The First Stretch of a New Life

Another day, another life. I silently thanked the deities for still granting me air to breathe.

I stretched my arms and legs, feeling the tension release as my body stiffened and then relaxed. A satisfied smile crossed my lips as I heard the little cracks of pleasure from my lovely bones. Though I had just woken up, a happy yawn escaped my mouth, filling me with warmth.

"Ugh!" A groan slipped from me.

Being able to pandiculate is indeed a blessing. That deep, instinctive stretch after a long sleep—it's one of life's simplest yet greatest pleasures.

Slowly, I opened my eyes.

A lovely ray of sunshine greeted me, its brilliance making me blink for a few moments until my vision adjusted. I pushed myself up, raising my upper body to sit.

The morning wind brushed against my skin, its cool touch sweeping strands of hair away from my face. I crouched, crossing my arms atop my knees before resting my head on them.

"So refreshing..." I sighed, closing my eyes again.

It was still early. The crisp morning breeze made me want to curl back up and drift off once more.

I stayed in that position for a while, lost in the peacefulness of the moment—until something jolted my mind awake.

More than two months.

I suddenly remembered.

My eyes flew open as shock coursed through me. I had been in a coma for over two months.

I sprang upright.

"I'm up!" I shouted, my voice echoing in the quiet room.

Then, after a moment of silence, I burst into laughter.

"I'm finally up!"

I couldn't believe it. Had the deities finally taken pity on me? The joy was too much to contain—I ended up jumping.

Without a second thought, I rushed toward the large doors in front of my bed. They led to a balcony, the sheer curtains swaying as if celebrating my awakening. As I stepped onto the wide balcony and gripped the cool railing, I was greeted by an enchanting sight.

A vast garden stretched out before me, vibrant flowers in full bloom painting the landscape with color. Neatly trimmed hedges, sculpted into elegant shapes, adorned the paths. The floral fragrance was so intoxicating, it almost brought tears to my eyes.

What a breathtaking sight on such a beautiful morning.

"My lady?!"

A voice cut through my admiration.

I turned around and saw a young woman standing in the doorway, her face frozen in shock. In her hands, she clutched a basin of water, her knuckles turning white from how tightly she gripped it. Behind her, four others stood just as stunned, all dressed in identical maid uniforms.

"Yes?" I asked, confused.

What were they doing here?

Shouldn't I be seeing doctors and nurses in white coats instead?

"I-I'll head out a-and i-inform the d-duke..." one of them stammered.

She bowed deeply before hurrying away, nearly tripping over herself in the process.

I frowned, watching them with uncertainty.

The maid holding the basin finally moved, carefully placing it on a small table beside the bed. Then, hesitantly, she approached me. Her gaze remained fixed on the floor, her hands trembling.

"My lady... it is cold out here. Please, let's go inside. We will assist you," she murmured, bowing her head.

Something about her voice was familiar.

I tilted my head, a thought forming in my mind.

"Will you sing for me?"

Her head snapped up, her expression a mixture of confusion and fear.

"My lady?" she asked hesitantly.

"Will you sing?" I repeated.

She shook her head, her eyes wide with alarm.

"I could never commit such an unworthy act before you, my lady," she whispered, her voice trembling as if she were on the verge of tears.

Her fear was palpable.

Not just hers—all of them. The other maids stood frozen, heads bowed, their bodies shaking slightly.

Why were they so afraid?

I studied the woman before me.

Tears had begun to spill down her pale cheeks. I blinked, caught off guard. I hadn't expected her to start crying.

Panic flared within me, and without thinking, I rushed toward her.

She flinched.

Her entire body recoiled as she instinctively stepped back.

For a brief moment, I saw something haunting in her eyes—an expression I couldn't quite place. It wasn't just embarrassment. It was... fear.

She looked like she expected to be hit.

What the hell is going on here?

Why was she acting like this?

Was she ashamed because I asked her to sing?

I thought back. If I was right—if she really was the one who had been singing to me all this time while I was unconscious—then maybe she was just embarrassed to do it in front of others.

After all, I had only ever heard her sing when we were alone.

Perhaps she thought I was completely asleep.

And not to drag her down, but... even though she clearly liked singing, singing might not have liked her back.

I exhaled softly.

I didn't want her to feel humiliated in front of the others, so I turned to the maids and said, "Leave us. I want to speak with her alone."