1 New Beginning

Prologue

It was unclear how she remembered everything as she woke up after that so-called accident made by someone.

Right after she fell 'accidentally' and lose consciousness for about a week, Kiha has been fighting death ever since then. Fortunately, the head of the wizard tower was available that time and even treated her thoroughly, for one whole week.

“She might be a little too weird.” was the word he wants to say to Kiha’s relatives or servants but the word wasn’t delivered to anyone as she was alone that whole week. The unknown wizard left his card on Kiha’s bedside table and leave the room using her wide window in the summer dawn.

Weirdly, she can feel something rotating inside her slender body. There was no difference when she opens her eyes, some people even her servants still ignored and irked her to act like how she used to. Fortunately, Kiha gained her sense before the people of Eleanor’s Empire burn her to death.

Seeing her smooth and dignified walk, all of the old servants of her mother eyed each other like they’re talking to each other. Just like how she grew up, the smile on her face was evident that it feels like the old Kiha died that night.

Standing in front of the broad wooden door, she stared at it and even heard some chatting from the dining room. Wearing her long satin dress, Kiha carefully raised her right hand and points at the maid passing by.

The maid can’t help but notice her beautiful ginger hair cascading her full fine back. Loraine who is standing there carrying a huge box walked toward Kiha and slowly asked the beautiful lady in front of her.

“Open the door and announce my arrival, Loraine.” Her sweet scents traveled through her nasal making her face redden. Her Lady’s scent was nothing ordinary. It was soothing that she could feel her body swaying to a gentle song.

“Pardon?” The maid, Loraine asked as she knew that a mere maid like her isn’t allowed to do the job given by the butler. Nevertheless, Kiha nodded and gently smile at her. “Open the door for me, Loraine.”

The maid happily nodded to her lady before carefully opening the door for Kiha. Martin, the butler smiled as he saw the young madam gaining back her senses before turning back to visit the room Kiha just used.

“Young Miss Kiha is entering the dining room!” As the maid opens the door, all heads were turned to her and her Lady, Kiha.

Count Ritcher together with his wife, children, and the guest was eyeing Kiha like she just committed a heavy crime of wearing her pajama in her house. Kiha pays no attention to the attention given to her and looked at the uninvited guest instead with nothing but detached eyes.

Leon Richter, her father looked at his daughter with a hint of worry on his face. He’s expecting her to run to him and hug him tightly as he looked at her with a gentle expression as he still thinks that Kiha has been dreaming to see that expression of him, but today, his first daughter just stood there eyeing them.

The maid bows her head to them before running to what she’s doing, feeling an ominous ambiance.

Grand Duke’s lip curls up as none of them attempt to speak and just stare at each other. His eyes landed on a woman standing at the doorsteps of the dining room’s door. Her eyes are glued at her friend, Czarina who is enjoying her food especially her seat.

“It’s been a while since you joined us, Kiha.” Count Richter said as if figuring out his daughter’s motive on visiting her dining room.

Hearing her father’s gentle tone, Kiha elegantly raised her head and looked at him. His scary demeanor wasn’t there at that time but she can’t help but feel disgusted. She, who knows all of their ulterior motives was happily looking at her father’s façade.

“I’m surprised you wore that here.” Pointing at the long satin dress that’s been hugging her since she woke up in that unkempt room, Leon Richter scoffed.

“I’m surprised as well, you noticed me right now, Father.” Kiha holds her right arm using her frail fingers, looking down. Her ginger hair beautifully flutters as the wind from the nearby window passed suddenly understood its job.

Her voice was neither happy nor sad, it was more like a plain word coming out of her precious lips in Kalen’s eyes. He averted his eyes and simply look at his childhood friend, Grand Duke Grimaldi who has been sitting across him for a while now. Rhysand’s eyes were focused on Kiha as if he can’t see his cherished friend which is so unlike a swordmaster like him.

As if thinking of a comeback, Count Richter puts his hand on his beard and slightly looks up as if an angel would give him an answer. Czarina who realized that opens her mouth and asked Kiha to eat with them.

“How about changing first before eating, Kiha?” The younger sister of Kalen puffs her cheeks and adoringly looked at Kiha. Czarina on the other hand secretly rolls her eyes and bit her lower lips.

Kiha boringly raised her head and narrowed it. Her eyes are still glued at her friend, Czarina. Her long fine finger was brushed to her silky ginger hair as if advertising a commercial but for someone, it looks horrible.

Countess Kalyna unknowingly put a smile on her face before putting the wine glass on the table. Her eyes were full of adoration to her step-daughter Kiha who is overflowing in beauty. And as if feeling the gazes given to her, Kiha sigh before folding her arms to her chest.

“No, I’m fine. Just make sure to reserve my seat next time.” Kiha said before turning her back. Her every stride was watched by the servants that admired her, even the group of maids passing by was mesmerized by elegant steps.

The butler came and bows his head to Kiha. He was about to close the door but Kiha stopped and turned her back again to face then. “Oh right. I’m going to the palace today, and please don’t answer. I’m not asking for your permission.”

With that, Kiha turns back and walked away as the butler closes the door behind her. Kanna puts her spoon back and smiles widely, looking at her brother, Kalen. As usual, his expression is stiff. Czarina on the other hand crumbled the hem of her dress trembling in anger. Even the Countess finds it weird for Czarina to sit on Kiha’s seat when she was the penetrator.

A long silence came to the dining room as Kiha walked away. There’s nothing different in their reaction except for Kanna who can’t stop smiling widely. Young Grand Duke Grimaldi stands up, already bored. One by one, the children of Count Richter stand up as well and leave the dining room.