The days slipped by, uneventful.
Over five years, the balance of power in Aethelburg was in constant flux, yet the three-way standoff between the Reginald, Ashworth, and Blaine families remained largely unchanged.
And during those five years, the most prevalent rumors in Aethelburg were all about the Ashworth family's fifth daughter, Seraphina Ashworth.
Legend had it that the Ashworths' fifth daughter was born with a weak constitution, constantly ill. There were even more exaggerated rumors claiming she had been cast aside by the family and was not valued. None of this could be confirmed, however, as the girl never appeared at public functions or attended any of the Ashworths' own banquets. To everyone's surprise, the Ashworth family made no move to suppress these rumors, which convinced the people of Aethelburg that they were true.
But who could have known that this was all orchestrated by Seraphina Ashworth herself? It was also the Ashworth family's way of protecting her.
"Dad, Mom, breakfast is ready," Susan Lindsey called out from the dining room while setting the table.
It was the weekend, so most of the Ashworth family were at the Ashworth Residence.
"Aren't the children up yet?" Miss Ashworth asked as she walked in, noticing that none of them were in the dining room.
"Not yet. It was Seraphina's birthday yesterday, and the children went wild. They were up very late. I was just about to wake them," Sharon Forrest said, placing the last of the tableware down before turning to go get the kids.
"Then I'll get Seraphina," Sylvia Blaine said, following Sharon Forrest out the door.
Beyond the gardens of the Ashworth Residence, in the backyard, stood a small, exquisite, two-story villa. Mr. Ashworth had it built for Seraphina Ashworth on her fourth birthday. Since Seraphina rarely asked for anything, her doting father, Paul, and her equally doting grandfather, Mr. Ashworth, agreed without a second thought the moment she expressed a wish. This had always been a source of great envy for the other children of the Ashworth, Reginald, and Blaine families.
After its completion, Seraphina had lived there by herself, though the other Ashworth children often came over to hang out. Visitors to the estate knew the small villa was off-limits, but they had no idea who lived inside.
In a room on the second floor, a soft, pure white carpet covered the entire floor. A chaise longue sat before a floor-to-ceiling window, and on a large, silver-purple bed, a little girl was curled up asleep. Golden sunlight slipped through a gap in the curtains, spilling into the room.
The girl's long, silky hair was splayed across the pillow. Her furrowed brow suggested she was not sleeping peacefully.
"Godfather, no! You can't die! Don't leave Elodie! Don't!"
The girl jolted awake, shooting upright in bed.
'That dream again.'
Seraphina Ashworth climbed out of bed, walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, and pulled back the curtains, her bleary eyes gazing up at the sky.
'Five years. It's been five years since I was reborn. The events of my past life still feel like they happened yesterday. But I have to admit, my family in this life treats me so well. They've slowly melted my icy heart and shown me how beautiful familial love can be—something I never had before.'
A faint smile touched Seraphina's lips at the thought.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK—
"Seraphina, it's Mom. Are you awake? I'm coming in." The moment Sylvia Blaine entered, she saw her daughter standing barefoot in a thin nightgown by the window and hurried over.
"Seraphina, the weather's turning chilly. You'll catch a cold wearing so little." Speaking, she took Seraphina's hand, led her back to the bed, and pulled out some clothes to help her change.
"I can do it myself, Mom. You can go sit on the sofa," Seraphina said, taking the clothes and giving Sylvia a warm smile.
"Alright, my darling. We'll go down for breakfast after you've washed up." Sylvia Blaine went to sit on the nearby sofa, thinking, 'My precious daughter is so smart and independent. It leaves a mother with no sense of accomplishment!'
"Grandpa, Grandma..." When Seraphina arrived in the dining room, everyone was already eating. She greeted them all and sat down to her meal.
"Oh, my darling, don't you look pretty today!" Miss Ashworth said, looking at Seraphina with a smile so wide that her eyes crinkled at the corners.
Seraphina smiled faintly, accepted the bowl and chopsticks from Sylvia, and thanked her in a soft, sweet voice.
"Seraphina, have you ever thought about going to school?" Cecilia Ashworth asked, her eyes shining. Seeing Seraphina get to stay home every day while she had to suffer through school... the mere thought was enough to bring her to tears.
The question occurred to everyone else as well. Seraphina had been exceptionally bright since she was little, yet nothing seemed to pique her interest, and she rarely liked to go out. Perhaps school would help her liven up a bit. They immediately chimed in, seconding Cecilia's suggestion.
"Seraphina, there are lots of other children your age at school," Miss Ashworth said, looking at her kindly. "You could play together, and there are so many fun things to do. Would you like to go?"
"That's right, Seraphina. School is a lot of fun! If you want to go, I can arrange everything for you," Sylvia said, placing a small soup dumpling in Seraphina's bowl as she asked.
Seraphina shook her head without a moment's hesitation. "No, I don't want to go to school yet. I want to stay home and keep Grandpa and Grandma company. Besides, I can study at home, too."
'The thought of being stuck at school with a bunch of little kids gives me a headache. I can't exactly tell them I've been reincarnated, so I have to come up with an excuse.'
"If Seraphina doesn't want to go, then she doesn't have to," Mr. Ashworth said cheerfully.
"Grandpa, I don't want to go to school either! Me neither!" Hearing Mr. Ashworth, the other children immediately started clamoring.
"No way! Are you lot asking for a beating?" Mr. Ashworth scolded with a laugh. "What are you getting involved for? Finish your food and go study."
"Grandpa plays favorites," Victor Ashworth grumbled under his breath as he ate.
Hearing this, Mr. Ashworth gave him a light rap on the head. "What was that, you little rascal?"
"Ow! Grandpa, if you keep hitting me, you'll make me stupid," Victor whined, rubbing his head.
Everyone burst out laughing.
After breakfast, everyone gathered in the living room to chat and laugh. Paul Ashworth then produced a jade box and handed it to Seraphina. "Seraphina, this is a belated birthday present from Dad. There was a small issue, so it arrived late. Open it up and see if you like it."
Seraphina reached out and took it, feeling a strange yet familiar stirring in her heart.
"Hurry and open it, Seraphina! Let's see what it is!" Jasper urged from the side.
When Seraphina opened the jade box and saw what was inside, her heart lurched. 'The Azurelight Bracelet?'
'How can the Azurelight Bracelet be here? What's going on? And this one... it looks a little different from the one I wore in my past life. The pattern on its surface is more intricate.'
"Wow, it's gorgeous! That jade bracelet is so exquisite. It even has a pattern on it," the onlookers exclaimed. The Azurelight Bracelet was a startling, blood-red color. Under the light, it looked as if blood was flowing within, swirling around its mysterious, intricate markings.