✨🌱 — The Awakening
As consciousness returned, the first thing she felt was the strange weight of a smaller body.
Limbs thin and fragile. Skin soft and youthful.
She blinked open her eyes, staring up at an unfamiliar ceiling.
Memories flooded in—fast, sharp, vivid. They belonged to a 26-year-old office worker named Yoo Jaehyun, rushing toward his brother's wedding, the screech of tires, the blinding impact.
Then… nothing.
Until now.
???: "There's tears in my eyes... I better wipe it off!"
She raised small hands to her face, dabbing gently at wet cheeks. Confusion warred with curiosity. How had she ended up here? In a child's body, in a world she'd never seen before?
???:"My name was Yoo Jaehyun. 26 Year-old. I was an office worker in my past life. And I was in a car accident while I was going to my brother's wedding... I never thought I'd be reincarnated in another world... First I need to remember who I am right now in this world!!"
Her mind raced, trying to piece together the fragments of her new identity.
Slowly, like mist clearing, the answers came.
Her name now is Lena Dunham.
She came from a noble family, though her story wasn't typical. Her father, a gentleman of status, had met her mother by chance one night when she—then a commoner—saved his life and nursed him back to health. Against the disapproval of many nobles, they'd fallen in love and married, eventually welcoming Lena and her siblings.
The sun was dipping low now, painting the sky in warm hues.
Lena:"I better get home, my new family must be worried about me..."
She stood, brushed grass from her clothes, and began walking along the path toward the estate.
The countryside stretched out around her—rolling hills, green fields, trees rustling softly in the breeze. Birds chirped in the distance, and for a moment, despite everything, Lena felt a quiet sense of peace settle in her chest.
As she neared the house, she saw a figure hurrying toward her. A woman with dark hair, her face tight with worry, moving as fast as her pregnant belly allowed.
???:"LENA!!"
Before Lena could speak, she was pulled into a tight embrace.
???:"There you are! We were worried sick about you! Where on earth have you been?!"
Lena:"MOTHER!?"
Amelia pulled back, hands resting firmly on her hips, her expression shifting from relief to scolding.
Amelia:"I can't believe you wandered off on your own without telling anyone! Do you have any idea how scared we were when we realized you weren't home? And look, the sun is setting! You know you're not supposed to be outside after dusk."
Lena:"I'm sorry, I was just gazing at the sky and... I ended up falling asleep."
The tension in Amelia's shoulders softened slightly.
???:"You...fell asleep?"
She sighed, raking a hand through her hair.
???:"Honestly, you gave us quite a scare, you know? You can't just disappear like that without letting anyone know."
A man's voice interrupted them, gentle and warm. Lena looked up to see her father approaching, with two older children trailing behind him.
???:"Now, now, Amelia~ there's no need to be so uptight."
Amelia turned toward him, her sternness flaring again.
Amelia:"You try calming down after your child went missing!"
James stepped closer, his tone softening as he gestured to her stomach.
???:"And please don't run, while you're still pregnant with our baby."
Amelia took a deep breath, her anger melting into weariness.
Amelia:"I know, I know... I just couldn't help being worried."
She turned back to Lena, her voice firm once more.
Amelia:"You better not do this again Lena! Or I'll send an escort!"
Lena stared at the ground, guilt and embarrassment swirling in her chest.
Lena:"I'm sorry..."
Amelia Dunham was a woman of contrasts—strict but kind, sharp-eyed but warm-hearted. She loved fiercely, and her concern today came from a place of deep fear. Being pregnant only heightened her need to protect her family.
James Dunham placed a hand on Lena's shoulder, his expression gentle.
James:"Lena, it's getting late. We should head back before it gets too dark."
Lena looked up quickly, nodding obediently.
Lena:"Yes, father!"
She fell into step beside her older sister and brother as they began walking toward the manor.
James walked tall and confident beside them. With neat brown hair and pink eyes that seemed to hold quiet authority, he often appeared distant to outsiders, but at home, he was a devoted husband and father. As a landlord and merchant, he spent much of his time working or traveling, but he always made sure to bring back gifts and stories for his children.
Louise, her older sister, turned to her with a scolding tone, though her eyes betrayed her worry.
???:"Geez, Lena, you really needed to be more careful! Mom was completely stressed out and was on the verge of losing her temper. You have no idea the panic you caused when we couldn't find you."
Lena shifted uncomfortably.
Lena:"Sorry..."
Louise—short for Louisette Dunham—shared her father's brown hair and her mother's sharp eyes. Hardworking and diligent, she spent much of her time studying or practicing the piano, a passion their father encouraged by hiring a private tutor. She could be strict, but her affection for Lena was never in doubt.
Then her older brother, Thomas, chimed in, his tone lighter but serious.
Thomas:"Yeah, you're lucky it was just us who found you napping. You could've gotten kidnapped or something while you were sleeping out there! You should be more careful, little sis."
He was two years older than Lena, with features that leaned closer to their mother's. Unlike their father's intensity or their sister's strictness, Thomas was calm and thoughtful, already showing an interest in politics and leadership beyond his years.
Lena sighed, raising her hands in surrender.
Lena:"Okay, okay, I won't do it again. I promise."
Thomas nodded, satisfied.
Thomas:"Good. Remember, next time you go wandering off, at least tell someone where you're going."
Lena's smile faded a little as a familiar insecurity crept back in.
Lena:"Kidnapped? Why would anyone kidnap a magic-less girl like me? Who can't even use any magic?"
She'd heard the whispers from other nobles, the mocking remarks about her family—and especially about her inability to wield magic. No matter how much her parents reassured her, the words still stung.
Amelia knelt down so she was eye level with Lena, her expression fierce and protective.
Amelia:"Don't listen to them! Their words are just designed to make us feel miserable."
James knelt beside her, placing a hand on Lena's head.
James: "Exactly. Your value isn't determined by your ability to use magic. And don't you worry, I'll teach you martial arts myself so you can defend yourself against those who belittle you."
True to his word, James made time in his busy schedule to start Lena's lessons. He hired tutors to ensure she kept up with her studies, even though Lena sometimes felt her lack of magic set her apart.
To escape those feelings, she sometimes wandered outside—and it was during one of those walks that the memories of her past life finally surfaced.
Louise walked beside her now, her voice gentle but firm.
Louise:"You are still a noble regardless, and you certainly aren't useless. Don't let the jeers and mockery of those hooligans get to you. They're just resentful because Mother was raised as a commoner before becoming a noble after marrying Father."
Lena looked down, thinking.
Lena:"Yeah..."
Louise was right. Why should she care what they thought?
Thomas turned to Louise, changing the subject.
Thomas:"Ah, that's right. Louise, aren't you planning to attend the royal academy in 5 years?"
Louise nodded, her expression brightening.
Louise:"Yes, I am. I've been preparing myself for the rigorous curriculum and the expectations that come with being a student there."
Thomas raised an eyebrow.
Thomas:"Just playing the piano?"
Louise laughed softly.
Louise:"Not just playing the piano, Thomas. The royal academy offers a lot more than that. I'll be learning various subjects, honing my skills, and exploring different interests."
Thomas nodded, conceding the point.
Thomas:"Good point, I guess you'll be doing more than just playing the piano."
Louise smiled.
Louise:"Exactly. I'll be delving into various academic subjects, expanding my knowledge, and discovering other interests along the way."
Soon, the manor came into view.
Once inside, the siblings parted ways. Louise headed to her room, looking forward to some quiet time and perhaps practicing the piano. Thomas, tired from the day, also retired to rest.
Lena walked to her own quarters, her mind still turning over everything that had happened.
She lay back on her bed, staring up at the ceiling.
Lena:"(The Royal Academy... They teach diverse subjects like magic, martial arts... and even dungeon conquering. There's much to learn there...)"
A heavy sigh escaped her. She thought of her brother from her past life, and a pang of longing hit her.
Lena:(I wonder how Jaekyun is doing... I wish he was here to experience it all with me.)
A soft knock pulled her from her thoughts.
???:"Lady Lena~ dinner is ready! Everyone's waiting for you."
Lena sat up quickly, pushing aside her reflections.
Lena:"I'll be down in a minute,"
She stood and hurried to the door.
Lena:"Lead the way,"
The maid waiting outside smiled and nodded, guiding her down the hallway toward the dining room.
Her name was Sophie, the head maid of the household. She was a hardworking woman who had fallen on hard times after her husband's gambling debts left her penniless and desperate. Lena's parents had found her collapsed by the roadside, nursed her back to health, and offered her a job. Even after the debts were paid, Sophie chose to stay, out of gratitude and loyalty to the family that had saved her.
As they entered the dining room, the aroma of home-cooked food filled the air.
James looked up with a warm smile.
James:"Hello, Lena and Sophie, thank you for bringing Lena here."
Sophie bowed modestly.
Sophie:"It was nothing. I'm merely fulfilling my duties."
With that, she excused herself, leaving the family to gather around the table.
Amelia and Louise waved for Lena to sit.
Amelia: "Lena, please sit down and eat."
Louise patted the empty chair beside her.
Louise:"Come on now! The food's getting cold!"
Thomas waved as well.
Thomas:"Hurry and take your seat, Lena!"
Lena quickly sat, her stomach growling softly as she looked at the spread before them.
Conversation flowed easily at first. Then Amelia turned to James, curiosity in her voice.
Amelia:"Darling, how did your work situation go? Did the king enjoy our offerings?"
James paused, his expression turning serious.
James:"Actually... I met with representatives from the Dran family."
"THE DRAN FAMILY!?"
Louise and Thomas exclaimed in unison.
Lena froze, her fork hovering in mid-air. The name sounded strangely familiar.
Lena:"(Dran... Have I heard that name somewhere before? Why does it seem so familiar..?)"
Amelia leaned forward, surprise clear in her tone.
Amelia:"The Dran family! Why would they want to sign a contract with us?!"
James nodded, understanding her shock.
James:"Indeed, I was taken aback too. They've shown interest in signing a contract with us because they want our products. In exchange, they offered to promote our sales and supply us with more raw materials to produce more medicine."
It was true—their family business was built on medicine and health products. James handled the trade, while Amelia used her skills and knowledge to create remedies and beauty preparations.
Louise's eyes widened.
Louise: "Father, that's incredible!"
Thomas leaned in eagerly.
Thomas:"Yeah! How did you react when they expressed interest in signing a contract with us?!"
James smiled, pleased by their excitement.
James:"I was pleasantly surprised and thrilled, to say the least. It's a significant opportunity for our family and our business."
He sat back, recounting the meeting.
James:"I handled the conversation with a cool head, inquiring about their reasons for wanting our products. After they explained, they said there was no rush and encouraged me to think it over before deciding. And with that, they departed."
He sighed, already considering the benefits and risks of the partnership.
Lena broke the silence, her curiosity growing.
Lena: "Father, did the Drans say anything specific about why they specifically wanted our products?"
James nodded.
James:"Yes, they did mention that the medicines we produce possess an exceptional potency and quality that surpasses those of others. They believe these attributes will greatly benefit their family and have expressed a strong interest in acquiring our products."
Lena hesitated, then asked the question nagging at her.
Lena:"Father...can you tell me about the Dran family?"
James paused, surprised.
James: "Ah, I suppose we haven't mentioned much about them, have we?"
He exchanged glances with Amelia, wondering what prompted this sudden interest.
James:"(Strange... she usually quiet during dinners)"
He explained carefully.
James:"The Dran family holds a prominent position of greater status than our own. Their head and the emperor have been inseparable close friends since their time in the royal academy, going through countless wars together and bringing prosperity to our nation. Their bond is so strong that they made an unbreakable vow for their offspring to become sworn siblings or betrothed, with the duke's second son becoming engaged to none other than the crown princess of our kingdom."
Louise and Thomas listened with awe, impressed by the influence of such a powerful family.
Lena's heart began to beat faster.
Lena:"What are the names of the second son and the crown princess?"
James thought for a moment.
James:"Ah, their names are Edmund Dran and Princess Rosalie Avila Beltran."
Lena's fork clattered onto her plate.
Lena:"W-WHAT!?"
Everyone turned to her in shock as she slammed her hands onto the table, her face pale.
James:"Lena...?"
Lena stared back, her mind reeling.
Lena:"EDMUND DRAN AND ROSALIE AVILA BELTRAN!!"
Amelia stood up, her voice sharp but concerned.
Amelia:"Lena, please take a seat,"
Lena sank back down, her mind spinning.
Lena:"Ah... right".
Lena:"(No way... Edmund Dran and Rosalie Avila Beltran from that RPG game that I played with my brother in my past life...!?)"
James leaned forward, worry in his voice.
James:"Are you alright, Lena? You look quite pale. Do you, by any chance, know who Edmund Dran and Princess Rosalie are?"
Lena forced herself to smile, trying to calm her racing heart.
Lena:"Oh, of course, I was merely taken aback by the announcement."
James looked at her for a moment longer, but chose to accept her answer.
James:"Indeed, this engagement holds great importance as a symbol of friendship between the Dran family and the royal family. It represents a strong bond between two influential families, strengthening the stability and prosperity of our kingdom."
Amelia continued to watch Lena closely, noting how quiet she'd become. Louise noticed the slight trembling of her hands, while Thomas frowned in confusion.
Later that night, after dinner had ended and everyone had gone to their rooms, Lena lay awake, unable to sleep.
Lena:"(Is it true? Have I really reincarnated into the world of that RPG game I used to play with my brother...?)"
She turned over, staring at the moonlight filtering through the curtains.
Lena:"(Edmund Dran... the cool-headed and villainous character who wields dark magic... And Rosalie Beltrán... the heroine, one of the love interests of the protagonist.)"
It was too much to be a coincidence.
Lena sat up as realization struck her.
Lena:"Wait!"
She threw off the covers and hurried out of her room, rushing toward her father's study.
James looked up from his paperwork, startled as Lena burst in.
James:"Lena?!"
He stood, surprised by her sudden appearance.
James:"What are you doing, barging in here and shouting at this hour? And don't slam doors! You might break them!"
Lena ignored the scolding, breathless.
Lena:"I'm sorry... father, it's about Edmund Dran how is old he?"
James blinked, confused.
James:"What?"
James:"How old is he? Why do you suddenly ask about Edmund?"
He answered slowly.
James:"He's around your age. Why do you ask all of a sudden?"
Lena waved her hand dismissively, backing toward the door.
Lena:"Oh nothing~ I was just curious... please continue you work good night-!"
Before he could ask anything else, she was gone.
James shook his head, sitting back down.
James:"Girls are so mysterious..."
Back in her room, Lena threw herself onto the bed, her mind racing.
Lena:"(I'm really going to attend the Royal Academy! In 9 years, the story from the RPG game will start...!)"
A sudden thought struck her, making her freeze.
Lena:"(No character named Lena Dunham exists... Then that means, I must be an NPC! If I stay out of the way, avoid the plot, and observe from the sidelines, I'll be safe!)"
Relief washed over her. She sat up, grinning.
Lena:"I was worried for nothing!"
She hurried to her desk, pulling her drawer, then quickly retrieved a notebook and pen from the drawer.
Lena:"To avoid accidentally becoming involved in the story, I'll just write down the plot here. And what's more, since it's written in Korean, no one else will be able to read or understand it..."
She began scribbling furiously, recording the key events, characters, and major turning points she remembered from the game. Her handwriting was hurried but clear, every word a precaution against unknowingly altering the course of the story.
As the last lines were written, exhaustion finally washed over her. The adrenaline that had kept her going all night faded away, leaving her heavy-eyed and weary.
Lena:"It's been a long day... Hopefully, nothing will happen that would disrupt the game's story."
She set the notebook aside, slid under the warm covers, and let out a long breath. Slowly, her eyes drifted shut, and sleep finally claimed her.
But as she slept, the threads of fate were already shifting and weaving in ways she could never have predicted. Her simple wish to remain a safe, unnoticed background character was already being tested, and the quiet life she hoped for might prove far more difficult to maintain than she imagined.