The Black Book

I lean against my room's window and strain my eyes. My right hand is chilly. My breathing causes a cloud of mist to build up on the glass, almost obstructing my view. All I could think of was sketching circles on the white color.

I feel as though I've been in a never-ending cycle of scenarios since I've been living in this world for the second time. The only difference is that the event I'm asking for has been going on continuously. I didn't anticipate it moving this quickly.

The quiet chamber echoed with Emma's voice, "M-Milady, here is the warm blanket." When I turn to gaze at the window's reflection, I notice a young girl holding a blanket made of a lion's fur. She is trembling. I look her in the eye as I nod.

Nevertheless, she is only a young maid. She walks toward me, and I reach out to grab the lion's fur. Her body trembles as her eyes remain fixed on the ground. I sigh.

"Emma, how was your family vacation?”

I suggest altering the circumstance that is causing her to tremble. I successfully wrap the blanket around my body once she hands it to me.

After a brief moment of shivering, the young maid finally stares into my eyes before beginning to blink constantly. Then, I can't help but notice that her cheeks have a pink hue to them. Once more, I find myself lowering my eyes.

"Were you entertained?” I ask.

I get the impression that she stiffens, and her lips' gradual upward movement stops. I twitch an eyebrow as I assess her physique. For her own welfare, she is a very young servant, but even so, she is here helping me.

“Milady, I-”

"I'm not being snarky when I ask. I'm just interested, Emma, so I'm just asking,” I then stroke the blanket's furs. They are warm, in fact. Keeping me from being too cold. Like a place I used to call warm, a sensation I used to abandon, or a shelter I once lost. Despite the horrible life I've led, this lion's fur helps me feel like I'm where I'm supposed to be.

“It was enjoyable, Milady. But p-please accept this as a sign of my appreciation!” Her voice had a high tone when she spoke. She is already bowing in front of me and holding out a tiny purse when I lift both of my eyebrows.

Nobles aren't supposed to take gifts from servants or from commoners. However, this young maid of mine disregarded that guideline. Did she not know about it? Or maybe she's just playing along? But when I looked at her again, her body shook.

She is, in fact, a young girl who got lost in the woods and came to work for a monster like me. I wonder if she has ever despised me. I sigh and shake my head.

Despite the incidents from a few days ago that are making me want to throw up, the young maid who is still walking with me helps me feel more at peace.

I hum, "Hmm." However, one lesson I took away from going back in time is to never waste the little things that other people give you, even if they aren't noble. You never know when a small act of kindness will change everything, even a person's sad existence.

I grin.

This may be the most genuine smile I've given since returning to life. I'm not sure why, but the manner she gave the gift to me made me feel warmer than a lion’s fur that had covered my entire body.

“If you have a moment, Emma, could you give me the perspective from outside that you saw?” I say. The little pouch with the ribbon in the center is already open in my hands.

I see little blossoms. It is a flower-beaded bracelet when I pick it up.

Before I realize it, I hear some faint noises of crying. My lips curl up into a big smile. I look away from the floral bracelet to see Emma sobbing. I unintentionally furrow my brows. I insert the bracelet back into the tiny pouch, which I set on the table next to mine.

I then take another look at Emma, whose shoulders are already shaking more than her body.

"Emma, why are you sobbing so quickly?” I ask

"Well, Milady, I'm just happy that you enjoy the bracelet my brother created.”

She started crying again after that.

One thing I observe is that this young girl is weak in a lot of areas.

I hug her and say, "There, there."

“Remember, Emma, accepting presents from anyone is alright as long as they are given from the heart. I’m thankful for you and your brother, Emma.”

She tries to answer, "Y-yes, Milady," but I know she's soaking up the opportunity to speak politely to her lady.

"M-Milady, I can't promise you this, but I'll be your guide when you wish to go outside or see my family."

"I can see that you're a bright one. Additionally, please advise Flea to bring some mementos similar to yours if you ever see her return,” Emma's eyes enlarge when I hold the flower-shaped resin bracelet in my palms, and I can see it shines towards the sun’s rays.

I briefly get an amazing sensation in my body. Like I momentarily feel lighter. I usually ignore it, but as I put on the bracelet, a slight weariness that had been creeping into my heart immediately vanished.

I gaze at Emma, but I don't believe she understands what this bracelet is. I only now know how special and difficult to find the flowers inside this bracelet are. This nourishing bloom is only available to those who reside in the farthest village in the empire. They give the body energy and vitality.

Nobles will have to compete to win the auction even though some may not have been aware of its existence. Auction…

I can only recollect one occasion when a flower by the name of Leisha was in high demand. But because I'm aiding that person, I never once got to view the appearance.

"Emma," I pause. Suddenly, her shaking body calms down. She then grins at me as though she hadn't given me anything that would help her lady.

“Where is your brother that made this?”

“Actually, M-Milady---”

***

When I stare out my window, my eyes get narrowed. I reposition my seat so that it faces my desk. The black book that someone sent me is now in the middle of my table, along with the identical letter that someone sent his highness.

In fact, after reading its contents, I received an invitation. I should have felt a specific shudder, yet all I can feel is warmth.

I avert my eyes when I see the band on my wrist because Emma's earlier response has now come to mind.

“Is this something your younger brother made?”

She smiles after saying, "Yes, Milady."

I can only say, "Hmm, I see," at that point since she left when Karen, the chief servant, called for her.

It is truly mysterious, but I am unable to keep my lips raised.

Emma is a trustworthy young maid, but I can sense something is up.

I shake my head.

The book opens itself just as I'm ready to do so. Pages circle endlessly, but the brown papers with the cursive writing remain visible until they come to an abrupt stop in the middle.

I take a closer look at what the book page shows, I can't help but furrow my brows.

"The life that perishes shall be made alive again,

sacred from the skeletal remains, oracle's flesh, and soul that flew,

created in the most untamed depth of a meadow and crafted by the best creator,

Few people are aware,

In descending darkness, lamented

the breathing mallow's offspring

Harden in the crow's beak.

Pain from the never-ending seek

Look for the truths' melodies.

Betrayal, suffering, and flute beacon

Try to locate the light that sheds its skin.

Maybe it's you who comes out on top?”

These are, in fact, the rarest words I have ever discovered in the empire's literature, similar to a poem. I am speechless. My eyes keep becoming bigger. Although I am unsure of the poem's meaning, I am certain that it has something to do with my rebirth.

What possible justification could this person have for sending me this? Or was the fact that I received this book from someone really a coincidence? The final idea is impossible. There are never any coincidences in life. If there were, then neither this world nor this empire would ever be able to exist.

I raise my hands and stroke the book page. The bracelet from my other hand shines immediately in front of me, followed by the letter's ink.

I tried focusing more closely, but all I can see are the lights filling my eyes to the brim. I scarcely understand what is happening right now until I shut mine. I have to wait a while before I can open my eyes once more. This time, however, I'm in a strange location. A little passageway inside an alley. I look around and discover that I’m at a strange location that I had never been to before.

I look down at my hands and see a black coat on.

I look inside when a light suddenly appears, and when I do, I see that the light is coming from the book I was reading earlier. All that changed is its size. I furrow my brows and turn the pages. However, there are no words. The pages are not filled in.

I keep squinting my eyes. Since I now realize it is useless, all I do is tuck it back into my pocket when it lit up once more. It is accompanied by my bracelet.

“Follow what the light says,”

The book abruptly flips open to expose some words.

“Who are you? What are you trying to do to me? One who sent you? Why were you aware of my past?” I keep asking, but there doesn't seem to be a response. Voices are absent. I shake my head, but as I watch the page slowly turn, my eyes enlarge.

In front of me, the book I'm holding is floating.

As it flips its own page, the cream-colored pages shift to brown ones, again.

The next page reads, "I'm the one who'll lead you on your adventure from now on."

I suddenly feel warm...

“Why? Why can't you even adequately respond to my earlier inquiries?”

The page keeps turning.

"Soon you'll know, but for now, let me be your guidebook.”

“A guidebook for what?”

“You've been reborn, right?”

“Why ask me when I'm asking you first? You already know my situation,” I say

The pages keep turning once more.

"It's because you might have a good reason for returning,"

“I may have not known what it is but I’m pretty sure I’m not yet done with my life being over, since I’m seeking vengeance. Now, give me a response right away because I'm not a patient person,” I say calmly, my eyes getting narrower

“Alright, but given that I've been tasked with serving as your guidebook, you might be shocked to find out.”

“Who.is.that.person.or.witch.or.wizard.that.sent.you.here?" I inquire, emphasizing each word.

“As I previously informed you, you’ll know soon. Before that, I’m a guidebook for you as the villainess.”

“Villainess?”

"Yes, I'm going to serve you from now on. You can say that I’m a guidebook for a villainess like you since you're getting your vengeance once more. Furthermore, you are in this location for a reason. You need to locate the individual they call the shadow monster.”