Beyond the glass panes stretched a green pasture, rolling into a dense and shadowy forest, accompanied by the flickering lights of distant buildings.
A crimson veil illuminated the landscape of Milo.
Linda's hand tightened around the cold railings of the window. Her thoughts stirred and brooded, deepening her longing to return home.
In silence, she muttered, clinging to a fragile sense of certainty, attempting a gentle cradle, Let's find that hand-mirror and return... I still have work tomorrow.
Loosening her grip, Linda turned towards the room and made her way to the closet.
As she walked, velvet drape bearing cold red damp caught her eye—the corner of the bed's mattress was heavily stained with blood.
If the cleaning maids were to see it... it would escalate into rumors leading to an unnecessary problems... She thought, right hand soothing her left arm.
I should hide it after I'm done changing...
Upon arriving at the closet, Linda raised her hand and opened the double doors.
Inside were two racks filled with an array of garments—corsets, blouses, and custom-made dresses designed for events and high-society gatherings.
Is this what wealthy people wear on a daily basis? She mused, her gaze lingering on the intricate stitching and fine lace. These are vintage… they could easily fetch a fortune at auction.
A shame I couldn't possibly take them with me… that would be unethical—and shameful.
A pang of disappointment tugged at her chest. The temptation was laid bare before her, but she was instead, pushed it aside. She wouldn't be a thief—not even in another world.
After changing into a more comfortable dress and 'disposing' of the bed's cover, the stained bottle, and her torn clothes by hiding them in the drawers, she was left with the blood-soaked mattress as the only evidence.
With a sigh of resignation, Linda flipped the mattress over the bed frame—just enough to conceal the aftermath of her transmigration, for now.
Speaking of... how did Selina get herself into that state? She wondered, reviewing the fragments of Selina's memories, trying to piece together what might have led to her death—but to no avail.
Maybe it's because the memories are incomplete? Selina's memories should've transferred to me after the transmigration. After all, I'm living in her body. Her mind...
Confused, Linda chose to push the thoughts aside. Now that I've found a way to return, it doesn't matter if I get involved with this world's affairs.
Satisfied with the state of the room, she resumed her search for the ancient mirror.
As she stepped toward the door, a glimmer from the dresser's mirror caught her attention. Reflected back at her was a woman with silver-white hair, piercing blue eyes, a white corset dress hugging a slender waist, and a face framed with sharp yet delicate beauty: small, straight nose, and full, pale lips.
Without realizing it, her hand slowly rose to her cheek, fingers tracing the soft contours of the unfamiliar skin.
Is this… Selina? She looks… Her voice faltered, caught between awe and disbelief.
So beautiful…
A full minute passed before Linda forcefully snapped out of her trance, tearing her gaze away to the wooden floor.
In silence, she added with faint humor,A woman like that could enter Miss Universe every year… and win every single time.
Regaining her composure, she lifted her head again, this time with a shift in perception. The woman laid bare before her remained undisputed in terms of grace and beauty.
She's still unbelievably beautiful… Linda couldn't help but let out a soft sigh.
Seems like movements outside will become difficult with this appearance... She mused silently.
Then, upon a glimpse, she let out a subconscious sound.
Hm?
From the corner of her eye, she noticed a notebook lying beneath the mirror. Its black cover was bound by a simple string, holding together pages thick with age.
Selina's fragmented memories stirred again, this time the familiarity of the book revived within her. This must be her diary…
Her hand gently lifted the bound page up, bringing it to the level her chest. She began examining its coarse, rugged surface with thoroughness.
The notebook's plain design was visually unremarkable, state at which didn't received a distinct amount of usage in time—yet carried a faint, floral scent that seems to divulge of its owner's nature.
Selina never wore perfume...
Her eyes narrowed. Fingers tracing the edge of the cover before finally opening it.
Etched on the first page were words that felt both familiar and foreign—recognizable in structure but alien in tone.
This must be Loenese... the Loen Kingdom's system of communication.
Unknowingly, her voice shifted from English to the native tongue of this world, flowing effortlessly in sound and rhythm.
Satisfied with herself, Linda began to read.
"January 16, 1339"
Same calendar system? Her brow furrowed. According to Selina's memories, it was currently June 27, 1349.
"My father told me to start writing diaries. He's watching me write right now!My mother is very strict—and so is father! But they always express their love to me!Mother is sometimes, maybe always, clingy to father.
She thought I wouldn't notice? Hehe, sorry Mom!Also, Dad always seems grumpy when he's with my cousin's parents.
They say he's mean, but Dad is kind! He helps people in Milo! He's warm, soft, and very kind!"
This must've been from when she was younger… quite the mischievous girl, Linda mused, chuckling softly.
She flipped to the next page.
"August 22, 1348"
"It's been nine years since I last wrote in this diary. I'm a little embarrassed…Father bought it for me, and I just let it gather dust. I deeply apologize.
But today is special—and I can't contain my excitement! That's why I intend to transfer this energy into words I can express.
Next year… I'll attend Teine University! I've always wanted to meet people my age.
The townsfolk of Milo are kind and gentle, but they're all old and crooked…Sorry for my rather, uncalled tone.
As an aristocrat, expectations are overwhelming. Still, I'm grateful to my parents—they care about my future.But just once, I want to make real friends my age…"
"Aristocrats are still just humans," Linda mumbled, a quiet sadness in her voice.
She turned another page.The next entry, written in smudged ink, sent a chill through her:
"Everyone will die, including me."
!?
Linda froze, heart pounding. The notebook slipped from her fingers and hit the floor.
The innocent charm of the previous entries was now eclipsed by dread.
At that moment, inaudible whispers echoed around her. Selina's past came crashing in—memories surfacing in a tempest of confusion.Tragedies, disturbing behaviors from the townsfolk and servants. Her parents becoming cold, distant.
It was as if she were the only sane soul in a town overtaken by madness.
Linda gasped, struggling for breath, her fingers digging into the edge of the dresser.
The murmurs faded slowly.
With several deep breaths, she tried to composed herself.
I have to return. Now!
She returned the diary back on the dresser before she hurriedly turned towards the door.
The soft creak echoed down the quiet hallway, resounding so evidently, yet concealed by the emptiness of the edifice.
Pale red light filtered through veiled windows, casting a warm hue over the corridor. Portraits lined the walls—some of Selina alone, others with her mother, and a few complete with the whole family.Between them stood mahogany tables with vases overflowing with flowers.
The basement should be downstairs…Linda's heart thudded with each careful step.
As she made her way through the corridor, she passed a closed door—light spilled from underneath it, and muffled voices murmured within. The words were indistinct… but unnerving.
She quickly sidestepped and continued, putting distance between herself and the door.
Finally, she reached the staircase at the end of the hall and descended toward the first floor.