How Do You Do, Sire?

This is my first time stepping out of my room. I'm not from this world, and as I take in my surroundings, it becomes abundantly clear—this house isn't just a house.

It's a castle.

No, it's a damn castle!

Standing on the grand staircase, I feel my heartbeat quicken with awe. If this place—this mansion—already feels like a castle to me, I can only imagine the imperial palace.

How much grander must that be?

"Woah…" I breathe, my voice barely a whisper as I take in the sheer enormity of the space. The staircase balusters, golden as though crafted by the gods themselves, gleam under the warm glow of the chandeliers above. Below, the grand hall stretches endlessly—a masterpiece of towering columns, cascading velvet curtains, and soft light reflecting off polished floors.

Everything here, this entire house, feels like something from a dream. And yet, somehow, it doesn't feel entirely out of place either. Living in this magnificent estate must have instilled in the real Aerin a certain sense of power—beyond her noble lineage, which probably made her feel above everyone else.

I don't even realize I've arrived at the dining hall until I'm standing there, staring at the long table dominating the room. Platters of food are spread across its length, while servants stand quietly at attention along the walls, waiting to serve. At the farthest end of the table sits a figure—the Duke. The man who, as it turns out, is my father.

It's funny. Until now, I hadn't really thought much about the origins of my features. But standing here, it's impossible to ignore the resemblance. The Duke has that same regal air, those same sharp features, and the same yellow eyes I see staring back at me in the mirror every day.

Genetics doesn't lie.

I've already seen my mother's portrait, so I know where the rest of my features come from—my black hair, the delicate curve of my lips, the gentle slope of my nose. Those are hers. But these eyes—sharp, piercing, predatory like a hawk's—are undeniably his. The color, the intensity, the unspoken authority they carry… all his.

I snort softly. A hunk, Dad? The thought is amusing.

His aura, though, is undeniable. He exudes the presence of a man who has seen battle, who commands an army—a knight commander. And I am his daughter.

That's… overwhelming.

"Ehem." I clear my throat, trying to maintain my composure as I approach the table. "How are you faring, Your Grace?" I ask, settling into the seat across from him. My voice is steady—perhaps too steady, cold and devoid of warmth. The words feel foreign, as if I'm still learning how to wear this body's habitual responses.

He barely acknowledges my greeting with more than a grunt. His eyes flick to me briefly before returning to his plate, resuming his meal as though I hadn't spoken at all. His indifference only makes the silence between us more palpable.

Ah! So, it was you that day.

I recall the moment I first woke up—his presence as I lay there, caught between consciousness and delirium. A man of few words. This feels almost… cold.

Not fond of conversation, huh?

Then suddenly, he speaks.

"How are you?"

I bite back the sarcasm itching at the back of my mind, but I can't resist.

"Oh! I thought you wouldn't ask." The words slip out, sharper than I intended. And just like that, I'm reminded—I am still wearing the skin of Aerin, whose brashness often got her into trouble.

Surprised by my own reaction, I swallow the sharpness. This isn't me. I wasn't raised to be disrespectful, to snap like that. Not in front of my father.

I force a small smile, genuine this time, and soften my tone. "I'm good."

The Duke finally raises his gaze to meet mine. For the briefest second, his expression softens—just a fraction—before he returns to cutting his meat, his face once again unreadable. 

It's suffocating.

The room feels smaller with every passing second. The silence between us is more than quiet—it's oppressive. A wall I never asked for, but here I am, trapped behind it. In my own home. With my own family. And yet, I am a stranger.

I should feel comfortable here. But all I feel is the sting of disconnection.

My mind drifts back to the warmth of my real family—the simple life I once had. I miss them. I miss my parents. The easy banter, the laughter, the effortless way we found joy in the smallest things. We weren't rich, but we had everything we needed. A solid, happy life.

Blinking away unexpected tears, I reach for my food. The steak before me is nothing short of divine. I close my eyes as I take the first bite, savoring it. It's perfect—medium rare, juicy, tender. The flavors explode in my mouth.

This is good…

I sigh in contentment, cupping my cheek as I chew. The quiet clinking of utensils suddenly stops.

When I glance up, I realize the Duke is watching me. His gaze is intense, studying me for what feels like an eternity.

I swallow quickly, dabbing my lips with a napkin. It's then I understand—this moment isn't just about the food or the silence.

It's about us.

I can't live in this cold, distant environment. I won't.

"How about you? How was your day, Father?"

The words slip out, bolder than I expected. He looks at me, his eyes narrowing—surprised, perhaps. Taken aback by my forwardness. But he masks it quickly, his expression returning to composed indifference.

"Good," he replies.

The short reply made me ponder.

I've lived in this body long enough now, wearing a mask that isn't truly mine. But from now on, things will change. I refuse to let this cold, silent barrier between us remain.

I realize then—Aerin was never close to her father. This distance, this suffocating silence… it had always been there. But I can't live like this.

Even if he appears rigid and uncaring, I saw it—that fleeting warmth in his eyes, the longing buried beneath years of restraint.

It flickers, almost imperceptible, before vanishing.

He doesn't know it, but he's no longer facing his daughter. He's facing me. A different woman from a different world, possessing the body of his child.

And that is something he will never know.

I will take control.

I will make sure Aerin's life is something worth living.