3.

But the Zeros family never gave up hope. They periodically called for priests and doctors, and they even sought the help of magicians to transmit knowledge to Serenity.

…Cordelia explained.

Serenity had been unconscious from birth, so Julie did not need to act like her. Serenity’s very behavior became Serenity.

“It’s worth not giving up hope.”

Cordelia chuckled. To Julie, it felt strange to see Cordelia laughing with such a big, open mouth. She was used to seeing Yullia cover her mouth with a fan or her hand while laughing.

Seeing her smile made Julie feel somewhat awkward.

‘Well, she probably doesn’t even think about me for real.’

Julie wanted to hide her blushing face. Serenity lowered her head, allowing her hair to flow down. The pale pink strands reminded her of flower petals. Cordelia reached out to sweep the bangs away from Serenity’s forehead.

“Serenity, how about we stop our conversation here for today?”

“Yes, Cordelia.”

“Oh, please call me ‘Sister.'”

Serenity’s freshly cooled cheeks flushed once more. It was due to the unfamiliar and embarrassing title she had never used in her life.

“I’m sorry, it’s not familiar yet.”

“Let’s change it gradually.”

Cordelia stroked Serenity’s hair. Serenity played with her still unfamiliar pink hair, avoiding eye contact.

“In one hour, doctors, priests, and magicians will come to examine your condition now that you’ve awakened. We’ll do our best to make sure nothing happens as long as you’re awake.”

Magicians. The thought of Dante briefly crossed Serenity’s mind, and she clenched her lips.

“Oh, right.”

Realizing the situation with Cordelia, Serenity forced a hesitant smile.

“I’m really fine. Thank you.”

Cordelia gazed at Serenity with an unfamiliar expression, a mix of tenderness and contemplation. Understanding Yullia’s emotions was easy, but Cordelia was a puzzle. Serenity, trying to dispel the silence, asked,

“What’s on your mind?”

“I find it ironic.”

“What do you mean?”

Cordelia hesitated. It was someone else’s family matter, and she wanted to share only good news with Serenity, who had just awakened. However, Serenity realized that her words carried a weight she couldn’t just overlook.

‘…Because I survived the fall from that height, I could have also fallen into a coma-like state.’

With this thought, Serenity decided to inquire further.

‘Please tell me. Unhappiness? Are there others like me?’

For the first time, Serenity felt curious, so Cordelia couldn’t easily let it pass. She sighed and began speaking.

“…There was an incident in the Liv family.”

Liv family. She was unsure how to ask about it, but now that Cordelia was the one to bring it up, Serenity couldn’t have been more grateful.

The current date was May 3rd, 201 in 201, exactly a year since the day Julie had attempted to end her life.

What had happened to her that day? Had she really… died?

“Is there someone who was in a life-threatening situation?”

She felt like she knew, but she deliberately wore an indifferent expression, though her heart raced.

Cordelia’s gaze, while still searching, became more piercing. In a low voice, she spoke.

“The constant sickness finally led my daughter to fall into a coma-like state. She was in a condition similar to yours, and I visited her many times. Her name was Julie.”

It was her own name. She clenched the blanket and took a deep breath.

“If there’s someone like me, I’d like to visit them later. I might be of some help.”

It would be good to go later, to know if she was truly asleep, what had happened to her body, and understand the current inexplicable situation.

Cordelia’s expression brightened.

“…This is the first time you’ve said you want to go outside. First, let’s examine your condition step by step while taking care of you.”

Serenity took a deep breath once Cordelia left the room.

‘My body is alive…?’

It was unexpected. Frankly, it was possible for Liv’s to have killed Julie, but Serenity couldn’t understand why they would choose to spare her.

“…It’s all useless.”

She gazed down at her own hand, devoid of any marks. The memory of the moment when Yulia had been selected as the successor remained vivid. Was Yulia carrying out her duties as the Water Heir now?

By now, she might have even been engaged to one of the three people. A year was a long time.

‘I don’t need to concern myself with it now.’

Serenity nodded to herself, pressing her lips together. There was much to investigate about her own condition, and whether Wyatt, Dante, and Clarzen were alive was no longer her primary concern.

…After all, no one would miss her, and she had no reason to take an interest in them.

* * *

The first person to enter the room was the doctor. They checked Serenity’s pulse, temperature, and examined her thoroughly.

“I never expected to see you in such a lively state.”

The doctor marveled, checking her pulse repeatedly. Serenity, who may have done the same if she were in their shoes, lay there silently.

Next was the priest. Like the doctor, they carefully inspected her condition.

“I will infuse you with energy. However, now that you’re awake, I recommend starting to exercise.”

Despite her long period of inactivity, Serenity had maintained normal stamina due to the infusion of energy into her body. The periodic infusion had preserved her health.

The doctor and priest concluded their examinations. Now it was time for the magician.

Although Serenity thought that Dante might come, it was virtually impossible. Dante was one of the most skilled magicians, and as the Heir of Wind, he was an incredibly busy person.

Time spent with Julie was rare.

With her drowsy eyes, Serenity, lying in the cozy bed, blinked. Her body was still weak from her long coma. To rest her eyes from fatigue, she closed them for a moment.

Knock, knock. The sound of someone knocking on the door echoed.

“Come in.”

When she heard the sound of someone approaching, she opened her eyes.

…and then she doubted her own eyes.

“Hello, Serenity Zeros.”

Amidst flowing silver hair, a slightly sharpened jawline. The delicate, smooth tone of voice and sharp eyes that appeared between the silver strands.

“I am Dante Odrayen.”

Dante stood before her.

‘Why is he here?’

Dante was a magician. He was usually busy with regulating spells and drawing magic circles. As the Heir of the Wind, he had the responsibility of overseeing the state of the surrounding territories. There was no reason for him to come all the way to the Marquis’s daughter.

‘Engaging in futile actions yields no value.’

Dante’s words to Julie, which he frequently uttered, echoed in her mind.

“Serenity Zeros?”

Serenity, who stared blankly at him without saying a word, displayed strange behavior, which struck Dante as unusual. He extended his hand for a handshake once more.

‘…Uncomfortable.’

Seeing a face she had not expected was confusing. Her temperature rose, and her chest felt tight. Clutching her hand under the blanket, Serenity managed to greet him after a pause.

“Hello.”

Then, she fell into deep thought.

‘…Is Serenity such an important presence?’

Marquis Zeros was certainly impressive, but she hadn’t learned much about nobles. She hadn’t had the opportunity to do so, as she had never associated with them. The tasks she had performed as a lady-in-waiting had been trivial and unimportant.

The only time she had encountered the Heirs of Elements was when she was a candidate for the Water Heir. At that time, she was allowed to meet others.

Dante particularly enjoyed the study in the mansion’s library. He was always holed up in there, but one day he mustered the courage to invite her to a festival.

[Festivals are merely tools for entertainment. I don’t understand why you would spend money and enjoy them. Go on your own, Julie Liv. I’m comfortable staying in the mansion.]

Of course, she was mercilessly rejected. She criticized him sharply, not understanding why he enjoyed such things.

“Excuse me.”

However, his voice now was different from the cold, disdainful one he used with Julie. Serenity seriously contemplated it.

‘..Are social statuses really so crucial for people?’

As she briefly recalled the past, Serenity was taken aback when she saw Dante’s face up close. Her eyes widened, and she instinctively took a step back. Startled, Dante also withdrew his head.

Adjusting his glasses, he slightly lowered his head.

“Is there any part of your body that is aching? It seems I need to inspect your condition up close. Please excuse my impertinence.”

“Oh, yes.”

Serenity only wished to fulfill his request and have him leave quickly.

She was realizing that her status was the issue.

“May I extend my hand? It’s for the final examination of your condition.”

Doing it as he wished would be the quickest way to finish it. Serenity removed her right hand from under the blanket. Dante gently took her hand and closed his eyes as though concentrating.