***

"I'm your mother's brother! I'm your uncle..."

​​

When I heard the headmaster utter such words, I silently stared at him. Though I figured that he must have a relatively close relationship with my mother if he had access to the family's secret that even I don't have.

"Is that so...?" I answered. When he saw my reaction he stared at me for a while before he got the scone on his plate and munched it nonchalantly.

"I'm not that enthusiastic to know your relationship with the Duchess..." I explained.

Carsillion heard my answer and opened his mouth "You knew... How? Did your idiotic brother told you?"

I blink at how he scrutinized Allan but I also agree with what he said. It was true that Allan is an idiot.

I smiled and replied "I just figured it out... No one said anything about an old man who's existing and is a schemer that the Duchess has as a..."

Before I finished my reply he immediately corrected me "You should call her Duchess Monica or mother... Isn't that right?" He asked.

I nod silently but I feel indifferent at the words 'Father, Mother, or brother'. I had enough in my old life and this life to be attached and to make the same mistake again. No never again!

But then at that moment, I remember my brother's words. "You killed mother! That's your sin!"

If that was true, this man should also hate me. It's illogical but this world will hate me as I was seen as a connon fonder that will make the Female lead strong and beautiful to the eyes of others. That's my situation.

As my curiosity was at its peak, I belatedly asked... "Don't you hate me? They said that the reason the Duchess died was because of me."

He heard again the word 'duchess', left my mouth but seeing that my eyes were full of determination, he let it slide. And began to sipped his tea again before he answered my question.

I was nervous, but what's different about adding some name to the long list that hates my existence. I laugh at how silly and unfair this world is to me. Then I heard him clear his throat.

"Ahem... Why would I hate my niece? Isn't that too unfair for you?"

The words he said made me confused but at the same time relieved. I squinted my eyes and thought... Why would I feel relieved? Then I brushed that feeling and focused my intention to the person sitting across from me.

"And besides, it was Monica who decided to sacrifice herself for you. You were just a child then, no one should blame you for what happened..." Then he looked at my bewildered face.

While he stared at me, his face cast a shadow that I could see the glowing golden eyes and could quickly spot the difference. "Did your pathetic Father tell you that? Or is it that idiot brother of yours?"

When he realized that something was amiss with how I reacted, he realized that it has something to do with the people around me. I inwardly applaud his sharpness to come to that conclusion.

"Your father must want to be beaten to death... I should visit sometime." He said.

I observed his action although he was smiling while holding the teacup and the saucer plate, his aura was telling me that he was dead serious about what he said. I took my tea and hid the grin pasted on my face then I replied.

"I don't really care about how those two treated me, what I want to know is how the Duchess died... And how was it related to me? And why is my memory of when I was 6-10 years old gone? You knew about that, am I right?"

"You're quite sharp..."

"I don't need your praise... Get to the point and tell me!"

I'm losing patience when it comes to the things that I'm involved in but don't have a recollection of it.

'It's like walking into a monster's den voluntarily without any weapons that I could use!' And that's how I really feel.

In this novel, where I'm the villainess, the only thing I could take advantage of was the scenarios that will happen and know, but because of my current actions that were different to the setting, that slight advantage was wearing thin as the plot progressed.

And I'm anxious because of that!

As Carsillion observed the calm facade that I made, he started to talk casually.

"Your mom has a unique skill... What did she say again? Status screen? Exp? Anyway... That sister of mine was very unique."

I tried to not let my jaw drop as I heard the familiar skill that I have. 'Don't tell me... The duchess is...?'

'No. That can't be true. This world is inside a novel. Anything could happen.'

I relaxed my muscles and calmed my nerves. Carsillion spoke again.

"She was a magician that can rival the four kingdoms, she's basically... What did she call herself again? OP character?" He brushed his chin before he looked at my face.

But I was already shocked! If what he said was true... There's a possibility that my mother was a person who reincarnated too!

I listened carefully and focused all my attention on his words. Seeing that I was now ready to take the news he continued...

"... anyway, that mother of yours was peculiar. She was open-minded and she made tools that help the advancement of the whole kingdom... She was revered as a genius!" He chuckled as it felt like he was seeing the past.

"Then he met your father..." He grimaced before he continued. "That pathetic father of yours has too many enemies that eventually they targeted your mom when she became his fiancee... We were against it, the whole family was against it. She was supposed to be wed to the Crown Prince at that time..."

My jaw drops and this time I can't hide it... "If it was the Crown Prince at that time... The king?"

He was amused and let out a laugh. "No... The King right now was too pathetic than your father. There was an original Crown Prince and that was your mother's fiancee..."

I didn't hide my astonished face and utter words of bewilderment.

"Woah! So you're saying that it wasn't supposed to be my father? But someone was about to be wed to her and that is the Crown Prince? Crown Prince Cesar? The Prince that was said to be the most powerful magician and tactician before he died because he was assassinated?" I asked, astonished.

He chuckled. "He was really a great Prince... But he's too blinded..."

"Blinded by what?"

"Love"

Huh?

When Carsillion saw the confusion within my eyes he changed the topic.

"Anyway, the Crown Prince died and Monica and that idiot Duke vowed to each other and sealed their fate with their wedding... They were happy and blessed by two children,"

I smirked and thought about being 'blessed'.

'If being blessed was getting treatment as the trash of the family... Then I would rather not have it.' I thought to myself.

Carsillion continued, "...your mom also said that you are also just like her and she needed to take extra measures to teach you... So the two of you wondered around the 5 Kingdoms together..."

I narrowed my brows and it formed lines on my forehead.

"I traveled with her?" I said as I was confused.

That can't be, but then again. I have no memories... So I continued to listen.

"... I don't know where you went. But the two of you were gone for a long time... 3 years. Even your father can't contact the two of you...Your traces suddenly vanished after you traveled to the Kingdom of Krasnolud. Then, the two of you showed up as if nothing happened. But your mother didn't say anything... And so are you,"

My eyes were wide open when I heard about it. Then before my thoughts wander, Carsillion added,

"Both of you were anxious, and one day, you were kidnapped! Your mom and that fool father of yours tried their best to follow the kidnapper's trail. When you were gone for a day, Monica was crying and pleading that they needed to find you immediately... And so, we dispatch the soldiers of both houses. Your father and I also left to add to the workforce... Then we receive the news"

Carsillion's face gloom and became fierce and a murderous aura leaked from his body. I shivered at how powerful he is, a simple release of killing intent can make my whole being shaken. I gripped my dress and tried to breathe as calmly as I could.

"... It's the news that your father's estate was invaded... We immediately went back as your mother and brother were in the estate..." He trailed off before he continued.

"We saw that half of the employees died... Their life essence was sucked away and dried up, we heard your cries... In the back garden of the mansion..."

Then, I recall the familiar garden that becomes my favorite spot within the estates...

"No way..." I held my hand and continued to listen.

"That's when we saw Monica's body... Lifeless besides you...!"