I filled my first days in this new reality with constant bewilderment and frustration. There were times I pinched myself, believing this was nothing but a weird nightmare, while other times I put myself to sleep trying to ignore the nagging truth. That I was Lucreatia Mountnero.

Now, there was only resignation.

While I still felt wronged by death, there was not much I could do about it. I would have to survive. Play against my odds. I just wished my head and intellect hadn't been affected. On this body, I was slower in reasoning, cried way too much, and got tired too easily. The reason, I deduced, was because of my child's brain and body. This, while unavoidable, was a gigantic pain in the ass and would take time to adjust.

I had ventured a few times out of my room, but each time I felt overwhelmed with all the expensive rugs, the magnificent walls carved with enthralling details, the old and large paintings and the constant wave of servants that circled me wherever I went. So I had never gone far.

However, tired of being couped in my room for days, I decided it was time to face my reality head-on and have breakfast with my new sister, hoping the tiring Duke wouldn't be there so late in the morning. I mostly avoided him by pretending to sleep whenever he came to my room, but eventually, I would have to face him, too.

Since I didn't know where the family took their breakfast, I requested the help of Fanny, who was happy to help me get out of my room. I realized that with her company, the other servants kept their distance, merely acknowledging my presence with a dip of their chin.

After minutes of walking and descending an enormous staircase that led to the bottom floor, we arrived at a large dining room of eggshell colour with drapes of navy blue. Like the rest of the manor, it was luxurious, although I sensed this was neither the main dining room nor the formal.

On the large table, of mahogany wood, was Jennifer, or Jenni, as she had made me call her. She greeted me warmly and helped me go to my designated seat. It was on the right side of the table, in front of her and next to the seat given to the lord of the house. The heir's seat.

Not wanting to sit close to the Duke, in case he appeared (or being considered his heir for that matter), I moved instead to a seat beside Jenni. I had not expected to cause such a shocked reaction from the people present in the room.

"Lulu, what are you doing!? You cannot sit here. Father will be disappointed." Her big blue eyes were shaking in confusion. Seeing her, with a small blue navy dress, her pretty blond hair, and her cute cheeks, made me realize how pretty she was and how beautiful she had yet to become.

It was no wonder she would be the mother of not one, but two main leads.

Though Jenni tried to be tough with me, I knew she had a soft spot for Lucreatia. Besides, she was too nice to be mean to anyone.

"But... I want to sit next to sister Jeni." I tried my best cutesy voice and an adorable pout. Irresistible to caring sisters. "I missed my sister so much. I want to eat closer to you."

Jennifer couldn't say no, and neither could the attendants.

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Victory for me!

We sat together, and for the first half hour, there was only bliss and laughter. Jennifer, as I had expected, was super sweet, and a brilliant sister to Lucreatia. She filed me in on her preferred subjects in her training as a lady, where should I go for fresh air on the property, and how she would try to have some time off to be with me. I was enjoying immensely when the door opened and there he was, the Duke.

My smile disappeared while his grew. He started by hugging us and saying how much he missed having breakfast with his daughters. According to him, he ran from his office the moment he heard about us eating without him. Not wishing to miss out on such a wonderful occasion. The sugar-coated words and his dramatic mannerisms were enough to make me want to throw up. I, now a dignified lady, held on.

Soon, however, the carefree atmosphere went cold. Fast and unannounced. In the beginning, I did not understand the reason for such a change of attitude from him. His cold and accusing stare at Jennifer and the attendants could make even the calmest person shiver in fear. Then it hit me.

Between accusing stares and muttered words, he was looking at where I was sitting. Next to Jennifer, away from him and my usual place.

How could a man in his position become so enraged by such a trivial thing?

"My daughter has been sick for just a few days and you are already conspiring against her! How dare you, to the youngest lady of this house!" he said, freezing everyone in their places.

I understood then the rage. Because of my not-so-pristine lineage, the duke was worried I was being bullied by the servants. Or worse, as I could tell by his hard glance at poor Jenni.

"Jennifer, how could you allow such a blatant disregard for your sister?" his blue eyes were stuck on the little blonde girl, who could say nothing besides apologizing. Anger grew inside me.

How dare such a horrid person berate a child like that? A child, from his own blood, sweet and caring, who has done nothing but comply with his idiotic orders. I shouldn't, yet I couldn't stop myself. I was going to help Jenni.

"Papa." I called, trying hard to not let my breakfast leave my body. When I recovered enough and saw the Duke's warmer expression, I continued. "I missed Jenni so much that I wanted to sit next to her. I felt so lonely without a sister. She told me not to, but I didn't listen. I was not a nice girl.... sorry papa. Please do not punish Jenni." I mustered my best cute face, hoping to sway him.

It worked, though the surprised faces of both the servants and Jenni made me a little uncomfortable. Lucreatia, acting like this, was not normal, it seemed. I had to be more careful in the future. Now, however, there was no better solution.

The Duke smiled and said it was only natural for me to want to be close to my sister. The warmth was again in the room and everyone relaxed.

During this time, the Duke tried to persuade me to sit next to him. I avoided it by pretending I couldn't listen to him, which led to a tear of sadness. Seeing I was not paying him attention, he veered his concern to Jennifer, talking to her about her studies. Unknown to me, my sickness had caused a delay in her tutoring. Her tutor was coming by in an hour and would stay until evening. A process to be repeated for the next weeks.

I felt bad for Jenni, but realized that in that way I would have time for myself. Time to think about ways to escape this nuthouse.

My happiness was crushed moments later, when the Duke, with a mischievous smile, said: "Then Lucreatia can be with me while I work. I am sure she would be lonely without company." He pointed at the far end of the room. To where the attendants were waiting. "Fanny, prepare Lucreatia's attire. Soon we leave for work."

Fanny, who had been waiting all this time by the door, rushed outside in large strides. Everyone seemed fine with his idea. Jenni was even saying how great it was. I, however, didn't think the idea was any good, because I knew where his workplace was.

I knew, but my brain must have not processed the thought completely, because I dared to ask "Work?"

The Duke came closer, petted my head with warmth, and had a smile in his blue eyes. "Yes. In the Royal Palace, of course." He winked at me, gave me and Jenni a kiss, and left in a hurry to prepare his leave while singing a cheery tune.

And I sat there in shock, thinking, "Fuck... I am screwed!"