chapter 4

As the stroll through the city concluded, Zylith slumped in her seat, her head resting against the carriage window.

"Man, I want some ramen," she muttered wistfully, staring at the bustling streets fading into the distance.

"Ramen? And that is...?" Thane glanced at her, curious, his silver hair catching the sunlight.

Zylith froze for a moment before sighing dramatically. "Wait. You don't know what ramen is? Don't tell me it hasn't been invented yet. Or worse... it doesn't even exist here!" She buried her face in her hands, sulking.

Thane chuckled, clearly entertained. "Your speech has been odd lately. Did those skewers mess with your head?" He raised an eyebrow teasingly.

"Very funny," Zylith said, rolling her eyes, but inside, she was mourning her lack of access to instant noodles.

When they finally arrived back at the manor, Zylith practically sprinted to her chambers. As she tugged off her stuffy dress, she huffed. "It's too hot, there's no ramen, and everything is just... too much!" She flopped onto her bed dramatically, glaring at the ornate ceiling. "If I'm going to survive here, I'll need to introduce new things to this boring world—or I'll die of sheer boredom."

Over the Next Few Days, Zylith began making mental notes of everything she remembered from the book and the things she could change. She jotted the main events down in bullet points, hiding the list in her secret drawer. Her strange behavior and peculiar speech patterns did not go unnoticed. The maids whispered among themselves about the sudden change in their young lady.

"She's... different," one maid confided to another after Zylith recounted a hilarious story about a "carrot rebellion" during dinner. "But I think I like her this way."

She spent her time befriending the household staff, greeting the butler and gardener daily, and even helping in the kitchen occasionally. The chef was baffled. "My lady, you shouldn't—"

"I feel bad for you," she interrupted with a smile. "Plus, I like cooking."

This was the opposite of the spoiled, aloof Zylith everyone had known. Even her father and brother noticed the change. They grew increasingly protective of her, unable to resist her newfound charm.

Two Years Later...

Despite two years passing, Zylith's frustrations only grew. She stood in front of her mirror, measuring herself again.

"Seriously?!" she groaned, staring at the tiny mark on the wall that confirmed her worst fears. "I've only grown... what? Three centimeters? That's it?!" She ran a hand through her silky black hair, glaring at her petite frame. "This world is mocking me. I bet Selena's going to grow up to be some goddess-like beauty, and I'm going to be... small forever."

Her maids giggled outside the door, overhearing her rant. "She's adorable when she's frustrated," one whispered.

"Adorable?" Zylith repeated as she flung the door open, startling the maids. "I am not adorable! I'm supposed to be... regal! Intimidating! Like a... noble snow leopard!"

The maids stifled their laughter, bowing quickly before scurrying off. Zylith sighed. "This is my life now."

Later that day, Zylith was summoned to her father's study. She strolled in and immediately flopped onto the couch.

"What's up, Paps?" she greeted casually, earning a raised eyebrow from the Duke.

He sighed, shaking his head with a mix of amusement and exasperation. "How many times do I have to tell you to fix your speech?"

"At least ten more times," she replied with a grin.

The Duke pinched the bridge of his nose before getting to the point. "We're hosting your coming-of-age party next week. You need to prepare."

Zylith froze. Her smile faded as panic set in. "No!" She shot up from her seat, startling her father.

His brows furrowed. "And why not?"

She fumbled for an excuse, her mind racing. If the party happens now, Selena will be adopted soon, and I'll officially enter villain territory! I need more time to adjust!

"I just think... um... it's too soon!" she blurted out. "Wouldn't it be better to host it when I turn 18? That way, we can have a grander celebration! Please, Dad!" She clasped her hands together, putting on her best doe-eyed expression.

The Duke stared at her, unmoving.

"Dad, come on! Think about it. You love big events, right? It'll be so much better if we wait."

He sighed, finally caving. "Alright. But don't make me regret this decision." He fixed her with a stern look. "In the meantime, you need to fix that speech of yours and start taking your etiquette lessons seriously, young lady."

Zylith grinned triumphantly. "Gotcha, Paps!" She turned to leave.

Behind her, the Duke muttered under his breath, "This girl is going to be the death of me..."