💨💭 — A Brother's Request and a Ghostly Memory
The quiet hum of concentration was abruptly shattered as the door flew open, and a young boy burst into the room, eyes shining with excitement.
Jaekyun: "Noona!"
Yoo Jaehyun looked up from her desk, where her homework lay spread out in neat stacks. She regarded her brother with a mix of fond affection and mild exasperation at the sudden interruption.
Jaehyun: "What is it?"
Her voice carried a hint of weariness, but the warmth beneath it was impossible to miss.
Jaekyun: "Let's play together!"
She sighed, giving a polite but firm shake of her head.
Jaehyun: "Sorry, I'm busy right now. I'll play with you later, okay?"
His shoulders slumped immediately, and a small, dejected murmur escaped him.
Jaekyun: "Okay..."
He turned and shuffled back out, leaving Jaehyun alone again—but now with a sharp twinge of guilt settling in her chest.
Jaehyun: "I have to finish this quickly. If I wrap up my work now, I can spend as much time as I want playing with my adorable little brother!"
Her pen began to fly across the paper, filling page after page in a rapid, determined rhythm.
Jaehyun: "I'M DONE!"
She declared triumphantly, her voice echoing through the quiet room. Without wasting a single second, she dashed into the living room, anticipation bubbling bright in her chest.
There sat Jaekyun, already lost in his own world of toys, completely unaware of how much time had passed.
Jaehyun: "Let's play together!"
He looked up, surprise flickering across his face before it melted into pure delight.
Jaekyun: "Did you finish your homework already, Noona?"
Jaehyun grinned, picking up the game controllers from the table.
Jaehyun: "Yep, all done! Come on—let's turn on the TV and get to it!"
Jaekyun agreed instantly, his excitement matching hers perfectly.
The screen flickered to life, and each grabbed a controller, fingers hovering over the start button. For a heartbeat, silence hung in the air, charged with anticipation as their competitive spirits woke up.
Jaehyun: "Alright then—let's see who the real champion is today!"
Jaekyun looked up at his sister, his eyes wide and full of sincere admiration.
Jaekyun: "Noona... you really are the best!"
Jaehyun smiled softly, deeply touched by his honest words.
Jaehyun: "Don't worry. I'll always make time for my one and only little brother, no matter what."
Time seemed to stretch and soften, slipping away unnoticed as they lost themselves in the game. The sounds of the virtual world filled the room—clashing weapons, magic effects, and the sharp intake of breath, followed by cheers and laughter. For a little while, nothing else mattered but the friendly rivalry between two siblings, completely immersed in their shared world.
🌤️✨ — Morning Awakening & Unexpected Guests
Lena awoke with a sharp gasp, the vividness of the dream clinging to her mind like mist. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes, and she whispered a name into the quiet air.
Lena: "Jaekyun..."
A heavy sigh escaped her. She shifted her gaze toward the window, and her breath caught. Standing outside, framed by the morning light, was a tall man with raven-black hair and a noble, imposing bearing.
Lena: (He certainly looks like high nobility... Did we have guests scheduled for today?)
Curiosity stirred in her chest as she studied him from behind the glass. Then she caught her own reflection in the mirror nearby—black hair, pink eyes, traits she had inherited from both parents... except for one striking detail: a bright, vivid streak of pink running through her locks.
Lena: (Black hair and pink eyes... definitely from Mother and Father. Only this pink streak is different...)
Memories surfaced, sharp and clear. The whispers among the other nobles, the sideways glances, the quiet doubts about her true parentage—all because of that single streak of color. But her father had never once wavered.
Lena: (They used to gossip behind my back, saying I wasn't Father's child, all because of this hair... But he always shut them down. He never once doubted me.)
His words echoed in her mind, firm and unshakable: "You are my daughter, no matter what anyone else says." And she knew her mother had never given anyone reason to doubt her either.
She thought of Amelia—devoted wife, loving mother, and skilled maker of medicines and remedies.
Lena: (Mother gave everything for this family. She worked just as hard as Father, both as a lady of the house and as a pharmacist.)
Then came another memory, sharper this time—of the day those rumors had reached her mother's ears.
Lena: (I remember how furious she was. She nearly attacked the noble who started those lies, and only Father's quick intervention stopped her...)
A small shudder ran through her.
Lena: (If Father hadn't held her back, she might have done something that would have brought punishment upon herself.)
She could still picture the fire in her mother's eyes, the words that had silenced the whole room.
Amelia: "If you ever dare to spread another despicable rumor about my family, mark my words... I will find you and slice your tongue right out of your mouth! You will never speak ill of us again!!"
Now, those whispers had faded almost entirely. Lena reached up, brushing a finger over the pink streak in her hair.
Lena: (Those stories have finally died down. They were nothing but lies anyway... and honestly? I've always liked this streak. It makes me me.)
The last traces of doubt melted away, replaced by a quiet, growing resolve.
Lena: (To hell with what others think! I won't let their words control my life anymore. No more hiding. It's time I walk my own path.)
She straightened her shoulders and stepped out of her room, heading toward the parlor.
Inside, she found her parents already seated, speaking with the very man she had seen through the window.
James: "Good morning, Lena."
Amelia smiled warmly and gestured for her to come closer.
Amelia: "Good morning, dear. Do join us."
Lena sat beside her father, her eyes immediately locking onto the stranger. It was him.
???: "So this is your second daughter... I must say, she is quite beautiful."
Lena: "Father, who is this gentleman?"
James: "Ah, my apologies. Lena, let me introduce you. This is Duke George Dran."
Lena's curiosity spiked. The name carried weight—heavy, ancient, and powerful. She looked into his face: raven-black hair, sharp features, and eyes of a vivid, striking green.
Lena: (There is no mistaking the resemblance... same dark hair, same strong jawline... but his eyes are green, not the deep red Edmund is said to have.)
James: "And this is his wife, Luna Dran—Duchess of the Dran household."
Lena nodded politely, shifting her gaze to the woman beside him. She was breathtakingly lovely, with golden hair and crimson eyes that seemed to glow softly.
Lena: (She is so graceful... I almost didn't notice her at first. Those eyes... they are exactly the shade Edmund has in the game.)
George: "It is a pleasure to meet you, Lena Dunham. Your parents have spoken of you quite often."
Lena's heart skipped a beat. What exactly had they said? She ducked her head slightly, instinctively moving closer to her father's side.
Lena: "N-nice to meet you, Your Grace."
James: "Forgive her shyness. She is still a little timid around strangers."
George chuckled softly, clearly amused.
George: "No need to apologize. I have no intention of frightening her."
Luna smiled gently, her expression warm and kind.
Luna: "Indeed. She is quite endearing."
James: "Thank you."
Amelia turned to the Duchess, her tone friendly.
Amelia: "How have things been between you and your husband? I trust your journey was smooth?"
Luna laughed softly, her eyes softening as she looked at George.
Luna: "Everything is wonderful. We understand each other perfectly, after all these years."
Her gaze drifted back to Lena, playful glint in her eyes.
Luna: "Speaking of energy, you two must have plenty of it as well. After all, it takes great strength to raise such a lovely family."
Amelia giggled, while James's face turned faintly pink.
James: "Ah—well—"
He quickly lifted a hand to cover Lena's ears.
James: "Please—our daughter is right here!"
Amelia: "Exactly! There are children present—let us keep such comments to ourselves!"
Luna ducked her head, looking sheepish.
Luna: "My apologies... I got carried away."
George bowed slightly, looking apologetic.
George: "You must forgive her. She sometimes forgets herself in company."
James: "Think nothing of it, Duke. Please, raise your head."
Amelia: "Just ensure it does not happen again in front of the children, and we shall have no problems."
George nodded, his smile returning.
George: "Of course. We shall be more careful."
James: "Now then—let us return to our discussion."
George: "Right. Regarding the contract... we are fully prepared to sign. The terms are fair, and we believe this partnership will bring great benefits to both our houses."
James: "We agree entirely. We shall sign at once."
George: "Excellent. We look forward to working together. And of course, you are always welcome to visit our estate whenever you wish."
Amelia: "And you are welcome here as well. We shall look forward to many more meetings."
As the Duke and Duchess prepared to leave, Lena could not shake the realization that these two were the parents of the game's infamous antagonist.
Lena: "Father... if we sign this contract, will we be seeing them often?"
James considered the question carefully.
James: "It is likely. Business dealings will require regular communication, and the Dran family's influence stretches across the whole kingdom. We will surely cross paths again."
He looked down at her, noticing the thoughtful look on her face.
James: "Does that worry you, Lena?"
Lena waved her hands quickly, forcing a bright smile.
Lena: "Not at all! Just curious, that's all~ Hahaha..."James's eyes narrowed slightly, though he said nothing—only wondering what was going through her mind.
Lena: (If we will be dealing with them regularly... then I really do need to get stronger. Training, studying, learning to protect myself... it won't hurt to be prepared for anything.)
Amelia called out from the doorway.
Amelia: "Lena, once I have breakfast ready, please go wake your brother and sister."
Lena: "Understood!"
She turned and headed upstairs, her thoughts drifting back to her parents' story.
Lena: (Mother was born a commoner, yet she held such strength and dignity. No wonder Father fell in love with her—she is the strongest woman I know.)
A small, hopeful smile touched her lips.
Lena: (Who knows... maybe one day I'll find someone who sees me just as I am, too.)
She reached Thomas's door and knocked gently.
Lena: "Hey... wake up! Breakfast is almost ready."
The door creaked open, and Thomas stood there, rubbing sleep from his eyes.
Thomas: "Mornin'..."
Lena: "Don't drag your feet. You know what happens if you make Mother wait too long—her frying pan makes a very loud warning."
Thomas's eyes snapped wide open. He jumped back and darted toward the stairs immediately.
Lena: "Heh... the frying pan threat still works every time."
Next, she walked to Louise's door and knocked firmly.
Lena: "Rise and shine, sleepyhead!"
Silence answered her.
Lena: "Of course she's still out... time for the drastic measure."
She slipped inside and leaned close to her sister's ear.
Lena: "Louise... wake up, or Mother's frying pan will come looking for you first thing. You don't want to test its aim, do you?"
Louise's eyes flew open in alarm. She scrambled out of bed in seconds.
Lena: "Perfect. That trick never fails."
🍽️🤰 — Morning Crisis
Downstairs, the breakfast table was already set. But before anyone could take a bite, Amelia suddenly clutched her stomach, her face turning pale.
Lena: "Mother? Are you alright?!"
James: "Amelia!"
Amelia: "I-I'm fine... just a little dizzy and nauseous, that's all."
James stood up quickly, his voice sharp with urgency.
James: "The baby is coming! Send for the doctor at once!"
The maids hurried off. Amelia groaned softly, her breathing becoming heavier. James knelt beside her, letting her grip his hand tightly.
James: "Hold on, dear. I'm right here."
Her fingers clamped down hard, and he winced—but did not pull away.
James: "Ouch..."
Voice from the door: "The doctor has arrived!"
The physician stepped in, examined Amelia quickly, and spoke in a calm but firm tone.
Doctor: "We need a private room immediately."
James lifted Amelia gently into his arms and carried her toward the bedroom.
James: "This way!"
Louise and Thomas exchanged worried glances.
Louise: "Will Mother be okay?"
Thomas: "She will be, right, Lena?"
Lena nodded, forcing confidence into her voice.
Lena: "Of course she will. She's the strongest person we know, remember?"
Louise & Thomas: "Right!"
Sophie watched them, relief softening her expression.
Sophie: (Thank goodness they are keeping calm. They are handling this far better than most children would.)
Sophie: "Come along, children. We will wait outside the door. Stay quiet, and do not disturb them."
Louise, Thomas, Lena: "Yes, Sophie."
They followed her into the hallway, waiting in tense silence.
💤👶 — Waiting and New Arrival
Lena rested her head on Sophie's lap, letting the maid's gentle hands stroke her hair. Louise and Thomas sat nearby, already debating in low voices.
Louise: "I bet it's a girl this time."
Thomas: "No way—it's definitely a boy. I can feel it."
Moments later, James emerged from the room, looking tired but calm.
Sophie: "My Lord? How is she?"
James: "She is resting now. Everything went well."
The three children let out a collective breath of relief.
Lena: "And the baby? Is she healthy?"
James: "Very healthy."
Louise and Thomas jumped up immediately.
Louise & Thomas: "Father! Is it a boy or a girl?!"
James laughed, the weariness lifting from his face for a moment.
James: "You two are impatient, aren't you? It's a girl."
Louise: "Yes! I win! You owe me extra sweets, Thomas!"
Thomas: "Ugh... fine."
Lena: "Can we go see her?"
James: "Of course. But speak softly—she is still asleep."
They stepped inside. Amelia lay propped up in bed, looking exhausted but glowing with joy. In her arms, wrapped in soft blankets, was a tiny, sleeping infant.
Amelia: "Come here, my darlings... come meet your new sister."
Louise: "She's so tiny... and so cute!"
Thomas: "She looks just like Father... only smaller and pinker."
He turned to Lena.
Thomas: "Don't you think so too?"
Lena said nothing, her mind drifting back to another time, another baby.
Thomas: "Lena?"
Amelia: "Is something wrong, dear?"
Lena blinked, shaking herself back to the present.
Lena: "Nothing... just feeling a little tired, that's all."
Amelia: "Are you sure?"
Lena changed the subject quickly.
Lena: "What is her name?"
Amelia smiled, looking down at the child.
Amelia: "Her name is Mona Dunham."
Louise: "Hello, Mona~ I'm your big sister!"
Thomas: "She's asleep, you know."
Lena: "Mother... may I hold her?"
Amelia: "Of course. Just be gentle, alright?"
Lena reached out, her hands steady, and cradled the baby carefully. For a moment, it felt like she was holding something from her old life—something warm and precious.
Lena: "So small... so soft..."
Suddenly, Mona stirred and began to cry. Lena panicked, quickly passing her back to Amelia.
Lena: "I'm sorry—did I do something wrong?!"
Amelia: "It's alright, it's alright. She just wants her mother, that's all."
James walked over and sat beside the bed.
James: "You three should go outside and play for a while. Let Mother rest."
Louise and Thomas nodded and headed out. Lena stayed a moment longer, gazing at the baby.
James: "Lena? Are you alright?"
Lena: "Yes... I'll go outside now."
Once she was gone, Sophie turned to the parents, her expression thoughtful.
Sophie: "My Lord, My Lady... don't you think Lady Lena has been acting a little strange lately?"
James: "I have noticed it too. Something is weighing on her mind, but I cannot tell what it is."
Amelia: "She keeps things to herself. We cannot push her—it will only make her close up even more."
James: "You are right. We will wait until she is ready to speak. That is all we can do for now."
🍃💧 — Memories Beneath the Open Sky
Outside, Lena lay back on the grass, staring up at the clouds. Memories flooded in—bright, warm, and achingly familiar.
Memory:
"Jaehyun! Come look—this is your little brother, Jaekyun."
"He's so small! Can I hold him, Mom?"
"Yes, but be very careful, okay?"
"I promise!"
She remembered how the infant had opened his eyes, how he had reached out and touched her face with tiny fingers.
"Look at that—he already likes you!"
"I'll protect you, little brother. I promise I'll always be there for you."
"You are such a good sister... take good care of him, alright?"
"I will, Dad. I swear it."
Lena squeezed her eyes shut, tears slipping down her cheeks.
Lena: "Jaekyun..."
Louise: "LENA!"
She sat up quickly, wiping her face. Louise stood over her, hands on her hips.
Louise: "What are you doing lying out here alone? And why are your eyes red?"
Lena: "It's nothing... just the wind."
Louise grabbed her hand and pulled her up.
Louise: "Come on—lunch is ready. No more hiding out here."
Lena followed her back toward the manor, her heart still heavy with memories.
🌙 — Evening
That night, the whole family was gathered for dinner. The conversation was calm, the food warm—until the front door flew open.
???: "Good evening, everyone!"
Duchess Luna Dran stood in the doorway, wearing a bright, mischievous smile.
James: "Duchess? What brings you here at this hour?"
Luna: "Oh, just a friendly visit! When I heard your new baby had arrived, I simply had to come and offer my congratulations in person."
James smiled politely, though surprised.
James: "Thank you. We appreciate it."
Amelia: "It is unexpected, but you are always welcome."
Luna: "Where is she? I want to see the little one!"
George stepped in behind her, looking slightly flustered.
George: "Forgive my wife—she gets overexcited."
Behind him, a young boy stepped out—around Louise's age, with golden hair and bright green eyes.
???: "Mother, please calm down..."
James: "Is this your son?"
George: "Yes. This is Jason, our eldest. He is the same age as your daughter, Louisette."
Jason stepped forward and bowed gracefully.
Jason: "Good evening."
James and Amelia exchanged looks, impressed by his manners. Lena watched quietly, her expression guarded.
James: "And where is your younger son?"
George: "Edmund is at the royal castle today, attending a tea party with the princess."
James: "Ah, I see."
He cleared his throat and turned to his own children.
James: "Right—you should all introduce yourselves properly."
Louise stepped forward first, nervous but polite.
Louise: "I-I'm Louisette Dunham. It is a pleasure to meet you."
Thomas followed, sweating slightly.
Thomas: "And I am Thomas Dunham."
Then Lena spoke, her tone calm but carrying a faint edge of dryness.
Lena: "And I am Lena. Though... we already met this morning, did we not?"
George chuckled, seeming amused.
George: "Indeed we did. The pleasure is ours, Lady Lena."
He took a sip of tea, but before he could swallow, Luna leaned forward with sparkling eyes.
Luna: "Darling... remember that thing we were talking about—can we—?"
George choked, spitting out his tea in shock, his face turning bright red.
George: "Do not say such things in front of the children!!"
James quickly raised a hand, trying to smooth over the awkwardness.
James: "Let us all pretend we heard nothing, shall we?"
Lena glanced across the table at Jason, studying him closely.
Lena: (So this is Jason—Edmund's older brother. I remember him from the game... he only appears much later, when Edmund is facing punishment. His magic is lightning, right?)
Louise noticed her gaze and leaned over, whispering loudly enough for Lena to hear.
Louise: "Why are you staring at him like that? Do you have a crush on him?"
Lena jumped back, her face flushing instantly.
Lena: "W-WHAT?! No way! He is far too important and far out of my reach!"
She stood up abruptly, bowing quickly.
Lena: "Excuse me... I am feeling tired. Good night, everyone!"
🚪🛌 — Retreat to Solitude
Up in her room, Lena shut the door and turned the key in the lock. She slid down until she sat on the floor, letting out a long, heavy sigh.
Lena: "I want to bury myself in a hole and never come out again..."
She threw herself onto the bed, screaming into her pillow until her voice was muffled. After a moment, she lifted her head, cheeks still pink.
Lena: "Forget it... just forget it. Tomorrow will be a new day."
She pulled the covers up around her shoulders, closing her eyes.
Lena: "Tomorrow will be better. It has to be."
With that thought, her breathing slowed, and she finally drifted off to sleep.