original

A Villain's Royal Blood

Prologue

Night descended upon the office, I, Hayeon Yujin, found myself amidst the chaos of employees rushing to complete their pending papers. The atmosphere was tense, and tempers were flaring as some of my colleagues engaged in a heated argument. Despite the commotion around me, I remained silent, determined to focus on my work like a robot, intent on finishing the tasks at hand.

"I can't believe you messed up this report! Now we have to redo everything!"

"It's not entirely my fault! You didn't give me the correct figures in the first place!"

As their voices grew louder, I tried to tune out the noise, concentrating on the papers spread out before me. The pressure was building, deadlines looming like dark clouds over my head. But I refused to let the distractions consume me.

"Enough! Stop arguing and get back to work! We need to finish these reports tonight!"

The manager's stern voice briefly silenced the quarrel, but the tension remained palpable. My heart raced as I navigated through the maze of numbers and data, my fingers typing relentlessly on the keyboard.

"I can't believe we have to stay late because of their incompetence!"

"Just focus on your own work"

The bickering continued, but I kept my head down, my focus unyielding. The office was a flurry of emotions, but I was determined to be the calm amidst the storm. With each completed section, I could feel a sense of accomplishment, pushing me forward despite the chaos around me.

"Yujin, keep up the good work. We need this report done before the morning."

I nodded, acknowledging the manager's words without breaking my stride. The night wore on, and the clattering of keyboards and heated discussions intertwined, creating an almost surreal ambiance. The paper-strewn desks seemed like battlefields, but my determination didn't waver.

As the clock struck midnight, the once-fiery arguments began to die down. Exhaustion settled in, and even the most stubborn of employees begrudgingly returned to their tasks. In the quiet of the late hours, I worked like a silent force, ensuring every detail was meticulously checked and rechecked.

"Hey, Yujin, you're still at it? How do you manage to stay so focused?"

"Yeah, you're like a machine, never getting flustered."

I managed a tired smile, grateful for their acknowledgment. I knew that in times like these, maintaining my composure and diligence would lead to success.

After completing the arduous task of finishing the reports, I desperately needed a boost of energy. Spotting a vending machine in the corner of the office, I hurried over and purchased a steaming cup of coffee. The aroma wafted through the air, providing a momentary sense of comfort amidst the chaos that had just transpired.

With the coffee in hand, I decided to take a brief break and headed to the company canteen. The place was relatively quiet at this hour, with only a few employees scattered around, enjoying their late-night meals.

I settled at a corner table, sipping my coffee and relishing its warmth. As I glanced around, my attention was drawn to a figure sitting alone at another table. Their presence seemed odd, unfamiliar in this late-night gathering. Unease washed over me, but I dismissed it as a result of the long hours I had spent working.

However, as I took another sip of my coffee, a sudden sharp pain jolted through my system. My heart raced, and a wave of dizziness washed over me. Panic began to set in, and I realized something was terribly wrong.

Struggling to maintain my composure, I mustered the strength to get up from my seat and approach the lone figure. I found it increasingly challenging to stand, but I was determined to investigate the situation.

"Are you alright?" I managed to utter, my voice trembling.

Their eyes met mine, revealing a sinister glint. "Of course, I am," they responded with a chilling smile.

My legs gave way beneath me, and I collapsed to the floor, my vision blurred and limbs feeling heavy. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks – I had been poisoned.

As darkness closed in around me, I desperately reached for my phone, hoping to call for help. But my body wouldn't cooperate, and I could feel myself slipping away.

In the distance, I faintly heard the sound of hurried footsteps and urgent voices. My colleagues rushed to my side, their concerned faces blending into the haze of unconsciousness.

The last thing I heard before succumbing to darkness was the sound of an ambulance siren, drawing nearer with each passing second.

As I fought to cling to consciousness, a single question echoed in my mind - 'who could have done this? Was it a malicious act, or an unfortunate accident?'

my consciousness wavered between the realms of reality and the unknown, I felt an inexplicable force pulling me away from the darkness that had engulfed me. Slowly, my eyes fluttered open, and I found myself in a world awash with blinding white light. Confusion washed over me as I tried to make sense of my surroundings, but all I could discern was a solitary figure standing before me.

The person's appearance was ethereal, with an aura of mystique surrounding them. Their eyes held a pearl of wisdom beyond time, and their presence exuded a calming energy that seemed to embrace me in its embrace.

"You have been chosen to cross to another world," they spoke, their voice resonating in the vast whiteness that enveloped us.

My mind was a whirlwind of questions, and I tried to articulate my thoughts, but words escaped me.

What did they mean by "chosen"? Where was this place, and why was I here?

Before I could find my voice, a gentle touch brushed against my forehead, and a surge of warmth washed over me. Suddenly, the white world faded, replaced by darkness once more, as if the realm of light had been but a fleeting dream.

When I opened my eyes again, I found myself in an entirely different reality. Gone office, the vending machine, and the canteen. Instead, I was surrounded by medieval architecture and the rustic charm of a bygone era.

My heart pounded with a mix of astonishment and bewilderment. How had I ended up in this medieval world? Was it the other side of the white realm? I couldn't fathom the enigmatic circumstances that had led to my rebirth here.

As I looked down at my hands, I noticed they were small and delicate, no longer the hands of a working professional, but those of a newborn baby. It was then that I realized - I had been reborn in this medieval world.

My mind raced with possibilities and uncertainties. Had I been given a second chance at life in this new realm? What was my purpose here? The questions swirled in my mind, but answers remained elusive.

Only a voice saying a name can be heard.

''My Dear Melissa''