Ch 3 : Whispers in the hall

As we walked down the opulent corridor, the soft glow of crystal chandeliers casting a warm light on the intricately carved wooden panels, my anxiety began to simmer like a pot about to boil. The air was thick with the scent of fresh flowers and the faint hint of expensive perfume. Dr. Gramps walked beside me, his eyes fixed on the grand hall ahead, but I caught a glimpse of tension in his eyes. I don't know why, but from the moment I met him, I've been getting a familiar aura from him. It's like I've met him before, but where? Then, suddenly, a glimmer of the past flashed in my memory – a hazy glimpse of a young girl laughing carelessly with her grandfather. Her innocence and joy were infectious, and it hit me like a tidal wave. I was that girl once, wasn't I? I loved my grandpa with all my heart, and he was the only one who truly cared about me. He'd bring me candies and listen to my worries, his eyes sparkling with love. But... but when I grew a little older, he vanished, leaving me lost and alone. I was so small, I didn't understand what happened, and I got swallowed by the darkness of grief. As time passed, I grew up, burying those memories deep inside me. I pretended to be like other kids, happy and carefree, but inside, I was... Ah, come on, why am I thinking about the past? I should focus on the present and what's coming next.

We almost reached the grand hall, the double doors adorned with gold filigree and precious gems swinging open to reveal a sea of servants standing in line. They wore crisp, black-and-white uniforms with the family crest embroidered on their chests, their faces expressionless, but their eyes sparkled with curiosity and malice. Some were whispering to each other, their voices hushed but audible.

"...Hey, you heard something's going to happen again? What a joke, this heir is... a laughing stock. Can't even do a thing properly. You know Ms. Velvet is more worthy than her... I think His Majesty should acknowledge her instead. And the young lords don't like her either... I heard they don't get along with her."

"Hmph, who'll get along with a good-for-nothing like her? If I were her, I'd be ashamed to show my face today."

Their words stung, and I could feel their glares like drows on my skin. I was about to lose my composure when Dr. Gramps intervened, his voice stern and commanding.

"You fools! Who do you think you are, talking about your master like that? You have no shame!"

The hall fell silent, and the servants bowed their heads, their faces pale. Dr. Gramps turned to me, his eyes warm with concern. "Don't listen to them, Master. They're just foolish servants."

I nodded, a lump forming in my throat. "Thank you, Gramps."

So... who the hell am I? Why am I trapped in this body? And why are they gossiping about me like I'm some kind of...?

To be continued...

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***