Chapter 1: New World

A type of poison:’’Angel's Trumpets flower poison ’’

Aria's heart pounded in her chest as she surveyed the bleak surroundings of the damp and frigid room, the air heavy with a sense of desolation that seemed to seep into her very bones. It was the lonely abode of the Archduchess Princess, a place shrouded in mystery and sorrow.

Her eyes widened in astonishment as they fell upon a vial of poison, its lethal contents spilled upon the cold stone floor. Aria's mind raced with a flurry of questions, her thoughts whirled in a whirlwind of confusion and anxiety

"Did she try to commit suicide?" Aria whispered to herself, her voice barely audible in the silence of the room. With a shake of her head, she turned her attention to the mirror that adorned the chamber's wall, her hand reaching out to touch its smooth surface.

Aria's reflection stared back at her, a ghostly image in the dim light of the room. Tilting her head slightly, she studied the reflection, feeling a pang of empathy for the frail and weary figure that glanced back at her.

"I can feel how weak and tired her body is," Aria murmured, her voice tinged with sadness. "And I can still feel the effects of the poison in her body."

Aria's heart ached as she contemplated the suffering that the Archduchess must have endured. "Have you been abused?" she wondered aloud, her voice filled with compassion. "Is this the reason for your despair, or have you effortlessly lost hope?"

As she pondered these questions, a sudden realization struck her.

"Can I take her body?" she wondered aloud, her voice trembling with uncertainty.

But before she could dwell further on her thoughts, a figure materialized before her, causing Aria to startle in surprise. "Am I hallucinating?" she thought incredulously, her eyes wide with disbelief.

It was Ethel, the original inhabitant of the body Aria now wore. Aria's expression softened as she gazed upon Ethel's familiar face, a mixture of bewilderment and sadness crossing her features.

Ethel offered a bittersweet smile, her gaze reassuring in its familiarity. And then, breaking the silence that hung between them, she began to speak, her voice filled with a mixture of sadness and resignation.

"I am Ethel  Merrifield, hailing from the Archduchy of Philadelphia. My lineage bears the distinguished honor of being the offspring of the Grand Duke of the North, whose noble blood flows from the same line as that of the Emperor himself, my esteemed uncle,"

Ethel stated, her voice echoing softly in the dimly lit room. Aria could only stare at her in silence, her mind reeling with disbelief.

"Aria, right?"

"I'm the one who called you here,"

Ethel continued, her tone solemn. "I know you're confused right now, and you certainly have a plethora of  questions, but as soon as I pass on my memory to you, you'll find solutions to most of them."

Aria's brows furrowed in confusion, but before she could voice her thoughts, Ethel Uttered. "I'm sorry for the sudden Summon, but I don't have much time. There is a letter on the table. Please forward it to your father. And Aria, don't ever feel guilty and live for me. In other words, if you don't have a reason to live, live for me Aria. This is not a request, but an order, so please do so."

Aria's heart pounded in her chest as Ethel began to fade before her eyes.

"Ethel! You can't dissipate like this!" she cried out, reaching out futilely as Ethel disappeared completely. Left in a state of disarray, Aria felt a flood of emotions wash over her.

"Thousands of unanswered questions," Aria muttered to herself, her voice heavy with frustration.

"What the hell happened!? Why do they appear out of nowhere and disappear like that? Didn't this Ethel think of the burden she left me? And what the hell does it mean to live for her?"

With a heavy sigh, Aria collapsed onto the bed, feeling the weight of exhaustion settling over her. "Heck, I'm tired," she whispered wearily to herself.

"I'll think about that later," Aria resolved, closing her eyes and allowing sleep to claim her, if only for a moment of respite from the chaos swirling around her.

Aria's slumber was disturbed by the unwelcome sounds that pierced the early morning silence. With a groan, she attempted to block out the noise by burying her head under a pillow, but to no avail.

"Oh, the sound is still annoying," Aria muttered irritably, her sleepy eyes blinking open as she struggled to make sense of her surroundings. As she glanced around the room, a sudden realization struck her—she was inhabiting Ethel's body in a new world, a new atmosphere, and a new life.

"Yes, that's right... I'm reincarnated," Aria murmured to herself, her gaze lingering on the unfamiliar furnishings of the room. Despite her weariness, she couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the breathtaking view outside the window.

"What a great view..." Aria marveled, her voice filled with awe. "Oh, how long has it been since I last saw clear skies? I wish I could always wake up to this sight... it makes me feel safe and comfortable like all my worries have disappeared."

With a deep breath, Aria resolved to make the most of her newfound existence, determined to face whatever challenges lay ahead with courage and resilience. But her thoughts were interrupted by the presence of the maid at the door.

"Good morning, Princess," the maid greeted, her voice gentle and unassuming. Aria offered a faint smile in return, feeling a sense of warmth in the maid's presence.

"Can I know your name?" Aria inquired politely, her curiosity piqued by the maid's kindness. The maid blushed with embarrassment at the unexpected question, but Aria quickly reassured her with a laugh.

"Don't worry, I'm not going to eat you," Aria teased playfully, causing the maid to apologize profusely. "I'm sorry, Princess, but I never thought of it that way," the maid stammered, her expression sheepish.

"It's okay, really," Aria chuckled, her smile widening as she learned the maid's name. "My name is Anna, and I don't have to say it formally. I'm just a maid"

"Nice to meet you, Annie," Aria replied warmly, feeling a sense of camaraderie with the maid. As Annie helped her with her morning routine, Aria's mind raced with thoughts of the events that had transpired the night before.

She remembered the letters Ethel had left—one for her father and one for herself. "Maybe Ethel's explanation is in the letter she left for me," Aria mused, her thoughts turning to the mysterious command to "live for her."

"Oh, I guess I was being formal without realizing it. Nice to meet you. Please take care of me," Aria said to Annie, her fascination evident in the maid's softly smiling expression.

after a while,

As she contemplated the events of the previous night, Aria felt a surge of anxiety. "The sheer amount of information she had wasn't enough for her," she thought, her mind racing with questions about Ethel's memories and the mysteries surrounding their connection.

"Suddenly, Aria remembered that Ethel had left two letters—one not sent to my father and the other to me," Aria realized, her curiosity piqued by the possibility of finding answers in Ethel's words.

"Don't forget, my name is now Ethel Philadelphia Merrifield," Aria reminded herself, her thoughts swirling with confusion about Ethel's knowledge of her and the meaning behind her command to "live for her."

Overwhelmed by her thoughts, Aria resolved to act as though she had amnesia and focus on gathering information about Ethel's life. But as she contemplated her next steps, Ethel's sudden awakening startled her.

"I have to tell you something feels weird, I can't remember anything other than my name, I think I've lost my memory," Ethel confessed, her words sending a shiver down Anna's spine.

Anna's grim expression mirrored Aria's anxiety as she lunged towards Ethel. "Princess, did you have an accident? Are you okay?" Anna exclaimed, her concern palpable.

But Ethel's reassurance only seemed to deepen Anna's distress. "How can you lose your memory?" Anna cried, her tears flowing freely as she grappled with the sudden upheaval.

"We must speak to the Grand Duke at once and call the doctor to check on you, Princess," Anna declared, her resolve unwavering despite her turmoil.

As Anna and Aria exchanged worried glances, Ethel's mind raced with theories about the cause of her memory loss. "Did she commit suicide for such a trivial reason?" Ethel pondered, her thoughts turning to darker possibilities of assassination or magic.

With each passing moment, the mysteries of their intertwined fates deepened, setting the stage for a journey filled with danger, intrigue, and the search for truth.

To be continued in the next chapter...

Chapter 2: Here we go back to the beginning…

The Storn Empire, or Gladstone Empire as it's formally known, derives its name from the royal surname—a detail

“Ethel pov”

“ I've gleaned from my study of historical texts. This world is one steeped in magic and swordsmanship, where the arcane arts hold sway alongside martial prowess. Unlike in my previous life, magic here isn't shunned; rather, the power wielded by the Magic Tower rivals that of the ruling family. Strangely, the influence of the temple and church pales in comparison to their counterparts in my past existence. Behind the veneer of smiles and civility lies a society rife with hidden layers, much like a poison pill waiting to unravel if one lacks moral fortitude.

At the heart of the empire lies the imperial family—an emperor, three sons, and a lone daughter, the youngest princess. While their interactions may appear smooth to outsiders, those privy to the truth know it to be merely a facade.

The empire is divided into four principalities—east, west, north, and south—overseen by respective dukes. My father holds the title of Grand Duke of the North, younger brother to the current emperor. Presently, the Tower Master reigns supreme, his mastery of magic unmatched.

As I ponder these details, I find myself perplexed by the unexplained phenomenon of being reincarnated once again, despite having experienced death in my previous life just two years prior. This deviation from the norm confounds me, as does the weakness and fatigue that plague my current form. It seems the original Ethel suffered from neglect by her father, a circumstance exacerbated by her apparent lack of magical prowess.”

“Pov end “

Gazing skyward, Ethel draws a deep breath, contemplating her next course of action. Restoring this body's health and strength must be my priority—a task that demands my immediate attention.

"I have a lot of experience from my past life, so it shouldn't be difficult to learn swordsmanship and martial arts. Let's look on the bright side. Despite her limited magic, this body responds well to my abilities, which means I can improve,"

 Ethel mused, contemplating her newfound circumstances.

Rising from her chair, Ethel pressed her fingers against the mirror's surface, reaffirming her new identity. However, a sarcastic smile played across her lips as she reflected on the endless cycle of reincarnation.

"Alas, I wonder when this nonsense will end. I'm so tired of being reborn again,"

 she muttered a mixture of annoyance and anger etched onto her features until a knock interrupted her thoughts.

"My Lady Duchess is requesting your presence. I'm here to assist you in getting ready,"

the maid's voice broke through Ethel's reverie.

Ethel quickly composed herself, wiping away her grim expression with a gentle smile. "Enter."

Concern flashed in the maid's eyes as she observed Ethel's pale complexion.

"My lady, are you alright?"

"It's nothing, don't worry," Ethel reassured her, though her mind was elsewhere.

"If the Duke had summoned me, would you have already informed him?" Ethel inquired, prompting a nervous response from the maid.

"Yes, my lady, your condition is of utmost importance," the maid replied earnestly.

With a light laugh, Ethel dismissed the concern. "Let's proceed. I'll lead the way."

"But, my lady, you must prepare," the maid protested anxiously.

"I have no need. I'm simply visiting my father; I'm not attending the Royal banquet," Ethel stated firmly, running her fingers through her luscious black hair.

The maid hesitated before reluctantly acquiescing to Ethel's request. "Lead the way," Ethel commanded, exuding a newfound confidence that surprised the maid.

As they walked, Ethel admired the opulence of the palace, remarking softly on its beauty. Glancing at the maid, she noted the stark contrast in their personalities with a wry smile.

"Personality differences are quite evident, aren't they?"

Determined to live on her terms, Ethel resolved to embrace her individuality for the first time, experiencing the fear and thrill of authenticity. "Check is complete," the maid announced, signaling their arrival.

Ethel stood in awe of the grandeur before her, her eyes widening at the sight of the ornate door and opulent surroundings. As the door creaked open, Ethel's heart skipped a beat, her hair fluttering in the breeze.

"Is this how Ethel feels? No, these are my own emotions. But why do I feel this connection? Who is behind that door?"

 Ethel's thoughts raced, her mind consumed by a whirlwind of uncertainty.

"Oh my princess, oh my princess, what can I do? Is everything alright?" Anna's voice trembled with concern, but Ethel remained impassive, her icy demeanor unfazed by the maid's worry.

Ethel lost in her thoughts, shook herself back to reality and responded in a soft, weary tone, "Oh no, nothing, I just got distracted for a moment." Her words lacked warmth, a stark contrast to Anna's genuine concern.

Gathering her composure, Ethel turned to face her father and offered a respectful salute. "Good evening, Duke. Did you summon me?" Her tone was polite but distant, devoid of any hint of familial warmth.

As she looked up, she couldn't help but notice her father's distant expression. "Who dismisses their daughter like this?" Ethel wondered silently, her cold exterior masking the turmoil within.

Pushing aside her inner turmoil, Ethel addressed her father directly. "You seem disappointed. May I ask why?" Her voice was cool and detached, revealing little of the tumultuous emotions swirling beneath the surface.

Her light laughter filled the air as she pondered, "Perhaps it's because I addressed him as Duke and not Father?" Yet even her laughter held a hint of frostiness, a barrier to keep others at arm's length.

The Duke regarded her with a friendly gaze, inquiring, "Why are you smiling, Ethel?" His concern was evident, but Ethel remained guarded, unwilling to let down her defenses.

"Oh, it's nothing important," Ethel replied casually, though her heart was heavy with unspoken questions. Her words were dismissive, a shield against the vulnerability threatening to surface.

Suddenly, the Duke's demeanor shifted, his expression filled with concern. "Please, have a seat, Ethel. I've heard about your illness or memory loss. Are you alright? How did this happen?" His worry was palpable, but Ethel remained aloof, unwilling to let him see her weakness.

Surprised by her father's genuine worry, Ethel couldn't help but wonder, "Does he truly love me?" The question escaped her lips before she could stop herself, her tone betraying a hint of vulnerability beneath the frost.

"What do you mean, Ethel? Of course, I love you. After all, you're my daughter. But has something happened to make you doubt my love?" The Duke's words were reassuring, but Ethel remained skeptical, unwilling to let herself believe in his affection.

Tears welled up in Ethel's eyes, washing away the bitterness that had clouded her heart. These tears, though not her own, reflected the genuine emotions of Ethel's past self. But she quickly composed herself, refusing to show any sign of weakness.

Feeling a comforting warmth envelop her, Ethel found herself pulled into her father's embrace. His worried yet tender expression brought a sense of solace to her troubled soul, but she remained distant, unwilling to fully let him in.

"He's not a bad man. Can I trust him?" Ethel silently pondered, her guarded facade beginning to crack ever so slightly as she allowed herself to be held by her father.

But as quickly as the joy had come, reality set in once more. "This warmth doesn't belong to me. It's Ethel's," she realized with a pang of guilt, bowing her head in shame. Her heart remained cold, untouched by the fleeting moment of connection.

"I'm sorry for taking advantage of her emotions like this," Ethel murmured apologetically, her tone betraying a hint of remorse. But her expression remained stoic, a mask to hide the turmoil within.

At that moment, a sense of relief washed over the Duke's troubled features, and Ethel rose to her feet. "So... Excuse me," she said softly, her voice devoid of emotion as she turned away, retreating into the safety of her icy facade.

To be continued in the next chapter...

Frederick Marriott

Merryfield, the cold and cruel Grand Duke, the First Grand Duke of the Empire. This is how my father was, not only did he have a bad personality when he was young, but he still does. Who would expect this man to smile and be kind like this? The only person he loved was my biological mother, Siana. But she died when she gave birth to me. My brother always hated me and told me that I killed my mother, that I was the cause of her death, and that I should never have been born. I don't deserve to live.

Random memories flowed into Ethel's mind.

Are these Ethel's original memories? I think she began to understand her life and suffering little by little. It must have been difficult for her to live in a palace full of people who hated her. Everyone in the palace loved Siana because the innocent Ethel died with her. If it weren't for the baby, Our Lady wouldn't have died. For example, Siana's maid knew better than others that Siana loved Ethel and wanted to give birth to her, despite the risk of losing her life in the process of childbirth. Would Ethel have lived a happy life next to Siana if Siana had not died? She lived in hatred and abandonment for 19 years. I think I can understand her pain and why she wants to commit suicide. What a cruel fate! Ethel has lived alone and painfully all her life. Even her last breath was in a cold, lonely room. No one noticed her absence, and no one cared when she left. It must have been really scary and lonely.

I know that feeling, it hurts. I leaned against the wall of the room and stared at the ceiling with a sad and lost expression. Ethel and I are the same. That's why you summoned me. Or is there any other reason? I touched the floor with my palm with a sad expression.

You're really strong, Ethel. I'm sorry for the misunderstanding. I promise to make your life better. You asked me to live for you, didn't you? I'm taking the first step to live for you and me. Trust me. So sleep in peace, dear Ethel.

I hope you will rest and be free from the pain and not end up like me, succumbing to your pain. Edel laughed sarcastically. Isn't it pathetic? I've always fought for myself, but at some point, I decided to do the same as you. Thanks again, Ethel. You've brought me back to my senses. I've decided I will continue to fight. It's difficult, but I won't stop. When you don't rest, you will experience more pain. So, since progress is painful, stopping is painful, and reversing is painful, they are all the same. So I'm just going to move forward. I've already endured a lot, and even if I endure more, nothing will change. That's why I keep going. As long as I live, I will keep going, and I will keep going even if I have to crawl, even if I have to cut. Ethel smiled and stood still as she examined the spot where she had first been found. Ethel, you ended your life here, and here I will start another.

From here on, I will stand tall before all those who have hurt and saddened you, and I will avenge you with my own hands. I hope you have a good time and rest in peace. Thank you again for the opportunity you have given me. Thank you, dear Ethel. Ethel stepped forward and forced the door open.

Annie! Call her maid's name.

Yes, Princess, do you need anything? Yes, summon the maids who were abusing me immediately. I wondered why, but she just smiled and nodded. Watch, Princess. Ban 15 maids with bowed heads. I pronounced.

Why did you call us, Princess? Ethel raised one eyebrow, surprised by the servant's demeaning tone of her treatment. So, the boss, right? Ethel replied in a mocking tone. The maid replied in a surprised voice. What do you mean, princess?

Ethel laughed low. All the maids were surprised except for Annie, who smiled with pride. Ethel slowly walked past the maids and glanced up and down at them with gratitude. The maids felt that the princess was degrading them. One of the maids came forward. Princess, even if you are of higher status than us, there is nothing left in this palace, so please refrain from such a gaze. Ethel looked at her, feigning surprise. Oh, right. Ethel smiled broadly and reached out to touch the maid's hair. The maid was more surprised and she felt something bad. Ethel said. "You've got beautiful crimson hair...rine. Your name is beautiful, too, Rine."

Ethel stared at the maid's hair, showing deep interest. I grabbed that hair. Suddenly, the hair caught fire. The maid began to scream to put out the fire that stuck to her head but to no avail. Ethel grinned sarcastically and leaned back. Ha ha ha.

So what do you think? Isn't your head, burning with my beautiful flame, the most beautiful? Ha ha ha. It's useless, that fire is a redhead that only I can extinguish. The flames spread rapidly, engulfing Rine's hair and face. Ethel taps her finger and the flame disappears, as if she hadn't left Rine with a half-burnt face.

You're so beautiful, Rine.

Ethel laughs sarcastically. Hahaha, if you don't listen to me, this is what happens, you idiot. Ethel turned to the maid, who was startled and suddenly knelt on the floor. I'm so sorry, Your Majesty Princess, I'm so sorry, please forgive us, we were ignorant and foolish. Kneeling but my feet, huh? In Las Edel, I haven't seen this scene in years. I think it'll be enough if you don't bother.

Ethel went to her room without touching them and ignored them. Bring me a car. Come on, princess, Annie responds with a big smile. Ethel was sitting on the balcony of her room, drinking tea with Annie next to her. By the way, princess, you looked cool a while ago. I deserve it. Ethel looks at Annie with a satisfied expression on her face. Seriously? Annie laughed. Of course, she looked cool.

Ethel looked out at the garden and smiled. Thank you, Annie. You don't have to thank me, lady. In the evening, before a family meal, I chose the path of no return.

I used to like to take risks and play with fire. Whatever the outcome, I will continue to take risks. Satisfactory results don't come easily. Revenge on both Ethel and me and get back on top. The door of the dining room opened, and Ethel, dressed in a diamond-studded dress, stood tall. Someone who seems to have found his true master. Once you get in, you can't go back. Ethel walked in and took over the pretend. She rests one leg on top of the other and stares, her eyes shining with confidence and strength. I couldn't hide her aura that overwhelmed the room

. It is the aura of the immortal demon king! As soon as Arya recovered herself and accepted herself as Ethel, the aura radiated. Her aura is felt by her only pupil, Henry Conrad. And her dragon, Rine.

Continued in the next chapter...

Henry Conrad

Ethel's only student and friend