As she came to, she found herself in a new body, that of a 6-year-old girl. Memories from her previous life flooded her mind, a stark contrast to her current state.
She looked around, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings and trying to make sense of the transformation she had undergone.
???:"There's tears in my eyes... I better wipe it off!".
The young girl, in her new body, felt the wetness on her cheeks and realized that there were tears in her eyes. She lifted her small hands to her face, using her tiny fingers to carefully dab away the tears.
As she wiped her cheeks clean, she felt a mix of confusion and intrigue, trying to piece together how she ended up as a child in this strange new place.
???:"My name was Yoo jaehyun 26 Year-old I was a office worker in my past life. And I was in a car accident while I was going to my brother's wedding... I never thought I'd be reincarnated in another world... First I need to remember who I am right now in this world!!!".
Jaehyun's mind was racing as she tried to come to terms with her new reality. She had been reborn in a different world, her life transformed from that of a 26-year-old office worker into that of a 6-year-old child.
Her thoughts swirled as she focused on trying to remember the details of her new identity in this world. Who was she now and what was her role in this strange and unfamiliar new life?
Her name now is Lena Dunham
Lena's memories provided her with a glimpse into her new family's story. She recalled her father, a nobleman who had come across her mother by chance one fateful night. Her mother, a commoner, had saved him from harm and nursed him back to health.
The two of them had fallen in love and ultimately married despite opposition from some of the nobles. They had gone on to have multiple children, including Lena herself.
Now back to the present
With the sun slowly descending in the sky, Lena realized it was getting late. Her new family was likely becoming concerned about her whereabouts, so she decided it was time to head home.
Lena:"I better get home, my new family must be worried about me..."
She stood up from the grass, dusting off her clothes, and began walking towards the direction of her house.
As she walked, Lena took in the beauty of the countryside she now called home. The sun was sinking lower, casting a golden glow over the rolling hills and fields of farmland that stretched out before her.
The sound of birds chirping in the distance and the rustling of the wind through the trees was a soothing melody that accompanied her trek. Despite the strange circumstances that had brought her here, she couldn't help but feel a sense of peace and contentment in this pastoral setting.
***
She was greeted by the sight of a pregnant woman rushing towards her, her face etched with worry and relief. The woman's voice rang out urgently, calling her name.
???:"LENA!!"
The woman reached her and enveloped her in a tight embrace, her arms encircling the young girl protectively.
???:"There you are! We were worried sick about you! Where on earth have you been?!"
Lena:"MOTHER!?"
She was met with a stern lecture from her mother, who placed her hands on her hips in a disapproving pose.
Amelia:"I can't believe you wandered off on your own without telling anyone! Do you have any idea how scared we were when we realized you weren't home? And look, the sun is setting! You know you're not supposed to be outside after dusk."
Lena:"I'm sorry, I was just gazing at the sky and... I ended up falling asleep"
The tension in her mother's expression softened slightly as Lena apologized.
???:"You...fell asleep?"
Her mother's tone was still stern, but there was a hint of relief in her voice. She sighed and raked her fingers through her hair.
???:"Honestly, you gave us quite a scare, you know? You can't just disappear like that without letting anyone know."
The sound of a man's voice interrupted their mother-daughter moment. Lena looked over to see a man approaching, accompanied by two older children.
The man spoke in a gentle tone, trying to diffuse the tension that was still present in the air.
???:"Now, now, Amelia~ there's no need to be so uptight."
Her mother turned towards the man, her stern demeanor shifting ever so slightly. She took a deep breath before responding.
Amelia:"You try calming down after your child went missing!"
The man's concern was apparent as he gently reminded his wife to take it easy, especially considering her pregnancy.
???:"And please don't run, while you're still pregnant with our baby."
Amelia:"I know, I know... I just couldn't help being worried."
The pregnant woman, clearly still worried and shaken, spoke firmly to Lena, warning her not to disappear again without notice.
Amelia:"You better not do this again Lena! Or I'll send an escort!"
Her gaze dropped to the ground, feeling a mix of guilt and annoyance. She knew she had caused worry and stress for her mother and the rest of her family, and the thought of needing an escort to keep track of her stung a bit.
Lena:"I'm sorry..."
She muttered quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Her mother 'Amelia Dunham' was a stern but kind woman. She had dark black hair that framed her face and sharp yet loving black eyes. Despite her strict demeanor, there was an undeniable gentleness in her heart.
She scolded Lena out of concern and worry, not wanting anything to happen to her young daughter. Her pregnancy made her even more vigilant and protective.
Her father, 'James Dunham' spoke in a firm but affectionate tone, gesturing to the setting sun.
James:"Lena, it's getting late. We should head back before it gets too dark."
She quickly replied obediently, eager to follow her father's lead.
Lena:"Yes, father!"
She fell into step beside her older siblings as they all made their way back to their home, the sun slowly dipping below the horizon behind them.
James Dunham stood tall and confident, his brown hair neatly combed and his pink eyes gleaming with authority. Despite the cold shoulder he gave off to the women who were only after his status and wealth, he was actually a warm and loyal husband and father. His work as a landlord kept him busy in the office and often took him away on business trips, but he always made sure to shower his children with gifts and attention whenever he was home. Even in his absence, his children could count on their father to keep them entertained with bedtime stories and affectionate gestures.
As Lena walked with her siblings, her older sister scolded her worriedly.
???:"Geez, Lena, you really needed to be more careful! Mom was completely stressed out and was on the verge of losing her temper. You have no idea the panic you caused when we couldn't find you."
She fidgeted uncomfortably, feeling a mixture of guilt and annoyance at her sister's reproach. She knew she had caused unnecessary anxiety for her family.
Lena:"Sorry..."
Her older sister, 'Louisette Dunham', who also went by Louise, was a hard working young girl who shared physical traits with her paternal side, inheriting her father's brown locks and her mother's eyes. Her hardworking nature and strict demeanor were qualities that she inherited from her parents.
In her free time, Louise loved to play the piano, a talent for which her father had even hired a private tutor. The piano had become more than just a hobby for her, but a passion that she poured her soul into at every opportunity. And while she was strict, she genuinely cared for her younger sister, Lena.
Her older brother, 'Thomas Dunham' who was 2 years older than her, joined the conversation.
Thomas:"Yeah, you're lucky it was just us who found you napping. You could've gotten kidnapped or something while you were sleeping out there! You should be more careful, little sis."
He scolded her gently, but there was a hint of concern in his voice. The two of them had a strong sibling bond, often teasing and looking out for each other
She relented with a sigh, surrendering to her brother's scolding.
Lena:"Okay, okay, I won't do it again. I promise."
She held up her hands in a gesture of defeat, knowing that she had caused enough worry and anxiety for one day. Her older brother nodded, satisfied with her response.
Thomas:"Good. Remember, next time you go wandering off, at least tell someone where you're going."
Thomas Dunham, Lena's older brother, stood beside her as they walked back home. Being two years her senior, he had inherited some traits from their mother, resulting in a boyish resemblance to her.
In contrast to their mother's fiery demeanor, Thomas was more calm and composed. He was also known for his intellectual prowess beyond his years, often taking an interest in political affairs and even harboring ambitions of becoming a politician someday. His introverted nature was evident, often leading him to maintain a more reserved attitude around those of higher status.
She spoke up, her words tinted with uncertainty and a hint of self-deprecation. She couldn't use magic like most, making her feel inadequate and vulnerable.
Lena:"Kidnapped? Why would anyone kidnap a magic-less girl like me? Who can't even use any magic?"
Her parents had reassured her that it didn't matter, but the words of the nobles who mocked and ridiculed her family echoed in her mind, reinforcing her insecurities.
______________________________________
Her parents, quickly reassured her, determined to lift her spirits.
Amelia:"Don't listen to them! Their words are just designed to make us feel miserable."
James: "Exactly. Your value isn't determined by your ability to use magic. And don't you worry, I'll teach you martial arts myself so you can defend yourself against those who belittle you."
______________________________________
Despite his hectic work schedule, James made it a priority to carve out time for his daughter. He even created a schedule for their martial arts lessons, ensuring he remained committed to her training.
Knowing the importance of education, James hired tutors to ensure that Lena wouldn't fall behind her siblings. Though she appreciated these efforts, Lena still felt a nagging sense of inadequacy.
To escape these feelings, she developed a habit of sneaking outside whenever the urge struck. It was during one of these unauthorized escapes that she stumbled upon her past life's memories.
Her older sister Louise, gently reminded her with a voice of reason.
Louise:"You are still a noble regardless, and you certainly aren't useless. Don't let the jeers and mockery of those hooligans get to you. They're just resentful because Mother was raised as a commoner before becoming a noble after marrying Father."
Her words were sincere, trying to reassure her younger sibling. She knew how tough it was for Lena, dealing with the whispers and looks of derision from other nobles.
As Lena listened to Louise's words, her gaze lowered in contemplation. A thought ran through her mind.
Lena:"Yeah..."
Her sister's reassurance helped to ground her perspective. It was a reminder that the opinions of those who whispered and looked down upon her didn't define her worth.
Lena:"(She's right. Why should I care about what others think of me?)"
Her older brother, Thomas addressed Louise with a curious question.
Thomas:"Ah, that's right. Louise, aren't you planning to attend the royal academy in 5 years?"
She nodded in confirmation, acknowledging her future plans.
Louise:"Yes, I am. I've been preparing myself for the rigorous curriculum and the expectations that come with being a student there."
He posed his question to Louise, his tone casual and matter-of-fact.
Thomas:"Just playing the piano?"
She smiled at her brother's comment, unbothered by his straightforward manner. Growing up, she had grown accustomed to her siblings' frankness.
Louise:"Not just playing the piano, Thomas. The royal academy offers a lot more than that. I'll be learning various subjects, honing my skills, and exploring different interests."
He recognized the validity in Louise's explanation. He acknowledged her response with a nod, showing his understanding.
Thomas:"Good point, I guess you'll be doing more than just playing the piano."
She smiled, appreciating her brother's acknowledgement.
Louise:"Exactly. I'll be delving into various academic subjects, expanding my knowledge, and discovering other interests along the way."
Once they arrived at their family's grand mansion, each of the siblings went their separate ways.
Louise retreated to her room, planning to unwind and perhaps even spend some time practicing the piano.
Thomas, being tired from the day's events, also headed to his room, looking forward to some rest and quiet time before preparing for bed.
As for Lena, she made her way to her own personal quarters, her mind still replaying the day's events.
***
She reclined on her bed, her thoughts swirling with anticipation about the Royal Academy.
Lena:"(The Royal Academy... They teach diverse subjects like magic, martial arts... and even dungeon conquering. There's much to learn there...)"
She sighed, her mind briefly drifting to brother in her past life. A pang of longing and curiosity filled her heart.
Lena:(I wonder how Jaekyun is doing... I wish he was here to experience it all with me.)
She was pulled from her thoughts by the sound of the knock on her door.
???:"Lady Lena~ dinner is ready! Everyone's waiting for you."
The maid's voice echoed through the door, calling out to her.
She sat up, pushing aside her lingering thoughts for the moment.
Lena:"I'll be down in a minute,"
She swiftly exited her room, joining the maid in walking downstairs to the dining room.
Lena:"Lead the way,"
The maid dutifully obliged, leading the way downstairs. Lena followed closely behind, eagerly anticipating the evening meal that awaited her.
Sophie, their head maid, was a dedicated and hardworking woman. Having tragically lost her husband due to his gambling addiction, she was burdened with the financial weight of his debts. Tired and desperate, she collapsed one day while taking a stroll through the village.
Luckily, Lena's parents stumbled upon her during her desperate state and took pity on her. They nursed her back to health and offered her a position as a maid in their mansion, promising to pay off her husband's debts.
Though her husband's debts were eventually repaid, she still chose to stay and work as a maid. Her decision puzzled her employers, who questioned her reasons.
In her humble response, she confessed her gratitude to them for saving her life and acknowledged the bond they had formed. Touched by her sentiment, they allowed her to remain employed as their maid and even encouraged her to take on the additional role of a nanny for their future children.
***
As they entered the dining room, the aroma of freshly prepared food filled the air.
Her Father welcomed them with a gracious smile, acknowledging their presence.
James:"Hello, Lena and Sophie, thank you for bringing Lena here."
Their maid smiled warmly in response, downplaying her role with humility.
Sophie:"It was nothing. I'm merely fulfilling my duties."
With that, she excused herself and quietly departed, leaving the family to enjoy their meal.
Both Amelia and Louise beckoned for Lena to take her seat.
Her mother tone was firm as she directed,
Amelia: "Lena, please sit down and eat."
Meanwhile, Louise's voice was more lighthearted but equally urgent
Louise:"Come on now! The food's getting cold!"
Thomas:"Hurry and take your seat, Lena!"
Lena promptly complied with her family's request and hurriedly took her seat at the table. The aroma of the food was tantalizing, and her hunger made it difficult to resist.
The family began to dig in, each savoring the flavors of the dishes laid out before them. The atmosphere was filled with the sounds of cutlery clinking against plates and soft banter between family members.
The conversation turned to work talk as Amelia inquired about James' recent endeavors, specifically asking whether the king had appreciated their products.
Amelia:"Darling, how did your work situation go? Did the king enjoy our offerings?"
James revealed his intentions to negotiate a contract with the Dran family, causing the rest of the family members to exclaim in surprise.
"THE DRAN FAMILY!?" they chorused in unison, except for Lena, who stayed silent.
The name "Dran" seemed to hold a sense of familiarity for Lena. A vague recollection stirred within her as she chewed on her meal, her thoughts swirling with curiosity.
Lena:"(Dran... Have I heard that name somewhere before? Why does it seem so familiar..?)"
She pondered, her plate of food momentarily forgotten as she delved into the recesses of her memory.
Her mother's surprise was palpable as she exclaimed her disbelief.
Lena:"The Dran family! Why would they want to sign a contract with us?!"
Her husband, however, shared her surprise but had a hint of happiness in his voice as he explained the reason behind their proposal.
James:"Indeed, I was taken aback too. They've shown interest in signing a contract with us because they want our products. In exchange, they offered to promote our sales and supply us with more raw materials to produce more medicine."
It was clear that their household had a strong connection to the medical field. Lena's parents had different roles within the industry.
Her father was a merchant, while her mother, despite her new status as a baroness, still harbored a deep love for her craft. She was incredibly skilled at making medicine and had even ventured into producing beauty products, demonstrating a remarkable talent in that area as well.
The siblings chimed in with their excitement.
Louise: "Father, that's incredible!"
Thomas: "Yeah! How did you react when they expressed interest in signing a contract with us?!"
Their father smiled at their enthusiasm, clearly pleased by their reactions.
James:"I was pleasantly surprised and thrilled, to say the least. It's a significant opportunity for our family and our business"
He shared the details of his interaction with the Dran family, his tone calm and composed.
James:"I handled the conversation with a cool head, inquiring about their reasons for wanting our products. After they explained, they said there was no rush and encouraged me to think it over before deciding. And with that, they departed."
He let out a gentle sigh, his mind already considering the potential advantages and implications of the proposed contract.
The siblings continued to stare in awe at their father, their admiration evident. After a few moments, Lena was the first to break the silence, her curiosity piqued.
Lena: "Father, did the Drans say anything specific about why they specifically wanted our products?"
Her father nodded in response, as if remembering a key detail.
James:"Yes, they did mention that the medicines we produce possess an exceptional potency and quality that surpasses those of others. They believe these attributes will greatly benefit their family and have expressed a strong interest in acquiring our products."
He added, his gaze drifting upwards in contemplation.
Lena:"Father...can you tell me about the Dran family?"
He paused, realizing that the topic of the Dran family had never come up in their conversations with Lena before. The others in the room also looked surprised at her sudden request for information about them.
James: "Ah, I suppose we haven't mentioned much about them, have we?"
He responded, acknowledging the oversight, while the rest of the family exchanged curious glances, wondering why Lena would inquire about the topic now.
James:"(Strange... she usually quiet during dinners)"
He shared the history and significance of the Dran family with everyone at the table.
James:"The Dran family holds a prominent position of greater status than our own. Their head and the emperor have been inseparable close friends since their time in the royal academy, going through countless wars together and bringing prosperity to our nation. Their bond is so strong that they made an unbreakable vow for their offspring to become sworn siblings or betrothed, with the duke's second son becoming engaged to none other than the crown princess of our kingdom."
The others listened intently, impressed by the weight of the Dran family's influence.
She had a follow-up question, seeking to gather more information about the Dran family, specifically about their renowned second son and the crown princess.
Lena:"What are the names of the second son and the crown princess?"
Her father, replied after a brief moment of contemplation.
James:"Ah, their names are Edmund Dran and Princess Rosalie Avila Beltran."
Lena:"W-WHAT!?".
Everyone, including James, was taken aback by Lena's outburst. Her sudden slam on the table and exclamation startled them all, their surprise evident in their wide-eyed looks.
Her father, in particular, was shocked by her reaction, staring at Lena with a puzzled expression.
James:"Lena...?"
He called out her name, concern etched in his voice.
Her voice rang out through the room as she exclaimed with widened eyes, her tone filled with stunned realization.
Lena:"EDMUND DRAN AND ROSALIE AVILA BELTRAN!!"
She repeated, the significance of their names finally sinking in.
Startled by her outburst, everyone, including James, watched her with bewildered expressions, trying to comprehend the reason behind her sudden reaction.
Her mother's stern voice cut through the tense atmosphere, attempting to bring order to the situation.
Amelia:"Lena, please take a seat," she instructed firmly, her tone authoritative.
Lena:"Ah... right".
She still reeling from the revelation, slowly sat back down, her eyes still wide with realization.
Her mind raced as the information sank in, her thoughts swirling with a mix of realization and disbelief.
Lena:"(No way... Edmund Dran and Rosalie Avila Beltran from that RPG game that I played with my brother in my past life...!?)"
Meanwhile, James was still concerned about her current state, noticing her paler complexion.
James:"Are you alright, Lena? You look quite pale. Do you, by any chance, know who Edmund Dran and Princess Rosalie are?"
She attempted to brush off her inner thoughts with a calm response, trying to compose herself.
Lena:"Oh, of course, I was merely taken aback by the announcement."
She managed to utter a plausible explanation, her heart still pounding from the revelation.
Lena's quick response, attempting to dismiss any suspicion, was noted by her father. However, he chose to set aside his lingering suspicions as he acknowledged the significance of the engagement.
James:"Indeed, this engagement holds great importance as a symbol of friendship between the Dran family and the royal family. It represents a strong bond between two influential families, strengthening the stability and prosperity of our kingdom."
His explanation hung in the air, the significance of the engagement between Edmund Dran and Princess Rosalie becoming clearer to everyone present
Amelia, now slightly concerned, looked at her daughter, trying to gauge her unusual behavior.
Louise, always observant, couldn't help but notice the slight tremble in Lena's hands, which she tried to hide by clenching them into fists.
Thomas, although not very perceptive, also noticed something amiss and furrowed his brow, a subtle sign that he, too, was puzzled by Lena's reaction.
***
After the evening's meal, the family retired to their rooms for the night, leaving James to attend to some matters. Lena, on the other hand, found her mind unable to find rest as the events of the day replayed through her mind.
Lena:"(Is it true? Have I really reincarnated into the world of that RPG game I used to play with my brother...?)"
Her thoughts spun as she lay on her bed, the knowledge of the game's characters weighing heavily on her mind.
Lena:"(Edmund Dran... the cool-headed and villainous character who wields dark magic... And Rosalie Beltrán... the heroine, one of the love interests of the protagonist.)"
She found herself in an unexpected and intriguing situation, her mind racing with questions about the real-life counterparts of these characters.
As she turned and tossed in her bed, the pieces were falling into place. The name of the game, "Lights in the Elements," echoed in her mind.
Lena:"(This is it... The world of that RPG game "Lights of the Elements". The tale began with the hero, a commoner who gained admission to the prestigious Royal Academy due to his unique capability of wielding light magic)"
Memories of the game's plotline and setting became clearer as she pondered the similarities between the game world and her current reality.
Her understanding deepened as she delved deeper into the world's elemental dynamics. She recalled the game's lore, particularly the rarity of light and dark magic users.
Lena:"(Light and dark magic users were quite rare compared to those who wielded more conventional elements like wind, fire, water, ice, and nature. While these elements had many users, light and dark magic were much rarer, not widely known or understood. The unique properties and potential of these elements remained a mystery to many...)"
She mentally noted the known properties of light and dark magic, as well as the general understanding of the various elements.
Lena:"(Both light and dark magic held unique abilities. Light magic was renowned for its healing capabilities, while dark magic boasted potent regeneration powers. However, the power of each element ultimately depended on how they were harnessed and utilized...)"
She bolted upright, a sudden realization hitting her. The memories and similarities between the RPG game and her current reality were overwhelming.
Lena:"Wait!"
She muttered to herself, her eyes widening as a sense of certainty washed over her.
***
Lena:"FATHER!!!"
Her unexpected outburst startled her father, who had been diligently working at his study. James looked up from his work, nearly jumping out of his seat as Lena burst into his office, the loud noise jolting him from his concentration.
James:"Lena?!"
He exclaimed, genuine bewilderment coloring his features.
Her father's initial surprise quickly shifted to stern chastisement as he scolded his daughter for her unexpected behavior.
James:"What are you doing, barging in here and shouting at this hour? And don't slam doors! You might break them!"
He reprimanded her harshly, his voice tinged with annoyance at being interrupted in the middle of his work.
Lena:"I'm sorry... father, it's about Edmund Dran how is old he?"
His initial annoyance subsided momentarily as he registered Lena's question about Edmund Dran.
James:"What?"
His tone shifted from one of irritation to mild confusion, unsure why his daughter would inquire about the second prince of the Dran family all of a sudden.
James:"How old is he? Why do you suddenly ask about Edmund?"
He answered her question, confirming that Edmund Dran was roughly around her age. He couldn't help but feel puzzled as to why she had suddenly asked about him.
James:"He's around your age. Why do you ask all of a sudden?"
He repeated, hoping for an explanation.
Lena:"Oh nothing~ I was just curious... please continue you work good night-!"
Her abrupt exit left her father with a lingering sense of uncertainty, his suspicion piqued by her unexpected question about Edmund Dran. Nevertheless, he chose to brush it aside, attributing her behavior to the mysterious nature of teenage girls.
James:"Girls are so mysterious..."
He muttered to himself, shaking his head slightly before returning his focus to the task at hand, resuming the signing of his papers.
***
Back in her room, Lena lay in her bed, her thoughts swirling with excitement and anticipation.
Lena:"(I'm really going to attend the Royal Academy! In 9 years, the story from the RPG game will start...!)"
The realization sent a shiver down her spine, a mixture of anxiety and thrill coursing through her veins.
A surge of realization and dread washed over her as she buried her face in her pillow.
Lena:"(No character named Lena Dunham exists... Then that means, I must be an NPC! If I stay out of the way, avoid the plot, and observe from the sidelines, I'll be safe!)"
She resolved to keep herself at a distance, ensuring she didn't inadvertently interfere with the game's storyline.
With a sudden sense of relief, Lena sits up on her bed, her grin widening as she internalizes her NPC status.
Lena:"I was worried for nothing!"
She exclaims, finally finding some solace in the realization that she was just a non-playable character in the game's world.
A sense of purpose filled her as she moved towards her desk, retrieving a notebook from her drawer.
Lena:"To avoid accidentally becoming involved in the story, I'll just write down the plot here. And what's more, since it's written in Korean, no one else will be able to read or understand it..."
She began meticulously jotting down notes and key information from the plot of the game in her native language.
With the task of documenting the game's plot completed, she set the notebook aside, exhaustion finally catching up to her.
Lena:"It's been a long day... Hopefully, nothing will happen that would disrupt the game's story."
With a weary sigh, Lena returned to her bed, snuggling under the covers and allowing her eyes to close as sleep pulled at her consciousness
Little did she know that her hopes of a smooth integration into the academy would soon be put to the test. Only time would tell whether her plan to remain a harmless NPC would prevail, or if unforeseen circumstances would steer her into the path of the game's storyline...