Chapter 2: A Second Chance
"Argh!"
The scorching heat of the flames engulfed me, and the crackling of the fire was deafening. My skin was seared by the intense heat, and the suffocating smoke choked my breath.
""Hnnngh... Huuufff... Huu...""
The sensation of being consumed by fire was a torment unlike any other. My frantic hands reached out, trying to grasp at the flames that seemed to tear through my very essence.
...It was still there.
The last vivid memory was of the inferno's fierce embrace, my body writhing in agony as the flames consumed every part of me. That horrifying vision remained etched in my mind.
In a disorienting shift, I found myself standing upright.
Where am I?
I looked around in confusion.
In my room.
My room?
This was not the infernal pyre I had endured!
This was undeniably my room in the Duke's mansion.
Shaky legs carried me to a mirror across the room.
The reflection that greeted me was both startling and confusing.
"What the hell..."
The figure in the mirror was that of a young man on the brink of adulthood.
—
As I sat on the edge of the bed, the warmth of the room did little to ease the chill of my thoughts. The room around me felt surreal, a stark contrast to the searing pain and chaos of my last moments.
The door creaked open, and a familiar figure stepped inside, carrying a bowl of water.
I froze, staring in disbelief as the maid approached. It was Elara—the same Elara who had brought me bread and water in my final moments.
Her presence was a jarring reminder of the loyalty she had shown me, even as I faced the end. She placed the bowl on the bedside table with a soft smile. "Good morning, Young Master."
I was taken aback. Elara was my maid during this time of my life, but I had never paid her much attention. The realization hit me hard. I had been so wrapped up in my own ambitions and goals that I failed to see the people who truly supported me.
To me, they were mere numbers in the grand scheme of things.
I looked at Elara, my voice trembling with a mixture of regret and determination. "What's your name?"
Her eyes widened with surprise, and a shy smile tugged at her lips. "I'm Elara, Young Master."
A pang of guilt washed over me. I had never bothered to remember her name during this period of my life, never acknowledged her dedication and care. I had been like the other nobles—self-centered and blind to the worth of those around me.
This new perspective brought with it a deep resolve. I vowed to change. In this life, I would not repeat the mistakes of my past.
I would recognize the true value of those who served me and lead with empathy and respect.
As Elara started to leave, a wave of gratitude washed over me. "Thank you for all the care you've given me every day during this period of time."
Elara's cheeks flushed slightly as she nodded. "You're welcome, Young Master. I'm glad I could help."
After she left, I sat in silence, contemplating the gravity of my past actions. This second chance was my opportunity to make amends, to be the leader I should have been. The revolution had stripped me of my life, but it had also given me a chance to correct my course.
I would seize this chance and honor the loyalty and courage of those around me. As I gazed out the window, the resolve to change burned brightly within me.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Maugus0
Maugus0 Hey everyone! What do you think of the story so far and Elara’s role?
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