Back In Time

☀︎ Chapter 2 ☽

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- Previously -

As she relaxed more and more into the magical flow of the portal, she let her mind wander off back to that day. That distant day in spring, 6 years ago...

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It was a lovely day in late March. The spring festival in the empire was in full bloom. The green trees stood proudly in the streets, and flowers bloomed in every colour. Commoners and nobles alike celebrated this festival with warm smiles and high spirits. Children ran around in the wide streets, often stopping next to a stall or two for some snacks. Couples could be spotted holding hands and sharing food amongst the romantic blossoms. Groups of friends would be gathered at a few gaming stalls, trying their luck and joking around. The city was full of life and vivid colours.

Amongst the happy crowd stood a girl that seemed out of place. A bright smile was painted on her beautiful face. However, she had a different aura from the common people around her. She seemed to fit in so well yet stand out so much. People passing by couldn't help but glance at her as they tried minding their own business. The lady was a beauty. Although her features were a villainous sharp rather than an innocent soft, she seemed to have this air of purity around her. Her eyes were a calm turquoise colour, contradictory to her bright magenta hair that fell in waves just above her knees. She wore a plain beige and brown dress with knee-length leather boots. Nothing too flashy as she wanted to fit in the best she could. This beautiful young lady was none other than Penelope Eckart, the fake lady of the Eckart Duchy.

Penelope would regularly frequent the Spring Festival, as it was her favourite celebration amongst all. Rather than the stalls and vivid colours, she loved the people's smiles the most. That warmth that can only be found in the company of another person was something she deeply longed for. She snuck out of the Duchy today as well, all alone visiting the beautiful festival. It didn't matter, as no one cared enough to notice that she was even gone. She'd snuck out of the Duchy frequently, but it was never as easy as sneaking out during the Spring celebration. The Duchy was throwing a Spring celebration as it was the biggest seasonal celebration in the empire. Penelope figured that everyone would be too busy to look for her. She was free to roam the streets till the sunset.

Roaming the crowded streets, Penelope didn't miss a chance to enjoy her day to the fullest. With some saved up money from selling her jewellery, she managed to get some food and try her luck at a few gaming stalls. "BEAUTIFUL Young lady!" a woman called from her stall as she waved at Penelope, "Come have some fruits!" Penelope nodded, a bright smile present on her face, as she made her way to the woman's stall. The woman handed her a cup full of freshly cut fruits. Penelope gave her a few bronze coins and thanked her before walking away. She strolled through the long street, eating her fruits as she enjoyed her surroundings. A smile was plastered on every face she saw. No one could afford to have any negative emotions on such a joyous day, not even Penelope herself.

Just then, she'd noticed a kid running towards her, a second too late. Before she could even react, the damage was done as the kid bumped into her. The collision caused both Penelope and the child to fall down. "OW OW Owwww!!" Cried the boy as he rubbed his bruised arm. It wasn't really bruised, just a tiny scratch from the fall. What was more pitiful was the state the boy's clothes were in, now dirty and dusty.

"You... Watch where you're going, kid!" Penelope yelled at the child in a mixture of anger and pity. The boy had quickly risen to feet, a frown spread on his round face. His pale turquoise eyes, almost identical to Penelope's, were sharp and glaring at the lady that sat in front of him. "What is this? Miss, you're so mean!" He said with a puff.