes.

Valerianne gazed at the mirror. At her pale blue eyes which without fail reminded her of the source of her nightmares. The reason for her pain.

'It was a gift, he said.' Valerianne inwardly scoffed.

The maids retreated with their backs bent as soon as they were done, breaking Valerianne from her daze.

She left the chamber with Ella in tow, heading straight to the Salieon Chamber, where the Duchess resided.