Where am I? What the hell was going on? Why was it so dark? Am I already dead?

A bittersweet smile etched on Eliss' face as memories of a distant past rushed down on her like a tsunami.

That's right. I died at the hands of my own followers. "Pathetic. To think that I'd let those children have their swords on my chest. I must have become soft throughout the years. However, this should be better than continuing to live like a war machine." Looking down on her hands, a tear suddenly fell off her eyes. She was looking at the hands that annihilated countless billions of lives.

"I have already spilled an ocean of innocents blood. Even if I have to suffer for an eternity, I won't be able to cleans myself for my sins." Closing her eyes, Eliss waited for her judgement with a small smile on her face. However, it never came. Instead, new memories appeared in her mind. In them, Eliss saw a mirror image of herself when she was younger. She was already covered with her own blood, however, a middle age man beated her until she was almost out of breath. It was immediately followed by another scene wherein she was left to starve on an abandoned palace with nothing, but dust as her companion.

Eliss clenched her fist tightly. Just as the memories flashed like a movie, she realized something. Somehow, she transmigrated as Eliss Galea, the villainess from an ancient novel that she read right before she was killed.

"What the hell!"

oooOOooo

Opening her eyes, Eliss found herself in the middle of a large bed. The room was wide, however, there were only three furnitures inside. A wooden chandelier with some precious stones in the ceiling. A small table with a set of sofa in the middle, and shelves with some paper and ink. Ignorning everything, Eliss ran towards a large mirror located near her bed. As soon as she reached the place, dark, blue eyes immediately stared right back at her.

Those who saw her would be gobsmacked with only one glance. Eliss was extremely gorgeous beyond the comprehension. There was no words to convey the sight of her. Her beauty had reached an incredible level. All women would be overshadowed by her. Even Imperial Princesses and Noble Ladies would only look like maids beside her.

She was incomparable and had an immaculate gaze that stole the light of the moon in the sky, causing it to hide behind murky clouds. Her figure, with flawless curves, was out of this world. Her oval face was exquisitely stunning, an impeccable masterpiece of the heavens. Even though Eliss wore a plain, white dress, this did not diminished her matchless charisma.

Slowly caressing her face, Eliss slightly shivered as soon as her hands made contact to her skin. They were now as soft as silk instead of a calloused one. Her golden hair was also longer than she remembered.

Eliss smiled like a flower bud on the verge of blossoming. It was of transcendent beauty and boundless charm. "Should I be thankful that I still have my old appearance?"

In this life, she was only seventeen years old. Pressing her palms on the mirror, she stared at her reflection. "From today onwards, I am Eliss Galea."

Her excitement can't be hidden as she laughed like a madman. She was already formulating a grand plan for her next move. Eliss had always dreamt of a serene life. Going on adventures, and finding love. However, she had to cast away her dreams due to the nature of her job.

Being a warrior robbed her of everything that she truly wanted. She did not even have time to shed tears for her fallen members as she was always on the battlefield. Throughout the years of constant war, she learned a valuable lesson. A true warrior learns to live with a pain that never heals. Accept hatred like milk and honey, and embrace anguish as a part of their lives.

For a war veteran like Eliss, fighting countless wars, killing millions like insects, losing friends and family: it was simply nature for her. Yet she struggled for her goals. To see another day, to fight another day. She strived for dominance, for knowledge and supremacy. She knew that the fates are not sealed, but her dream is.

Her longing for a peaceful life that will never truly come as long as she walked the path of the legendary Kortik.

Eliss sighed before forcing a smile. "No matter what, I will cherish this second chance that was given to me. Even if it meant going against the original flow of the story. I am going to live my life to the fullest as Eliss Galea!" With a newfound determination, she raised her chin up before making her way towards her bed. Just as she sat, she heard a gentle knock on her door.

As it opened, Eliss saw a young girl holding some freshly picked herbs and camellias with different colors. She wore a commoner's dress that was embroidered with pure lotus flowers.

The girl was a bit clumsy, however, she was refined with pretty features and a pair of bright, brown eyes without any cloudiness. Her presence exuded the aura of a lotus in a water: lucid and delicate.

In the eyes of others, this girl would be a gem adored by all those around her. She would give off a serene feeling to anyone who set their gaze upon her.

Eliss smiled as soon as she saw Ylia, her personal maid. The only one who stayed by her side to the very end. The one who believed in her innocence when everyone condemned her. In the end, Ylia was also branded like a traitor, and died in her arms.

"Is something the matter, my lady?"

Eliss blinked a few times at her words. She was too too focused on her thoughts that she did not realized that she had been staring at her maid for an entire minute.

"No. It is nothing. Can I ask the date for today?" Knowing the outcome of Eliss' future was not enough. She needed to know how much time she had before the day of her death trial so she can prepare herself.

Ylia looked at Eliss with questioning eyes, nevertheless, she responded.

"My lady, it was already the fifth day on the sixth month of the Imperial Calendar. The year is 739, exactly 300 years after the founding of our Obelia Empire. Have you forgotten already, my lady?"

Eliss' jaw almost dropped because of what she heard. Six month of the Imperial Calendar? That means I only have another six months to prepare before the heroine appears!

"Why do you ask, my lady?"

Eliss glanced at Ylia. She can feel the growing weariness in her voice.

"Nothing to worry about, Ylia. Go and have some rest. I want to be alone for the moment. I will call for you when I need something." Eliss can only smile to reassure her loyal maid.

"Yes, my lady."

As soon as Ylia walked out of the door, Eliss massaged her temples. "In six months, when the heroine comes into view, then my life would be in jeopardy."

Kortik had already expected this since she now assumed the identity of Eliss, the greatest villainess on the book, Belle of the Empire. She knew that her death was imminent, however, now that she has become Eliss, she would do anything to survive.

"I won't let myself die the second time around. I just needed to save money for the next six months. Once I gathered enough, I would take Ylia and leave this place for good. For now, I have to analyze my every step before taking action."

"What are you thinking so hard? You looked like an idiot."

Eliss frowned as soon as she heard the voice. Tilting her head to the side, she saw her second elder brother, Favian Galea. He was leaning on the door with his hands crossed to his chest. He was a few inches taller than her. Taking a closer look, Eliss slightly nodded in approval. He was exactly how the book decribed.

The way he carried himself as well as his beautiful appearance made him stood out in the crowd. He was fair, almost pale white. His unfathomable, deep and expressive light blue eyes contrasted exceptionally with his light toned face. Anyone could get lost if they stared long enough. As Eliss obeserved further, she saw a hint of pain in his sparkling eyes, which disappeared as soon as it emerged. His face immediately contorted in anger before assuming his normal appearance. He now had that faraway look on his eyes.

"What are you looking at?" Favian smirked, which reached up to his eyes and wrinkled them. His action flaunted his arrogance.

Even though he spoke coldly, Eliss could still feel the hidden emotions concealed within his voice.

"It is nothing of your concern, brother. I was merely reminiscing the past." Eliss said nonchalantly as she held his gaze.

Favian's expression turned ugly as he instantly walked towards Eliss. As soon as she was within reach, he suddenly grabbed her by the chin.

"I know your type too well. Tell me, how should I punish you for what you did to me earlier?"

Anyone who saw his intimidating attitude would surely beg for forgiveness, however, he was only a mere child in Eliss' eyes. She lets out a hearty laugh before slapping away his hands. "Is this how you treat a lady, brother? How rude. Besides, wasn't you, father, and oldest brother the ones who inflicted me with some of the scars in my body? They couldn't heal however much ointment I applied. Yet here you are, trying to punish me for what I hadn't had control over during dinner."

Eliss saw his face contorted with shock. Favian even gritted his teeth and was about to retaliate, however, Eliss beat him into it. "Oh, my. I apologize, brother. Me and my big mouth. I hope that brother Favian doesn't take my words to the heart," Eliss abruptly stopped as she smiled at him sweetly before continuing, "since I was only a mere ant in your eyes."

"You! What are you..."

"I am tired, brother. I wanted to rest some more. It has been a long day. Please see yourself out." As soon as the words escaped her lips, Eliss immediately turned her back on Favian. She knew that he was already glaring daggers at her before turning to leave.

It was followed by a loud bang as he walked out of the room.

"Damn! Eliss! How am I supposed to stay out of their radar when I already dismissed Favian like that!" Eliss wanted to slap herself, but she controlled her emotions. Sighing, she finally plopped herself in bed. "Why was this body so weak? To be this tired after a little confrontation. On top of that, the night was still young. I want to sneak out, but I am so sleepy." With her mind drifting into oblivion, Eliss finally welcomed the darkness.