As the gates of the royal palace closed behind me, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. The evening had been exhausting, filled with fake compliments and forced smiles. It had been two weeks since the royal banquet I attended with the Strathmore family, yet it felt as if it had happened just yesterday.
I sighed quietly as I entered my chamber, shutting the door behind me before standing in front of the mirror, gazing at my reflection. Since I had reincarnated into this world, I had always felt like a stranger in this body, but as time passed, I grew accustomed to it until it became as familiar as if it had always been mine.
Aroa tilted her head slightly, examining her sharp yet captivating features—flawless milky-white skin, long platinum hair flowing like moonlight, and silver-blue eyes that shimmered with a cold brilliance. Her full lips gave her an overwhelming charm. She chuckled softly, whispering to herself:
"If this had been my appearance in my original world, I wouldn't have needed cosmetic surgery."
She turned away from the mirror before she became too absorbed in her own beauty. Then, she stepped out of her chamber, heading toward her father's office—Duke Othman Vallisca, a man renowned for his power and influence in the empire.
"Good evening, Father."
The duke lifted his gaze from the papers before him. The moment his eyes met hers, he smiled warmly.
"Ah, my little beauty has finally come to visit her father!" he teased, setting his pen aside.
"I came to help you finish your work so I could take you on a stroll in the garden."
The duke let out a deep chuckle as he rose from his desk.
"Oh, my spoiled little girl, I don't have much work today anyway."
Aroa watched as her father approached her. He was of average height, yet his imposing presence made him seem much taller. With his snowy-white hair and silver-blue eyes, he looked like a finely sculpted statue. He wore a white shirt and black trousers—his constant choice, as if the color reflected a part of his enigmatic personality.
"How about a horseback ride, my dear?"
Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
"What a wonderful idea, Father!"
"Then get ready."
She turned to leave, but he added warmly:
"Bring my grandsons, Cilter and Sylvester, along. It would be nice to give the children some entertainment."
Aroa smiled and nodded.
"That sounds fun. The children could use some fresh air."
With that, she set off toward the children's wing, while the golden rays of the setting sun streamed through the palace windows, signaling a peaceful day... or perhaps a storm on the horizon.
---
Aroa walked calmly through the long corridors of the palace, illuminated by crystal chandeliers. Shadows danced as she passed by towering windows, where the sunset painted the sky in shades of purple and gold.
The Vallisca Palace was not just a noble residence—it was a masterpiece of architecture, embodying the legacy of a dynasty that spanned centuries. Its towering walls, adorned with intricate engravings depicting the glories of the past, stood as silent witnesses to the birth and rise of the empire's most formidable dukes.
In the heart of this grand palace lay the children's wing, situated in the eastern section, surrounded by hanging floral gardens and balconies overlooking a turquoise lake that embraced the palace.
Aroa gently pushed open the door to the wing, finding the two boys in the middle of the spacious room. The floor was covered in thick carpets woven with golden and blue patterns, while the walls were adorned with paintings depicting scenes from ancient legends.
"Cilter, Sylvester, get ready! We're going on a horseback ride with your grandfather."
Cilter immediately lifted his head, his sapphire eyes widening. With his angelic features and wavy brown hair, he radiated an innocent charm. He jumped up excitedly.
"Really?! Oh my God, it's been so long since we last rode!"
Meanwhile, Sylvester remained seated by the window, leaning against his chair with an air of indifference. Yet, his gleaming blue eyes betrayed his hidden interest. He bore a striking resemblance to his father, with his jet-black hair and cold, unreadable gaze. Still, he couldn't conceal his deep admiration for his grandfather and his aunt, Aroa.
"Will Grandfather be with us?" he asked in a quiet voice, as if trying to sound disinterested.
Aroa smiled, approaching him and gently patting his head.
"Yes, and he personally asked for you both. Don't you want to go?"
He turned his head away for a moment before finally standing up, folding his hands behind his back and muttering:
"If Grandfather wants it, then I'll go."
Aroa chuckled softly as Cilter eagerly pulled her by the hand.
"Let's go then! I don't want to be late before the sun sets!"
---
As they galloped along the rugged yet thrilling path, Aroa felt the wind whip through her hair and the cold air sting her cheeks. This wasn't just a simple ride—it was a feeling of freedom, something she had longed for since entering this world.
But in the middle of their journey, they all stopped abruptly upon hearing a strange sound coming from the nearby forest.
"What was that?" Cilter whispered, tightening his grip on his reins.
Aroa stared toward the source of the noise. It wasn't just the wind or an ordinary animal. There was something else... something unnatural.
The duke narrowed his eyes at the dense trees before turning to his grandchildren, trying to ease their worries.
"Stay behind me. It's probably just a stray wolf."
But Aroa had a gut feeling that it was something much more significant. A strange sensation crept over her, as if some unseen force was calling to her.
She grabbed Sylvester and pulled her horse back. Just as she was about to dismount, a dark shadow emerged from the trees, moving slowly.
Something was watching them...
The horses stood frozen, their breath heavy. Before them, amidst the thick foliage, a massive figure loomed, stepping out of the dimming light.
The rustling leaves and the heavy footsteps sent shivers down their spines. The creature was a giant bear, its dark brown fur matted, its beady eyes reflecting the fading sunlight with an eerie glow.
Aroa swiftly mounted her horse again, gripping the reins tightly. Meanwhile, Duke Othman remained still, his gaze unwavering, as if facing such threats was second nature to him.
"Do not move," he commanded, his voice calm yet firm.
But young Cilter clung to Aroa's hand and whispered fearfully:
"Auntie... the bear..."
"I'm here. Don't worry." she reassured him, though her hands trembled—not from fear of the beast but from the thought of the children getting hurt.
Sylvester clenched his reins tightly, his sapphire eyes wide, yet he remained silent.
The duke reached behind his back and pulled out a long, sleek black rifle. With a swift motion, he aimed it at the bear.
"Beast, return to the forest before I blow your head off." his voice was low, yet lethal.
The bear hesitated, seemingly understanding the threat. It let out a deep growl but did not retreat.
The duke fired a shot into the air. The gunshot echoed through the woods like a thunderclap.
Startled, the bear roared in anger but ultimately realized it was outmatched. After a moment of hesitation, it turned and disappeared into the trees.
"Aroa, take the children and step back," the duke ordered, his eyes never leaving the spot where the bear had vanished.
Reluctantly, Aroa took the boys and slowly guided their horses away.
Just then, the duke's armed guards arrived.
"My Lord, we heard gunfire! Are you all safe?"
---
Later that night, Aroa sat in the palace library, lost in thought.
Across from her, Duke Othman slid a sealed letter toward her.
"This arrived today. It's from the Emperor himself."
Her heart pounded as she opened it.
It was a marriage proposal... to Kyle Strathmore.