Chapter 48: This is war

Eleanor sat alone in her room, listening to the muffled sound of her mother's quiet sobs from the next chamber.

If there was anything she could do to ease Duchess Aveline's pain, she would.

But there was only one thing that would truly bring her comfort—her father's return.

They might not have been her real parents in this life, but they were Lady Eleanor's parents. And they had shown her nothing but love and kindness.

Tears welled in her eyes and slipped silently down her cheeks.

She clenched her hands, forcing herself to swallow the sob building in her throat.

"System," she whispered, voice trembling. "I know you're still there. Whoever gave me this second life… can you help me once more?"

A choked breath escaped her.

"I never had parents in my past life. But now, I do. They are kind—he is kind. Please… help us."

She waited.

But no voice answered.

No system prompt appeared.