Chapter 1

"Who does a lowly commoner girl think she is, acting like a marchioness's daughter?!"

"Why do I have to live in the same mansion as a lowlife like you?"

"Girls reading books are just being arrogant. Go back to the slums!"

Surrounded by three older children who were physically stronger than her, the girl was being pushed around but refused to lower her head, instead staring defiantly at her tormentors.

"It's none of your business! Give me back my book!"

Frustrated by her unwavering stance, the oldest boy, presumably the leader, raised the book above his head and shoved the girl with his other hand.

"Kyaa!"

Because she had been on her tiptoes trying to reach the book, the push sent her falling backward. Unfortunately, she landed in the pond where lotus flowers floated.

The girl could swim, but unfortunately, she was wearing a formal dress because she had plans to go out that day. The dress, now soaked with water, became extremely heavy, making it difficult for her to move her limbs.

There were no adults around (bullying typically happens where adults can't see), so even as the girl flailed in the water, no one came to her rescue.

The bullies, realizing the situation was getting serious, hesitated to call for help because they didn't want to get caught.

"It's nothing to do with me!"

"It's not my fault!"

"Big brother, big sister, don't leave me behind!"

The girl who had been the first to bully her fled the scene, and her brother and younger brother quickly followed.

The girl struggled for a while, but eventually, water started to enter her mouth and nose, making it hard to breathe, and she began to lose consciousness.

"Oh, why does this have to happen to me... I wanted to fall in love and get married this time."

...

...

...

"Huh?"

"Wait, what do you mean 'this time'?"

In her fading consciousness, the girl suddenly remembered her "past life."

"Oh, this isn't a reincarnation into another world, is it?!"

The moment her dormant memories resurfaced, a sudden change occurred in her body. A rapid heat generated near her heart spread through her veins, coursing through her entire body.

Without anyone teaching her, she naturally understood that this was magic, a power necessary for survival.

"Water will not harm me. Water will save me, protect me, and heal me. Please help me."

Without speaking, just by thinking, the water beneath her rose, lifting her up and gently pushing her toward the shore.

"Ugh, cough, cough..."

Once on land, the girl spat out the water she had swallowed and lay down on the ground. She used the magic she had just become aware of to dry her hair and dress and expel the water from her lungs as she breathed.

However, the physical exhaustion, the sudden return of her past memories, and the use of magic for the first time pushed her to her limits.

"Oh, I can't even move a finger. Damn, what am I going to do about them..."

As she thought darkly, the girl lost consciousness.

This is my first submission. I'm so nervous.