#5:Memories that run deep

When I woke up, I was a bit troubled. I got back the memory of the deal, but the contents of it was sharp and is nothing but a double-edged sword.

"Are you awake miss?", the maid asked.

"Yes."

I was freshened up in a jiffy, I looked over, to the window...and... it was not even sunrise!! Why did I even get up now? What's time?... 5? 4? But, I soon got changed into Ian and was led to the Count's place.

"Miss, The count has offered to be your host till the selection rounds tomorrow where you get to use the finest equipment as you choose from the count's weaponry.", The head maid said.

"Hmm, But, Ian is supposed to be a proud commoner and not a noble's boot licker... So, I suppose I will just take upon the raw equipment I always use.", I said.

As If I knew how to swing the sword. I should really spend some time in the arena and get the hang of swinging a sword. Not only the sword... Man... I hate this... I need to brush up my skills to be equal of 'hers'.

"Yes, I shall keep it ready.", she said.

"Wait a minute."

"Yes?"

"I.. Um. wanted to brush up my skills. I am afraid this injury has made a bit slower."

"Hmm.. Yes, Miss."

The next part of the day, was all of me and the count spending time around his estate and enjoying some sceneries. Though a question always bothered me... My coming to this world.. did it change the fate of Elizabeth? Did my selfishness cause her death?

These were the questions I never wanted to know answers to.. I somehow came to the conclusion to just tell the truth.. to the head maid at least.. Trying to act like Elizabeth just hurts my conscience.

"Sir Ian", a voice called from behinds us.

"Yes.", I said and turned. It was the head maid.

"You asked for a spar, the grounds are ready.", She said.

"Alright, Thank you."

We both went to the grounds, all of the other knights were asked to leave the ground. It was only us and the maids. The head maid tied up her extra skirt a bit up and took a sword, there was no one else.

I took another one, and could feel the memories of Elizabeth as she held the sword, the skill was in built, she was a true prodigy. In a split second, the maid came over to where I was and struck a blow.

I countered it with a strong defense, The maid went on with continuous and powerful strikes each with high accuracy and swift nature towards my weak points, I was not a fencing master nor a student as Lee Han eul, but I could tell, that I was in a weaker zone.

I kept on changing my stances to match up to the level of the maid, even after a while, the maid never broke a tiny bit of sweat but my body had tough time moving about. It was only a while before I decided I would lose. But, somehow the thought of losing felt disgusting.

My stance improved and I fought back, blow after blow I countered and even got in a few strikes which actually put a stop in her momentum. Then I realized this skill, was not mine. It was just the deep memory of Elizabeth, her skills which she honed by training and hard work.

My sword pierced the hilt of hers, and threw it away, the fight ended with my sword at her throat. She was happy in a way.

"Sir Ian, I think the injury has had no effect on your skills."

"Yes, I suppose."

"Sir, Is there something you wish to tell me?"

"Um.. Yes. Today, before we go."

"Yes, Of course."

That night, the head maid was not seen anywhere, the other maids helped me change and we were travelling back to the Marquisate.

"Where's the head maid?"

"She has an important task given to her, by the master."

"An important task?"

"Yes, it is a matter related to the marquisate."

"details?"

"We do not know much, but I suppose it is related with the Garner Duchy's attempt to assassinate miss."

"My assassination?"

"The maid who was your body double while you were at the count's estate, had been assassinated by a poisoning with its traces leading to Garner Duchy."

"The maid was killed?"

"Yes."

"Her family?"

"She doesn't have any. We were the only ones she had"

"Do you all miss her?"

"No. We know our position well."

"No, Please miss her. Remember her. Don't forget.", I said, but the words felt bland, a metal-like taste spread over my mouth. What is this? I didn't think deaths were this common? My heart felt heavy with the burden, that she died for my sake...

"Yes.", she said as she led down a tear.

This book was cruel and merciless, the characters had no happy moments and no gaps between deaths. It was cruel, as true and cruel as reality. And, I know it well, as the head maid, dies after the knight selection. If the author ever appeared in front of me, I would punch him/her in the face and stab his/her tummy with my knee.

I was led to my room, all dressed up, I sat beside the window. It was a wide room. Designed perfectly and well maintained. Somehow, the moon reminded me of home. Though I had no great memories, it was still my home. I did love my parents and my obnoxious brother. It was my dearest place. I wonder what my cousin is doing... Am I even alive?

The window sill was just as how they would describe in those stories, cold and windy, the perfect place for the protagonist to sit and let her hair fly. I enjoyed the slight breeze, as I came to the decision, I would tell the head maid everything. Without a single lie.

Only then would I be able to relax. If she accepts, I would have a supporter, If she is upset over it, she will surely kill me. I will accept it and if she thinks I am crazy I will just continue acting as Elizabeth without raising suspicion.

*Knock knock*

"Come in."

"Miss, The head maid shall return tomorrow morning, she has asked you to take rest and apologizes to have made you wait."

"Hmm. Alright."

"Good Night Miss."

I got up and went over to the balcony, the cool air touching my shoulder reminded me, I am not in a dream...

"I see you are adapting well to this place.", a voice spoke beside me.

I turned and saw a man, about a few years older than me, his build gave out the fact that he was a experienced fighter, he didn't show any signs of trying to assassinate me.

"Who are you?",

"A passerby"

"State your identity before I warn the guards."

"By guards.. Do you mean the ones taking a nap?", he said smirking

"Nap..?", I turned and saw, the whole estate guards were asleep in their positions, even the maid who left the place just now was fast asleep over the corridor.

"Who are you?? What do you want from me?"

"Hmm.. Han Eul, I am your friend. Believe me."

"W-What?"

"Yes."