I woke up in a strange room. The walls were covered in ornate, golden patterns that shimmered faintly. The air was heavy with the scent of sandalwood, and the silence was so profound that even my breath seemed loud. A large window, framed by crimson curtains.

My head throbbed as I tried to remember how I got here. The last thing I recalled was me driving on my way home after my interview. Then a car suddenly came out of nowhere and crashed into mine. I slowly closed my eyes after the accident, the world around me fading into a haze of flashing lights and muffled sounds. My body felt heavy, pinned against the seat by the force of the impact. Pain radiated from my chest, my head throbbing in a rhythm that matched my slowing heartbeat.

How did I get here? The crash—it felt so real. I remembered the impact, the pain, and the voices of people around me.

I hadn’t noticed before a creaked open, and a woman entered. She was dressed in a maid’s uniform, the black and white fabric pristine and pressed, but her face was pale, her eyes wide with shock as they locked onto me.

“The Lady has woken up!” she gasped, her voice trembling with equal parts disbelief and urgency. Her hands fumbled to smooth the apron she wore, though her gaze never left mine.

I blinked, confused. “Who are you? Where am I?” My voice was hoarse, unfamiliar to my own voice. The woman knelt beside me, her hands trembling slightly as she adjusted the pillows behind my back. “You woke up, my lady,” she said softly. “You’re in your room my lady. Do you remember what happened? The accident? The storm?”

I repeated, frowning. My heart raced as fragments of memories swirled in my mind, just out of reach. “I don’t… I don’t remember any storms. I don’t remember anything.”

The woman’s expression faltered, a flicker of worry crossing her face before she quickly masked it with a smile. “That’s alright. You’ve been through a lot. The duke and your brothers will be relieved to hear you’ve woken up.”

“Duke and brothers ?” My confusion deepened. “I’m sorry, but… I think you’ve got the wrong person. I’m not—”

Before I could finish, the door swung open again, and two figures entered the room. One was a middle aged tall man with a commanding presence. His silver grey hair framed his sharp, angular face with golden eyes giving him an almost ethereal look. There was something chilling about his presence, a cold elegance that made the air feel thinner.

The maid visibly stiffened, taking a small step back as if in fear. I could feel my heart race at the intensity of his gaze, but there was also a strange sense of familiarity. The other was like the younger version of him but his eyes were like the clear blue sky, almost unnaturally bright, and they seemed to look at me with an unpleasant expression. Some other people started coming after them with the same unpleasant look .

“You...” I started, struggling to find my voice, “Who are you?”

They looked at me with a strange eye and shouted " what other game do you want to play against us. You...."then the maid suddenly spoke.

I apologise grand duke and young master for suddenly cutting your words but it seems like the lady really has forgotten about everything and even herself .

The young master brow furrowed, and he exchanged a glance with me. “You truly don’t remember?” he asked, his deep voice laced with concern. “Not even your own family?”

I really don't know who you are and why I am here.

The young master started pulling my arm and said "Stop with your play . l know you are doing this just to get our attention ".

Words wouldn't come out of my mouth after listening to him spouting nonsense.

Release my hand you are hurting me . I don't know who you are but I do know that you are just a rude person who doesn't even know how to talk and how to behave . I don't know who you people are . So leave this room right now .

Everyone was shocked by how I was talking to them .

A middle aged man wearing a white rob with a leather bag in hand came to me . "Young lady, let me take a quick look at your hand. Your maid said you don’t remember anything. Are you feeling any discomfort?"

Seeing her confusion and distressed state, the people in the room exchanged uneasy glances. Whispers filled the air, a mix of concern and doubt creeping into their voices.

The middle-aged doctor adjusted his glasses, his expression calm yet serious. "Given her behavior, it seems she has suffered temporary memory loss due to the accident," he explained. "This is not uncommon. With rest, her memories should return in a few days."

I will prescribe her medicine for quick recovery and told the maid to give them on time .

A voice broke laced with doubt.

"The young master said so... does she really lose her memory? Or is she just pretending to gain our attention?"

The words stung more than she expected. Her eyes flicked toward the speaker, but the exhaustion weighing on her mind stopped her from replying. What was the point of arguing when they had already made up their minds?

Instead, she turned her head away, choosing silence over confrontation.

The room fell into an awkward hush, the air heavy with unspoken suspicions.

One by one, they began to leave the room, their footsteps fading into the corridor. The heavy door shut with a quiet click, leaving her alone with the maid .

For a moment, she simply sat there, her fingers gripping the bedsheet. Who were these people?

She told the maid to leave the room .

The maid started to step out of the room . On the of leaving she told her to ring the bell next to her bed in a small table , whenever she needs something she will come right away . The room fell into silence after she left .

Now that everyone had left, she took a deep breath, trying to gather her scattered thoughts.

"Let’s think this through… Where am I? And why am I here? I—I thought I died in that accident."

Her voice. It sounded different. Softer. More refined.

A strange unease settled in her chest as she turned toward the mirror. The moment her reflection came into view, her breath hitched.

Staring back at her was someone unfamiliar.

Long, flowing black hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing a delicate yet elegant face. Sharp golden eyes glowed under the dim light, standing out against her flawless, porcelain-like skin. She reached out, fingers trembling as they brushed against the cold glass.

"Is this… really me?"

Her heart pounded as she spun away from the mirror, rushing toward the window. She yanked the curtains open, her eyes widening at the breathtaking sight before her.

A vast garden stretched across the estate, vibrant with an array of colorful flowers swaying under the gentle breeze. Gardeners tended to the plants, while maids dressed in pristine uniforms moved gracefully along the stone paths. To the left, a towering structure loomed—a grand, imposing tower, seamlessly connected to the mansion she was in.

Everything about this place screamed wealth and nobility. But none of it felt familiar.

Her hands clenched into fists as a chilling realization dawned on her.

"Just who… am I now?"

"How did I even end up here? Did God pity me or something after my death?"

As she struggled to make sense of everything, a bright light flashed before her eyes.

A translucent screen materialized in front of her face.

"What the—?" Her voice wavered in panic. "What the hell is this?!"

Her trembling hands instinctively reached out, barely grazing the glowing surface. The moment she touched it, a text appeared.

[Hello, Miss Traveller. Welcome.]

[You have been selected as a player for the system.]

[Would you like to know more? Please click the 'Yes' button.]

"Traveller?" Her mind raced. Does that mean... this thing brought me here?

The words on the screen pulsed slightly as if waiting for her response.

She hesitated. What if this was a trap? But at the same time, this might be the only way to get answers. Taking a deep breath, she pressed "Yes."

The screen flickered, and suddenly, a familiar image appeared.

Her past self.

She froze as her old face stared back at her—short, wavy hair, warm brown eyes, and a smile she barely recognized. Then, more details began to load:

Name: Siya

Age: 25

Background: Education, family, friends... and finally—

Cause of Death: [Fatal Car Accident]

Her breath hitched. Seeing her entire life summarized so plainly felt surreal.

She scrolled further down until a new prompt appeared.

[Please select a new name as a player.]

Without hesitation, she typed: Siya.

[Error. You cannot use your original name. Please enter a new name.]

She clenched her jaw. I can’t even keep my own name?

After a moment of thought, she typed: Riy.

The screen flickered again before displaying a confirmation message.

[Player name has been selected.]

[Welcome to the system, Player Riy.]

A strange sensation washed over her as the screen vanished. This was no dream. No hallucination.

She had truly entered another world.

The screen flickered again, and a new text appeared.

[You have been selected as a player due to the deep resentment you hold toward your death.]

[The system has granted you a second chance at life.]

[To keep living, you must complete the tasks assigned by the system.]

[By doing so, you can attain eternal life… and even return to your original world.]

Her heart pounded.

"I can… go back?" she whispered, her fingers clenching.

[Yes.]

She jolted. Did it just… answer me?

"Wait, you can hear me?"

[Yes. I can hear you and communicate with you directly. However, only you can see and hear me.]

"So, to others… you don’t exist?"

[Correct.]

She exhaled shakily. This was unreal. But at the same time, it felt all too real.

"About going back to my world… is that really true?"

[Yes, but… you cannot return as the same person. Your original body has already died.]

Her stomach twisted. Of course. My body… it’s gone.

[However, as a player, you can return to your original world with a new identity.]

"So you mean… I can go back, but not as Siya. I’d be someone else?"

[That is correct.]

"Then… when can I go back?"

[It depends on how well you complete your missions.]

She swallowed. So it wasn’t as simple as just being here—she had to earn her way back.

[For further details, you need to level up. Right now, you are a Level 1 player. To unlock more information, reach Level 10.]

Her grip on reality felt looser than ever. She had been given a second life, but at what cost?

One thing was certain—if there was a way back, she had no choice but to take it.

Alright I will complete all the missions .

No matter what it takes.

"So… what’s my first mission?" she asked, bracing herself.

The system responded instantly.

[Your first mission: Lead this body to its true happy ending.]

She frowned. Happy ending? What does that even mean?

[The body you now possess belongs to the youngest daughter of the Grand Duke of the Lunaris empire . Your name is Katheriyne Agelastus.]

The screen shifted, displaying information about her new identity.

[The Grand Duke, Cronus Agelastus , has two sons besides you. The second son, whom you met earlier, is Hugo Agelastus . The first son,Eldric Agelastus, is currently at war.]

She blinked. Wait… met earlier? That rude guy who accused her of faking memory loss?

[You are the youngest child of the Grand Duke. Your mother died immediately after your birth. Because of this, your father—who loved her more than anything—resents you. He blames you for her death.]

Her hands clenched into fists.

[Your brothers, following your father’s lead, also despise you—especially the second son, who barely had time with her mother before she passed.]

"What? Are they out of their minds?! How do you hate your own daughter just because—"

She stopped, exhaling sharply. No, calm down. Emotions won’t change anything.

[Due to their treatment, you spent your life desperately trying to earn their love. But no matter what you did, they ignored your existence.]

Her chest tightened. This girl… no, she had lived an utterly miserable life.

The screen flickered again.

[Currently, you are engaged to the Crown Prince of the empire—a purely political engagement that has lasted five years. In six months, when you come of age at eighteen, you will officially marry him.]

[However, the Crown Prince has fallen in love with the daughter of a baron’s family. He is now actively looking for ways to find fault in you, so he can break off the engagement and marry her instead.]

A sharp laugh escaped her lips.

"Oh, of course he is."

So, to summarize: her father resents her, her brothers hate her, and her fiancé wants to throw her aside for another woman.

What kind of "happy ending" was she supposed to lead here?

She exhaled and crossed her arms. Fine. If that’s how it is… then I guess I just have to rewrite the story myself.

The anger bubbling inside her made her stomach growl.

She reached out and rang the bell.

A few moments later, the maid from before entered the room, bowing respectfully.

"My lady, do you need anything?"

"Bring me food. No—first, bring me water," she said, her voice low yet dignified.

The maid quickly poured a glass and handed it to her. Riy took a slow sip, feeling the cool liquid ease her dry throat. She set the glass down and met the maid’s gaze.

"Now, go and bring me food."

"I will bring it immediately, my lady." The maid bowed and hurried out of the room.

Riy leaned back slightly, exhaling. System, tell me about the people in this mansion.

[Yes.]

[The maid who just left is your personal maid. Her name is Elise. She has been serving you for seven years. Before her, it was her mother who cared for you since birth. She was the only person in this mansion who was truly kind to you.]

Riy’s fingers tightened slightly. The only one…?

[Seven years ago, after saving you from drowning in the lake where your second brother pushed you, she fell ill. She remained bedridden for three years before passing away.]

Her breath hitched.

[Before she died, she entrusted her daughter, Elise, with the duty of taking care of you. Elise has been by your side ever since. She is now 22 years old, unmarried, and deeply loyal to you.]

"...I see."

A knock interrupted her thoughts.

"My lady, I have brought your food."

"Come in."

Elise entered, carrying a tray carefully. She set it down on the table in front of Riy. The meal was simple—a bowl of soup, a small basket of bread, and a single slice of strawberry pie.

"The doctor advised you to eat light for a few days since you’ve been unconscious for five days," Elise explained softly. "I also brought your favorite—strawberry pie—to make the meal more enjoyable."

She helped Riy sit comfortably on the sofa before stepping back.

Riy picked up the spoon and took a sip of the soup. It was mild but rich with cheese, warming her stomach. She tore off a piece of bread and chewed it, but it was bland, so she set it aside. Instead, she focused on the pie.

The moment she took a bite, the sweet and slightly tangy taste of strawberries flooded her senses. A pleased sigh escaped her lips before she even realized it. She finished the pie quickly, feeling an unexpected warmth in her chest.

As she set the fork down, she glanced at Elise. The maid was watching her with a soft smile, her expression filled with relief.

That’s when Riy noticed it—her red, puffy eyes, the dark circles beneath them, the exhaustion etched into her face.

"...You haven’t been sleeping, have you?" Riy said, her voice softer than before.

Elise stiffened slightly, but before she could answer, a sudden wave of memories washed over Riy.

A small girl and a young maid smiling at each other. A hand brushing away tears. A voice whispering, "I will always be by your side, my lady."

Riy’s chest tightened.

"System… what was that?"

[Those are the previous owner’s memories of Elise. You can access past memories when you interact closely with people the original owner knew.]

"So… these are the moments they shared together."

She turned to Elise, who was picking up the empty tray, ready to leave.

"Elise."

The maid stopped instantly, turning back toward her.

"You must have been worried about me these past few days."

Elise’s eyes widened. Tears welled up, spilling down her cheeks. "My lady… you remember everything?"

Riy hesitated for a moment, then shook her head. "Not everything. But I remember how much you’ve cared for me all these years. Thank you, Elise."

Elise let out a quiet sob, bowing deeply. "It is my duty, my lady. I am just relieved that you’re awake."

"Now that I’m awake, you should get some rest," Riy said gently. "You look like you’re about to collapse."

Elise wiped her tears quickly and shook her head. "Not yet, my lady. You haven’t taken your medicine."

Riy sighed. "Fine, I’ll take it now. But once I do, I want you to rest properly."

Elise nodded, still sniffling, before leaving the room.

Riy swallowed the bitter medicine with a grimace before lying down in bed. As she stared up at the ceiling, she opened the system screen again.

There was still so much she needed to know.

But one thing was clear—Elise was the only person she could truly trust in this place.

And if Riy was going to change her fate, she would need allies.