Bab 6: Into The Novel... Again?
Artemis opened her eyes, just waking up from the long fantasy-driven dream of hers. It was to be expected, but she can't help but be disappointed. How good would it be if she could actually be transferred to a new world where she had everything she wanted and talented?
She sighed and closed her eyes. She moved in her bed, trying to find a comfortable position by stretching her legs. For some reason, her bed appears to be softer and more comfortable today. Perhaps it was because of her long and pleasant sleep.
"…"
"…?"
Artemis abruptly opened her eyes and her blurry vision gradually cleared up, she found herself situated in a luxurious room not belonging to that of the modern world that she once knew. Expensive furniture littered the ground, from the set of tea table near the corner of the room, a huge fireplace stuck to the center wall. In her left was a huge patio door that led to the balcony, where the sun gently poured in its rays.
Artemis was dumbfounded, she looked at her bed which was definitely not her single bed filled with pillows out of place and a blanket almost falling. It was neatly organized on her side, and the wool blanket covered her body, providing her with softness and warmth.
"Ha…" She let out a troubled sigh. Was that mysterious man really serious about all of this? But, before that, was she not dreaming anymore and this was already her reality?
She pinched herself in the cheeks and as she felt the stinging pain, contrasting emotions swam inside her. In truth, Artemis was not that bothered about all the world-transferring phenomenon. She had nothing to lose back in Earth, except for her friends back in university and all her personal attachments to several things. While it was true that she had never felt as if she belonged there, she still made unforgettable memories along the way. Thinking back to it made her feel slightly nostalgic as the reality of things crashed down on her.
Right, if she had transferred worlds, does she still remain in her previous identity, or did she become a whole new person? If so, how would she know what her name and age were without arousing suspicion? It would have been more convenient if she had become a baby. But from the looks of it, it was not the case.
Just as Artemis was pondering about her identity, the door to her room opened and entered a young girl presumably in her sixteen's wearing a maid outfit that greatly resembled those of the European's. She had simple brown hair and eyes, a common look that did not arouse any interest but her youthful aura made her look approachable and neat. She turned to look at Artemis and was surprised.
"Young Lady, you're already awake? It's still pretty early until your schedule starts."
"Oh… I just woke up from a bad dream. It's alright."
'It seems like I'm a noble in this world... At least that man had this much consideration to at least put me in a good place.'
Artemis tried to act naturally by stretching both of her clasped hands together. Acting as another person was tougher than it looks, especially if she did not want others to be suspicious of her. The story of a soul traveling to another body all seemed like the work of a witch. She still did not know what the setting of the world it, whether it's similar to Earth or completely different. She has no clue.
"A bad dream, Young Lady? Oh my, are you alright? Do you want to drink warm milk every night from now on, then?"
Artemis stared at the maid, shocked at how much she was treated like a child. No matter how much of a child she is, based on her hands, her age seemed to span around the 15-18 years old at most. Do they still treat people around this age like kids?
"Oh, no! You do not need to bother. I suppose it's just a one-time thing. Rather, is that my breakfast you're preparing?" Artemis can't help but ask when she saw the maid prepare a tray of breakfast, consisting of steaming bread and jam along with some soup and meat.
"Yes, Young Lady. Would you like to eat at the table or at your bed?"
"I'll eat at the table."
Artemis got rid of the blanket on her body and saw that she was wearing a white nightgown made out of silk. She paused at the sight of it and stopped in her tracks. Thinking of it now, the bedroom that she was sleeping in seemed oddly familiar to her. It should have been impossible as there was no place on Earth like this that she had visited. However, there was a sense of familiarity at this scene that made her heart unsettled.
Just what is it?
Things that bother her mind does not sit well with Artemis. Every time something like this happened, it was as if everything she was thinking about blanks out and that undesirable feeling was all she could think about. Artemis would think about this feeling for a long time until she finds a reason for it.
And so, with this heavy feeling in her chest, Artemis did not notice the time pass by.
.
.
.
"…lady. A new batch of servants would be arriving today. Would you like to visit them? So they can familiarize themselves with you and work comfortably."
…!
Artemis was brought out of her thoughts when the maid who had served her early in the morning talked to her. Until now, she still did not know her name. She blinked her eyes repeatedly and took in her surroundings. They were walking in the hallway and as they passed through the corner, Artemis can't help but become aware of its design which proudly showed off the owner's wealth. Unlike her room which was beige in color, the main color of the house was mainly those of dark green with patterns of midnight blue and velvet red.
Just from this, Artemis could easily detect the bountiful riches whoever the owner is. If she woke up in this manor, it must mean that her body lives here. And that must also mean that whoever she was, she must be a pretty respectable noble.
'Hm…'
There goes that feeling again. The feeling of odd familiarity. Artemis clenched her jaw, wanting to scratch out the unpleasant feeling residing in her chest. It felt so stuffy and she wanted nothing but to remove it.
"Young Lady…?" The maid called out.
"Ah, yes. The new batch of servants, you say? Well…"
After thinking about it for a bit, Artemis thought of an ingenious plan that made her smile in content. The maid who was beside her sweated as she saw her, concerned whether she should be wary or what.
"Okay. Let's go meet the servants," Artemis enthusiastically nodded her head, feeling great that she can solve her current predicament of not knowing anything about the world. At the very least, that man should have at least given her basic information about her identity and the world. It was very inconvenient traversing throughout the day without arousing the suspicions of every servant that came along the way. As if she were carefully treading on a path filled with needles.
With this, she may also solve the familiarity that she can't explain. Just thinking about it made her mood turn a complete turn and her steps felt lighter.
"Yes, Young Lady. Please, this way," The maid bowed and guided Artemis.
Soon after walking for a good amount of time, they arrived at a huge courtyard which centered the manor. It was a huge courtyard that carried gentle breeze of the wind with it. A garden was carefully tended all around the corner that emitted a faint sweet scent of flowers. And in the middle of the beautiful landscape was a fountain that towered over them, cool water overflowing. The courtyard looked just like paradise, just how Artemis imagined it.
In the corner of her vision, she spotted rows of servants neatly lined up and her eyes glistened, "Those are the servants?"
"Yes, Young Lady. Most of them came from the northern province and received adequate training and education to rightly serve this manor. Please rest assured that they won't be lacking in skills."
"I see. They received adequate education, yes? Then, as a rightful householder of this manor, can I ask them a few questions to see if they have been thoroughly trained? I do not want impractical servants leaving here."
Hearing her question, the maid visibly paled from the underlying pressure. As the right-hand maid of her Lady, she was responsible for making her satisfied at all times and the punishment for not complying was… The maid shivered in fear when she thought back to the times her master was not pleased. It was not a fun experience. And so, as the one responsible for introducing the servants, she just hoped her master wouldn't ask too much of a difficult question and scare the servants.
The reputation of a master in their servant's mind was much more important than anyone could think of. If the master were scary to the eyes of servants, they would always be in a state of fear and would not be able to do their jobs correctly. And if the master were not likable, the servants would most likely rebel against the orders and have a hard time being sincere with their jobs, having the risk of bribery from potential enemies of the family.
"Y-Young Lady, please be gentle with them," Was the only thing the maid could say before she signaled the servants to stand straight and come forward.
"…"
Artemis observed the maid's changing expression to that of fear. Seeing this, she can't help but think of the previous personality of this body. Was she that scary that the maid can't even hide her paleness and tremble from fear?
Sigh. It seems like she has a lot to correct this time.
PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA 
enphantome_
enphantome_ Creation is hard, cheer me up!