The next morning, the sun crawled across my duvet, warm and inviting. I felt lazy. Incredibly lazy.
That was one thing that hadn't changed between lives. Back then, I could spend a whole Saturday staring at the ceiling, and it seemed my new three-year-old body was even more prone to wanting to burrow into the pillows and never leave.
But then, the memories of the rain and the truck flashed behind my eyes. I remembered the vow I had made to myself.
If I ever get reincarnated… I will become the strongest.
That thought alone was like an electric shock. I forced myself to sit up, rubbing the sleep from my amethyst eyes. As I looked around my room, I couldn't help but frown.
The space was massive, but it felt… dull. Cold.
Like a museum exhibit rather than a child's bedroom. The walls were a faded, depressing cream, and the heavy velvet curtains blocked out most of the life from outside.
"I really don't like this… it feels so sad in here," I muttered, my small voice echoing in the emptiness.
I let out a sigh, crossing my tiny arms. "Alright,Rin —no, Aurelia. Let's start the change here. First, this room needs a new color. This looks terrible."
I glanced at the walls again, feeling a surge of irritation. No wonder the "old" Auri was such a scared, timid child; there was no life in this place. It looked like it hadn't been touched since the day I was born.
"Time to fix this," I said, my voice gaining strength. "Hello? Is anyone outside?"
The heavy oak door creaked open almost instantly. Two maids hurried in, stopping at a respectful distance. They kept their heads lowered, their shoulders hunched.
"Yes, Princess? You called for us?"
They looked nervous. Terrified, even.
(Inner thought)
Do they fear me? Or are they just scared I'm going to have a breakdown if they breathe too loud? This has to stop.
I kept my voice calm and steady. "I want to change the color of my room. Who should I talk to about that?"
They both snapped their heads up, eyes wide with shock. A small, confused sparkle danced in their gazes.
One of them spoke up, her voice trembling slightly.
"For such matters, Princess, you should speak with the Head Attendant of the Royal Household."
"I see," I nodded, trying to look as regal as a toddler in pajamas could. "Then I'll meet him. Call him here."
They hesitated, exchanging a worried glance. "Princess… you should get ready first. You are a princess—you cannot meet the staff in your nightclothes."
I blinked. Right. Royal etiquette. I forgot I can't just wander around in my PJs anymore. "Fine. Where is Nanny today? I haven't seen her."
"We received news that Miss Elara is unwell today, Princess," the other maid answered. "We were told to take care of you instead… but we were worried about how you would react." Both of them bowed deeply.
"Please forgive us for the intrusion."
I shook my head, offering a small, reassuring smile. "It's fine. I hope she feels better soon.
For now, can you two help me get ready?"
Their faces lit up as if I'd just handed them a chest of gold. "Yes, Princess!"
After being scrubbed, brushed, and dressed in a high-collared tunic that felt much too fancy for a Tuesday, I stood before the mirror.
"Now," I said, turning back to them. "Can you call the Head Attendant?"
One of them scurried off, and a few minutes later, the door opened again.
A man stepped inside, and I had to catch my breath for a second.
(Inner thought)
Wow… okay. This world is definitely an anime. Even the staff are handsome.
He had a sharp, composed look and bowed with perfect, practiced grace. "I was informed that the Princess wished to speak with me. This is the first time you have called for me, Princess Aurelia—it is a distinct honor."
"I wanted to talk about this room," I said, skipping the small talk.
"This room?" he repeated, his brow twitching in surprise. "Of course. What would you like me to do?"
"I want to change the furniture… and the color as well. I want it to feel alive. Bright. Not like a tomb."
He looked stunned for a heartbeat, but his professional mask clicked back into place instantly. "I understand.
I will begin making arrangements immediately. Is there anything else I can assist you with?"
"Not for now."
"Very well. I shall take my leave."
He bowed and exited.
As the door clicked shut, I bit my lip. Wait. I didn't even ask his name. That was so rude.
I felt a pang of guilt. Then I realized I hadn't even addressed the two women who had just spent thirty minutes doing my hair.
I turned toward them, feeling my cheeks flush a little.
"By the way… what are your names? I'm sorry, I don't remember."
They looked like they were about to cry—but out of happiness, not fear.
"My name is Marienne, Princess."
"And I am Rosaline."
I smiled. "Those are nice names. I'm happy to meet you properly. Can I call you Mari and Rosa?"
Their expressions brightened so much I thought they might actually glow. "Yes, Princess! Of course!"
"I have a question," I said, stepping toward the door. "Is there a library in this palace?"
Rosa nodded eagerly. "Yes, there is! A magnificent one. Would you like to go there?"
"Take me there. Now."
As we walked through the towering halls, I watched Mari and Rosa out of the corner of my eye.
(Inner thought)
I remember now… they were always around. They wanted to play, to talk, to be close. But the 'old' Auri was so attached to Nanny Elara that she pushed everyone else away. They were probably lonely. Well, not anymore.
"Princess, we've arrived," Rosa announced.
She pushed open two massive, carved wooden doors, and I froze.
The room was gargantuan. Books climbed the walls like ivy, stretching up toward a stained-glass ceiling that cast rainbows across the mahogany floor. Thousands of volumes—more than I had ever seen in my entire previous life.
(Inner thought)
This is it. This is where the power is.
Mari picked up a nearby book, her voice hopeful. "Would you like me to read you a story, Princess? There's a lovely one about a dragon and a knight…"
I took the book from her and looked at the pages. My heart stopped.
The script was sharp, flowing, and completely alien. It wasn't English. It wasn't any language I knew from Earth.
(Inner thought)
Wait… I can read this. The characters look like strange symbols, but the meaning is clicking into my brain instantly. I don't have to learn the language—it's already there.
I closed the book slowly, my mind racing. I couldn't let them see how fast a three-year-old could read. It would raise too many questions.
"Mari, Rosa… you can leave for now. I'd like to stay here alone for a while."
They looked slightly disappointed, their shoulders drooping, but they didn't argue. "As you wish, Princess. We will be right outside if you need us."
They bowed and retreated, closing the heavy doors with a soft thud.
Silence. Just me and the scent of old paper and ink.
A small, predatory smile appeared on my face. I wasn't the scared little girl anymore. I was a seeker.
"Now I can do whatever I want," I whispered.
My eyes scanned the shelves, searching for specific keywords. History. Geography. Mana. Theory.
"There must be books about magic here," I muttered, my tiny hands reaching for a thick, leather-bound tome on the bottom shelf. "I need to find them. I need to know how this world works… and how I can break it."
Without wasting another second, I sat cross-legged on the floor, opened the book, and began to read.