Prologue

Notoriety comes to one person. Wealth and riches, all just for them. Nobody else mattered in their story. Not the enemies, the rivals, the friends, nor their own family. All the spotlight is on them, the stage is theirs to take while the rest of the cast belongs in the background.

They were the main characters, the story and world revolved around them. The world around them is dim while what small pile of dirt they stand on gets all the attention it wants. 

I wish I could have been like that.

Since I was young, I had always dreamed of becoming successful, becoming known by the whole world. What was even my career choice? A doctor? A lawyer? Or was it a CEO? Ah, I didn't even care about what job I landed. As long as I can have the spotlight, I was fine with whatever. 

It was all I cared about. All my life I was stuck under the shadow of my younger sister. It became my obsession to stand out brighter than her. However, I would always end up with the short end of the stick. Whatever I do, she does better. She was loved by everyone around her. She was our parents' favorite child, the smartest girl in school. Everything just seems to work out for her. She's prettier, guys and even some girls have their eyes set on her. She had a promising career planned out for her as well. 

The world seems to be in her favor.

I wanted that, to have the story revolve around me. But instead I was an irrelevant character in someone else's. And I'll never get the chance to be anything else. 

As the heart monitor slowly displayed the rhythm of my heart, I laid alone on my deathbed. No one else was here, the doctor left the room, the nurses were attending to other patients. Just me reevaluating my life and what I had been through. 

It's…surprisingly soothing here. I know I'll probably die any day now, but it's calm. No dramatic events happening right now, just ease and silence. 

When was the last time I had experienced peace like this? It's kind of sad actually, feeling calm before my death.

"Hey." A female voice came from the doorway. I know that voice, it was my younger sister Chieko. I didn't even hear the door opening, when did she get here? 

I hear her grabbing a chair and taking a seat beside me. A pause of silence fills the air. The sound of shuffling broke the quietness "It's been a while since we talked hasn't it?" Chieko's voice was quiet, saddened even.

"I don't think I've seen you since you graduated from high school."

…

"I'm sorry mom and dad couldn't make it. I heard them arguing over the phone on my way here. I wasn't sure why though, I didn't hear much."

…

"I…" Her voice cracked "I got you something," There was a feeling of something being lifted up. I felt my hands being lifted, then being dropped on top of something. Feels like a heavy paperboard. "You…you forgot your novel." 

The hard cover underneath my fingertips was familiar, reassuring even. I've held onto this novel so many nights, it's almost like second nature for me to feel comfort upon its touch.

"You seem to really like it, I see you read it all the time," Chieko said. God, if only I can explain it to her. I was obsessed with this book. It was my favorite thing to brighten me up in this dim world of mine. Honestly it was also probably a factor as to why I haven't done anything significant in my life.

"I've always wanted to ask to borrow it, but I never got the chance to ask you," Chieko added. From the sound of her voice, it sounded like she was trying to force a smile. I wasn't exactly sure what she was doing here in Nagasaki, so far from Osaka. Sure she was here to see me, but coming so far from home? We aren't even that close to each other.

She's just graduated high school too, she should be preparing for college. Ah well, I guess someone like her doesn't have to worry about that. It's pretty much laid out for her.

"I wonder if you're still mad about that argument we had before you left."

Ah, that argument. What was it about again? Was I just mad at her and I just suddenly started yelling at her? I don't even remember why it started. "I know you were mad about me, but I never knew why. I wish I could know the reason. Maybe if I had the courage to ask you back then, I would have known," Chieko sighed. 

"Look, I know that you hate me and all that. But…" She paused. An unknowing silence filled the room and lingered. I didn't hear much movement, only faint tapping. If I had to guess though, Chieko was probably tapping her finger. The pace switches from fast and slow.

"I don't hate you, alright? We may not have talked much but I really, genuinely care for you," She said. I felt something tightening around my hand. Fingers, Chieko's hand. "And I don't want that fight to be our last time talking to each other," Her grip grew tighter. 

"I don't want to say goodbye, Ayame…" She sniffled. Her other hand came in to support the grip. "I wanted to have an actual conversation with you. I don't think we ever had a proper conversation…" I felt her lower her head near me. Silent sobs interrupted the beeping heart monitor. Slowly, the monitor began to indicate my passing. I was going to die soon.

Her grip tightened around my hands, as if letting me go will be the end of the world.

"I'm sorry I'm a failure of a sister. I should have been better…"

Hm, even I don't know why she's apologizing. It's not like she was a bad sister even. Perhaps my envy clouded my mind, but she was never a bad person. She was perfect. The ideal person, the best sibling anyone could ask for. Leagues above me, that's why…

That's why I hated her…

Envy, hatred. That's why our argument happened. Looking back at it, it was all my fault. I was so obsessed with my ambitions that I never considered getting close to Chieko. If I could speak, then I should be the one apologizing. Of course, it's a bit too late for that now.

My consciousness is fading. The last thing I feel is Chieko's fingers holding mine as my ears filled with the sound of the heart monitor flatlining. Just like that, I've moved on from that solum world.

There goes any chance I have of becoming someone.

.

.

.

SKIRK

The noise of something sliding interrupted the silence. Behind my eyelids were the hint of bright light coming from somewhere.

I instinctively turned my body to the side, trying to avoid the light. Wait, turn my body? That can't be right. I was so weak I couldn't even move a finger. In fact, I felt so much healthier than before.

The mattress under me feels a lot more comfortable than I remembered, the blanket and pillow were softer as well. "Rise and shine, my lady," A male voice said. It sounds silvery and mature, like it was the voice of a well-mannered, middle-aged man. 

I snapped my eyes open. Scanning my surroundings, I found myself in an elegant bedroom. A chandelier was hanging from the high ceiling above. The walls were decorated with a beautiful, silver pattern. The window where the sunlight shined from had elegant trim with light bronze curtains.

Quickly, I sat up on the bed, a confused expression was on my face. "My lady, is something wrong?" The man asked. I turn to look at him. My eyes examined his features. The man in front of me seemed to be in his mid-30s. A concerned look was on his gentle face. He was tall, with a slim physique. Dark brown hair. Light amber eyes that reflected respect stared back at my dazed look. He wore an ironed, black and white butler's outfit. On his suit, a sapphire brooch hung. 

Never once have I met this man in my life, but even then I think I know who this is. "I-it's nothing Elliot," I hesitated to say his name in fear that it wasn't his actual name. Surprisingly, he gave me a slight smile "That's reassuring. I would have thought you were ill,"

"It's fine Elliot, I just…had a weird dream," My voice was not the same. I clearly remember my voice being low with a slight croak to it. Here, I sound healthy. Alive. It was a lot smoother and pleasant than it was.

"Ah I see. Anyways, breakfast will start shortly. I have already prepared your bath, and I will be downstairs waiting for you,"

"Thank you, I'll be down soon. Bye Elliot," I waved him goodbye as he exited my room, waving back to me. As soon as he left I looked down at my body. This isn't me. I was dressed in a white nightgown. Locks of light purple hair were brought in front of my face using my delicate hands. 

This is…

I bolted to the bathroom and immediately located the mirror. Without hesitation I gaze at my reflection. My jaw dropped. What I saw wasn't me. It was like looking into a painting of someone else. I reach to touch my face, to which my reflection follows. 

Gazing back at me were the charcoal eyes of a young girl. Possibly 19 in age, her long, straight, orchid purple hair frames her snow-white face. My face distorts in confusion. 

Long purple hair, black eyes, an elegant outfit, and that butler Elliot.

This is… This person is Violette Itzal. A background character from my novel. She's the adoptive sister of the main character. I know every character from that novel, even the ones with only a few sentences written about them. Despite being so close to the main character, she doesn't get as much screen time as any of the side characters.

Oh god, what happened? I died, didn't I? Then why am I here? Why did I get transferred into my novel instead of, well, being dead? How did this happen? 

Did I get reincarnated? But why?

I look down at my hands, closing and opening them. This is my life now?

Slowly I turn to look at my surroundings. The gorgeous, clean bathroom with a bathtub ready for me. I'm now a noble as well. I have servants, a lot of money, pretty dresses and jewelry. And the best part is that this is in the world of my favorite novel. I even look better than I ever had!

I didn't question it, in fact I was actually quite happy. I happily took the bath, then got dressed in the first dress I saw in my closet. A yellow and blue dress with puff sleeves that reaches below my knees. Exiting my room, I happily skipped through the halls, heading down the stairs and finding my way to the dining room. It wasn't long until I entered the dining hall. 

Delicious looking food is being brought out of the kitchen. The smell of freshly made breakfast fills the air. My eyes glistened in excitement as I sat down. A plate of freshly baked puff pastry with strawberries and a cup of tea was placed in front of me "Please enjoy your breakfast my lady," Elliot said.

"Thank you for the food!" I said out loud, to which all the staff gave me a startled look. Ah right, this is a different world now, they're not used to hearing that. I guess it just slipped. Back in my old life it's rare for me to eat good food. I lived on rice crackers and ramen back then. 

But now my life is different. No need to live in the past anymore. But it is time to dig in!

I took a fork and stabbed it into the pastry. Plopping it into my mouth, the sweet taste of the pastry numbs my senses as the powdered sugar melts on my tongue. 

So sweet!

I must have looked delighted, because Elliot gave me a warm, yet slightly confused smile.

"Oh right! My lady, your mother will be arriving soon," Elliot abruptly informed me "She has something she would like to inform you." 

My mother?! Oh right, she should be around too! In the novels she was described as a gorgeous woman, who radiated class and elegance. She was stated to have a kind, welcoming gaze as well. She was also a background character in the story as well, so I would love to see her in person. 

Wait… this means that I get to meet all the other characters too! Ah! I can't wait to see them in person! This is so exciting! This is a dream come true for me!

Clatter Clatter

Sounds of someone walking snapped me out of my thoughts. Stepping into the dining room, an elegant woman enters. Her long lilac hair was tied into a side bun with an onyx hairpiece. She had fair skin that glistened like the most exquisite of white pearls. Her eyes were the color of teal, reflective like ice. She wore a long, elegant, sleeveless white dress with one strap on her shoulder. That dazzling woman was my mother.

Viscountess Evora Itzal.

"Violette. How are you my dear?" She greeted me. Her voice was soothing, and her tone was kind. "Mother!" I happily chirped, giving her a bright smile. She seems surprised at my enthusiasm. In fact, pretty much everyone around me was. 

Evora gave me a small smile "I'm happy to see you in a better mood now." She said, I was a little confused, but didn't think much of it.

"Anyways, I'm sorry if this is abrupt, but I have some news for you," Evora stood by the doorway, refusing to walk in any further. Just then, I saw someone poking their head from behind the doorway. I see that it was a young girl, maybe a year or 2 younger than me. Evora turned to the girl "You can come out now," She spoke to the girl.

Emerging, I could take a good look at her. Short, very thin, her physique made her seem like she didn't eat very much. Despite that, she still looks very pretty. Beautiful even. Her long jet-black hair had been newly combed, but they seemed to be falling out. What caught me off guard about her was the color of her eyes. teal, almost the same shade as Evora's. They would have looked identical if it weren't for the fact that her eyes looked almost lifeless. 

She was a commoner, a peasant on the streets. Her appearance should have been ordinary, yet her looks were anything but normal. 

"Violette, this girl will be living with us from this day forward," Evora said. My jaw agape. I remember this. This scene in the novel was in the very first chapter. I remembered it like the back of my hand and yet it felt foreign. Maybe because it's from a background character's perspective this time.

I know that girl, good and well. More than I know myself.

"Her name is Isadora. She'll be your sister from now on."

Her name is Isadora. She'll be my sister from now on.

This… This was where the novel begins. Isadora gets adopted, and then the story goes on from there. The story, where she is the main protagonist, and I am the background character.

Wait, if she met Violette today, then that means a month ago- 

"I know it's a bit sudden, but I'll explain it to you later," Evora gives me a smile. No, there's no need to explain. I already know why you brought her in… 

You bought her in when you saw her during a late night stroll. She was just adopted last night because you felt so sorry for her. She was an orphan girl with no one to turn to.

In the novel, Violette was sleeping when Evora brought Isadora into their manor. Isadora was cleaned, fed, and was given her room all the while Violette was peacefully sleeping. That's why everyone except me knew about it. 

She ushered her newly adopted daughter to the table. The girl seems hesitant at first, however Evora was insistent on taking a seat at the dining table. Isadora slowly sits down on her chair, with food in front of her. I was so focused on my new life I never even saw a plate of food on her side. 

Is the story going to start from here on out? Then, this means that…

☆✧—-*--✪–*----✧☆

I walked down the hall alone. So much was going through my mind. Waking up here, how did this happen? Why am I here? This can't be real… This has to be some sort of dream. I should be dead, why aren't I dead?

Questions filled my mind. I don't even know where I'm walking. With none of my questions answered, I focus on my path ahead. Looking up, I see Isadora at the other end of the hall. She was standing in front of a room, looking at it intently. 

That's right, at this moment…

"That used to be father's studies…" I broke the silence. Isadora turns to my direction. I remember this scene. 

"Father passed away a month ago, so this room has remained locked for the time being," I explained to her, the exact same words that Violette said in the novels. It was supposed to be her first interaction with Isadora. On her first day at the estate, Isadora would wander up to this room, and Violette talked briefly about it before leaving. From then on, Violette never appeared in the novel until much later on.

To think that I never got to talk to the Viscount as well. It was said that Violette became depressed after her father passed. She would not smile whatsoever, no happiness or joy since his death. Her mother and the rest of the estate worries for her. No jewelry, present, or delicious meal could have lightened her up.

Was that why everyone looked at me weird earlier? Because of my shift in mood?

I wouldn't blame this girl though. Losing someone she loves so much must be tough.

I look over at Isadora, her face confused and concerned. Sympathy was in her eyes, yet no words spoken. I know she feels bad, I've read this scene hundreds, if not thousands of times. 

Though, nothing ever came out of it. Right now, Violette would have walked off, leaving Isadora alone. From then on, their relationship will remain estranged. 

Violette doesn't view Isadora as family, nor did she hate her entirely. To her, there's no one in the world that could make her as happy as her father. She'll walk off, and go sulk in her room. I thought about doing that. I very much could. I don't know how much I can interrupt the story if I go off script, who knows what unpredictable thing will happen if the story changes so much.

Though…

"If you need anything, Elliot is always happy to help."

I just don't know what to do. Do I play it straight like in the novel, or perhaps I go off-script. But what should I do? Isadora looks at me, her eyes lighting up. I look into her teal irises. They were gorgeous, like jewels one can never afford to buy. Ah, of course, as expected of someone with her role. Effortlessly lovable.

"Welcome to the family, Isadora Itzal," I welcomed the protagonist into her new home.

Though, I didn't have anything more to say after that. Before I got a good look at Isadora's expression, I turned away to walk by her.

That girl, who the whole story revolves around her. From now, she'll be the star of the show. Whether there be misfortune or obstacles along the path, there will be a happy ending for her. This got me thinking, what was there for a side character like Violette. Barely appears in the story, with little to go off of. Her personality is vague at best, and not much can be said about her as a character. What was her purpose other than to be the sister of the protagonist?

Then I remembered it. 

Ah, Violette was supposed to die, wasn't she?