Episode 4

It had been six months since Elyana, now known Elizabeth, had returned. During this time, the esteemed general had seen to it that society knew his daughter was in recovery after an assassination attempt and would remain in seclusion for her proper recuperation, as her condition was quite serious. He also seized the opportunity to request a few months off from the emperor, under the pretense of caring for his daughter, which was granted since she was engaged to one of the princes and the future daughter-in-law of the emperor.

The general intended to use this time to thoroughly teach his daughter the art of magic, a request she had made. Six months had elapsed, six months of arduous training in a villa far from the capital. While her father was demanding with everything he taught her, the training was fruitful. The effort was worth it.

"You've learned quickly, my daughter, you amaze me. Each day you resemble your mother more," he said.

"Given the world's best teacher, obviously I'm going to learn fast," Elizabeth replied with a smile to her father.

"My dear Eli, don't ever scare daddy like that again, don't dare to leave me," he exclaimed with a pleading look at his daughter.

Elizabeth felt content. In this time living with her now father, she had the chance to experience the love of a parent, and she promised herself, as well as the true Elizabeth, to take care of this man.

"Alright, father, but there is something I want to tell you, and I hope you don't take it the wrong way."

"Go on, what is it?" he asked, setting down the juice he was drinking.

"It's about the poisoning. I know who did it, and I want revenge. I didn't tell you before to avoid worrying you and because I was afraid you wouldn't believe me."

"Just say it, who dared to try and kill you?"

The general's expression changed upon hearing his daughter, vowing internally that whoever it was would pay for trying to harm his treasure, the only thing he had left of his beloved wife.

With a deep sigh, Elizabeth named her cousin Stephanie, who wanted to remove her from the picture to secure the right to marry Prince Nicholas. As she was about to lose consciousness that day, she confessed, and I heard it. For now, I don't want her to know we're aware of this. Better to pretend we're oblivious. But I don't want to see her, I don't want her near, Elizabeth concluded, her gaze drifting to the garden of flowers outside.

"So that's why you asked me not to receive guests and reject any visits from Stephanie."

"That's right, father. I'm aware that if I act rashly, I could find myself in trouble, or worse, you won't believe me, just like the others. That's why I chose silence and distance. I need to be ready to confront her, as I’m almost certain she didn't act alone."

"I won’t leave you to face this alone. I will help with whatever you need. Knowing her mother, I wouldn’t be surprised if she was just as crafty."

The general took a drink of his juice and grew thoughtful, reminiscing about the past and all that he had endured because of that vixen and her sick fixation on him.

"Do you think we could stay a few more months, father?" Elizabeth enquired, drawing her father out of his musings.

"I can send a letter to the emperor asking for more time. Nonetheless, you should do the same. The emperor and empress hold you very dear. Remember, you are the sole daughter of the empress's close friend. They've always esteemed you greatly, and they must be worried about you."

With that, the general stood, stroked Elizabeth's head, and smiled. Yes, now that her father mentioned it, Elizabeth recalled images, from this body's memories, of herself as a child playing in the palace garden with the empress, her betrothed the son of the latter. She smiled to herself, considering she should pay the empress a visit as soon as she returned to the capital.

Before the General could walk away, he turned back and added, "Prepare yourself, my daughter, for starting tomorrow you will train like the other soldiers. I believe that having learned magic, you should not limit yourself. Be a general's daughter excelling in everything," he said with a satisfied grin. He had always desired his daughter to be strong, not like the society ladies. Now, finally, his daughter had agreed to learn defence, and he was keen to capitalize on this.

Elizabeth looked at him, simply nodding with a smile, pleased with her father's words. Learning would not be difficult, as she had been the best in her past life. She had strived for it, out of love for Prince Sebastian, and now just had to ensure the body she occupied was resilient, for the knowledge was already hers.

A total of one year had passed since her return to life. It was time to return to the capital. Her father could no longer be absent for so long. The last months had seen them journeying on account of business that needed attention at the palace. Another matter calling for their presence was Elizabeth's impending wedding.

The day had arrived. Finally, they were reentering the imperial capital, navigating its streets towards the general's mansion. Elizabeth observed the bustling crowds, the small shops, the merchants and the buyers, and the scent of food from various street vendors. She couldn't help but reminisce about her past life—a life in which she had never had the chance to enjoy all that she saw from the carriage window—so she resolved to explore the locale and embark on a thorough tour before proceeding with her revenge.

The carriage halted in front of the general's mansion, and as they alighted and prepared to enter, arm-in-arm with her father, the very last person she wished to encounter appeared...

"A pleasure to greet you, esteemed general. Good to see you back in the capital... and I can only assume this beautiful lady is your daughter," intoned a voice Elizabeth knew all too well and would never forget.

Elizabeth suddenly went pale, clutching her father's arm tighter. She did not expect this encounter so soon.

"Greetings, Your Highness," the general said with a bow, then added, "Allow me to introduce my daughter, Elizabeth."

"The delight is mine to greet such a lovely lady. I had no idea the general had such a beautiful daughter," Prince Sebastian remarked, taking Elizabeth's hand and raising it to his lips in greeting.

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