Rebirth

Dinner time arrived before Elisha had even begun to make sense of the world around her. Now seated at a long, dark wooden dining table beneath the golden glow of candlelit chandeliers, she found herself staring at the extravagant spread before her. It was nothing like the plain hospital food she used to eat in her past life. The aroma of roasted meat, buttered vegetables, and freshly baked bread filled the air, making her stomach growl.

As she lifted a silver spoon to her lips, she hesitated. Was this truly her life now? Had fate decided to give her a second chance because both she and the original Elisha had met their climax at the same moment? A simultaneous moment in time, or even universes... perhaps that was what caused this strange "rebirth." The old Elisha had fallen down her room's balcony and that's what caused her to be bedridden... That's where Marie came in.

Her fingers tightened around the spoon. If that was the case, then it meant she wasn't just Elisha—she was both Marie and Elisha. And this time, she would not let herself be used or tossed aside.

Taking a deep breath, she focused on what she knew so far.

The original Elisha was born into nobility, but this wasn't the privileged life one might expect. Her family, once a grand and influential dukedom, had long since fallen from grace. While they still retained their titles, their power was a mere shadow of what it once was. Resources were scarce, allies were few, and their enemies were many.

And her father—the Duke of Belmont—was always occupied. Even now, he was absent from the dinner table, most likely locked away in his study, dealing with the endless burdens of their crumbling estate.

Her family consisted of three brothers: two older and one younger.

The eldest, Alexander, was a stoic and responsible man. He shouldered much of the dukedom's responsibilities in their father's absence, often assisting with politics and military affairs.

Then there was Leonard, her second eldest brother, who was far more relaxed in nature. He was the charming one, the one who managed to keep up appearances despite their failing status. Yet, beneath his easygoing smile, Elisha could tell he was not blind to their reality.

Lastly, her youngest brother, Julian, was just a boy. Barely ten years old, he was full of innocence and curiosity. Unlike the rest of them, he hadn't yet come to understand the weight of their family's decline.

And as for herself…

"Elisha, you've barely touched your food," Alexander's voice broke through her thoughts, drawing her attention across the table.

Her brother sat straight-backed, his sharp blue eyes studying her closely. Despite his calm expression, there was an underlying concern hidden in his gaze. Had the original Elisha acted differently? Had she been more talkative? More cheerful? Marie—no, Elisha—was unsure how much of herself she could show without arousing suspicion.

"Oh, I was just lost in thought," she replied with a small, polite smile. "It's nothing to worry about."

Leonard, seated next to Alexander, chuckled lightly. "Thinking? That's a rare sight."

"Leonard," Alexander warned, but Leonard only smirked, biting into a slice of bread.

Julian, sitting to Elisha's right, tugged at her sleeve. "You were acting weird all day, Eli. Are you sure you're okay?" His big blue eyes, almost identical to their father's, stared up at her in worry.

Something warm flickered in her chest. Even though this family was in ruins, even though their burdens were great, there was still something precious here. For the first time in a long time, she wasn't alone.

Elisha reached out, ruffling Julian's soft brown hair. "I promise I'm fine, Julian. Just a bit tired."

That seemed to ease his worry, and he turned back to his plate. But Alexander's sharp gaze remained fixed on her. It was clear he wasn't convinced, but thankfully, he didn't push the matter further.

As dinner continued, Elisha remained mostly quiet, absorbing every piece of information she could. The way her brothers carried themselves, the way the servants moved, the atmosphere of the household—it all painted a picture of a family desperately holding onto their dignity despite their fall from power.

And now, she was part of it—whether she chose to be or not.

As the meal came to an end, Leonard stretched his arms above his head. "Well, that was filling. I suppose Father won't be joining us again tonight?"

Alexander let out a quiet sigh. "He's busy dealing with the Lionhearts. We cannot afford another failed trade agreement."

Elisha's fingers tightened around her napkin. Negotiations? If their wealth was already dwindling, then trade agreements must have been one of their last lifelines. And if they failed…

Elisha, even in this short period of being in this world, knew well enough about costs and food.

She had been granted a second chance at life, but it seemed that life was teetering on the edge of collapse. If she wanted to survive, she would need to do more than just adjust to her new identity—she would need to ensure this family didn't fall any further.

At the very least—for her own sake. She couldn't afford to fail another life.

As plates were cleared from the table and her brothers prepared to leave, a thought settled deep within her mind. She wouldn't just let things slip through her fingers. If this life was truly hers now, then she would fight to keep it.

And so, Elisha made a silent vow to herself.

She would not be powerless ever again.

And thus; she opened her mouth and spoke.

"Where is Father's room?"