The sound of the fireplace and the quiet of the night were incredibly soothing. It was the perfect lullaby, even for someone suffering from insomnia. The cozy silk blanket and pillow as soft as cotton further helped to ensure a good night's sleep. The owner of the bed stirred, causing the silk blanket to slip off, revealing a body clad in a thin nightgown. Feeling the air grow colder, she pulled the blanket back over her exposed body. She should have been able to fall back asleep, if only she hadn't noticed the change in her surroundings.
The teenager slowly opened her eyes, revealing blue irises as beautiful as aquamarine beneath long, thick lashes. The only light came from the fireplace, making her pause to let her eyes adjust.
'Where am I?' she thought, as her eyes began to take in the dimly lit room. She rubbed her eyes and tried to dismiss the thought, hoping this was just a dream.
After five minutes of lying there, she still couldn't fall back asleep. She felt something was amiss.
"Wait a minute!" She bolted upright, quickly scanning the room.
She found herself lying in a grand bed with a gold frame adorned with intricate floral designs. A wooden vanity with elaborate carvings stood nearby, its mirror reflecting her bewildered expression. Her feet sank into a plush carpet, matching the bed with its rich red and gold patterns. Above, a chandelier glittered with gemstones, its candles flickering softly.
'This isn't my room!' Her realization echoed in her mind. She rushed to the vanity, hoping to find answers in her reflection.
"Long brown hair, sparkling blue eyes like aquamarine, pale skin from living in a cold climate. And this face—it's so beautiful!"
The strands of her hair reflected the golden glow from the dim fireplace.
"Of course, this looks familiar! I'm inside the game I've been playing!"
The girl had been playing a virtual life simulation game called "Enchanted Realms" for the past two years. In the game, she had built a royal dynasty called the Kingdom of Aragon. There were two Dukedoms, two Marquessates, and two Counties within it. Not only Aragon, but she had also created neighboring kingdoms with Middle Eastern backgrounds. She had spent days crafting every building and character.
"Bright blue eyes, all this luxury, gold and jewels—this must be Marquess Loraine's residence!" Her eyes sparkled. The Loraine family was the wealthiest in the Kingdom of Aragon, even richer than the Royal Family itself.
"I don't know what happened, but isn't this amazing?" She beamed, chuckling before throwing herself onto the soft bed. She pulled the blanket over her head. Her adult life had been monotonous and boring, working as a corporate slave 24/7, with friends in name only, and a routine of working, eating, and sleeping. The reason she could spend hours playing Enchanted Realms after work was because the life in the game was the one she dreamed of: traveling anywhere, attending social events, meeting many people.
"Is this what they call reincarnation? Or transmigration?" she mused, recalling terms she often read in fantasy novels. Not wanting to overthink it, she closed her eyes again. If it was a dream, at least she'd wake up in a good mood. If not, she would gladly accept it.
The curtains parted with the morning light, flooding the room as a maid entered with a ceramic basin of warm water. Startled from her still-sleeping state, the young lady, now named Estelle, curled up like a caterpillar.
"Good morning, Lady Estelle!" the maid greeted cheerfully, startling the young lady named Estelle. Estelle squinted, her eyes struggling against the bright light.
"Oh! Forgive me for startling you, my lady!" the maid said, worried. Carefully, the maid pulled back the blanket and helped Estelle sit up, though Estelle was still confused.
'Right, I'm in the game.' As her eyes adjusted, Estelle noticed a bar above the maid's head.
Emily
Affinity: 100%
Status: Maid
Mood: Excited
'This... is just like in the game!'
"Lady Estelle? Is something wrong with my appearance? Do I... do I look ugly?" Emily's mood bar changed to "Upset."
"Huh? No, Emily! What a strange thing to say, hahahaha," Estelle laughed awkwardly. "Oh, that water is for washing my face, right?"
"Yes, my lady! I brought water that isn't too warm, as usual!" Emily picked up the ceramic basin she had placed on the table and brought it to Estelle.
'Not too warm? Estelle must really like the cold, huh? It's freezing this morning; I'd love a hot bath!'
"Emily, I think I'd like to take a bath right away. Please prepare the water to be warm enough. And also..." Estelle pondered whether she could ask for scented water with flowers, as she often did in the game.
"Of course, my lady! Jasmine and roses, as usual?"
"That's it!" Estelle nodded and smiled. Emily seemed to be able to read her mind.
While Emily prepared her bath, Estelle wandered around her spacious room. When she looked out the window, she saw thick, white snow glistening in the sunlight. In the distance was a flower garden she usually used for tea parties with noble ladies.
"Everything is just like in the game!" Her eyes sparkled as she admired the jewelry, accessories, and gold ornaments in her room. When her gaze fell on the vanity, Estelle walked closer.
"Hm? Estelle looks so young here."
"Lady Estelle, the bath is ready!" Emily emerged from the bathroom, looking pleased with her work.
"Thank you, Emily!" said Estelle as she walked into the bathroom. When else would she be able to enjoy such luxury? Emily followed her into the bathroom, which startled Estelle.
"Um, Emily, I think I can bathe myself today." It felt odd to be bathed by someone else. The last time she'd been bathed by another person was when she was a child, and even then, it was by her mother, not a stranger.
"What do you mean, my lady?" Emily still wore her smile, showing no intention of leaving.
.
After being helped with her dressing and makeup, Estelle walked with Emily to the dining room to have breakfast with her family. Emily mentioned that later in the afternoon, she would need to go to the kingdom with Rovan as her escort. Today was the Debutante Ball, which meant it was Estelle's first formal appearance in front of the noble society.
'Rovan? Rovan Erlando? He is the son of Marquess Erlando who lives in the south, just like my family.'
Estelle and Rovan were childhood friends, as they were the only noble children living in the southern region.
Another servant opened the door to the dining room. Four people were already seated at the table, surrounded by several servants serving food.
"Darling Estelle, you're a bit late this morning." A middle-aged woman with blonde hair and blue eyes waved her hand at Estelle, beckoning her to sit beside her.
Marchioness Sofia Loraine
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Affinity: 100%
Mood: Normal
Status: Noble of Aragon (Loraine House)
Relationship: Family (Mother)
"Forgive me, Mother! I had a stomach ache earlier, so..." Estelle laughed awkwardly. After all, this wasn't her real family, and she was unsure how familiar she should act. Following the Marchioness's direction, Estelle sat beside her.
'Ugh, the aura of a noble is really different.'
"That's because you still sneak cakes at midnight, isn't it? Hahahahaha!" A blonde-haired, emerald-eyed teenage boy laughed heartily, pointing at Estelle.
Elrich Loraine
Affinity: 100%
Mood: Happy
Status: Noble of Aragon (Loraine House)
Relationship: Family (Brother)
Estelle responded to the joke with a frown and a sharp glare at Elrich. She could feel the love-hate relationship she had with her older brother.
"Is that true, Estelle...? Are you so busy that you can't eat snacks? Should we stop your study then?!" A middle-aged man with the same hair as Estelle and emerald eyes stood up, slamming his hand on the table. He leaned towards Estelle, his eyes sparkling with a hint of tears.
Marquess Louis Loraine
Affinity: 100%
Mood: Sad
Status: Noble of Aragon (Loraine House)
Relationship: Family (Father)
"N-no, Father. Elrich is lying! I never eat cake at night!" Estelle was bewildered by the strange atmosphere. It seemed Marquess Louis truly doted on his only daughter.
"Father, I want to stop my study." Another boy raised his hand lazily. His neatly combed brown hair and sleepy green eyes made his irises barely visible.
Russel Loraine
Affinity: 100%
Mood: Sleepy
Status: Noble of Aragon (Loraine House)
Relationship: Family (Brother)
"No, Russel, don't listen to your father. No one is stopping school. Louis, you need to maintain your dignity. Elrich, stop laughing. Estelle, eat quickly and come with me to the room; we need to fit your dress for the party today." The room fell silent, save for the clinking of forks and spoons.
'Wow! Marchioness, I'm a fan of yours!'
Breakfast ended peacefully without further disruptions. As instructed, Estelle went to her mother's office to try on several dresses for the Debutante Ball that evening.
"Madame Lewis, I think this dress is too simple for Estelle. Do you want our family's reputation to be ruined because we can't provide Estelle with a suitable dress for her debut?" Marchioness Sofia crossed her arms, her eyebrows furrowed and her gaze sharp as she looked at the seamstress tasked with making Estelle's dress two months ago.
"I-I apologize, Marchioness. There must be a mistake. My assistants must have failed to follow the sketch I made." Madame Lewis kept her head bowed, not daring to meet Marchioness Sofia's eyes. The Marchioness's anger grew when she learned the dress she desired wasn't sewn by Madame Lewis herself, but by her assistants.
"HOW COULD YOU ENTRUST SUCH AN IMPORTANT TASK TO YOUR INCOMPETENT ASSISTANTS?!" Her voice thundered. Everyone in the room froze, including Estelle. She didn't realize Marchioness Sofia was so strict.
'The Marchioness has full authority and a clear reason to be angry. But if this continues, I might not have a dress for the event this evening!'
Marchioness Sofia Loraine
Mood: Enraged
"Mother..." Estelle placed a hand on her mother's. Marchioness Sofia took a deep breath before turning to Estelle.
"Forgive me, Estelle. We should have hired the royal seamstress to make your debut dress." The disappointment and sadness were evident in Marchioness Sofia's expression.
'Don't apologize! Now I feel guilty! Besides, the royal seamstress? Wow, the Marquess and Marchioness's affection is really something.'
The dress wasn't that bad, just lacking some crystal embellishments and a few other ornaments like ribbons, chains, and gold. It was light blue and white with silk and brocade fabric that made it look voluminous, layered with chiffon at the bottom. Though the neckline was open, there was a white collar made of fabric, shaped like lace and flower wreaths. The same design was sewn onto the sleeves.
"Madame Lewis, I believe you owe us for this mistake. Therefore, I suggest revising this dress within three hours according to my requests. How about it?" Estelle thought the dress could look beautiful with a few more touches.
'Forgive me, Madame Lewis. The dress is already quite lovely!' Estelle thought, almost in tears.
Upon hearing this, Madame Lewis knelt before them. Both her hands begged for mercy from the Loraine family. Despite their rank, the Loraine family held significant influence in the Kingdom of Aragon, thanks to Estelle's father and grandfather, who donated large sums to the kingdom every year.
"Yes! Yes! Please forgive me, Marchioness, Lady Estelle! I swear on my family's name, I will not disappoint you this time!"
Marchioness Sofia rolled her eyes and snorted, while Estelle smiled awkwardly, unaccustomed to the current situation.
"Emily, please bring a pen and paper," Estelle ordered. Shortly after, Emily returned with the requested items. Estelle sketched a design for the dress, making it luxurious yet manageable within the two-hour timeframe. After receiving Estelle's sketch, Madame Lewis thanked them repeatedly, bowing before returning to her boutique to complete Estelle's task.
"I heard the trip from our residence to her boutique takes an hour. So only two hours to do all that. Oh my, good luck." Estelle felt guilty.
"Hmph, darling Estelle, you mustn't be too lenient, tolerating something that clearly harms you and our family's reputation. What if she sees us as too forgiving and takes advantage in the future?" The Marchioness lectured Estelle, rubbing her forehead, tense with anger.
"Mother, I don't think she'll make the same mistake again. Besides, that dress is the only one I'll wear tonight, right?" Estelle explained carefully.
"Very well, dear. But next time, if someone dares to belittle you, give them the harshest punishment. Remember, we are the Loraine family. With your father's wealth, we could even establish our own kingdom." Estelle was shocked by her mother's words.
Marchioness Sofia Loraine
Mood: Proud, Enjoy'
'Is this okay? Isn't this considered treason against the kingdom?' Estelle panicked, glancing at the servants. They all displayed the same expression and mood bar.
Mood: Proud