Harmony's POV

When I woke up the next day, my shoulders slumped.

“So everything is real, and I actually reincarnated into Harmony's body,” I whispered to myself, but I looked toward the door when someone knocked. I'm currently in my room, or more correctly, Harmony's room.

The door opened, and Harmony's nanny, Celia, appeared. If I'm not mistaken, I read about this woman in the fifth installment of the Astaria Series, titled ‘Inheritors of the Throne.’ She is a commoner and a cousin of Vitalia—yes, Vitalia is a commoner from a far-off empire, a fact discovered only in the last chapter. When Vitalia was very young, her family stole a sizable sum of money from a noble and escaped, eventually arriving in the Astaria Empire.

The book didn't specify which empire she came from, but according to the book, when the Orjaros set foot in the Astaria Empire, they purchased the family name of the unknown Viscount Roiburgh. The Roiburgh family became well-known among the nobility mainly because of their reputation for producing deadly weapons, not only in the Astaria Empire but also in other regions of the world.

Vitalia’s most guarded secret was revealed when Zeferino learned about the abuse Harmony suffered at Vitalia's hands, which led to Vitalia and her entire family being sentenced to life imprisonment for their illegal activities, except for Zeferino. Many wanted to object to Zeferino becoming the heir to the throne, but no one succeeded because Harmony was dead, leaving no other possible successor, so Zeferino ultimately became the Emperor.

“Your Highness,” my thoughts were interrupted when I saw five servants behind Celia. I raised an eyebrow and looked back at Celia. “We shall bathe you, Your Highness; your bath is ready.” I knew that the princess was usually bathed by servants, but I wouldn't let them see or touch me, even if this wasn't my original body.

That's so awkward!

I sighed and raised my right hand. “Leave,” I said as coldly as the breeze.

“Pardon, Your Highness?” I touched my forehead and tried to calm myself. I was aware that they weren't fond of being direct, but I hoped they wouldn't make me repeat myself.

“Please leave me alone for the moment; I want some privacy.” I said calmly, and they seemed to understand, so I breathed a sigh of relief. But as Celia was about to leave, I stopped her. “Stay here.” She frowned, and I smirked because she didn't hide her annoyance.

“What do you want? Do you want to strangle me again?” My smirk widened because she finally showed her true colors. Harmony's childhood had been a living hell since Vitalia became the Empress, and Celia was appointed as Harmony's nanny on the night she was hit with a large piece of wood. As I recall, Vitalia was 40 years old, and Celia was 48.

I just don't want to choke you; I want to kill you.

Speaking of age, how old is Harmony? Hmm? I remember she died at the age of 23, according to the book. “What date is today?” Instead of answering her question, I asked that. I need to know what day it is because I might be surprised to find out that tomorrow is the scene of this side character's death.

“It's day thirty in the month of March.” I lowered my head and thought.

If it's the thirtieth today, that means the day after tomorrow is the Emperor's birthday—wait, what?! Only one day left for me?! Because Harmony's death in the book occurs on April 1, 1840, the Emperor's birthday! No way! How funny that her death is on April Fools' Day.

“I didn't expect it to be this early...” I glanced at Celia, so I didn't continue what I was saying. “You can leave now.” I ordered, but she didn't move, so I grimaced. It seems she's no longer afraid of me, perhaps on orders from that witch Empress.

Okay, fine. Stay as long as you want.

I stopped paying attention to her because my focus shifted to Harmony's room. Now that everything is clear to me, I can look at this room more closely. A lacy, thin cloth covers the glass door, letting in a moderate amount of light. The wall art is florally designed and has a soothing color, like deep green. The bedroom curtains are thick and strung in layers to block out drafts. The dressing table, which had two small drawers and a curved, wood-framed mirror with an open-backed chair, which had a well-padded seat and a matching wood back, was placed on the left side of the bed. A small, wooden table was placed on the right side of the bed, next to an old lampshade.

A huge wardrobe constructed of dark wood would be placed across from the bed. The nicer pieces had inlaid marquetry, and the front of the wardrobe had a full-length mirror with beveled glass, which is useful and creates the illusion of space and light in an area that may otherwise feel dismal. The bed was small—not the King or Queen size that is so popular in current times—and high, requiring me to almost climb up to it. However, the bedstead was fashioned of dark wood with gold linen carved insignia of the Imperial Family, and had a canopy. Additionally, it includes five layers of cotton bedsheets that match the hue of the walls and substantial foam.

I walked and headed to the closed glass door; from there, I could see the wide roof terrace. I sighed and went to the bathroom, not bothering to glance at Celia even for a moment.

•••

I decided to get paper and a quill after taking a bath so that I could write down everything about "Inheritors of the Throne," including its timeline. However, the Empress abruptly asked me to join her for tea in her chamber, which I couldn't decline.

“My dear Stepdaughter,” I met her gaze without emotion as Celia poured tea into our teacups. “I'm happy to be here with you for tea. It has been a while since we last talked, hasn't it?” Only Celia was present, but why was she pretending to be kind in front of me?

I stared at her intently. Her dark ruby hair is styled with bands at the front and long, thick ringlets at the ends. Her triangular facial shape and unusual brown and green hooded eyes contribute to her evil appearance. Her magnetism stood out even more because of her alluring Nubian nose and cherry-red, wide lips, even though she was in her early 40s. “I'm more happy to be with you as much as you are, my lovely Stepmother.” I gave her an innocent smile and look, and her face showed surprise because the Harmony in front of her was no longer the same as before, trembling with fear at the mere sound of her voice.

“Tha...that's great,” she cleared her throat and drank her tea. “Hmm, I heard the news that you tried to take your own life. Perhaps the loss of your mother has not been easy for you, even though it has been fifteen years.” I concealed my clenched hands under the table as she looked at me with pity.

“It's not like that, it's—oh! Aren't you the one in this Palace who is aware of my suffering?” I smiled sweetly and patted her shoulder. I stood up and approached her, then brought my lips close to her ear. “I never reported what you did to me. Do you think I will report now that I am an adult?” I moved away and walked out, but I stopped a few meters from where she was sitting.

“Don't worry, I won't report you to the Emperor—doing so is the behavior of cowards and pathetic people, after all. Although I am not like you, don't expect me to do nothing because I won't allow you to lay your filthy hands on me anymore, my beloved Stepmother.”

“You insolent wench!” I smiled, and she was about to rush at me to slap me, but I raised my right palm.

“Oh! Also, that teacup you're holding is the one with the poison that was supposed to be for me, right?” Her eyes widened, causing her to drop it, creating a deafening sound as it shattered. I laughed because she was trying to vomit the tea she had drunk. “You're so gullible? Of course, we aren't alike, therefore I won't poison you to death because only people who use this method of killing are losers.”

“Urgh! You fucking bitch!” I didn't listen to her cursing and left.

I frowned and faced the person behind me. “Why are you following me?” I asked Celia because instead of staying with her mistress, she was here beside me.

Just what is she up to?

“I know I'm not in a position to interfere, but as your Nanny, I have a way to alleviate your anger,” I frowned as I looked at her. “Why don't we go to the Carson El Centre now, Your Highness?”

“Carson El Centre?” That place is where you can shop, as I seem to recall from what I read in IOTT. Additionally, the festival is held right there, and every time there is a celebration, there are shows that people from other kingdoms come to. “Okay, we'll head over there right now.” After I said that, she left briefly to prepare our carriage. I went into my room and immediately looked for something to wear, but I failed because all of Harmony's clothes were old and a bit small.

“Despite being a princess, Harmony doesn't even experience living a life of luxury. What a pity,” I commented and sighed.

After choosing what to wear, I went to the bathroom to take a bath. I was taken aback when I came out of the bathroom to see five maids waiting for me inside the room. “What in the world are you doing in my room? I said I didn't need you, didn't I?” They flinched at my sudden outburst and immediately bowed.

“H-her Majesty the Empress sent us here, Your Highness.” One of them approached and guided me to the vanity mirror, so I sat down, but I frowned when I saw powders and old-fashioned methods for applying makeup.

“Don't put makeup on me,” I ordered. That's why they just focused on my hair instead. They styled my hair simply and symmetrically. My long hair was parted in the center and looped over my ears and sides, pulled back into a bun at the center.

They made me stand up after they fixed my hair. I narrowed my eyes when I saw the dress that I thought was new and not Harmony's. “This dress is a gift from her Majesty,” Celia said, who had just entered. I looked up at her and saw a wide smile on her lips.

Why would she give me a gift like this after I angered her just a while ago? What is she planning?

I wanted to roll my eyes because of that, but I just ignored it. After they put the dress on me, I felt like tearing it off because it was so uncomfortable; besides being itchy, I wasn't used to wearing this type of dress. Well, even if it's a modern dress, I've never worn it.

The dress given by the Empress was soft shades of yellow with slimmed down. A boned, tight-fitting bodice was added underneath garments to emphasize my waistline, and cartridge pleats were added at the waist to create volume in the skirt without adding bulk.

After getting ready, they helped me out of the room and out of the palace. I stopped walking, panting. Even though my outfit was simple and without any accessories, I couldn't help but feel tired, especially since this body was too weak, and I wasn't comfortable in what I was wearing. “Our carriage is here, Your Highness.” My attention was drawn to the carriage stopped in front of me, which I hadn't noticed immediately.

“Hah. Is this some kind of joke?” I asked after seeing the carriage. It is a horse-drawn carriage with a roof, four wheels, and an open driver's seat in front.

A public carriage!

“This is for your safety, Your Highness.” I just sighed and got into the carriage.

Come to think of it, Harmony hadn't left the palace in the past fifteen years. She was always in her room; even at the celebrations in each kingdom of Astaria, she never attended because her Stepmother always prevented her from doing so. She wasn't given a chance to socialize, be known, and have a good image in public.

I leaned back against the side of the carriage and closed my eyes as the fresh breeze touched my skin, recalling in my mind what makes up the Astaria Empire while we were currently leaving the borders. Of all the Empires here in Verden Dum Astra, the Astaria Empire is one of the wealthiest empires and has the most land. Other than that, it's filled with undiscovered lands all over the Empire.

Under the Astaria Empire, there are eight Kingdoms: Vrivasea in the south, Querencia in the west, Sheodica in the east, Guggenheim in the southwest, Creris in the north, Limerence in the southeast, Yaentis in the northwest, and Arbezelias in the northeast.

Astaria Palace is situated in the center of all the Kingdoms, enclosed by a high wall with dragon statues at each of its five corners, reinforcing the palace's defenses. The knights' quarters are located beneath the palace. In addition, the area where Astaria Palace is located encompasses five districts: Carson El Centre, Molongue, Zacraise, Rystria Village, and Quewarnds. The first is a shopping hub, the second and third are residential areas for some of the nobility, the fourth is where commoners reside, and Quewarnds Forest is where the hunting festival/contest is held, and it is also home to ferocious beasts.

I opened my eyes, only to furrow my brow because I could clearly see that we had already passed the first four locations.

Hah. So, this is their plan?

I cannot be mistaken; the route we are traveling on leads to Quewarnds Forest. I am well aware that the forest is home to various wild animals, creatures that crave human flesh.

If that's the case, this coachman kidnapped us and accidentally ended up in Quewarnds Forest, where we will be trapped and attacked by wild animals, ultimately leading to our deaths. Then, Celia miraculously survives and gives a false statement to the Imperial Family. When the Crown Prince becomes suspicious, the Empress will support Celia's false statement—is that the narrative they want to present to the public?

“Pfft!” Celia looked at me, startled by my sudden stifled laughter. I covered my mouth, unable to contain it.

“Your Highness?” I met Celia's gaze.

Do they think I'm an idiot? Do they expect I don't know this place? Fuck! I'm the one who knows this place the best out of the three of us!

What a ridiculous scheme, yet because of this idiotic plan, I now have an opportunity to get rid of this stupid woman.