Chirp. Chirp.
Morning already?
I blinked slowly as soft sunlight filtered into the room. Today was the day. My hundredth day in this world. I couldn't help but feel a quiet flutter of excitement.
I wonder what they've planned.
Click.
"My lady, you're awake already?" Lilian exclaimed in surprise. "I guess you're excited for the celebration, huh?"
"Abhoo boo!"
I guess I am.
She laughed brightly. "Haha! I thought so." She lifted me gently into her arms. "Alright then—let's get you washed and dolled up!"
For just a second… I swear her eyes sparkled with determination.
…
When she finished dressing me, I couldn't help but stare.
The dress was dazzling—soft fabric layered with delicate shimmer that caught the light beautifully. Despite how elegant and sparkly it was, it didn't itch at all. In my past life, clothes like this were always uncomfortable enough to make me regret buying them.
This world really does have its perks.
"It looks wonderful on you, my lady," Lilian said proudly. "Do you like it?"
I smiled.
"Oh? You do, don't you?" she added teasingly.
Maybe… just maybe… living like this isn't so bad.
"Alright," she said cheerfully, lifting me up again. "Let's get you to your party!"
As she carried me out of the room, my eyes widened.
This was my first time leaving my chamber.
The hallway stretched long and elegant, lined with doors identical to mine. Each bore a carved wolf at its center, fierce yet noble.
Servants moved quietly, polishing vases and sweeping the floors with practiced precision.
And the windows—
They were enormous.
Beyond them lay a breathtaking garden. Flowers of every color bloomed in harmony, paths winding gently through greenery. I spotted a hedge maze, and at its center, a swing and a bench. Nearby sat a table and chairs—clearly meant for tea parties.
I couldn't believe it.
These were scenes I'd only ever read about.
For a moment, a strange fear crept into my heart.
What if this is just a dream?
What if I wake up back in that basement, fighting just to survive?
No.
I shook those thoughts away.
Not today.
Today is supposed to be joyful.
Knock. Knock.
Ah—we've arrived.
"Young Master, the Young Lady is here," Lilian called out politely. "May we come in?"
"Wait!" came Nolan's voice from inside. "I'll be right there—don't come in yet! I'm almost done!"
Cling. Clang.
Tap tap tap tap.
…Maybe we came a little early.
Bang!
The door swung open.
"Huff… huff…" Nolan stood there, clearly out of breath. "You can—huff—come in now."
He straightened quickly, then looked at me with bright eyes.
"Can I hold Ariya, Lilian?"
"You may, Young Master," Lilian replied, smiling. "But you must be very careful."
"Alright!"
…Wait.
Is that really alright?
He's only four.
What if he drops me?
Should I cry? But that would hurt his feelings…
"Please hold out your hands, Young Master," Lilian said calmly.
Lilian.
Are you really handing me over just like that?
"Ung—"
Please don't.
I squeezed my eyes shut.
Is this how I die in this life? Dropped by my own brother?
…Plop.
I opened my eyes.
I was… fine.
Still alive.
Safe in his arms.
Phew.
Well. Of course. I never doubted you for a second, my dear elder brother.
Not even once.
I smiled. "Ado gah!"
"She likes you, Young Master," Lilian said warmly.
"Of course she does," Nolan replied confidently. "I'm her older brother after all."
For a four-year-old, he sure had a lot of confidence.
I couldn't help it.
Even without words, even without control over my body—
I felt happy.