Nathalia's POV
"Hey," I called out to the maid, Lena. She introduced herself earlier, even though I already knew her name.
"Yes, Princess? What is it?" she asked as she walked over to the bed where I was sitting.
"Mirror." She nodded and went to the drawer, taking out the mirror framed with golden flower designs.
"Here you go, Princess." I took the medium-sized mirror and was stunned by what I saw—I was shocked at my face!
She's cute! Her short yellow-blonde hair reached her shoulders, her eyes were sky blue, she had a pointed nose, pinkish lips, and chubby cheeks that looked pinch-worthy. But wait, that's me... better not pinch them, it might hurt.
I smiled at the face of Nathalia—it was so beautiful and adorable. I never imagined I'd be reincarnated as Nathalia. Someone knocked on the door, and both Lena and I looked in that direction.
"Just a moment, Princess Nathalia. I'll open the door," Lena said, bowing her head before walking over and opening it.
Standing there was the doctor, along with another maid named Mila. I noticed something odd—the place looked like a mix of ancient times and the modern world.
Lena bowed to the doctor, and the young doctor just nodded in response. Honestly, he was handsome. If he were the one greeting me when I woke up, I'd want to wake up every day. But for some reason, it's always Jonas I see when I wake up—and he doesn't exactly motivate me to get out of bed.
"Good morning, Princess Nathalia," the doctor said as he bowed. "I'm glad you're finally awake after that fall."
The doctor examined me and stayed in my room for over thirty minutes.
"Good news—your fever has gone down," Doctor Stev sighed in relief. "Give her this medicine if she gets a headache." Mila took the bottle of medicine.
"Thank you, Doctor," both maids said.
"It's nothing. I have to go now—I have something important to attend to. Princess Nathalia, I'm happy you're awake. Please take care. Farewell." He bowed to me. "Goodbye, ladies." The two maids smiled.
Doctor Stev left the room.
"I'll go get something for you to eat, Princess," Lena said, excusing herself before leaving the room.
"Princess, does anything hurt?" *Imaginary facepalm.* That's the tenth time she's asked me that. I'm tired of nodding, but I nodded again anyway—just to avoid more questions.
"That's good," she said. I looked at her—she was bowing her head with a frown. I tapped her gently.
"Mmm?"
"How owd am I?" I asked, childishly mispronouncing words.
She smiled and raised three fingers on her right hand.
"You're three years old, Princess." I nodded slowly. Then I started wondering—where are Nathalia's parents? Shouldn't they be here now that their child is awake?
"You have temporary amnesia, Princess. I'm sorry." I already knew—and that's actually a good thing. That way, if you ask me something I don't know, I won't look suspicious.
"Tell me a story," I said to her. She pointed at herself—of course it's you, Mila! Who else is here? Just the two of us! I nodded.
"About you and your family?" she asked. I nodded again. She took a chair, carried it beside my bed, and sat down. "Sorry, I get tired from standing too long," she laughed.
"What's my full name?" I asked.
She cleared her throat before speaking.
"Your full name is Princess Nathalia Marcella Lillia Marleigh, the seventh child of Lord Marleigh. The Marleigh family is the second richest and most powerful—and feared—family in the land. You have six older brothers. That's right—six brothers. You haven't met them yet because your father forbade it. All they know is that they once had a sister, but… they think she's dead. I'm sorry."
I couldn't believe what I just heard. They think I'm dead? I mean, Nathalia—she's alive! How cruel of their father. Poor Nathalia.
"As for your mother… she passed away giving birth to you. But please don't blame yourself—it's not your fault that Lady Marleigh died. Her pregnancy was already complicated."
Mila continued telling stories. I couldn't tell if I should be weirded out or amazed by this world. It's a mix of old-fashioned times and modern things. The Marleigh family felt like the mafia, and this place? It was Lady Marleigh's mansion—but a hidden one. Only Lord Marleigh knows about it! He's the only Marleigh who does. Mila's stories were all about my family.
"Hawve you met my b-brothers?" I asked.
She shook her head.
"Not yet. Lena and I have both been working here since before you were born." she admitted.
The door opened, and Lena came in with a tray of food.
"It's time to eat." She set down a bowl of porridge and a glass of water. "Mila, get a small basin with lukewarm water and a towel. I'll wipe the Princess clean." Mila nodded and went through a door—I guessed it was the bathroom.
Lena scooped up some arroz caldo, blew on it, and brought the spoon near my mouth. She's feeding me? She smiled at me as she held the spoon up.
"My dear princess, say ahh~" I looked down. *Carmella, it's okay. Even if you're already 22 years old, it's normal.* You have no choice—your soul is now in Nathalia's body. Just remember—she's only three! There's nothing you can do. When you're able... ugh, never mind! I opened my mouth reluctantly.
"Ahh." Lena fed me. All I can say about the arroz caldo is: "Wahh, so yummy!" Lena giggled softly.
When I finished eating, she handed me the glass of water. I drank and gave it back to her.
"Tank you—" Wait… isn't it rude to call her just 'Lena'? But then again, I *was* kind of rude as Carmella.
"My dear Princess, if I may… you used to call me 'Mama Lena,'" she said shyly. I gave a small smile.
"Tank you, Ma—Mama Lena." She smiled back and gently caressed my cheek.
"Would you like me to tell you why you call me Mama Lena?" She smiled, but her tone and eyes were sad. Why? I nodded.
"It's because… one day, you asked me if you could call me Mama. I've been the one taking care of you since you were a baby. You were longing for a mother—even though you knew yours was gone. I was heartbroken when I saw how sad you were. So without hesitation, I stood in as your mother, Princess."
I was speechless. Who wouldn't be hurt and saddened by that story? Nathalia's life… it's just so heartbreaking.