"Shoot, I forgot Ares."

Ett only realized this when she entered her chamber. Although it could be delayed, that would be another terrorizing day for that poor soul. It's been months already!

Ett pulled the tassel hanging beside her headboard, an exclusive way to call Akan. Soon enough, he came.

"Your Ladyship?"

"Was Ares also in the Baquet Hall?"

"Hm?"

It was the man who attended, with the Count always being on his side, saying he was his trusted aide.

"Ah, yes. Don't worry, Your Ladyship, the moment you want him under your protection, I've already sent some of my men to assist Sire Maclurrey in his difficult times. Today's banquet was a perfect chance to take him."

"Where is he now?"

Ett: So that's his full name? Ares Maclurrey.

"He is currently staying in one of our hidden townhouses. The Count must have thought he went early and must have followed him. Tomorrow morning, just as you've ordered. Those ladies participating in such plays will be called in another hall."

Ett nodded, "Very well."

Truly her capable aid. Et

"Good, then I'll see you tomorrow."

"Yes, Your Ladyship, have a good night's sleep."

As the door closed, Ett turned to walk to her bed.

"At night, I should stop thinking."

"I'm no longer on the graveyard shift."

Sometimes, her brain would work at night like she used to do before. That's not good.

Yawn.

Ett raised her tiny hands, observing her porcelain fingers as fragile as her tofu body.

"I can't even polish my nails and have a nailtech design them to my liking."

Six months flashed by like that.

Most of the time, spending her time lying down. The story had progressed this far with some that stayed in the plot line while some that were moved forward and we're never know or maybe it would be revealed in the future.

This was a novel that all the characters she knew existed except for 'Ett.'

A boring monotonous life. Let's add how much she squeezes her brain cells to understand Ett.

If she was given a second chance to live, what would she do? Indeed, 'she' won't be here. But not all people are provided with second chances.

"I don't need it either."

She just wants to live quietly, have a passive income, have her own time, sleep and never worry about money.

"…"

Her life is somewhat similar to her dream, but not at all!

The difference is obvious it cannot be said. Her mind just went auto-update when she became Ett.

In regards to her mental state, it's in it's worst state. When she can't think of any ideas anymore, her brain automatically shuts down, or she overthinks to the point a visual splattering of the brain can be seen.

"I can't sleep."

It's one of these nights again. She tossed and turn, counting alpacas in her head.

"No use. Still no use."

There's no coffee to make her fall asleep. Only tea.

She needs something to read. Something boring and uninteresting.

"I'm done."

Ett decided to head to the Library and pick some random books to read. With the cover of the night, few lamps were lighted. The hallway was as cold and lonely as she passed by. Reminding her of animes and movies she had watched that were set in medieval times. Oh those good days.

Creak.

Finally she's at the Library. But...erm.

Somehow, she felt like she was being watched.

"…"

Paranoid. She's paranoid again. In typical cases, people would think of ghosts, yet here she is, considering some person oversees her veiled in the shadows.

"Greetings, Empress Dowager."

Ett hitched, her hands trembled from fright, turning her lamp on the far end where she heard that voice.

Guren.

Damnable child, her heart just lurched out!

"…" Want me to die early, you punk?

Ett had a split-second debate about whether to bow, leave, or greet him curtly.

She subtly nodded, "Your Majesty."

Why is he here? It was so dark why didn't he had his lamp on? Ett said nothing more and left to look for books opposite where Guren was sitting. It's not like he would care if she thinks she'll be going now. It's normal.

Now, let's be as far away as possible.

"Hah, walking so hah, tiring."

Ett started to look for the most annoying romance cliche books.

For now, she can only hold out two medium-sized books and one larger size yet with fewer pages. She'll have to look for more tomorrow when the Emperor is not present to avoid this unexpected meet-up.

"This is enough."

Oh, what's this?

"Dreams and War?"

If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

Looks interesting. Ett became immersed as she read the introduction of the book with interest.

"Ah no, what am I doing?"

Ett closed the book, returning it to the shelf.

Let's just get out and go.

Ett: Ugh, passing by the Emperor. I really don't want to do it.

Holding two books in one hand, Ett deftly wants to pass as quietly as the wind from Guren.

Pretend. Pretend you didn't see. Pretend you're the only one around~.

"Hng."

Ett: "???"

Ett slowly stopped in her tracks, looking at the person sitting in the dark. The closed curtain was slightly parted, revealing Guren's slight silhouette.

His Majesty was already in a deep sleep.

As she got closer, she saw him sitting with his head lowered. A book had fallen on the ground, and a comprehensive map was spread on his table. Fatigue can be seen on his face, and Guren is frowning like an old man.

For some reason, Ett strongly wanted to rub those frowns away.

Is this why he just stayed here to wait till morning comes? He didn't even wear a thick robe to protect him from coldness; he was sleeping in his seat and didn't even lean on his desk; he was just snoozing with his head lowered in the air.

It's uncomfortable for the body. Crouching just like that. This Library is usually cold at night.

"…"

She can't give him her robe. Little kindness can pile up to be bigger. They're already good at keeping their distance as is.

I don't want to do it. Shut up conscience, shut up.

Ett left Guren, carefully closing the door. There were no Imperial knights or maids in this area. It's really like an abandoned palace. She should try to station some for protection.

No matter how high the security is from the outside, where no one can get in, and the people here are loyal to their master, betrayal and bribery are still not far when a person is desperate and hides his greed.

What brainwash.... there should be alternative plans!

As soon as Ett entered her chamber, she plopped down and covered herself with her blanket. The lamp was on her nightstand, and she began to read.

"..."

A few more minutes passed.

"..."

Why is this book not making her sleep? It's boring to the bone.

"..."

Let's try again.

"..."

"These are the times I hate remembering your words, Mom."

Son of blustering boulders. Ack. I really hate this.

Ett tugged the tassel near her bed and waited for Akan.

Knock. Knock.

"Come in."

"Your Ladyship, why did you call me so late? Is there an attack? Did your health worsen?"

Akan fired worriedly; he was still in his nightclothes, a sword in his hand, looking alert with his birdnest hair.

"The..."

"???"

"The Emperor is sleeping in the library."

"Ah yes yes...ah? Pardon?"

It felt like Akan was hearing things.

"And make sure the lamp's oil doesn't run out."

"…"

Somehow, Akan felt like he woke up in a dream of impossibility.

"Did you hear me?"

"Yes."

No, this is real. Akan is not in a dream.

"Go."

Akan is extremely confused, "…that's all?"

"Do you think there's something more?"

Akan blinked twice before laughing. So it's just as it is.

"I'll do it immediately. Good night Your Ladyship."

"Mm."

His Majesty grinds too hard. That's all as if she'll help him. She has tasks to do as well.

"Overworking a child like this…"

Anyway, let's not think more about it.

With that in mind, Ett opened her another book and began reading.

Guide to Get Your Person's Attention

It is a not-so-interesting topic for someone who is doing the opposite.

"Maybe I should try this first."

How to Take Care of A Child?

"Yeah."

Now, this is a boring topic. Something Ett cannot relate to and will never do.

The wick begins to dwindle as the night passes, melting as it slowly fades. Before the last flicker died out, a flash of the book that had fallen on the ground could be seen, yet Ett was already sleeping like a log.

Ett's door opens before the light truly dies out, and the chamber is enveloped by darkness. Another light flickers through the door; step by step, the fire from another lamp stands out. Guren, with his tired eyes, gazes at his mother. A light sleeper like him was disturbed when Butler Xiwen placed a blanket on his back.

He sensed his mother coming up to him and putting back the book that had fallen on the ground on the table.

Who would know he was still in the Library if not for this person sleeping without an ounce of cautiousness in this world? These past few months, he has had a lot of times experiencing bizarre nightmares. He doesn't even know if he is himself now. Even his temperament made some slight changes that he barely notice.

He glanced blankly at the book Ett was reading.

How to Take Care of A Child?

Hm? Is the Empress planning a soft approach to get Garth's son?

"Troublesome work."

Guren raised the lamp over her mother's face; as if sensing Guren's intention, Ett frowned in her sleep. Small plump lotus face as if void of any taint of this world, full of innocence and untouchable for mortals.

Her mother looks like a heaven-defying creature superior to any human queens and empresses ever landed in this world. Far more bewitching than any women he met and saw in painting.

If he tilted this lamp down, would it leave a scar? Then she'll leave this place to never again to return.

More so, hidden in Guren's sleeve was a knife, and if he killed her now, would those wretched scenes stop? His nightmares would fade, right? This had started the day her mother came back. Such a strange occurrence.

"…"

He sighed. This person can only die here. But it's not the time yet.

Guren trudged to her window, opening it slightly as the breeze gently entered the room. The crescent moon is more enormous in this wing.

"Very stuffy."

His mother's room is exceedingly stifling.