Chapter 7

With the goal of improving my physical strength, I continued my secret training... I might have exaggerated, but it was mostly stretching. As a result, I somehow managed to build up enough stamina to stay awake for a whole day!

At first, I was surprised by how often I would fall asleep during the day.

I also started eating more actively, and I really wanted some protein powder, but I tried to make up for it by eating meat properly.

At first, even this meat made me sick, and I couldn't get used to it.

I gradually increased the amount little by little, and now I can eat almost a full serving.

Then, the tea party with the Duchess of Ariella Brechst arrived, and to my surprise, I was the only guest.

She has beautiful, loosely curled golden hair and a gentle demeanor. It's a one-on-one session with her.

She doesn't seem like a bad girl.

Her plump cheeks and slightly drooping eyes give off a calm and gentle atmosphere... This is what a true lady looks like!

Moreover, the difference in status is clear when it comes to a ducal family.

The size of the house is enormous, and the number of servants is completely different.

Our family, which is only nominally noble, is really just in name.

While trying not to look around too much, today I am dressed in my best and have Baudy push my wheelchair. The butler who greeted us led us to a gazebo in a vast garden that could fit two of our houses.

Beautiful, colorful small cakes on an elegant cake stand, aromatic black tea, and an undoubtedly expensive tea set.

The small table is filled with these items.

Looking at the beautifully patterned tea set, I vowed not to make any mistakes.

No way, these are definitely not something my father's salary could easily buy.

After the maid prepared the tea, she immediately left the gazebo.

"Miss Reimi, is this position okay?"

Baudy, who pushed my wheelchair close to the table, confirmed with me in a low, smooth voice. I had to pinch my thigh under the thick lap blanket to keep from bursting out laughing at his serious tone.

"Yes, thank you."

My voice of gratitude trembled. After all, it's so unusual for him to be so serious!

Praise me for not laughing!

"I will be nearby if you need me."

After saying this in a serious tone, he bowed to Lady Ariella and left the gazebo.

Yes, he is in a position where I can see him.

If Reimi's unreliable memory is correct, having a tea party with just a few people, especially just the two of us, is definitely a private meeting.

That's why, without any instructions, the maid and Baudy moved to a position where they couldn't hear us.

A private meeting—this is my first time meeting her, but is it really a private meeting?

I can't help but feel a bit anxious.

"Miss Reimi, I'm sorry for calling you so suddenly."

"No, it's an honor to meet you, Lady Ariella."

I accepted her apology with a smile.

Still, her gaze keeps drifting to Baudy, and her cheeks turn a little red.

Well, Baudy is handsome, so I understand why she's captivated by him.

But, I hope she's not trying to poach him? If a ducal family asks, he might have no choice but to comply. A sadness similar to anger wells up in my chest, but I try not to show it on my face.

I shouldn't have brought Baudy. But, we don't have any male help at home.

I really need to be able to move around on my own.

My physical strength has improved, so I should get a crutch.

While enjoying the fragrant tea, we chatted about the weather. Of course, since it's our first meeting, we don't have much in common, and Reimi was quite the recluse, so talking about anything other than the weather is difficult.

Even the weather, I only know about the recent conditions. I barely remember anything from when my vision was filtered in gray. What was Reimi even doing to stay alive?

Well, it's about time to wrap up this pointless conversation and get to the main topic.

While talking, she seems restless and clearly has something else on her mind.

I'd rather just ignore it.

There's no need for me to get involved in something troublesome. I've enjoyed the delicious tea and snacks, and I need to get back to my daily stretching routine.

"By the way, Miss Reimi, um, that is..."

She started fidgeting with her hands!

This is it—here it comes.

"Yes, what is it?"

I put down my cup and smiled at her.

Finally, I thought, or, I can't ignore it, I kept these thoughts from showing on my face. I just maintained a waiting posture.

Then, the words she finally let out left me speechless.

"If I told you I'm a reincarnated person, would you be surprised?"

She fidgeted and glanced at me nervously, and I tried to regain my composure.

At least, I'm glad it's not about recruiting Baudy.

"A reincarnated person? What do you mean by that, um, please wait a moment."

I recalled my memories and thought about the term "reincarnated person."

"Someone who lives with the memories of their previous life, a reincarnated person, right?"

Hmm? Could I be one too?

I have clear memories of Reimi Hua, separate from Reimi, and my consciousness is the dominant one.

It feels a bit off, but maybe I am a reincarnated person? Hmm?

"Yes! That's it! In fact, I have memories from a different world."

She spoke with a sparkling expression about her past life, which she claimed was in "Japan."