Echoes of Past

Elaria was floating in darkness.

A woman's voice distant yet soft, strained, echoed in the void.

"My lovely Elaria, I…" That figure was saying something but Elaria couldn't hear.

The voice trembled, carrying both warmth and sorrow. A blurred female figure stood before her, with exhaustion. Her eyes...familiar yet distant, held something unspoken.

Then...

Darkness again.

Elaria's eyes snapped open.

A dream? A memory?

Her breath came slowly as she stared at the ceiling, the words lingering in her mind. That voice, who was it? The warmth was foreign, and yet… deep in her chest, something stirred.

Could it be...a memory of the original Elaria?

Tak. Tak.

A knock pulled her from her thoughts.

The heavy wooden door creaked open, revealing Laura, the maid, carrying a tray with morning refreshments.

"My lady," Laura greeted, keeping her gaze lowered as she moved swiftly, setting everything in place. "Your bath is ready."

Elaria watched her carefully. Ever since their last encounter, Laura had been obedient, but was it true submission, or just fear?

She would find out soon enough.

Wordlessly, she rose from bed and allowed herself to be bathed and dressed in a simple, yet elegant dark blue gown. Today felt different.

Tak. Tak.

Another knock.

This time, it was the butler. His expression was stiff, professional, yet something in his posture told Elaria what she already knew.

He was following orders, but not from the heart.

"You are summoned by the Duke, Lady Elaria. It is urgent."

Elaria exhaled slowly, feigning disinterest.

Just now, my probation has been lifted, yet that old man is already calling for me?

She kept her expression unreadable, then finally said, "Tell him I'm coming."

The butler gave a short nod and left.

Elaria finished adjusting her gloves before stepping into the hall, walking toward her father's office with calculated poise.

---

The Duke's study was as intimidating as ever, with full of darkness and scent of ink. The man sat behind the table, exuding authority with his cold, piercing gaze.

Elaria stepped in, not hesitating as she greeted him.

"Your Grace."

Her voice was cool, controlled, nothing like the original Elaria, who had always sought his approval.

The Duke's golden eyes scrutinized her, sharp as a blade.

"A royal banquet is coming up in ten days," he said, voice firm. "I want you to behave."

Elaria scoffed inwardly. That's all?

She maintained her cold mask, offering a simple nod.

Her lack of an emotional outburst, no whining, no desperate attempts to please, did not go unnoticed.

The Duke studied her for a second longer. Then, without another word, he dismissed her.

"Now you can leave."

Elaria turned on her heel and exited, her mind already working.

A royal banquet.

That meant she would be meeting the main figures soon...the Crown Prince, the Four Great Houses… all at once.

She exhaled slowly.

The real game is about to begin.