Lyra Etheridge, a modern-day psychologist, wakes up in the body of Aris Devereux, a villainess in a popular web novel she once skimmed out of boredom. In the novel, Aris is a shallow and envious aristocrat destined to face ruin for tormenting the st...
Aris's ideas had begun to blossom, but without strong support, they were still little more than ideals. She needed influence, connections, and resources beyond her reach. While the recent words lingered in her mind, an even more unexpected figure re-entered her life: Lord Alistair.
One late afternoon, as Aris paced through her quarters reviewing her plans, a knock sounded at her door. She opened it to find Lord Alistair, his expression holding a rare blend of intrigue and purpose.
"Lady Aris," he began smoothly, stepping inside with an air of confidence. "I've heard that you're attempting something unprecedented—a place of healing within the palace itself. But starting such an endeavor alone will be... challenging."
Aris raised an eyebrow, not entirely trusting his motives but realizing he could be a powerful ally. "And you're offering to help? What's in it for you?"
A hint of a smirk touched his lips. "Not everyone here has a heart made of stone, my lady. There are people in the court—people close to me—who might benefit from a place like this. As for the Duke, I suspect he also has his own reasons for supporting such a venture."
Aris's gaze softened. Perhaps Alistair's cool, calculating exterior concealed a deeper understanding of human nature than she'd realized. "If you're serious, Lord Alistair, then I accept your help."
He nodded, his expression inscrutable. "Good. The first thing we need is a space. The Duke has an area of the palace, once a conservatory, that has gone unused for years. With some renovations, it could be transformed into the foundation for your center."
Later that evening, with Alistair's help, Aris secured a meeting with the Duke to propose her plan formally. They entered his study, Alistair offering a respectful nod before speaking.
"My lord," Alistair began, his voice steady, "Lady Aris has a vision for a center of healing that could serve the entire court. I believe such a place could benefit even the highest members of this kingdom, and I would be willing to lend my influence to see it established."
The Duke looked between the two of them, his expression unreadable. "And why should I believe that this venture would yield anything other than frivolous rumors and misplaced sympathy?"
Aris took a deep breath, meeting her father's gaze with quiet determination. "This isn't just a gesture of kindness, Father. People here—our people—are suffering, but they have no outlet, no support. With the right guidance, they could overcome these struggles. Stronger people mean a stronger kingdom."
The Duke regarded her in silence for a long moment. "Fine. The conservatory shall be repurposed for your use. I'll ensure that the necessary resources are allocated, but I expect this to reflect well on our family."
Relief and gratitude flooded Aris. "Thank you, Father. I promise it will be a place that brings honor to our name."
With the Duke's backing, Aris and Alistair set to work. Together, they visited the old conservatory, a place bathed in dappled light from the stained glass above. Though it was overgrown and neglected, she could see its potential. Alistair oversaw the structural repairs while Aris focused on gathering herbal remedies, comfortable furnishings, and books.
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The staff, initially wary of the venture, became increasingly curious as they saw Alistair's involvement. Soon, Lady Valeria Morrow, a close acquaintance of Alistair's, approached Aris privately.
"Lady Aris," Valeria murmured, her voice soft with hope, "is it true that you're creating a place where we can... talk freely? Seek help without shame?"
Aris offered her a warm smile. "Yes, Lady Valeria. You will have a space to be heard and supported. You don't need to suffer alone."
With her network slowly growing, Aris began to feel the gravity of her endeavor settling upon her. Lord Alistair, though still mysterious, proved invaluable in the process, suggesting trusted allies and resources she could rely on. As the center took shape, so too did her understanding of his complexities, of a man who hid his own pains behind a mask.
A few weeks later, the opening day finally arrived. Aris felt her heart racing with both anticipation and nerves. Lord Alistair stood beside her in the conservatory, surveying their work with a satisfied nod.
"It's impressive," he admitted quietly. "But your real test begins now. Are you ready?"
Aris squared her shoulders, looking out at the court members who had gathered. "Ready as I'll ever be. This is more than a center, Lord Alistair. It's The Path to Healing."
The crowd quieted as Aris spoke, her words laced with sincerity. "This place is a sanctuary for anyone who feels burdened, who needs a moment of peace or understanding. Together, we can heal. Here, no one is alone."
As the gathered nobles began to explore the space, Aris noticed Lady Valeria lingering near the entrance. The young noblewoman gave Aris a grateful nod, tears glistening in her eyes.
From the shadows, the Duke watched, his expression unreadable, while Alistair offered a rare smile of approval. The seeds of change had been planted, and with them, Aris's vision was finally coming to life.
